Saturday, September 10, 2016

IELTS Materials and Resources, Get IELTS Tips, Tricks & Practice Test

IELTS Materials and Resources, Get IELTS Tips, Tricks & Practice Test


IELTS Writing Actual Test In April, 2016 & Band 9 Sample

Posted: 10 Sep 2016 02:30 AM PDT

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic:

In the future, it seems it will be more difficult to live on the Earth. ome people think more money should be spent on researching other planets to live, such as Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Band 9 Model Answer:

It is true that, if present trends continue, it will become increasingly difficult to sustain human life on Earth.  While I agree that it is vital to tackle this problem, I believe that expenditure on research for new planets to colonise should be given a low priority, and resources must be used to find other, more practical solutions.

There are two major reasons why life on Earth is becoming more and more unsustainable.  One obvious problem is the uncontrolled consumption of natural resources, which are being depleted as a result.  For instance, the extraction of fossil fuels, such as coal, gas and oil, to satisfy growing energy demands has serious environmental impacts, and these resources will eventually run out.  Another concern is the rising level of pollution worldwide, of the land, the oceans and the air that we breathe.  In Vietnam, for example, thousands of tonnes of industrial rubbish have been released illegally into rivers, killing aquatic life and contaminating drinking water.

However, I would argue that the search for a new planet on which humans could survive is a waste of valuable resources.  Firstly, a vast amount of funding would be required to finance such space exploration, with no guarantee of success.  This money is needed now to improve health services globally and to provide a better education for all.  Secondly, financial resources should be used to develop advanced technologies that would be more environmentally-friendly and provide renewable energy.  In the field of transport, to take a simple example, vehicles can now be converted to run on hydrogen or even waste cooking oil – as McDonald's have done with their trucks.

In conclusion, I consider that the search for new planets on which to settle is a waste of time and resources, and efforts should be concentrated on living more sustainably here on Earth.

( 303 words )

Vocabulary: 

Sustain
Colonise
A low priority
Unsustainable
Depleted
Extraction
Run out
Aquatic life
Contaminating
Guarantee
Environmentally friendly
Renewable energy
Converted
Settle

 

IELTS Writing Practice Tets 7 From Recent Test (30/01/2016)

Posted: 10 Sep 2016 01:00 AM PDT

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic:

Prison is the common way in most countries to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide people with a better education. Agree or disagree.

Outline

Identifying the essay type: Agree or disagree 
Structuring the essay:

INTRODUCTION

refer to statement and give opinion – disagree.

BODY

Paragraph 1: Prison can help to reduce crime

[1] prison deters criminals – example: murderers

[2] offenders in prison cannot be a danger to the public

Paragraph 2: Education can also help to reduce crime

[1] in schools – give students some knowledge of the law – example: drugs

[2] education in prison – help to stop re-offending.

CONCLUSION:

repeat introduction, using some different words.

BAND 8.0+ SAMPLE ANSWER:

Many people believe that the reduction of the crime rate will be achieved more effectively through better education rather than prison sentences. I disagree with this view because I consider that both approaches have their own distinctive merits and should each play an integral role in tackling crime.

On the one hand, I would argue that prison is effective in dealing with offenders. One reason is that a person who commits a crime must learn that unlawful actions have consequences. Murderers, for instance, must be imprisoned for many years and such a punishment may act as a deterrent. They know that they will face loss of freedom, social isolation and separation from their loved ones if they carry out such a criminal act. Another reason is that when serious offenders are behind bars, they are no longer a danger to society and people can walk in the streets or relax in their homes more safely.

On the other hand, I consider that education has a complementary role to play. Firstly, in schools, students should study some aspects of the law which affect their lives. Having some knowledge of the law, students are better prepared to avoid situations which may involve them in crime or becoming a victim. For example, youngsters must study the important laws about driving and road safety. Secondly, in prisons themselves, educational programmes must aim to provide prisoners with skills and qualifications to find work when they are released.

I believe that prison sentences are one essential weapon in the fight against crime, and I disagree that providing better education alone is a more effective solution to reduce the crime rate.

(275words)

Useful vocabulary

  • The crime rate
  • Distinctive
  • Play an integral role in tackling crime
  • Offenders
  • Commits a crime
  • Deterrent
  • Social isolation
  • Loved ones
  • Behind bars
  • Complementary
  • Released

Hope you can find this post intriguing. Try to practice writing every day to improve your writing skills. You can find more tips and lessons about the IELTS test on ieltsmaterial.com. Don’t forget “Practice makes perfect”.

At a push – Idiom Of The Day For IELTS

Posted: 10 Sep 2016 01:00 AM PDT

At a push – Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Speaking.

Definition: 

probably possible, but it will be difficult

Example:

“Actually, I could finish the report by Wednesday – at a push, Tuesday.”

“I can probably raise another seventy or eighty thousand at a push.”

“Ben can win this game or at a push, break a record in this game.”

Exercise: 

  1. The sentence given below contains an idiom. From the given alternatives, choose the one that best expresses the meaning of this idiom.
    “Cristiano Ronaldo is the best football player in this year. He, at a push, probably gain a plex lagoon king title in this championship.”
    A. Cristiano Ronaldo can’t win a plex lagoon king title.
    B. Cristiano Ronaldo might gain a plex lagoon king title.
    C. Cristiano Ronaldo pushed someone.
    D. Cristiano Ronaldo was pushed for time .
  2. Describe the time when you tried to do something difficult. Try to use this idiom in your speech. You should say:
    – When did it happen ?
    – What did you do during this time ?
    – How did you try to achieve your goal?
    – And How did you feel at this time ?

Interpret – Word Of The Day For IELTS

Posted: 10 Sep 2016 01:00 AM PDT

Interpret – Word Of The Day For IELTS Speaking And Writing

Interpret: (Verb) /ɪnˈtəːprɪt/

Definition:

To translate spoken words from one language into another.

Synonyms: 

Translate, Transcribe, Convert.

Collocations: 

With verb: help/ need/ understand/ try to interpret
With preposition: interpret as

Example:

For IELTS Speaking:
“They spoke good Spanish, and promised to interpret for me.”
“During lunch, Ben interpreted for Sasha, who didn’t speak a word of English.”

For IELTS Writing:
“Some educators worried that international students may not understand totally what teachers said, so they came up with the idea that finding someone who speaks mother languages of international students to interpret the questions and answer for them.”

Exercise:

Choose the following words to fill in the blank: interpret, specific, data, formula, principle, concepts, major, area, role, established.

  1. For very young children, the _______________ of truth and lies are not very clear.
  2. Our society supposedly believes in the _______________ of equality for all.
  3. They want to build a new shopping mall in an _______________ which is presently forest.
  4. Doctors are as yet unsure what _______________ diet plays in the development of the disease.
  5. I don’t know what you mean. Can you be a bit more _______________ about what problems your car is having?
  6. The old woman couldn’t speak English, so her grandchildren had to _______________ for her.
  7. The English Language Program at the University of Victoria was _______________ in May of 1987.
  8. We will need to examine a lot more _______________ before we can make any conclusions.
  9. Smoking is a _______________ cause of cancer.
  10. Coca-Cola has a secret _______________ for its beverage that is only known to a small group of people.

Answer key
1. concepts.
2. principle.
3. area.
4. role.
5. specific.
6. interpret.
7. established.
8. data.
9. major.
10. formula.

Check out Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking & Writing on IELTS Material website to improve your vocabulary for IELTS and get a high score in IELTS.

IELTS Cue Card Sample 31 – Topic: an article about healthy living

Posted: 10 Sep 2016 12:57 AM PDT

IELTS Cue Card for IELTS Speaking Part 2:

Describe an article you read in a magazine or on the internet about healthy living.

You should say:
what the article was about
where you read it (which magazine or website)
and explain what you learned/thought from the article

BAND 9.0 SAMPLE ANSWER: 

Recently I came across an interesting article on the internet about the benefits of drinking warm water with lemon in the morning. The website name is bodyandsoul.com.au.

You would normally think that lemon water is just one kind of drink that helps keep your body hydrated, however, it brings you many other benefits that you can‟t imagine. – The article says that if you build up a habit of kicking off your day with a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon, you will do your body and mind a great favor.

Firstly, lemon juice is a great source of Vitamin C, thus it helps boost your immune system in fighting off colds and flu. Moreover, lemons are great for combating skin ageing because they are rich in antioxidant properties. Lemon also helps clean our urinary tract and detoxify our livers. The list of benefits doesn‟t end there. The high level of potassium in lemons can help brain and nerve functioning and control blood pressure. Lemon water can also ward off stress and depression, which have been linked to low levels of potassium. As a result, the article suggests if you continue drinking warm water with lemon first thing in the morning for at least 21 consecutive days, you will notice the difference in your skin and general health immediately.

VOCABULARY
hydrated: [adjective] capable of absorbing or taking in water.
Example: In hot weather, keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water.
build up: [phrasal verb] to develop. Example: In business, it is important to build up a good relationship with customers.
kicking off your day: [verb phrase] starting your day [like starting a football match by kicking the ball] Example: Kick off your day with a good breakfast, before you go to school.
boost your immune system: [verb phrase] to make your body stronger to help it fight against illness. Example: A healthy diet of fruit and vegetables, combined with exercise and sleep, will boost your immune system by making your body strong.
fight off: [phrasal verb] to resist – in this case, illness. Example: The soldiers fought off the enemy attack.
ageing: [noun] the process of becoming old. Example: There are some skin care products which claim to stop the ageing process.
antioxidant: [adjective] removing harmful substances from the body. Example: Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, so it is good to have it in your diet to prevent illness.
urinary tract: [noun] the part of the body through which waste liquid passes. Example: If you have pain when you go to the toilet , it may be a symptom of an infection of your urinary tract.
detoxify: [verb] to remove harmful or poisonous substances, in this case from your liver. Example: As harmful substances can build up during the night, you can clean your liver and detoxify it by drinking lemon water in the morning.
ward off: [phrasal verb] to protect or defend yourself against illness or danger. Example: She put up her hands to ward off her attacker

IELTS Listening Practice Test 36

Posted: 10 Sep 2016 12:05 AM PDT

Section 1: Questions 1-10

Questions 1-5: Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

                      Transport from Airport to Milton

Example          Answer

Distance:         147     miles

Options:

  • Car hire

don't want to drive

  • 1 ………………

–           expensive

  • Greyhound bus

–           $15 single, $27.50 return

direct to the 2 ……………….

–           long 3 ………………

  • Airport Shuttle

4          service

every 2 hours

$35 single, $65 return

need to 5 ………………..

Questions 6-10: Complete the booking form below. Write ONE WORD AN DIOR A NUMBER for each answer.

                          AIRPORT SHUTTLE BOOKING FORM

To:       Milton

Date:   6 ……………….                                 No. of passengers: One

Bus Time: 7 …………….. pm                         Type of ticket: Single

Name:  Janet 8 ………………..

Flight No: 9 …………….                                 From: London Heathrow

Address in Milton: Vacation Motel , 24 Kitchener Street

Fare:    $35

Credit Card No: (Visa) 10 ……………..

 

Section 2: Questions 11-20

Questions 11-16: Choose the correct letter A, B or C.

  1. PS Camping has been organising holidays for ……………..
  2. 15 years.
  3. 20 years.
  4. 25 years.
  5. The company has most camping sites in ……………..
  6. France.
  7. Italy.
  8. Switzerland.
  9. Which organised activity can children do every day of the week?
  10. football
  11. drama
  12. model making
  13. Some areas of the sites have a 'no noise' rule after ………………..
  14. 9.30 p.m.
  15. 10.00 p.m.
  16. 10.30 p.m.
  17. The holiday insurance that is offered by PS Camping …………….
  18. can be charged on an annual basis.
  19. is included in the price of the holiday.
  20. must be taken out at the time of booking.
  21. Customers who recommend PS Camping to friends will receive ………………
  22. a free gift.
  23. an upgrade to a luxury tent.
  24. a discount .

Questions 17-20: What does the speaker say about the following items?

Write the correct letter A, B or C next to questions 17-20.

  1. They are provided in all tents.
  2. They are found in central areas of the campsite.
  3. They are available on request.
  4. barbecues
  5. toys
  6. cool boxes
  7. maps and buckets

 

Section3: Questions 21-30

Questions 21-23: Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS IN THE WORKPLACE

Individuals bring different:

  • ideas

♦          21 ……………….

  • learning experiences

Work behaviour differences are due to:

  • personality
  • 22 ………………..

Effects of diversity on companies:

Advantage: diversity develops 23 ……………….

Disadvantage: diversity can cause conflict

Questions 24-27: Choose the correct letter A, B or C.

  1. Janice thinks that employers should encourage workers who are ………………
  2. potential leaders.
  3. open to new ideas.
  4. good at teamwork.
  5. Janice suggests that managers may find it difficult to ……………….
  6. form successful groups.
  7. balance conflicting needs.
  8. deal with uncooperative workers.
  9. Janice believes employers should look for job applicants who …………….
  10. can think independently.
  11. will obey the system.
  12. can solve problems.
  13. Janice believes managers should ……………….
  14. demonstrate good behaviour.
  15. encourage co-opcration early on.
  16. increase financial incentives.

Questions 28-30: Complete the sentences below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

  1. All managers need to understand their employees and recognise their company’s ………………………
  2. When managing change, increasing the company's …………….. may be more important than employee satisfaction.
  3. During periods of change, managers may have to cope with increased amounts of ……………………..

 

Section 4: Questions 31- 40

Questions 31-35: Complete the notes below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

SEMINAR ON ROCK ART

Preparation for fieldwork trip to Namibia in 31 …………………

Rock art in Namibia may be

  • paintings
  • engravings

Earliest explanation of engravings of animal footprints

They were used to help 32 …………….. learn about tracking

But:

  • Why are the tracks usually 33 ……………..?
  • Why are some engravings realistic and others unrealistic?
  • Why are the unrealistic animals sometimes half 34 ………………?

More recent explanation:

Wise men may have been trying to control wild animals with 35 ………………..

Comment:

Earlier explanation was due to scholars over-generalising from their experience of a different culture.

Questions 30-40: Complete the sentences below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

  1. If you look at a site from a …………… you reduce visitor pressure.
  2. To camp on a site may be disrespectful to people from that ………………..
  3. Undiscovered material may be damaged by ………………….
  4. You should avoid ……………… or tracing rock art as it is so fragile.
  5. In general, your aim is to leave the site ………………….

 

ANSWER KEY FOR IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST 36

1.(a) taxi/cab

  1. city centre/center
  2. wait
  3. door-to-door
  4. reserve (a seal)
  5. (the) 17th(of) October
  6. 12.30
  7. Thomson
  8. AC 936
  9. 3303 8450 2045 6837
  10. B
  11. A
  12. B
  13. C
  14. C
  15. A
  16. C
  17. A
  18. C
  19. B
  20. attitude(s)
  21. gender/sex
  22. creativity/creativeness
  23. A
  24. B
  25. A
  26. B
  27. culture
  28. profit(s)
  29. stress/strain
  30. April
  31. children
  32. repeated
  33. human
  34. magic
  35. distance
  36. culture
  37. fire(s)
  38. touching
  39. intact

 

TRANSCRIPT FOR IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST 36

TASK II: GAP-FILLING

SECTION 1

MAN: Hello, this is Land Transport Information at Toronto Airport. How may I help you?

WOMAN: Oh, good morning. Um. I’m living to Toronto Airport next week, and I need to get to a town called um, Milton. Could you tell me how I can gel there?

MAN: Milton, did you say? Let me see. I think that’s about 150 miles southwest of here. In fact it's 147 miles to be exact, so it'll lake you at least say, three to four hours by road.

WOMAN: Wow! Is it as far as that?

MAN: Yes, I m afraid so. But you have a number of options to get you there and you can always rent a car right here at the airport, of course.

WOMAN: Right. Well, I don't really want to drive myself, so I'd like more information about public transport.

MAN: OK. In that case the quickest and most comfortable is a cab and of course there are always plenty available. But it'll cost you. You can also lake a Greyhound bus or there's an Airport Shuttle Service lo Milton.

WOMAN: Hmnm, I think lor that kind of distance a cab would be way beyond my budget. But the bus sounds OK. Can you tell me how much that would cost?

MAN: Sure. Let's see. that would be $15 one way. or $27.50 return… that's on the Greyhound.

WOMAN: Oh. that's quite cheap great! But whereabouts does it stop in Milton?

MAN: It goes directly from the airport here lo the City Centre and it's pretty fast. But you have to bear in mind that there is only one departure a day, so it depends what time your flight gets in.

WOMAN: Oh. of course. Hang on, we're due to get there at 11.30 pm.

MAN: Hmmtn, too bad. the bus leaves at 3.45, so you would have quite a wait more than 4 hours.

WOMAN: Oh. I see. Well, what about the Shuttle you mentioned?

MAN: OK. I hat s the Airport Shuttle that will take you from the airport right to your hotel or private address. It's a door-to-door service and it would suit you much better, because there's one every two hours.

WOMAN: So how much docs that cost?

MAN: Let's see. Yeah, that's $35 one way, $65 return, so I guess it's a bit more expensive than the Greyhound.

WOMAN: Oh, that doesn't sound too bad, especially if it’ll take me straight to the hotel.

MAN: But you do need to reserve a scat.

WOMAN: OK, is it possible to make a booking right now? Through you?

MAN: Sure.

MAN: OK, I just have to fill this form out for you. So what date do you want to book this for?

WOMAN: The 16th of October oh, no, sorry, that's my departure date. I arrive on the 17th, so book it for then, please.

MAN: So. that's the Toronto Airport Shuttle to Milton. And this is for just one person or… ?

WOMAN: Yes, just me, please.

MAN: Right. And you said your expected time of arrival was 11.30? So if I book your Shuttle for after 12.00 let’s say, 12.30: that should give you plenty of time to, you know, collect your baggage, maybe grab a coffee?

WOMAN: Yeah, that sounds fine, as long as we land on tune!

MAN: Well, we'll take your flight details so you don't need to worry too much about that. Now. what about the fare? What sort of ticket do you want? One way or . . .?

WOMAN: Yes, that’ll be fine, provided I can book the return trip once I'm there.

MAN: No problem just allow a couple of days in advance to make sure you get a seat. And what's your name, please?

WOMAN: Janet. Janet Thomson.

MAN: Is that Thompson spell with a 'p'?

WOMAN: No. it s T-H-O-M-S-O-N.

MAN: OK. And you'll be coming from the UK? What flight will you be travelling on?

WOMAN: Oh, it's Air Canada flight number AC936, from London Heathrow.

MAN: Right. Now. do you know where you'll be staying? We need to give the driver an address.

WOMAN: Yes. it's called the Vacation Motel and I think it’s near the town centre. Anyway, the address is 24, Kitchener Street that’s KITCHKNER Street.

MAN: I hat's fine. Right, so that's S35 to pay please. Have you got your credit card number there?

WOMAN: Yes. it’s a VISA card, and the number is 3303 8450 2045 6837.

MAN: OK. Well, that seems to be everything. Have a good trip and we’ll see you in Toronto next week!

WOMAN: Yes, bye oh, thanks for your help!

 

SECTION 2

Thank you all for coming to my talk this evening. It’s nice to see so many people in the audience. For those of you who don't know very much about PS Camping, let me start by giving you some background information about the company.

The company started twentyfive years ago. It actually opened us a retail chain selling camping equipment, and then twenty years ago, it bought a small number of campsites in the UK, and began offering camping holidays. The company grew rapidly and has been providing holidays in continental Europe for the last fifteen years.

If you book a camping holiday with us, you’ll have a choice of over three hundred sites. In Italy we now have some 64 sites that we either own, or have exclusive use of. France is where we have the majority of sites, and we currently have a project to expand into Switzerland.

We also have a number of sites in Northern Spain, particularly in the mountainous region of Picos de Europa. We've upgraded all these Spanish sites, and improved them considerably from their original three-star rating.

We believe our holidays offer superb facilities for the whole family. Parents who want their children to be fully occupied for all or part of the day can take advantage of our children’s activities. These are organised by our wellqualified and enthusiastic staff. Each day kicks off with a sports match, perhaps football, or volleyball, followed hy an hour of drama for everyone This may include singing or dancing, mime or other activities. In the afternoon, there's a different art activity for each day of the week including a poster competition or model making. What's more, our sites are truly child-friendly, and. with this in mind, we operate a no-noise rule in the evenings. Children's evening activities usually finish at 9.30, or occasionally 10, and from 10.30 holiday-makers are expected to be quiet in the areas where there are tents.

We want nothing to go wrong on a PS Camping holiday, but if it does, we also want all customers to be insured. If you haven’t organised an annual insurance policy of your own you’ll need to take out the low-cost cover we offer and we require that you arrange this when you make your holiday reservation.

There are many advantages to choosing PS Camping, and to recommending it to others. As a regular customer, you’ll he kept informed of special offers, and your friends can benefit from ten per cent off their holiday, or book a luxury tent for the price of a standard one. In return, we’ll send you a thank- you present, which you can choose from a list of high-quality items.

When it comes to our tents, these are equipped to the highest standard. We really do think of every essential detail, from an oven and cooking rings fuelled by bottled gas, to mirrors in the bedroom areas. If you don’t want to cook indoors, you can borrow a barbecue if you ask in advance lor one to be made available, and there’s even a picnic blanket to sit on outside your tent. Inside, a box of games and toys can be found, and childrens tents can be hired if required. All tents have a fridge, and if you want. In spend the day on the beach, for example, ask for a specially designed PS Camping cool box, which will keep your food and drinks chilled. There are excellent washing facilities at all our sites, with washing machines and clothes lines in the central areas, along with mops and buckets in case your tent needs cleaning during your stay. All sites have a cale and/or a shop for those who'd rather “eat in' than dine at a local restaurant.

SECTION 3

TUTOR: Well, you've both been looking at different styles of managing individuals in companies and the workplace. How's the research going. Philip?

PHILIP: Well. I've been looking at why individualism. I mean individual differences, are such an important area of management studies. When you think about any organization, be it a family business or a multinational company, they are all fundamentally a group of people- working together. But it's what these individuals contribute to their places of work that makes you realize how important they are. Of course they bring different ideas, but it s also their attitudes and their experiences of learning. Diversity is important in these areas too.

TUTOR: So why do people behave so differently from one another at work?

PHILIP: There are lots of reasons but research has shown a lot of it comes down to personality. And the other factor is gender. It's a well known fact that men and women do lots of things in different ways, and the workplace is no different.

TUTOR: Did you look at the effects of this variation on companies?

PHILIP: Yes, I did. On the positive side, exposure lo such diversity helps encourage creativity which is generally an assel lo a company. But unfortunately individual dilferences are also the root of conflict between staff and they can lead to difficulties for management, which can sometimes be serious.

TUTOR: Thanks, Philip. So now I guess the two main things to remember here are to identify individual talent and then to utilize it. So Janice,you were looking at identifying different talents in workers. Do you think this is easy for managers to do?

JANICE: Well, currently teamwork is hi fashion in the workplace and in my opinion the importance of the individual is generally neglected. What managers should be targeting is those employees who can take the lead in a silnation and are not afraid to accept the idea of responsibility.

TUTOR: Thai's true Janice but unfortunately many managers think the entire notion of encouraging individuality amongst their stall is far loo hard.

JANICE: Yes, that may be true but I think one of Ihe most important tasks of managers is to consider the needs of the individual on one hand and group cooperation and conformity on the other. It requires creative thinking on the part of management to avoid tension.

TUTOR: So Janice, what kind of people do you think companies should be looking lor?

JANICE: Well, it has to start from the very beginning when companies are looking for new employees. When the personnel department is choosing between applicants they need to look for someone who’s broken the mould and can think for themselves. Instead, people making these decisions often use a range of psychological tests to see if a person is a problem solver, or will do as they're told. I'm not convinced these qualities are actually the most important.

TUTOR: So do you think being a good team player is overrated?

JANICE: No. it’s not overrated. You do need to learn the rules and learn them fast. No individual can get around this if you're working in an organization.

TUTOR: So how should managers deal with this?

JANICE: Rewards. When an individual demonstrates the behaviour the organisation expects, some kind of incentive can be given. What's important here is that this happens right at the beginning so new recruits learn the rules of the system immediately. Also the incentive should be something the individual actually wants, and this isn’t always just money.

TUTOR: To come back to you. Philip. You were saying that recognition of good performers is essential. What else should managers be looking for?

PHILIP: Well, managing people means you not only have an understanding of your employees, but you also recognise the culture of the organization. In fact, for some organizations creativity and individuality may be the last thing they want to see during working hours!

TUTOR: Very true.

PHILIP: Yes, but managing people isn’t as easy as it looks. For example, change in the workplace can be quite tricky, especially if there’s a need to increase profit. And at times like these managers may have to give priority to profit rather than individual staff needs.

TUTOR: Yes. and that creates difficult situations for people.

PHILIP: Yes but what’s important is that managers arc able to deal with quite high levels of personal stress. During times of change they should be thinking not only about the strain on their stall’ but take time out to think of themselves.

TUTOR: Absolutely. So what are the implications of that for. . ,

 

SECTION 4

Good afternoon, everyone!

This is the first seminar in preparation for our archaeological fieldwork in Namibia: we are fantastically lucky to have received partial research funding for this trip from our Institute so I shall expect 200% attention and participation from you all. First in this seminar. I'm going to give a brief introduction to contemporary research on rock art. and in the second part I'm going to give you some do's and don'ts for our fieldwork trip in April so please listen very carefully.

I’m first going to focus on the interpretation of rock art in Namibia. We are very fortunate to be going to an area where you can find some of the most important sites in the entire world. And I hope to show you how easy it is for everyone to make mistakes in looking at cultures which are different from our own the first and most important lesson we have to learn.

In Namibia there arc both paintings and engravings that’s where the surface of the rock is cut out. Many of the engravings show footprints of animals and most scholars used to think that the purpose of these was simple and obvious: this rock art was like a school book with pictures lo teach children about tracks: which track belonged lo which animal – giraffe, lion and so on.

But there were some mysteries. First, when you look at a typical Namibian painting or engraving, you see the tracks are repeated, there are dozens of tracks for the same animal. Youd expect just one clear illustration if the reason the aim was to teach tracking.

Now there were two more problems. Why are some of the engravings of animals very accurate as you’d expect all clearly identifiable and others quite unrealistic?

And another mystery some of these unrealistic animals that’s in the engravings seem to be half human. Some, for example, have got human faces. Many researchers now think that these were pictures the wise men engraved of themselves. They believed they could use magic to control the animals they had drawn, so the hunters could then catch them for food.

This shows you some of the dangers of coming from one culture to another, as we'll be doing, without understanding it fully. Scholars imagined that children looked al rock art pictures to learn to track just because they themselves had learnt skills from pictures: many researchers now believe that rock art had a much more complex purpose. And we’ll talk more about it next week!

Now before I invite you to join in a discussion in this second part of the seminar. I’d like to make  some very important points about our fieldwork and in fact any field lrip to look at rock art.

We’re going to a number of sites, and we won’t always be together. I he single largest problem faced by people who manage the sites is – yes. I'm sure you've guessed damage caused by visitors, even though it's usually unintentional.

Whenever you do go to a site, don't forget you can learn many things from observing at a distance instead of walking all over it. This can really help to reduce visitor pressure. People often say. 'Well, there’s only two of us and just this one time', but maybe thousands of people are saying the same thing.

And then some basic rules to guide you – we’ll have our own camp near a village, but remember never to camp on a site if you go on your own It may be disrespectful to the people of that culture, and certainly don't make fires, however romantic it may seem. It's really dangerous in dry areas, and you can easily burn priceless undiscovered material by doing so.

So, how are we going to enjoy the rock art on our field trip? By looking at it. drawing it and photographing it – NEVER by touching it or even tracing it. Rock art is fragile and precious.

Remember that climbing on rocks and in caves can destroy in a moment what has lasted for centuries. So no heroics in Namibia, please! Try to be extra careful and help others to be too.

And lastly please don’t even move rocks or branches to take photographs you should leave  the site intact. I’m sure I can rely on you to do that.

Well, that's about all I want to say before today's first discussion, but if you have any questions please ask them now and don't forget you'll find some fascinating information about worldwide sites on the Internet. Right, first question then?

1 comment:

  1. I’m really amazed with your posting skills as well as with the layout on your blog site. Is this a paid style or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the pleasant quality writing, it is rare to see a great site such as this one these days.
    IELTS Coaching in Chennai

    ReplyDelete