Here's the latest vocabulary list. It will be tested on Thursday. Please note that all these words come from your text book and the listening exercises for modules 12.1-14.2. They are also all included in the top 2000 words of the Academic Word List.
achieve
approach
clarity
collapse
commitments
community
consisted
consisting
constantly
consultancy
contractors
contributing
contribution
convinced
definitions
derive
description
duration
emerged
encountered
environment
error
establish
eventually
evidence
evidence
evidnce
fundamentally
immigration
impact
impact
incident
individual
initially
insights
investigate
monitor
outcomes
philosopher
previously
psychology
region
requirement
research
resolution
restrictions
revised
succession
terminate
theory
visible
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Answers to Extra Homework: p84-85
Answers:
2)1 Not only was New Orleans hit by a severe hurricane but (it was also hit) by disastrous flooding as well.
2 Hardly had we checked into our hotel on the bay when we were taken on yet another boat trip.
3 No sooner do babies learn to crawl than they start walking.
4 Not only are there genetic factors to consider but (there are) also environmental ones.
5 Little did I think that I would be visiting the city of Rosario for work.
6 Not until the following night did the torrential rain ease up.
3)1 a to be doing
2 to be investigated
3 to have been contacted
4 to have dealt with
5 to have been building up
6 to have been established
7 to be monitored
8 to have been caused
4)Possible Answers:
1 ...may possibly be vulnerable to flooding.
2 ...could be the reason for its poor diet.
3 ...might be that you ate a lot of cheese late last night.
5) Suggested Answer:
Yesterday I had a discussion with the managing director of the company Dreams-U-Like, Dr Janet Stephenson. I believe she has a PhD in psychology and she seems to know her field. Additionally, a specialist in dream analysis, Barry Whitehead, is doing some consultancy work for her. We should investigate Mr Whitehead's reputation, as he might be able to assist us as well.> Dr Stephenson claims that he is impressive with clients, and gives good presentations. What views do you have on the matter?
2)1 Not only was New Orleans hit by a severe hurricane but (it was also hit) by disastrous flooding as well.
2 Hardly had we checked into our hotel on the bay when we were taken on yet another boat trip.
3 No sooner do babies learn to crawl than they start walking.
4 Not only are there genetic factors to consider but (there are) also environmental ones.
5 Little did I think that I would be visiting the city of Rosario for work.
6 Not until the following night did the torrential rain ease up.
3)1 a to be doing
2 to be investigated
3 to have been contacted
4 to have dealt with
5 to have been building up
6 to have been established
7 to be monitored
8 to have been caused
4)Possible Answers:
1 ...may possibly be vulnerable to flooding.
2 ...could be the reason for its poor diet.
3 ...might be that you ate a lot of cheese late last night.
5) Suggested Answer:
Yesterday I had a discussion with the managing director of the company Dreams-U-Like, Dr Janet Stephenson. I believe she has a PhD in psychology and she seems to know her field. Additionally, a specialist in dream analysis, Barry Whitehead, is doing some consultancy work for her. We should investigate Mr Whitehead's reputation, as he might be able to assist us as well.> Dr Stephenson claims that he is impressive with clients, and gives good presentations. What views do you have on the matter?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Results:Listening/Reading Test
Here are the Listening and Reading test results from today's test:
#25,your listening score was 20 out of 41. Your reading score was 10 out of 40.
#21,your listening score was 21 out of 41. Your reading score was 4 out of 40.
#14,your listening score was 15 out of 41. Your reading score was 16 out of 40.
#99,your listening score was 24 out of 41. Your reading score was 11 out of 40.
#08,your listening score was 25 out of 41. Your reading score was 15 out of 40.
#01,your listening score was 26 out of 41. Your reading score was 19 out of 40.
#66,your listening score was 26 out of 41. Your reading score was 28 out of 40.
#88,your listening score was 31 out of 41. Your reading score was 33 out of 40.
#17,your listening score was 31 out of 41. Your reading score was 30 out of 40.
#13,your listening score was 32 out of 41. Your reading score was 26 out of 40.
#00,your listening score was 29 out of 41. Your reading score was 14 out of 40.
#14,your listening score was 28 out of 41. Your reading score was 24 out of 40.
--------------------------------------------------------
Today's Speaking test results will be posted on Sunday.
Please check back during the weekend for next week's vocabulary list.
Don't forget to put an hour aside for your writing homework. I recommend that you do this under test conditions.
For extra homework, try p84-85. I'll post the answers up during the weekend.
#25,your listening score was 20 out of 41. Your reading score was 10 out of 40.
#21,your listening score was 21 out of 41. Your reading score was 4 out of 40.
#14,your listening score was 15 out of 41. Your reading score was 16 out of 40.
#99,your listening score was 24 out of 41. Your reading score was 11 out of 40.
#08,your listening score was 25 out of 41. Your reading score was 15 out of 40.
#01,your listening score was 26 out of 41. Your reading score was 19 out of 40.
#66,your listening score was 26 out of 41. Your reading score was 28 out of 40.
#88,your listening score was 31 out of 41. Your reading score was 33 out of 40.
#17,your listening score was 31 out of 41. Your reading score was 30 out of 40.
#13,your listening score was 32 out of 41. Your reading score was 26 out of 40.
#00,your listening score was 29 out of 41. Your reading score was 14 out of 40.
#14,your listening score was 28 out of 41. Your reading score was 24 out of 40.
--------------------------------------------------------
Today's Speaking test results will be posted on Sunday.
Please check back during the weekend for next week's vocabulary list.
Don't forget to put an hour aside for your writing homework. I recommend that you do this under test conditions.
For extra homework, try p84-85. I'll post the answers up during the weekend.
Test Answers: Listening/Reading/Speaking (Thurs 29/10/09)
Today we took a listening, reading & speaking test. The tests were from Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 1 by Jakeman and McDowell.
Here are the Answers:
Listening Test #1
Section 1
1A 2C 3D 4D 5C 6Prescott (must be correct spelling with a capital 'P')
7) 41 8) Foundation (must have campital 'F') 9) 752239 10) 65 pounds
Section 2
11-13 E,F,H [in any order]
14 $250 million
15 roads/road system
16 too late
17 school children/boys
18 3
19 boats/pleasure craft/boats and pleasure craft
20 pilot
21 (musical) instruments
Section 3
22A 23B 24C 25A 26talk/give a talk 27) write up work 28) can choose 29) open book 30) closed reserve 31) vocational (subjects)/(preparing for) work/employment
Section 4
32B 33C 34 history and economics 35) (meeting) deadlines (for essays) 36 attendance
37B 38C 39B 40D 41A
--------------------------------------------------------
READING ANSWERS
1 preserve 2 unaware 3 chance 4 friction 5 rotating 6 percussion 7 Eskimos 8 despite
9F (...the red phosphorus was non-toxic)
10D (...three years later it was copied)
11E (...since white phosphorus is a deadly poison..)
12 C (The first matches resembling those used today...)
13G (...a brewery had the novel idea of advertising...)
14 A (...a sealed glass tube..)
15C (...borrowed the formula from a military rocket-maker...)
16 yes 17 yes 18 not given 19 no 20no 21 not given 22 yes 23 b 24 c 25 a
26-28 A, D, E [in any order]
29 timber and stone
30 Modernism
31 International style
32 badly designed buildings/multi-storey housing/mass-produced, low-cost high-rises
33 preservation
34 High-Tech
35 co-existence of styles/different styles together/styles mixed
36G, 37F 38H 39C 40D
--------------------------------------------------------
The scores for the Reading & Listening will be posted by 6pm tonight.
Here are the Answers:
Listening Test #1
Section 1
1A 2C 3D 4D 5C 6Prescott (must be correct spelling with a capital 'P')
7) 41 8) Foundation (must have campital 'F') 9) 752239 10) 65 pounds
Section 2
11-13 E,F,H [in any order]
14 $250 million
15 roads/road system
16 too late
17 school children/boys
18 3
19 boats/pleasure craft/boats and pleasure craft
20 pilot
21 (musical) instruments
Section 3
22A 23B 24C 25A 26talk/give a talk 27) write up work 28) can choose 29) open book 30) closed reserve 31) vocational (subjects)/(preparing for) work/employment
Section 4
32B 33C 34 history and economics 35) (meeting) deadlines (for essays) 36 attendance
37B 38C 39B 40D 41A
--------------------------------------------------------
READING ANSWERS
1 preserve 2 unaware 3 chance 4 friction 5 rotating 6 percussion 7 Eskimos 8 despite
9F (...the red phosphorus was non-toxic)
10D (...three years later it was copied)
11E (...since white phosphorus is a deadly poison..)
12 C (The first matches resembling those used today...)
13G (...a brewery had the novel idea of advertising...)
14 A (...a sealed glass tube..)
15C (...borrowed the formula from a military rocket-maker...)
16 yes 17 yes 18 not given 19 no 20no 21 not given 22 yes 23 b 24 c 25 a
26-28 A, D, E [in any order]
29 timber and stone
30 Modernism
31 International style
32 badly designed buildings/multi-storey housing/mass-produced, low-cost high-rises
33 preservation
34 High-Tech
35 co-existence of styles/different styles together/styles mixed
36G, 37F 38H 39C 40D
--------------------------------------------------------
The scores for the Reading & Listening will be posted by 6pm tonight.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
EXTRA HOMEWORK (Worksheet 8)
Writing
1) Possible answer
Terms of reference
This report is intended to highlight problems currently faced by the Kitchen of the Futre Resarch Unit.
Physical environment
The Unit is based in an annex of the company's head office. However, the facilities are out-of-date, and the offices are full of reports, equipment, etc. Staff are sometimes unable to find specific information that they are asked for, as the relevant report cannot be located. It is therefore likely that unless the Unit moves to more spacious nd better-equipped premises very soon, it will be unable to continue operations.
Work of the Unit
The Unit produces a large number of reports on innovations affecting the food industry. Reports are commissioned by outside bodies, and staff travel anywhere in the world to carry out the necessary research. They are so experienced that they can produce a report in a very short time.
Staff also work on projects to invent new products, most recently the 'Music Knife', a gadget which optiises cooking preparations by playing music of a suitable mood and speed.
Grammar
2) 1h 2d 3g 4b 5a 6e 7c 8j 9f 10i
Reading
4) 1F (lines 4-7)
2T (lines 8-11)
3T (lines 18-19)
4NG We are told proportio0ns (65% and 59%) but not the numbers of appliances sold.
5T (lines 24-27)
6F (line 31
7NG We are told they have a 55% share, not whether that proportion has changed.
8NG Although 55% of all free-standing cookers use gas, the proportion isn't necessarily the same for range cookers.
9F (lines 45-46)
10T (lines 50-54)
1) Possible answer
Terms of reference
This report is intended to highlight problems currently faced by the Kitchen of the Futre Resarch Unit.
Physical environment
The Unit is based in an annex of the company's head office. However, the facilities are out-of-date, and the offices are full of reports, equipment, etc. Staff are sometimes unable to find specific information that they are asked for, as the relevant report cannot be located. It is therefore likely that unless the Unit moves to more spacious nd better-equipped premises very soon, it will be unable to continue operations.
Work of the Unit
The Unit produces a large number of reports on innovations affecting the food industry. Reports are commissioned by outside bodies, and staff travel anywhere in the world to carry out the necessary research. They are so experienced that they can produce a report in a very short time.
Staff also work on projects to invent new products, most recently the 'Music Knife', a gadget which optiises cooking preparations by playing music of a suitable mood and speed.
Grammar
2) 1h 2d 3g 4b 5a 6e 7c 8j 9f 10i
Reading
4) 1F (lines 4-7)
2T (lines 8-11)
3T (lines 18-19)
4NG We are told proportio0ns (65% and 59%) but not the numbers of appliances sold.
5T (lines 24-27)
6F (line 31
7NG We are told they have a 55% share, not whether that proportion has changed.
8NG Although 55% of all free-standing cookers use gas, the proportion isn't necessarily the same for range cookers.
9F (lines 45-46)
10T (lines 50-54)
Homework p83 (Task 1 Writing)
The graphs provide climatic information for Cape Town and Upington in South Africa in an average year.
From the line graphs it can be seen that there is less fluctuation in temperature in Cape Town than in Upington, where maximum temperatures reach over 35 degrees C in January (the highest temperatures in Cape TOwn are well below 30 degrees C). Both places are at their coolest in June and July. In Upington, temperatures rise steeply again through August and September, whereas in Cape Town, the increase is more gradual.
Upington is much wetter than Cape Town outside the months of June to September. March is the wettest month in Upington, with an average rainfall of around 180 millietres. In contrast, Cape Town has hardly any rain in the period November-March. Its peak rainfall is in June, when it receives approximately 100 millimetres.
From the line graphs it can be seen that there is less fluctuation in temperature in Cape Town than in Upington, where maximum temperatures reach over 35 degrees C in January (the highest temperatures in Cape TOwn are well below 30 degrees C). Both places are at their coolest in June and July. In Upington, temperatures rise steeply again through August and September, whereas in Cape Town, the increase is more gradual.
Upington is much wetter than Cape Town outside the months of June to September. March is the wettest month in Upington, with an average rainfall of around 180 millietres. In contrast, Cape Town has hardly any rain in the period November-March. Its peak rainfall is in June, when it receives approximately 100 millimetres.
Homework p82-83 (Writing Task 1)
Are you struggling with today's homework? Try and work alone for 15 minutes, but if you're still having problems, here's a model answer...
Parkinson's / Alzheimer's - the difference
Students asked what the difference between Alzheimer's and Parkinson's is. Whilst Alzheimer's produces general memeory loss and slowness in its sufferers, Parkinson's produces loss of muscle control which can produce shakiness in speech or walking. Both are neurological diseases. The following information has been taken from http://alzheimers.about.com/od/symptomsofalzheimers/a/symptoms.htm and http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_parkinsons_disease.asp
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to personality changes, memory loss, intellectual slowing, and other Alzheimer's symptoms. Although each person with Alzheimer's is different, most progress through a series of stages, each of which is characterized by more serious Alzheimer's symptoms.Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal brain disease. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease begins by affecting movement, resulting in tremors and shakiness, stiffness, difficulty with walking and muscle control, lack of facial expression and impaired speech. Parkinson’s is another disease in which Lewy bodies are found in the brain. Many individuals with Parkinson’s develop dementia in later stages of the disease. There are currently no drugs approved by the FDA specifically to treat the dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Michael J Fox is a well-known actor with Parkinson's disease.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to personality changes, memory loss, intellectual slowing, and other Alzheimer's symptoms. Although each person with Alzheimer's is different, most progress through a series of stages, each of which is characterized by more serious Alzheimer's symptoms.Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal brain disease. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease begins by affecting movement, resulting in tremors and shakiness, stiffness, difficulty with walking and muscle control, lack of facial expression and impaired speech. Parkinson’s is another disease in which Lewy bodies are found in the brain. Many individuals with Parkinson’s develop dementia in later stages of the disease. There are currently no drugs approved by the FDA specifically to treat the dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Michael J Fox is a well-known actor with Parkinson's disease.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Homework Answers p74-75 (Reading)
4) 1 earthquakes and floods 2 (a) supercontinent 3 fossils 4 climate change 5 plates 6 mountain ranges
7 E (lines 55-57)
8 C (lines 38-44)
9 D (lines 50-54)
10 B (lines 28-30)
11 D (lines 48-50)
12 E (lines 60-63)
5) 1 A meterologist working in Germany wrote two articles about continental drift.
2 Finding similar fossils on both sides of the Atlantic was strong evidence of continental drift.
3 Wegener was intrigued by fossils found in South America and Africa.
4 It is impossible for coal to form in a cold climate.
6) 1 sentences 1 and 3
2 sentences 2 and 4
3 sentence 0
7) 1 active 2 passive 3 -ing 4 infinitive
8) 1 proposed 2 comparing 3 moving 4 to accept 5 revolutionising
7 E (lines 55-57)
8 C (lines 38-44)
9 D (lines 50-54)
10 B (lines 28-30)
11 D (lines 48-50)
12 E (lines 60-63)
5) 1 A meterologist working in Germany wrote two articles about continental drift.
2 Finding similar fossils on both sides of the Atlantic was strong evidence of continental drift.
3 Wegener was intrigued by fossils found in South America and Africa.
4 It is impossible for coal to form in a cold climate.
6) 1 sentences 1 and 3
2 sentences 2 and 4
3 sentence 0
7) 1 active 2 passive 3 -ing 4 infinitive
8) 1 proposed 2 comparing 3 moving 4 to accept 5 revolutionising
Limestone...pronunciation of final "t" sound...
A student asked a few questions about limestone today in class. For more information, check out this site on limestone. NB: Marcus, were you enquiring about the word "chalk"?
Someone also asked about the pronunciation of the final "t" sound in words. For this, and other pronunciation practise, click on the link.
I've already given you extra practise, but for the same information on where to find extra reading tests, click here. Extra listening is available at this link.
Extra writing practise (i.e. Task 1 writing questions with sample answers) is here. You can also follow the link on the left of the page which says "Task 2". Naturally, it's a good idea to time yourself. You should allow 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Feel free to do the question and give me your writing. I'm happy to mark it for you, regardless of how similar or different it is to the model answer.
Someone also asked about the pronunciation of the final "t" sound in words. For this, and other pronunciation practise, click on the link.
I've already given you extra practise, but for the same information on where to find extra reading tests, click here. Extra listening is available at this link.
Extra writing practise (i.e. Task 1 writing questions with sample answers) is here. You can also follow the link on the left of the page which says "Task 2". Naturally, it's a good idea to time yourself. You should allow 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. Feel free to do the question and give me your writing. I'm happy to mark it for you, regardless of how similar or different it is to the model answer.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Speaking Test Results
We had a test on Wednesday last week. The speaking tests were marked as follows:
*A maximum of 5 points for Fluency and Coherence
*A maximum of 5 points for Vocabulary
*A maximum of 5 points for Grammatical Range and Accuracy
*A maximum of 5 points for Pronunciation
TOTAL= /20 marks
______________________________________________________
Please check your marks as follow:
#08, you scored 4,4,4 & 3.5 respectively = total of 15.5 marks
#99, you scored 4, 4.5, 4 & 3.5 respectively = total of 16 marks
#21, you scored 3.5,3.5,3 & 2.5 respectively = total of 12.5 marks
#01, you scored 3.5,4,4 & 4 respectively = total of 15.5 marks
#00, you scored 4,4,4 & 3.5 respectively = total of 15.5 marks
#25, you scored 3,3.5,3 & 3 respectively = total of 12.5 marks
#88, you scored 4.5,5,4.5 & 5 respectively = total of 19 marks
#18, you scored 3.5,3.5,3 & 3.5 respectively = total of 13.5 marks
#17, you scored 4,4,3.5 & 4 respectively = total of 15.5 marks
Please check your email for more feedback on your speaking test.
*A maximum of 5 points for Fluency and Coherence
*A maximum of 5 points for Vocabulary
*A maximum of 5 points for Grammatical Range and Accuracy
*A maximum of 5 points for Pronunciation
TOTAL= /20 marks
______________________________________________________
Please check your marks as follow:
#08, you scored 4,4,4 & 3.5 respectively = total of 15.5 marks
#99, you scored 4, 4.5, 4 & 3.5 respectively = total of 16 marks
#21, you scored 3.5,3.5,3 & 2.5 respectively = total of 12.5 marks
#01, you scored 3.5,4,4 & 4 respectively = total of 15.5 marks
#00, you scored 4,4,4 & 3.5 respectively = total of 15.5 marks
#25, you scored 3,3.5,3 & 3 respectively = total of 12.5 marks
#88, you scored 4.5,5,4.5 & 5 respectively = total of 19 marks
#18, you scored 3.5,3.5,3 & 3.5 respectively = total of 13.5 marks
#17, you scored 4,4,3.5 & 4 respectively = total of 15.5 marks
Please check your email for more feedback on your speaking test.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Practice Reading Test Answers (Test 3 & 4)
I gave you some IELTS reading tests in week 5 for extra practise at home. These tests come from "IELTS on Track" by Slater, Millen and Tyrie.
Reading Test 3 Answers:
Sleeping on the Job
1D 2N 3N 4Y 5NG 6N 7F 8B 9E 10safety 11not on duty 12D 13C
Homeopathy
14 v 15 vii 16 viii 17 x 18 iii 19 ix 20 alcohol and water 21 shaken 22 stronger 23 heal itself 24 control symptoms 25 cheaper 26 side effects
Hemp Revival
27 F 28A 29E 30B 31D 32low quality 33(virtually) no THC 34A 35B 36A 37C 38A 39C 40B
Reading Test 4 Answers
Frogwatch
1N 2NG 3N 4N 5Y 6Y 7B 8A 9A 10B 11B 12A&/or C 13B
Just Relax
14 iii 15 ii 16 vi 17 vii 18 ix 19 Bible 20 magnets and water 21 physiological/human 22 (mental) concentration 23 (fully) aware 24A 25D 26B 27D 28C
Kids and Sport
29 freedom 30 organised 31 sports grounds/sports halls 32 intensive/sport(s)
33 one 34 assessments/criticism 35 fun 36 pressure 37C 38B 39D 40B
Reading Test 3 Answers:
Sleeping on the Job
1D 2N 3N 4Y 5NG 6N 7F 8B 9E 10safety 11not on duty 12D 13C
Homeopathy
14 v 15 vii 16 viii 17 x 18 iii 19 ix 20 alcohol and water 21 shaken 22 stronger 23 heal itself 24 control symptoms 25 cheaper 26 side effects
Hemp Revival
27 F 28A 29E 30B 31D 32low quality 33(virtually) no THC 34A 35B 36A 37C 38A 39C 40B
Reading Test 4 Answers
Frogwatch
1N 2NG 3N 4N 5Y 6Y 7B 8A 9A 10B 11B 12A&/or C 13B
Just Relax
14 iii 15 ii 16 vi 17 vii 18 ix 19 Bible 20 magnets and water 21 physiological/human 22 (mental) concentration 23 (fully) aware 24A 25D 26B 27D 28C
Kids and Sport
29 freedom 30 organised 31 sports grounds/sports halls 32 intensive/sport(s)
33 one 34 assessments/criticism 35 fun 36 pressure 37C 38B 39D 40B
Week 5 & 6 Vocabulary List - 50 words
These words are from Modules 9.1-12.2 of your coursebook and will be tested on Wednesday 28/10/09 [NOT Tuesday]. They are all included on the Academic Word List.
approximately
awareness
capabilities
coincidence
community
comprehensive
constructed
construction
contribute
controversial
creation
creativity
diminished
dramatically
enhance
erosion
established
exploit
feature
founded
grants
identity
infrastructure
initially
isolation
mature
maximum
migration
monitored
occupies
parallel
paralleled
phenomenon
priorities
project
promote
published
purchase
status
succession
sum
symbol
technique
traces
traditions
transporting
triggering
unambiguously
version
volunteers
For extra practice of a completely different set of vocabulary
approximately
awareness
capabilities
coincidence
community
comprehensive
constructed
construction
contribute
controversial
creation
creativity
diminished
dramatically
enhance
erosion
established
exploit
feature
founded
grants
identity
infrastructure
initially
isolation
mature
maximum
migration
monitored
occupies
parallel
paralleled
phenomenon
priorities
project
promote
published
purchase
status
succession
sum
symbol
technique
traces
traditions
transporting
triggering
unambiguously
version
volunteers
For extra practice of a completely different set of vocabulary
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Writing Test Results (last Thursday's test)
Each section of the writing task was marked out of 20. Please note that Task 2 is weighted more heavily than Task 1. Both Task 1 and 2 were marked according to...
i) Task Response (Did you address all parts of the task and present a fully developed response?) [?/5 marks]
ii) Coherence & Cohesion (Skillfully managing paragraphing and sequencing information & ideas lodgically)[?/5 marks]
iii) Lexical Resource (Using a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticaed features and no spelling mistakes))[?/5 marks]
iv) Grammatical Range & Accuracy (Using a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy)[?/5 marks]
_________________________________________________________
Here are your results:
#17, well-done! This was the highest overall score of the class. Your score for task 1 was 19 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 19 out of 20.
#13, your score for task 1 was 18 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 19 out of 20.
#25, your score for task 1 was 17.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 12.5 out of 20.
#21, your score for task 1 was 6.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 15 out of 20.
#18, your score for task 1 was 17 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 17out of 20.
#99, your score for task 1 was 17 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 16out of 20.
#08, your score for task 1 was 15 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 15out of 20.
#01, your score for task 1 was 15.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 16out of 20.
#66, your score for task 1 was 18.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 15out of 20.
#88, your score for task 1 was 16.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 18.5 out of 20.
#00, your score for task 1 was 14.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 16 out of 20.
Please check your email on Friday for more detailed feedback.
_________________________________________________________
Writing Task 2: Here's the question we had in the writing test on Thursday 15/10/09:
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:
Trees are esential for the existence of the human race as they provide the oxygen that we need to survive. Yet, daily all around the globe large areas of woodland are being destroyed. Many people feel that they as individuals can do nothing and that only governments and large companies can halt the destruction.
How far do you agree or disagree with this?
Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and with relevant evidence.
i) Task Response (Did you address all parts of the task and present a fully developed response?) [?/5 marks]
ii) Coherence & Cohesion (Skillfully managing paragraphing and sequencing information & ideas lodgically)[?/5 marks]
iii) Lexical Resource (Using a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticaed features and no spelling mistakes))[?/5 marks]
iv) Grammatical Range & Accuracy (Using a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy)[?/5 marks]
_________________________________________________________
Here are your results:
#17, well-done! This was the highest overall score of the class. Your score for task 1 was 19 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 19 out of 20.
#13, your score for task 1 was 18 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 19 out of 20.
#25, your score for task 1 was 17.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 12.5 out of 20.
#21, your score for task 1 was 6.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 15 out of 20.
#18, your score for task 1 was 17 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 17out of 20.
#99, your score for task 1 was 17 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 16out of 20.
#08, your score for task 1 was 15 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 15out of 20.
#01, your score for task 1 was 15.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 16out of 20.
#66, your score for task 1 was 18.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 15out of 20.
#88, your score for task 1 was 16.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 18.5 out of 20.
#00, your score for task 1 was 14.5 out of 20. Your score for task 2 was 16 out of 20.
Please check your email on Friday for more detailed feedback.
_________________________________________________________
Writing Task 2: Here's the question we had in the writing test on Thursday 15/10/09:
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:
Trees are esential for the existence of the human race as they provide the oxygen that we need to survive. Yet, daily all around the globe large areas of woodland are being destroyed. Many people feel that they as individuals can do nothing and that only governments and large companies can halt the destruction.
How far do you agree or disagree with this?
Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and with relevant evidence.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
CLASS NOTICE: Labour Day Holiday
Please note that there will be no class tomorrow for IELTS Session 2 as you will be sitting your AE exam. Good luck with that!
There will also be no class on Monday 26/10/09 as this is a public holiday in New Zealand and the school will be closed. Traffic will be more intense than usual going in and out of Auckland during the break. To find out what's on in Auckland, click here.
The writing results will be posted on this site shortly under your secret number. Click here to see the model answer for task 1 of the writing test.
The speaking test results from today will be posted on this site by Saturday 24/10/09 8pm.
You will receive the tapescript for last week's listening test via email by Friday.
You were also given extra reading tests earlier in the week. The reading test answers will be posted on the blog by 8pm Saturday. Click here for the answers [which are now available on the blog].
The next big in-class test will be on Thursday 29/10/09. This will be a 2 hour test and will incorporate reading, listening and speaking. If you would like to get the full feel of an IELTS test, I will give you a writing test on this day for homework.
We have a vocabulary test on Wednesday 28/10/09 [NOT Tuesday]. Please check back to the site from Saturday onwards, as the new vocab. list will be posted here by then.
There will also be no class on Monday 26/10/09 as this is a public holiday in New Zealand and the school will be closed. Traffic will be more intense than usual going in and out of Auckland during the break. To find out what's on in Auckland, click here.
The writing results will be posted on this site shortly under your secret number. Click here to see the model answer for task 1 of the writing test.
The speaking test results from today will be posted on this site by Saturday 24/10/09 8pm.
You will receive the tapescript for last week's listening test via email by Friday.
You were also given extra reading tests earlier in the week. The reading test answers will be posted on the blog by 8pm Saturday. Click here for the answers [which are now available on the blog].
The next big in-class test will be on Thursday 29/10/09. This will be a 2 hour test and will incorporate reading, listening and speaking. If you would like to get the full feel of an IELTS test, I will give you a writing test on this day for homework.
We have a vocabulary test on Wednesday 28/10/09 [NOT Tuesday]. Please check back to the site from Saturday onwards, as the new vocab. list will be posted here by then.
Homework Answers p70-71: Writing
Answers:
B is the clearer answer because it is better organised and contains more exemplification to support the argument (though not all points are equally well-exemplified - as exercise 3 reveals). The writer of B disagrees with the statement and states his/her opinion unambiguosly in the opening paragraph, then goes on to exemplify each aspect in a new paragraph and finally includes a clear conclusion.
A, on the other hand, is rambling and contradictory, its paragraphs are disorganised, there is no introduction and the final sentence is unclear. Interestingly, as exercise 3 reveals, it has more points than B, but these are rarely developed or exemplified (apart from the information given on Bilbao).
3 Suggested answers
live entertainment A - yes 2 B - yes 3
open spaces A - yes 1 B - no
transport A - yes 3 B - yes 3
cultural benefits A - yes 1 B - yes 2
noise/crowds A- yes 1 B - no
shoppping A - yes 1 B - yes 3
architecture A- no B - yes 2
4 Additions to table
Introducing....in terms of
Adding another related point...Another (obvious benefit); What is more
Contrasting previous information....At the same time; However
Clarifying what has been said....In other words
Linking to the argument ....because of this; Thus
Concluding/summarising....In short
5 Answers
city living: urban living, lifestyle
21st century: contemporary, modern, nowadays
stressful: oppressive
offers: provides, support
advantages: benefits, oppportunities
EXTRA HOMEWORK:
6 This is the same task as in exercise 1. Answer B should be used for guidance. Please give your writing to Nicole at her desk in the teacher's room or email your answer to nicolestoupe@hotmail.com
B is the clearer answer because it is better organised and contains more exemplification to support the argument (though not all points are equally well-exemplified - as exercise 3 reveals). The writer of B disagrees with the statement and states his/her opinion unambiguosly in the opening paragraph, then goes on to exemplify each aspect in a new paragraph and finally includes a clear conclusion.
A, on the other hand, is rambling and contradictory, its paragraphs are disorganised, there is no introduction and the final sentence is unclear. Interestingly, as exercise 3 reveals, it has more points than B, but these are rarely developed or exemplified (apart from the information given on Bilbao).
3 Suggested answers
live entertainment A - yes 2 B - yes 3
open spaces A - yes 1 B - no
transport A - yes 3 B - yes 3
cultural benefits A - yes 1 B - yes 2
noise/crowds A- yes 1 B - no
shoppping A - yes 1 B - yes 3
architecture A- no B - yes 2
4 Additions to table
Introducing....in terms of
Adding another related point...Another (obvious benefit); What is more
Contrasting previous information....At the same time; However
Clarifying what has been said....In other words
Linking to the argument ....because of this; Thus
Concluding/summarising....In short
5 Answers
city living: urban living, lifestyle
21st century: contemporary, modern, nowadays
stressful: oppressive
offers: provides, support
advantages: benefits, oppportunities
EXTRA HOMEWORK:
6 This is the same task as in exercise 1. Answer B should be used for guidance. Please give your writing to Nicole at her desk in the teacher's room or email your answer to nicolestoupe@hotmail.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Homework Answers p 66-67 #3 / today's vocab question
Answers
1 iv 2 viii 3 v 4 vi 5 iii 6 ix
7 NOT GIVEN We don't know whether Brenda went ice-skating after the dream or not. (para A and the first sentence of para B)
8 TRUE (lines 17-20)
9 NOT GIVEN The text refers to the discover of REM sleep 50 years ago and says it opened up new avenues of sleep research, but we don't know the relative importance of this research (para C)
10 FALSE (lines 36-37)
11 TRUE (lines 38-40)
12 TRUE (lines 55-57)
Vocabulary
13 FALSE (lines 62-66)
EXTRA H/W Vocabulary Collocations p67:
1 inspire new ideas - b does not collocate
2 promote self-healing (para B), promote a similar effect (para F) - all collocate
3 strengthened the argument - c doesn't collocate
4 developed electronic devices - b does not collocate
5 Not everyone shares this enthusiasm - all three collocate
6 operates on a shoestring - a does not collocate
Style extra:
5 1 minor character 2 specialist 3 children 4 customer 5 manager
EXTRA HOMEWORK:
UNITS 1-4 REVISION p 33
Grammar
3 1 a and b are incorrect:
a= Essays must have...
b= Essays should be...
2 a is incorrect: have been training
an style="font-style:italic;">
3 c is incorrect: unless it is OR if it isn't
4 1 surprisingly poor 2 considerably bigger 3 bitterly disappointed 4 increasingly likely 5 excessively complicated 6 widely believed
5 1 responsive 2 imitation/imitating 3 unpredictable 4 classification 5 consumption 6 inefficiency
6 1c 2a 3b
7 1 collocation - wasting money
2 acronym - FIFA
3 idiom - bitten the bullet
4 proverb - every cloud has a silver lining
5 idiom - food for thought
6 slang -quid
7 collocation - highly rated
8 1 up until recently 2 over the two-year period 3 in the meantime 4 shortly after that date 5 from time to time
TODAY'S VOCAB. QUESTION
Today someone asked for clarification regarding annexation and agglomeration.
As you can see by these definitions, it's a pretty similar concept. Annexation refers to countries , and agglomeration refers to cities and towns. Please click on the links above to see the words used in context.
1 iv 2 viii 3 v 4 vi 5 iii 6 ix
7 NOT GIVEN We don't know whether Brenda went ice-skating after the dream or not. (para A and the first sentence of para B)
8 TRUE (lines 17-20)
9 NOT GIVEN The text refers to the discover of REM sleep 50 years ago and says it opened up new avenues of sleep research, but we don't know the relative importance of this research (para C)
10 FALSE (lines 36-37)
11 TRUE (lines 38-40)
12 TRUE (lines 55-57)
Vocabulary
13 FALSE (lines 62-66)
EXTRA H/W Vocabulary Collocations p67:
1 inspire new ideas - b does not collocate
2 promote self-healing (para B), promote a similar effect (para F) - all collocate
3 strengthened the argument - c doesn't collocate
4 developed electronic devices - b does not collocate
5 Not everyone shares this enthusiasm - all three collocate
6 operates on a shoestring - a does not collocate
Style extra:
5 1 minor character 2 specialist 3 children 4 customer 5 manager
EXTRA HOMEWORK:
UNITS 1-4 REVISION p 33
Grammar
3 1 a and b are incorrect:
a= Essays must have...
b= Essays should be...
2 a is incorrect: have been training
an style="font-style:italic;">
3 c is incorrect: unless it is OR if it isn't
4 1 surprisingly poor 2 considerably bigger 3 bitterly disappointed 4 increasingly likely 5 excessively complicated 6 widely believed
5 1 responsive 2 imitation/imitating 3 unpredictable 4 classification 5 consumption 6 inefficiency
6 1c 2a 3b
7 1 collocation - wasting money
2 acronym - FIFA
3 idiom - bitten the bullet
4 proverb - every cloud has a silver lining
5 idiom - food for thought
6 slang -quid
7 collocation - highly rated
8 1 up until recently 2 over the two-year period 3 in the meantime 4 shortly after that date 5 from time to time
TODAY'S VOCAB. QUESTION
Today someone asked for clarification regarding annexation and agglomeration.
As you can see by these definitions, it's a pretty similar concept. Annexation refers to countries , and agglomeration refers to cities and towns. Please click on the links above to see the words used in context.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Monday Night's Homework (Worksheet #6)
Manju will give you this homework in class on Monday 19th October.
Reading
2)1=D (lines 15-21), 2=G (lines 25-27), 3=A (lines 36-38), 4=I (lines 47-51), 5=B (lines 98-101) 6=E (lines 98-101)
3) 1 laboratories 2 attention 3 cloth 4 rake 5 explanations
Vocabulary
4) 1 take 2 carried out 3 testing 4 promote 5 make 6 sought 7 shape 8 underlie 9 endangered 10 offset
Style Extra
5) 1 It appears to be the case that we are driven to ensure the success and continuation of not just our own genes, but of the species.
2 It was asserted by Copernicus in 1530 that the Earth rotates on its axis once a day and travels round the sun once a year.
3 Most people in the 16th century found it hard to believe that the planets orbit round the sun.
4 It is unlikely that a large comet or asteroid will hit the Earth.
5 Radio telescopes have made it possible (for us) to extend our knowledge of the universe.
6 It will take a gerat deal of time, effort and money (for us) to establish setttlements on the moon.
EXTA HOMEWORK (p63)
3) 1 archaeological 2 strategically 3 settlers 4 cultural surroundings
4) Subjects 1 Ur 2 l 3 a stone lion (The subject comes after the verb, or after an auxiliary such as did - as in example 2.)
5) 1 No sooner had we got back to the hotel than Tom wanted to walk to the castle.
2 Seldom had I felt as safe as this walking around a city late at night.
3 Scarcely had they entered the office when the phone started ringing.
4 Hardly had the ticket price rise been implemented when it was announced that a further 5% increase would be imposed.
6) 2=g, 3=a, 4=e, 5=f, 6=b, 7=d (see below)
2 Not only has the city of Bogota got an excellent bus service, it also encourages the use of bicycles wherever possible.
3 Not only do 10 million inhabitants live in the centre of Shanghai, a further 10 million live in its suburbs.
4 Not only are there a lot of galleries in London, there are several museums too.
5 Not only can high-rise buildings lack style and originality, they are sometimes poorly constructed as well.
6 Not only was the ancient city of Ur built beside the Euphrates River, it was close to the Tigris as well.
7 Not only does Siena offer visitors a historic centre, the countryside nearby is also very beautiful.
7) 1 The train drivers are on strike and so are the bus drivers.
2 The Tokyo flight took off ontime and so did the one to Taipei/the Taipei one.
3 Madrid has a metro and so does Bilbao.
4 I can take the metro and so can you.
5 John should walk to work and so should I.
6 Kiosks sell bus tickets and so do subway stations.
8)1 I hadn't been to Prague before and neither had Dominic. OR I hadn't been to Prague before, nor had Dominic.
2 The school can't provide parking spaces and neither can the sports centre. OR The school can't provide parking spaces, nor can the sports centre.
3 You won't be in time for the next train and neither will I. OR You won't be in time for the next train, nor will I.
4 Fortunately, the car wasn't damaged and neither was my bike. OR Fortunately, the car wasn't damaged, nor was my bike.
Reading
2)1=D (lines 15-21), 2=G (lines 25-27), 3=A (lines 36-38), 4=I (lines 47-51), 5=B (lines 98-101) 6=E (lines 98-101)
3) 1 laboratories 2 attention 3 cloth 4 rake 5 explanations
Vocabulary
4) 1 take 2 carried out 3 testing 4 promote 5 make 6 sought 7 shape 8 underlie 9 endangered 10 offset
Style Extra
5) 1 It appears to be the case that we are driven to ensure the success and continuation of not just our own genes, but of the species.
2 It was asserted by Copernicus in 1530 that the Earth rotates on its axis once a day and travels round the sun once a year.
3 Most people in the 16th century found it hard to believe that the planets orbit round the sun.
4 It is unlikely that a large comet or asteroid will hit the Earth.
5 Radio telescopes have made it possible (for us) to extend our knowledge of the universe.
6 It will take a gerat deal of time, effort and money (for us) to establish setttlements on the moon.
EXTA HOMEWORK (p63)
3) 1 archaeological 2 strategically 3 settlers 4 cultural surroundings
4) Subjects 1 Ur 2 l 3 a stone lion (The subject comes after the verb, or after an auxiliary such as did - as in example 2.)
5) 1 No sooner had we got back to the hotel than Tom wanted to walk to the castle.
2 Seldom had I felt as safe as this walking around a city late at night.
3 Scarcely had they entered the office when the phone started ringing.
4 Hardly had the ticket price rise been implemented when it was announced that a further 5% increase would be imposed.
6) 2=g, 3=a, 4=e, 5=f, 6=b, 7=d (see below)
2 Not only has the city of Bogota got an excellent bus service, it also encourages the use of bicycles wherever possible.
3 Not only do 10 million inhabitants live in the centre of Shanghai, a further 10 million live in its suburbs.
4 Not only are there a lot of galleries in London, there are several museums too.
5 Not only can high-rise buildings lack style and originality, they are sometimes poorly constructed as well.
6 Not only was the ancient city of Ur built beside the Euphrates River, it was close to the Tigris as well.
7 Not only does Siena offer visitors a historic centre, the countryside nearby is also very beautiful.
7) 1 The train drivers are on strike and so are the bus drivers.
2 The Tokyo flight took off ontime and so did the one to Taipei/the Taipei one.
3 Madrid has a metro and so does Bilbao.
4 I can take the metro and so can you.
5 John should walk to work and so should I.
6 Kiosks sell bus tickets and so do subway stations.
8)1 I hadn't been to Prague before and neither had Dominic. OR I hadn't been to Prague before, nor had Dominic.
2 The school can't provide parking spaces and neither can the sports centre. OR The school can't provide parking spaces, nor can the sports centre.
3 You won't be in time for the next train and neither will I. OR You won't be in time for the next train, nor will I.
4 Fortunately, the car wasn't damaged and neither was my bike. OR Fortunately, the car wasn't damaged, nor was my bike.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Week 4 Vocabulary List - 50 words (updated)
This wee's (Week 4) test has been postponed until Tuesday. Here is an updated list to be tested.
adaptive
computer
conscientious*
consumer
co-operative
decisive*
derive
distribution
endurance*
environmental
expand
familiarity*
finance
finance
flexible
found
grant
identify
initially
initiative
innovation
intelligence
justify
located
maintain
medical
modified
optimistic*
potential
prepare*
pressure*
previous
propel*
quality*
refine
resourceful
rotation*
route
security
storage*
subsequently
substitute
supportive*
suspend
traditionally
transportation
undertake
version
volume
well-organised*
All words, except those marked "*" are from the Academic Word List, and this vocabulary all comes from units 7.1-8.2 of our coursebook.
adaptive
computer
conscientious*
consumer
co-operative
decisive*
derive
distribution
endurance*
environmental
expand
familiarity*
finance
finance
flexible
found
grant
identify
initially
initiative
innovation
intelligence
justify
located
maintain
medical
modified
optimistic*
potential
prepare*
pressure*
previous
propel*
quality*
refine
resourceful
rotation*
route
security
storage*
subsequently
substitute
supportive*
suspend
traditionally
transportation
undertake
version
volume
well-organised*
All words, except those marked "*" are from the Academic Word List, and this vocabulary all comes from units 7.1-8.2 of our coursebook.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
CLASS NOTICE: assessment, vocab test...
MONDAY'S CLASS: Manju will be taking Monday's class as Nicole unfortunately has to be away due to supervising her General English test in sessions 1 & 2.
ASSESSMENT FOR THIS COURSE
Students have asked if there is a final grade or report for this class. The answer is no, not a formal one. Your most formal assessment will be your IELTS grade, should you wish to take the IELTS test. However, the top three students in the class will be announced in week 10, according to test results throughout the term.
Please note that we have a vocabulary test on Monday. Please check back here after Friday 1pm for the complete list.
Today's writing test feedback will be given on Monday in class.
ASSESSMENT FOR THIS COURSE
Students have asked if there is a final grade or report for this class. The answer is no, not a formal one. Your most formal assessment will be your IELTS grade, should you wish to take the IELTS test. However, the top three students in the class will be announced in week 10, according to test results throughout the term.
Please note that we have a vocabulary test on Monday. Please check back here after Friday 1pm for the complete list.
Today's writing test feedback will be given on Monday in class.
Practice Listening Test Results & Answers
Today's practice listening test results are as follow:
#25: Your score is 16 out of 42
#21 Your score is 11out of 42
#18 Your score is 12out of 42
#99 Your score is 16out of 42
#8 Your score is 17out of 42
#01 Your score is 16out of 42
#66 Your score is 12out of 42
#77 Your score is 22out of 42
#88 Your score is 29out of 42
#17Your score is 26out of 42
#13Your score is 31out of 42
#00 Your score is 26out of 42
#31 Your score is 22out of 42
ANSWERS to Practice Test 2. This test comes from Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS self-study edition 1, p34-39. [The tapescript was emailed to everyone on 22/10/09.]
Section 1
a student accommodation/hostel
2 awful food
3 not friendly/kept to themselves (do NOT accept 'lonely')
4 lectureres (too) busy
5 regular meetings/ meetings with lecturers/fortnightly meetings
6 family/homestay
7 lot of noise / children made noise / difficult to study
8 student house
9 (Bachelor of) Computing
10 reserve computer time
Section 2
11 mountain
12 quality
13 $2,000
14 short/casual rides
15 town riding/shopping
16 serious touring
17 similar/almost the same
18 better quality (components)
19 buying clothes
20 frame
Section 3
21 B 22 C 23 D 24 B
25 one bunch
26 15 months
27 uphill/on hillsides
28 lots of/plentyof water
29 plastic bags
30 bananas/ones (to) ripen
31 C 32D (NB 31 & 32 can be either way around )
Section 4
33 B
34 D
35 C
36 cooking
37 (regular) daily intake
38 (a) variety
39 the dark/thefridge/a cool place/ a dark place
40 eat in moderation/not too much
41 eat lots of/eat most
#25: Your score is 16 out of 42
#21 Your score is 11out of 42
#18 Your score is 12out of 42
#99 Your score is 16out of 42
#8 Your score is 17out of 42
#01 Your score is 16out of 42
#66 Your score is 12out of 42
#77 Your score is 22out of 42
#88 Your score is 29out of 42
#17Your score is 26out of 42
#13Your score is 31out of 42
#00 Your score is 26out of 42
#31 Your score is 22out of 42
ANSWERS to Practice Test 2. This test comes from Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS self-study edition 1, p34-39. [The tapescript was emailed to everyone on 22/10/09.]
Section 1
a student accommodation/hostel
2 awful food
3 not friendly/kept to themselves (do NOT accept 'lonely')
4 lectureres (too) busy
5 regular meetings/ meetings with lecturers/fortnightly meetings
6 family/homestay
7 lot of noise / children made noise / difficult to study
8 student house
9 (Bachelor of) Computing
10 reserve computer time
Section 2
11 mountain
12 quality
13 $2,000
14 short/casual rides
15 town riding/shopping
16 serious touring
17 similar/almost the same
18 better quality (components)
19 buying clothes
20 frame
Section 3
21 B 22 C 23 D 24 B
25 one bunch
26 15 months
27 uphill/on hillsides
28 lots of/plentyof water
29 plastic bags
30 bananas/ones (to) ripen
31 C 32D (NB 31 & 32 can be either way around )
Section 4
33 B
34 D
35 C
36 cooking
37 (regular) daily intake
38 (a) variety
39 the dark/thefridge/a cool place/ a dark place
40 eat in moderation/not too much
41 eat lots of/eat most
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Practice Reading Test Answers
Today in class I gave you two practice reading tests.
Please look at the top to see what number test it is. It's taken from IELTS on Track (Academic), by Slater, Millen and Tyrie.
Test 1
Wings of Hope
1 18 (years old) 2 biologist 3 storm/lightning 4 A 5 D 6C 7A 8B 9C 10D 11N 12N 13Y 14NG
Spider Silk
15B 16C 17 B 18A 19B 20NG 21Y 22N 23NG 24N 25pollution 26stretching,wrinkling,shrinkage (all 3 required for 1 mark) 2760%
Map Wars
28 projection 29 axis 30 perspective 31 compare 32 M 33 M 34 P 35 M 36A 37 B 38 C 39 A 40 C
Test 2
Please hold the line
1D 2A 3C 4D 5D 6A 7B 8Y 9Y 10N 11NG 12N 13N
Did tea and beer bring about industrialisation?
14 ix 15 ii 16 iv 17 v 18 i 19 tax/tax on malt/ malt tax 20 tea 21 waterborne diseases / dysentry 22 boiled 23 C 34 D 25 B
Team based learning
26 exceeds 27 current 28 employers 29 financial 30 activities 31 candidates 32 environment 33 N 34N 35N 36Y 37NG 38 D 39F 40E
Please look at the top to see what number test it is. It's taken from IELTS on Track (Academic), by Slater, Millen and Tyrie.
Test 1
Wings of Hope
1 18 (years old) 2 biologist 3 storm/lightning 4 A 5 D 6C 7A 8B 9C 10D 11N 12N 13Y 14NG
Spider Silk
15B 16C 17 B 18A 19B 20NG 21Y 22N 23NG 24N 25pollution 26stretching,wrinkling,shrinkage (all 3 required for 1 mark) 2760%
Map Wars
28 projection 29 axis 30 perspective 31 compare 32 M 33 M 34 P 35 M 36A 37 B 38 C 39 A 40 C
Test 2
Please hold the line
1D 2A 3C 4D 5D 6A 7B 8Y 9Y 10N 11NG 12N 13N
Did tea and beer bring about industrialisation?
14 ix 15 ii 16 iv 17 v 18 i 19 tax/tax on malt/ malt tax 20 tea 21 waterborne diseases / dysentry 22 boiled 23 C 34 D 25 B
Team based learning
26 exceeds 27 current 28 employers 29 financial 30 activities 31 candidates 32 environment 33 N 34N 35N 36Y 37NG 38 D 39F 40E
Homework Answers (worksheet - Task 1 Writing)
Today's homework was taken from IELTS Resource Pack by Jon Marks, p 36.
Bar chart answers:
1 average 2 approximately 3 subsequent 4 stable 5 exceeding 6 halving 7 altered 8 decline 9 onwards 10 upward
EXTRA HOMEWORK:
Table: 1 period 2 hovering 3 fluctuated, 4 trend 5 peak 6 plummeted 7 rocketed 8 steadily 9 Meanwhile
Bar chart answers:
1 average 2 approximately 3 subsequent 4 stable 5 exceeding 6 halving 7 altered 8 decline 9 onwards 10 upward
EXTRA HOMEWORK:
Table: 1 period 2 hovering 3 fluctuated, 4 trend 5 peak 6 plummeted 7 rocketed 8 steadily 9 Meanwhile
Today's Writing (Task 1) - model answer
Today we did some in-class writing. Here's a model answer:
The graph shows changes in the amount of fast food consumed in the UK between 1970 and 1990. Several trends are apparent. First, Britons are eating more and more fast food. Secondly, the type of fast food has changed.
In 1970, the most popular fast food was fish and chips. Over 300g were consumed each week. By 1990, however, this had fallen to just over 200g - a 50% drop. Consumption of other fast foods such as pizza and hamburgers increased, however. The amount of pizza eaten shot up from about 20g a week to more than 270g, overtaking fish and chips in the late 1980s. Hamburger consumption also increased, rising from about 80g in 1970 to almost 300g in 1990.
Accompanying this change in the choice of foods was an increase in the amount of fast food consumed. In 1970, British consumers ate about 450g a week of fast food. In 1990, on the other hand, this had more than doubled, to 1000g.
The graph shows changes in the amount of fast food consumed in the UK between 1970 and 1990. Several trends are apparent. First, Britons are eating more and more fast food. Secondly, the type of fast food has changed.
In 1970, the most popular fast food was fish and chips. Over 300g were consumed each week. By 1990, however, this had fallen to just over 200g - a 50% drop. Consumption of other fast foods such as pizza and hamburgers increased, however. The amount of pizza eaten shot up from about 20g a week to more than 270g, overtaking fish and chips in the late 1980s. Hamburger consumption also increased, rising from about 80g in 1970 to almost 300g in 1990.
Accompanying this change in the choice of foods was an increase in the amount of fast food consumed. In 1970, British consumers ate about 450g a week of fast food. In 1990, on the other hand, this had more than doubled, to 1000g.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Homework Answers p50-51: Reading
1 F (paragraph 1)
2 J (paragraph 3)
3 C (paragraph 4)
4 B (paragraph 5)
5 G (paragraph 6)
6 D (paragraph 7)
7 A (paragraph 8)
8 routes (para 9)
9 treaties (para 9)
10 food (para 10)
11 workforce (para 10)
12 coins (para 10)
13 spices (para 11)
Extra Homework p 55:
5)1 would/might lose its point
2 would be tricky / wouldn't be eaasy
3 would/could be difficult
4 mmight/could poke
5 might eat
6 might not eat
7 would boom
8) 1 hadn't been cooked...might not have used
2 hadn't been put...wouldn't have been forced
3 might not have cut...hadn't been
4 hadn't been chopped...would have been needed
5 might have advised....had been
Extra homework p43 (Vocabulary)
5) 1a 2c 3a 4b 5c 6a 7b
6) 1c 2b 3e 4a 5d
2 J (paragraph 3)
3 C (paragraph 4)
4 B (paragraph 5)
5 G (paragraph 6)
6 D (paragraph 7)
7 A (paragraph 8)
8 routes (para 9)
9 treaties (para 9)
10 food (para 10)
11 workforce (para 10)
12 coins (para 10)
13 spices (para 11)
Extra Homework p 55:
5)1 would/might lose its point
2 would be tricky / wouldn't be eaasy
3 would/could be difficult
4 mmight/could poke
5 might eat
6 might not eat
7 would boom
8) 1 hadn't been cooked...might not have used
2 hadn't been put...wouldn't have been forced
3 might not have cut...hadn't been
4 hadn't been chopped...would have been needed
5 might have advised....had been
Extra homework p43 (Vocabulary)
5) 1a 2c 3a 4b 5c 6a 7b
6) 1c 2b 3e 4a 5d
The Academic Word List / Auckland Stardome Observatory
I mentioned the Stardome Observatory as being a great place to visit if you're interested in astronomy. Click here for more information.
Also, someone asked about the Academic Word List (AWL). For more information and resources, click here. Please note that another way of learning vocabulary, which has widely been supported by reasearchers, is to read for pleasure.
Reading Test - extra practice tests
If you'd like to do some extra reading test practice, please click here. This site has 3 practice tests.
You can either
i) do the practice - where you'll be able to see the correct answers afterwards OR
ii) take the test - where you WON'T be able to find out the correct answer, but you'll receive an IELTS grade for reading at the end of your test.
There's an additional test at this site here. Please download all three passages in order to do a test. Time yourself (60 mins) and then download the answers to check your work.
There's an additional passage for practice here.
Additionally, there are 5 practice reading tests
here. You can check your answers afterwards.
You can either
i) do the practice - where you'll be able to see the correct answers afterwards OR
ii) take the test - where you WON'T be able to find out the correct answer, but you'll receive an IELTS grade for reading at the end of your test.
There's an additional test at this site here. Please download all three passages in order to do a test. Time yourself (60 mins) and then download the answers to check your work.
There's an additional passage for practice here.
Additionally, there are 5 practice reading tests
here. You can check your answers afterwards.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Homework Answers (Reading p52-53)
Tonight's homework was the reading "Chips with Everything", Ex #2, 3 & 4.
Answers:
2)=c
3) 1 combat - verb: try to prevent something bad from happening or getting worse
2 pooling - verb: collecting and using together
3 obsolete - adjective: no longer in use
4 address - verb: deal with, try to solve
5 granules - noun: very small grain-like pieces of a substance
6 suspended - verb: hung
7 dilemma - noun: a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made
8 sensors - noun: devises to measure and record something
9 incinerated - verb: completely burned
10 harness - verb: control something, in order to use its power
4) 1=H (lines 41-46)
2=G (lines 32-36)
3= D (lines 26-28)
4= I (lines 50-52)
5=B (lines 11-12)
EXTRA HOMEWORK: Try the rest of the page if you have extra time.
VOCABULARY p53
5) 1a, 2c, 3a, 4b, 5c, 6a, 7b
6) 1c, 2b, 3e, 4a, 5d
EXTRA HOMEWORK: Try the 'style extra' section on p49 if you have extra time.
Suggested answers:
3) 1 The lack of sunlight under water makes it impossible to see deep-sea fish without artificial lighting.
2 It is said that Alexander the Great descended in a diving bell.
3 Early inventors found it difficult to make submersibles watertight.
4 It must have astonished the people of seventeenth-century London that Van Drebbel's boat was able to travel under water.
5 Beebe left it to Barton to raise finance for the bathysphere.
6 It took some time to carry out unmanned tests of the bathysphere.
7 Because Beebe had studied deep-sea fishing nets, he found it easy to identify the creatures he saw from the bathysphere.
Answers:
2)=c
3) 1 combat - verb: try to prevent something bad from happening or getting worse
2 pooling - verb: collecting and using together
3 obsolete - adjective: no longer in use
4 address - verb: deal with, try to solve
5 granules - noun: very small grain-like pieces of a substance
6 suspended - verb: hung
7 dilemma - noun: a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made
8 sensors - noun: devises to measure and record something
9 incinerated - verb: completely burned
10 harness - verb: control something, in order to use its power
4) 1=H (lines 41-46)
2=G (lines 32-36)
3= D (lines 26-28)
4= I (lines 50-52)
5=B (lines 11-12)
EXTRA HOMEWORK: Try the rest of the page if you have extra time.
VOCABULARY p53
5) 1a, 2c, 3a, 4b, 5c, 6a, 7b
6) 1c, 2b, 3e, 4a, 5d
EXTRA HOMEWORK: Try the 'style extra' section on p49 if you have extra time.
Suggested answers:
3) 1 The lack of sunlight under water makes it impossible to see deep-sea fish without artificial lighting.
2 It is said that Alexander the Great descended in a diving bell.
3 Early inventors found it difficult to make submersibles watertight.
4 It must have astonished the people of seventeenth-century London that Van Drebbel's boat was able to travel under water.
5 Beebe left it to Barton to raise finance for the bathysphere.
6 It took some time to carry out unmanned tests of the bathysphere.
7 Because Beebe had studied deep-sea fishing nets, he found it easy to identify the creatures he saw from the bathysphere.
Writing Test (Task 1) - extra practice
For guided practise on an exercise, click here. You may wish to attempt the question first before checking the model answer.
There are 60 task 1 writing questions here, and they come with model answers. Please try by yourself first, before checking the model answer. If you prefer, you can hand in your writing to me (Nicole) in class - be sure to include the chart number, and I'll mark your work.
There are 60 task 1 writing questions here, and they come with model answers. Please try by yourself first, before checking the model answer. If you prefer, you can hand in your writing to me (Nicole) in class - be sure to include the chart number, and I'll mark your work.
Task 1 Writing - line charts
Today we matched line charts with paragraphs:
To match graphs and sentences, pleaseclick here. It's similar to the exercise we did in class today.
Tomorrow in class we'll check on this vocabulary with a quick quiz. I'll give you a hard copy of these charts and the matching paragraphs in class tomorrow (Tuesday).
To match graphs and sentences, pleaseclick here. It's similar to the exercise we did in class today.
Tomorrow in class we'll check on this vocabulary with a quick quiz. I'll give you a hard copy of these charts and the matching paragraphs in class tomorrow (Tuesday).
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Week 4 Vocabulary List - 50 words
The first of this week's words are:
transportation
endurance
storage
familiarity
prepare
expand
quality
pressure
rotation
propel
well-organised
resourceful
decisive
supportive
optimistic
conscientious
transportation
endurance
storage
familiarity
prepare
expand
quality
pressure
rotation
propel
well-organised
resourceful
decisive
supportive
optimistic
conscientious
Thursday's writing exercise (task 1)
Please check the answers given in the guided writing for the model answer questions, and vice versa.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Reading Test Answers 8/10/09
Today's in-class reading test answers are as follow:
Lake Vostok:
1) viii 2) ii 3) iv 4) iii 5) B 6) A 7) N 8) Y 9) NG 10) Y 11) Y 12) N 13) Y
CELLS FROM HELL
14 PLANT, 15 POISONS, 16 EATS, 17 DISAPPEARS 18 POLLUTION, 19 LARGE NUMBERS OF 20 NEW KINDS OF 21 CARRIED BY SHIPS 22 C 23 B 24 C 25 B 26 A
Mystery of the Mumnmies
27 D 28 A 29 B 30 B 31 C 32 A/B 33 D 34 A 35 N 36 Y 37 NG 38 Y 39 NG 40 B
Lake Vostok:
1) viii 2) ii 3) iv 4) iii 5) B 6) A 7) N 8) Y 9) NG 10) Y 11) Y 12) N 13) Y
CELLS FROM HELL
14 PLANT, 15 POISONS, 16 EATS, 17 DISAPPEARS 18 POLLUTION, 19 LARGE NUMBERS OF 20 NEW KINDS OF 21 CARRIED BY SHIPS 22 C 23 B 24 C 25 B 26 A
Mystery of the Mumnmies
27 D 28 A 29 B 30 B 31 C 32 A/B 33 D 34 A 35 N 36 Y 37 NG 38 Y 39 NG 40 B
Reading Test: Results 8/10/09
Here are your results from today's test:
Student # 25 your score is 10 out of 40
Student # 21 your score is 15 out of 40
Student # 18 your score is 16 out of 40
Student # 14 your score is 17 out of 40
Student # 99 your score is 20 out of 40
Student # 08 your score is 20 out of 40
Student # 01 your score is 25 out of 40
Student # 66 your score is 27 out of 40
Student # 77 your score is 32 out of 40
Student # 88 your score is 34 out of 40
Student # 17 your score is 35 out of 40
Student # 13 your score is 35 out of 40
Student # 25 your score is 10 out of 40
Student # 21 your score is 15 out of 40
Student # 18 your score is 16 out of 40
Student # 14 your score is 17 out of 40
Student # 99 your score is 20 out of 40
Student # 08 your score is 20 out of 40
Student # 01 your score is 25 out of 40
Student # 66 your score is 27 out of 40
Student # 77 your score is 32 out of 40
Student # 88 your score is 34 out of 40
Student # 17 your score is 35 out of 40
Student # 13 your score is 35 out of 40
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Speaking Practice Questions
If you would like to practise, here are some questions for the IELTS exam, particularly for part 1 & 3: click here. Just choose the topic you'd like to talk about, and ask a friend to ask you a question.
Homework Answers (worksheet - unit 4)
Vocabulary
1 1) actroyms 2) nonverbal communication 3) slang 4) idiom 5) collocations 6) jargon
Grammar
2 Time: after, as, as soon as, before, once, since, until, when, whenever, while
Place: where, wherever
Reason: as, because, since
Purpose: so that
Condition: even if, if, unless
Concession: although, even if, even though, though, whereas, while
31) when they were first coined (lines 30-31)
2) When a football manager, asked how he felt.....early 1970s (lines 32-36)
3) until the cows come home (lines 44-45)
4) if you deny us the use of cliche. (lines 49-50)
5) because the are....something. (lines 57-58)
6) if you denied....they were cliches. (lines 61-64)
7) because they were cliches (lines 63-64)
8) if it is the best way of saying what I want to say (lines 67-68)
Reading
5 1)G 2)D 3)B 4)H 5)E 6)A
1 1) actroyms 2) nonverbal communication 3) slang 4) idiom 5) collocations 6) jargon
Grammar
2 Time: after, as, as soon as, before, once, since, until, when, whenever, while
Place: where, wherever
Reason: as, because, since
Purpose: so that
Condition: even if, if, unless
Concession: although, even if, even though, though, whereas, while
31) when they were first coined (lines 30-31)
2) When a football manager, asked how he felt.....early 1970s (lines 32-36)
3) until the cows come home (lines 44-45)
4) if you deny us the use of cliche. (lines 49-50)
5) because the are....something. (lines 57-58)
6) if you denied....they were cliches. (lines 61-64)
7) because they were cliches (lines 63-64)
8) if it is the best way of saying what I want to say (lines 67-68)
Reading
5 1)G 2)D 3)B 4)H 5)E 6)A
Homework Answers (worksheet - unit 5)
Reading
2 1) conventional 2) interact with 3) reaction 4) impregnated with 5) optimal concentrations 6) inner layer
Vocabulary
3 1) prevent 2) track 3) introduce 4) stay 5) cause 6) consume 7) control (The vertical word is protect.)
Grammar
4 1) can/may be kept 2) are made 3) was invented 4) to be used 5) has been found 6) are related
5 1) More goods are being produced in plastic.
2) A plastics recycling scheme has just been introduced by our local council.
3) Plastics are used in the manufacture of pills.
4) A new type of biodegradable plastic bottle is about to be launched.
5) The factory's glassmaking division might be shut down, to concentrate on plastic.
6) If plastic hadn't been invented, what materials would be being used today?
2 1) conventional 2) interact with 3) reaction 4) impregnated with 5) optimal concentrations 6) inner layer
Vocabulary
3 1) prevent 2) track 3) introduce 4) stay 5) cause 6) consume 7) control (The vertical word is protect.)
Grammar
4 1) can/may be kept 2) are made 3) was invented 4) to be used 5) has been found 6) are related
5 1) More goods are being produced in plastic.
2) A plastics recycling scheme has just been introduced by our local council.
3) Plastics are used in the manufacture of pills.
4) A new type of biodegradable plastic bottle is about to be launched.
5) The factory's glassmaking division might be shut down, to concentrate on plastic.
6) If plastic hadn't been invented, what materials would be being used today?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Homework Answers (worksheet - unit 3)
Our homework tonight is the reading exercise on the worksheet.
Reading
2 1 NG The article says that Skoda owners couldn't claim to be leaders of fashion (line 7), but we aren't told if any makes of car were less popular.
2 NG "...the Czech government, Skoda's owner, decided the business needed foreign investment. In 1991, it went into partnership with the German car manufacterer Volkswagen" (lines 10-13). We aren't told if the government negotiated with other companies as well.
3 Y (lines 17-18)
4 N (lines 25-26)
5 N (lines 33-35)
6 NG The writer doesn't compare the quality of the Fabia and the other two models, apart from saying it was more successful.
7 Y (lines 44-45)
EXTRA:
If you have more time, please do the second page on grammar & vocabulary.
Grammar
3 1) the Fabia 2) in the 1980s 3) at the end ofthe century 4) the Felicia 5) that the business needed foreign investment 6) the fact that the company's costs had increased 7) high 'brand awareness'
4 1) logo 2) competition 3) goods 4) launch 5) consumer 6 ) marketing 7) purchase 8) image 9) service 10) retail
Reading
2 1 NG The article says that Skoda owners couldn't claim to be leaders of fashion (line 7), but we aren't told if any makes of car were less popular.
2 NG "...the Czech government, Skoda's owner, decided the business needed foreign investment. In 1991, it went into partnership with the German car manufacterer Volkswagen" (lines 10-13). We aren't told if the government negotiated with other companies as well.
3 Y (lines 17-18)
4 N (lines 25-26)
5 N (lines 33-35)
6 NG The writer doesn't compare the quality of the Fabia and the other two models, apart from saying it was more successful.
7 Y (lines 44-45)
EXTRA:
If you have more time, please do the second page on grammar & vocabulary.
Grammar
3 1) the Fabia 2) in the 1980s 3) at the end ofthe century 4) the Felicia 5) that the business needed foreign investment 6) the fact that the company's costs had increased 7) high 'brand awareness'
4 1) logo 2) competition 3) goods 4) launch 5) consumer 6 ) marketing 7) purchase 8) image 9) service 10) retail
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Week 3 Vocabulary List - 41 words
Here is the final list of 41 words - there are NO more to come:
environment
scheme
acquire
affected
alternative
appropriate
benefit
considerable
contrast
culture
establish
factor
global
identify
impose
involve
involvement
normally
participation
predictable
prediction
process
project
proportion
reaction
research
significant
statistic
symbolic
target
technology
traditional
underestimate
undertake
uninvolved
unpredictable
awareness
consumer
purchase
image
investment
environment
scheme
acquire
affected
alternative
appropriate
benefit
considerable
contrast
culture
establish
factor
global
identify
impose
involve
involvement
normally
participation
predictable
prediction
process
project
proportion
reaction
research
significant
statistic
symbolic
target
technology
traditional
underestimate
undertake
uninvolved
unpredictable
awareness
consumer
purchase
image
investment
CLASS TEST SCHEDULE
*Thurs 1/10/09 Writing Test(60 mins)
*Thurs 8/10/09 Reading Test(60 mins)
*Thurs 15/10/09 Listening Test(30 mins)
*Thurs 22/10/09 Speaking Test(11-14 mins)
*Thurs 29/10/09 Reading, Listening & Speaking(1hr 45mins)
*Thurs 5/11/09 Writing Test(60 mins)
*Thurs 12/11/09 Reading Test(60 mins)
*Thurs 19/11/09 Listening Test(30 mins)
*Thurs 26/11/09 Reading, Listening & Speaking(1hr 45mins)
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