IELTS – Page 2 – Vinod Gambtoo

Vinod Gambtoo’s IELTS Speaking Conjecture, Part 3

July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 admin Leave a comment

Describe a time when you traveled by public transportation.

When you traveled
Where you traveled
What the purpose was of your travel
How you felt about it

I hardly use public transportation in my life because I drive wherever I want to go
However, when I have to go somewhere in distance, I mean in the other city or state, I use public transportation. Maybe a train or an air-conditioned cozy bus
I did my undergraduate degree from Baroda, which is around 100 kilometers from my home
I am from Ahmedabad but studied there, so I’ve many of my friends in this city
Sometimes we friends decide to meet each other, and either they come to my place or I travel to Baroda
I can always drive to Baroda, but I feel using public transportation is rather convenient, and we’ve an inter-state bus service run by the government. This facility, I guess, is the best in India as you get a super comfortable coach of Volvo Buses
In fact, I traveled to Baroda last weekend as one of my friends who works for Wipro came home to have a mini-vacation of four days
He called me up to check on my and others’ availability to catch up. Initially, I refused to join as I had a family engagement for a social cause
However, that engagement got canceled for some reason, and then I called him up to express my desire to join at night
Cool! The plan was made along with other friends, and I traveled
Traveling by bus from Ahmedabad to Baroda is always a pleasant ride. We’ve an expressway, so within 45 minutes you arrive at Baroda once the bus hits the expressway from Ahmedabad
Luckily, this time I enjoyed more because I happened to make a new friend who was sitting by me
This guy is working for a large corporation in the finance department. I did my degree in finance concentration, and I also work in the accounts and finance department for my company
We began a casually chitchat only to switch it to the financial world later. This fella has tremendous know-how about the financial world, so there was something to add to my enlightenment (=knowledge) from him
As said it before, the trip to Baroda is short with a comfy ride, so time went by quickly, and we both cursed to the shortest time for our discussion
In the end, along with the ride, I happened to make a good new friend

2. Describe a foreign country (culture) you want to know more about it.

Which country it is or which culture
Where it is
How you know about it
Why you want to know more about it

I am always keen on learning new cultures and exploring countries
It is fun and exciting to experience something different and eccentric (=strange, outlandish, bizarre) from our own culture or country
While I was young, I formed a habit of watching Discover TV station, and, in fact, from there I got inspired to learn about new countries
I personally like to explore more on the North American culture, and Canada as a country as I’m planning to migrate there. It makes sense if I know a bit about their culture so that I could integrate into Canadian society smoothly
Apart from watching Discovery TV station, I grew up watching English movies, which reflected mainly British, American and European culture in most cases
We hardly know about Canadian or Eastern European culture through Hollywood movies, and that’s understandable, too because, in the last fifty years, Americans and Britons have dominated all walks of our life
My aunt has been living in Canada for the last 8 years, and she always speaks good about its natural landscape, magnanimous (=altruistic, charitable, selfless) people, cosmopolitan culture, values and ethics and what not
The Canadian society believes in egalitarian (=democratic, equitable), social equality, and peace. Canada is also known as one of the most peaceful countries on earth. You hardly hear any news of racial discrimination, violence, or vandalism (=mischief, ravaging)
Whenever I watch any video on a TV station or on YouTube, I get astonished to see the beautiful landscape and not forget their 11 natural wonders. They are simply breathtaking (Niagara Falls, Cabot Trail, Moraine Lake, Gross Morne National Park, Mingan Archipelago, Hopewell Rocks, Haida Gwaii, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Nahanni National Park Reserve, Crooked Trees, and Northern Lights)
I guess, liking for the North American culture and place of living enthused me to explore all the good about it. I have recently started to read about their magnificent visual arts and literature. Compared to Americans or Britons, Canadians are not much known for their movies or music, but they are very popular for Ice Hockey. It is just like Cricket in India. Canadians are diehard (=zealot, fanatic) fans of Ice Hockey. About cuisine, most Canadians come from Europe and indigenous people, so the most part of Canada offers a plethora of European cuisines dominated by French, Italian, Scottish, and English

Follow-up questions:

What do you think is the best way to learn foreign culture?

There are many ways to learn about the foreign culture in this digital world. In the past, we had tourism tabloids, books on tourism, regular books, or newspapers. They were the main source of our enlightenment (=knowledge). But this thing has changed in the last two decades. Now, we have digital media such as government websites directing to their different departments for viewers. YouTube has become the primary source of gathering information on any culture or country by viewing. I believe that more than reading when we visualize any video, we generally never forget. That said, the best way is to go and visit the country that you like. This way not only do we learn about their culture but also feel it. And, it’s like a treasure that you always cherish (=admire, adore, care for) in your life.

What do you think is the biggest problem to work in a foreign culture?

The biggest problem that people face is the language when they are in other countries while working. For example, if you’re in Germany, you do better if you’re proficient in the German language. People master their native language, and it’s a natural process. It takes years and massive efforts to get command over other languages. Those who do it are the ones who deserve a lot of admiration. Apart from this, sometimes it’s hard to integrate into the local culture due to varied beliefs, customs, and lifestyles. To substantiate (=affirm, confirm, corroborate) this point, I would like to draw another example. We, Indians, generally don’t eat beef. Now, when you are in Europe or North America, it’s their regular food. Because of this, sometimes we tend to link the habit of the host country to our customs. And, we find a total disconnect. It doesn’t mean that they are bad people, but we need to reconcile (=accommodate, harmonize, integrate) with this fact and move on.

Some people say that reading is the best way to learn about a culture. Do you agree? To most extent, I agree with this statement. Reading is a great source of enlightenment and to learn about alternative views in life. As I said to you before, in the past, we had only one source to know about new things was reading. Reading enjoyed a monopoly of disseminating (=advertise, publicize, propagate) information over the centuries, but it has been challenged by the digital world these days. I personally love reading books, and I would give thumbs up to this idea, but not all people may agree with me.

3. Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood.

Which the toy was
Who gifted/gave it to you
How often you played with it

You’ve brought me back to my childhood, which I always treasure
In my childhood, I was gifted and given too many toys as I grew up. I was really pampered and spoilt child of my parents who always brought me any toy that I had wished when I was little
In fact, I can go on talking about several toys with which I grew up
Today, I’m gonna talk about a toy with which I always felt connected and today also, I’m connected with it in another way
I was always fond of cars, so my parents, at times, brought me the collection of truck and car toys
I enjoyed moving them, hoping that one day I would be driving these cars, too
I remember my father bought me a diecast model car, which was a Porsche replica
It was remarkable. It was red in color; had three openable doors, tail with front and rear light, engine cover, and music embedded with the remote control for maneuvering my drive. Additionally, it also had a feature of realistic engine sound
It was beautifully designed and a pure counterfeit of Porsche, but a toy only
With the remote control, I could pull it backward and forward and stop at my will
I always felt as if I were driving this beautiful car and always boasted of this toy among friends. Plus, it was made of metal and slightly heavier than other toys
So, typically, it was boy stuff during my childhood
We weren’t allowed to bring any toy to school, but I would stash (=hide) in my schoolbag someday and took it to school because I always felt proud of having it. Additionally, my friends also insisted on bringing this little creature for their fun
I remember having played with this car almost every day

Follow-up questions:

What is the difference between girls’ and boys’ toys?

Well, it’s hard to differentiate what girls and boys like when they’re young. Take a model car as a toy, girls also liked it when I was in my school. I guess girls like more dolls, wind-up toys, puzzles, dollhouses, or perhaps cubs nesting, while boys love having construction toys, colored-pattern blocks, cars, and popular fictional characters with their weapons and sets of people and animals. It’s just a thought, and I don’t how far it’s true.

Do you think toys really help in children’s development?

Certainly, it’s true. A good toy can be used in more than one way. With toys, children can challenge their imagination, which is useful when they grow up. Children develop thinking skills. For example, they learn directionality by turning puzzle pieces so that they fit together. They also develop socially, emotionally, and physically. I can quote another example of physical aspect to make my point. Kids can practice visual skills by playing with a set of stacking rings. Now, such a visual skill could be handy for them if they aspire to become pilots or joining the Air Force for their country.

Does modern technology have an influence on children’s toys?

Yes, it does. Before modern technology was incorporated in toys, the toy industry like the fashion industry was always fast-moving. Popular and sought-after (=attractive, famous, beloved) toys get run over by new ones every year. With modern technology, now children have ample choices for the toys to choose from. But if we look at this point positively, today children have toys of better educational values that improve their several skills. Hence, I see it as a positive development, overall.

Have we lost our hand skills such as sewing?

I guess we’ve lost it for many reasons. People hardly have their clothes stitched these days. In the past, it’s a usual sight that our mothers sew something for their children, but gone are those days now. Additionally, I believe that people had a peaceful life in the past. I mean neither people had more job opportunities nor were they much ambitious. In this modern time, the world is connected to every good or bad news, and the digital world has influenced the minds of people greatly. So, you see everyone is in the race of catching up others. In this scenario, people give a lot of importance on ready-made stuff in order to save time. The countryside yet has some life left for such skills to harness, but people living in cities have seemed to have made these skills obsolete (=out-of-date, archaic).

What toys are popular with kids in India today?

I’ve really no idea about this because there’s no child in my family. But, let me guess which toy could be a darling to our children these days. I guess children love miniatures of popular fictional characters, such as Superman, Batman, and others. I am also pretty sure they must be liking electric cars, puzzles, block-building toys, construction toys, and educational toys.

Do children today have many toys in general?

Yes, I’m sure about it for many reasons again. Today, we’ve several toys available in the market. Thanks to consumerism. Plus, purchasing power has increased exponentially all over the world, especially in my country. Therefore, I assume children of today are luckier than we are.

Do you think playing with electronic toys has a good influence on kids?

I think so. Take electric cars, children drive it using the remote control, and they learn how to maneuver it. When they grow up, this childhood experience helps them learn to drive the car quickly. Some electronic toys are designed to educate children on varied matters. So, when they grow up, childhood learning leaves an ever-lasting image on their brains. In Japan, most children have a robot as a toy, so children tend to learn many good things from it. In my country, we’ve not seen such a culture but we’re not far away from it, and I foresee this to come in the years to come.

Do you think some toys are only suitable for girls and some that are only suitable for boys?

I don’t think about its suitability, but manufacturers have ways to target gender when it comes to selling things. It also happens with children as well as with adults. Some companies smart enough to design some toys, which become favorite in a particular gender. For example, the Barbie doll is the most popular in the world, and most girls have grown up having it. When they’re young, they love to talk to her, dress her, comb her and whatnot. In a similar vein, boys grow up having the miniature of soldiers and fictional characters, and they feel associated with them.

Which do you think is better for children, to play with toys alone or with other kids?

I think both have their merits for the development of children. With toys, they enjoy in a different world. I mean they feel as if they are living in a utopia (=paradise) world where everything is perfect and happy, whereas, with kids, they tend to learn what the relationship is all about, discipline, helping others, and get helped, too. Both good and bad experiences with other children are building blocks to their real-life later on.

Do you think parents should encourage their children to share their toys with other kids?

Yes, I greatly support this notion. Sharing toys with other kids at a young age inculcate (=impart, indoctrinate, instill) a sense of giving and sharing, which could be the most sought-after (=attractive, famous, beloved) quality in a relationship.

4. Describe an advertisement you remember well.

Which advertisement it is/was
When and where you saw it
What happened in it

Advert! I will certainly like to recount the creative adverts of Seagram’s Imperial Blue because they’re really very hilarious and have tickled many ribs over the years
‘Men will be men’ campaign focuses on how men either try to impress a pretty girl or how they get overjoyed when their wives are away from them. It’s sometimes misogynist (=sexist) also, but it always gives a smile on your face when you see the expressions of men in the advert
I remember this advert well because it is incredible, and I happened to watch it the first time when I was having a party with my friends at someone’s place some years ago
This Seagram company keeps coming with new creative adverts time after time, and all of them are impressive
But I would like to say about the one advert, which featured two years ago
There’s a pretty lady waiting for her floor to come in the elevator (=lift)
She is talking to someone over the phone, and there are two guys tucking in their protruding (=bulgy) belly to impress this girl
And there’s a funny ‘Gazal’ is being played out in the background, and those expressions of that girl in the advert are worth millions of dollars
So, the moment that girl arrives at her floor and moves out of the elevator, the bellies of these two guys get back to their actual shagging shape
I mean it may not sound hilarious when I describe it, but when you watch it, I’m sure you will burst out laughing. Absolutely funny!

Follow-up questions:

Why do some people hate advertisements?

Well, there could be many reasons for it. First of all, I think you don’t enjoy every advert that comes on the TV or by any platform. Sometimes, they distract you from your watching pleasure or enlightenment process. For example, when I watch any video that makes me busy for some good reasons, and you’ve an unwanted advert, which disturbs you. Secondly, at times, these commercials hijack the prime time of your watching, and you don’t like to switch the station again and again. Lastly, I believe that we enjoy only those adverts which address our needs. I mean if I am up for buying jogging shoes for myself, I won’t be disturbed if there are commercials of selling shoes because I am in the middle of making my decision. Or I would enjoy the advert if it has some funny content or creative ideas. For example, the one I discussed with you about Seagram’s ‘Men will be men’ campaign won’t bother me but not all.

Do people usually buy stuff after watching advertisements?

I guess, yes. Commercials always influence the minds of consumers in general, and that’s why the advertising industry is huge and employs tens of thousands of people in the world. Some large corporations have a unique way to sell their products by attractive adverts by various means. For example, Nike patronizes the world athletes in his adverts. In India, they endorse popular cricketers such as Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni on their giant hoardings. We, Indians, love cricket and our heroes, so the moment we see these heroes in the advert, we start getting associated with them instantly. This is an amazing way to do business and to endorse the spirit of sports, as well

Is music useful in the advertisement?

To some extent, I guess it makes sense. I think there’s an overall package for any commercial to become popular in the digital arena. Everything plays a vital role, be it acting, actor, setup, background music, expressions, message, and so on. Anything that’s disconnect will send the advert in the trash.

What are the advantages of TV advertisements? How about internet advertisements?

There are plenty of advantages of adverts associated with the TV medium. Most Indians use TV as an entertainment or enlightenment medium. So, commercials on TV stations help all sizes of corporations to improve their top line and bottom line. They design adverts in such a manner that it prompts viewers to buy their stuff. However, this medium of adverts is being challenged these days by the internet and the over-the-top (OTT) media services.

We have experienced the rapid growth of the OTT media. YouTube, NetFlix, and Amazon Prime are the biggest beneficiaries of this technological revolution. Hence, many companies have diverted a huge amount of their marketing expenditure to this new platform. I’ve no data that which platform is ahead of the others; I mean TV watching or OTT usage. But I’m sure that there are people in great numbers who choose the OTT platform than TV. And, yes, internet adverts are also as effective and revenue-generating as others for companies.

Where do we usually see adverts?

Well, I would say everywhere. Whether it’s TV, or the OTT platform, hoarding, search engine, and all other traditional and non-traditional platform, you see we’re being bombarded with adverts. Marketers leave no space for promoting their businesses. At times, it’s frustrating, too. For example, hoardings cover attractive and beautiful spots in your city. And we don’t have an opportunity to witness the beauty of the city in some cases.

Are there any advertisements at school?

Yes, there’s no doubt. As I said, marketers leave no opportunity to influence the minds of consumers. So is true for schools! Here, they’ve a different approach to infiltrate on the minds of students owing to certain restrictions. For example, any education learning app will organize a free seminar to educate children and parents, and they will offer the subscription free of cost for some time, and you end up buying that product afterward. Because it targets the moldable innocent minds of students, and we know that parents generally surrender to their children’s wishes.

Are there some inappropriate adverts, like that of a condom?

First thing first, I disagree with the terminology called ‘inappropriate adverts’. All adverts are appropriate as long as they don’t promote nudity, coarse language, or disturbing images. For some reason, people in my country consider the advert of condoms sleazy (=sordid, trashy), but it’s not because it’s the part of our life. It has more benefits to offer than disadvantages. However, my saying or way of thinking doesn’t matter because a large section of people believe that young children shouldn’t watch such commercials. So, the Broadcast Ministry has recently changed the rules for such companies to air their commercials. Now, you have adverts promoting condoms or such other stuff after 10 o’clock in the evening. In the same way, commercials promoting liquor is prohibited in our country. Candidly speaking, I never support any kind of prohibition. It’s like snatching a fundamental right of citizens.

Why does the government allow such adverts?

My answer to this question is linked to the previous answer of mine. I don’t see it questionable, so the government has prerogative (=immunity, choice) to allow such adverts. It’s not harming society by any means.

Do you think it is bad for children?

No, I don’t think so. There is a reason behind this. It’s our duty to inculcate (=impart, indoctrinate, instill) manners, etiquettes, values, and morality in children. But, at the same time, what’s needed for our children to learn and understand, we can’t shy away from it or in other sense, we cannot choose and pick our selective narratives. When children grow up, they will, invariably, be exposed to all good and bad things in their life. We need to train them to stay off bad things to brighten their careers. Betting, drinking, sexual explicitly, and all other things will remain in our life. So, why ignore it? Better train them for everything. Maybe, my way of thinking is unacceptable to many, but it’s their choice.

Do parents complain about it?

Yes, in most cases, they do so. Yet we’ve not developed a culture of accepting certain things in our life. For example, drinking is considered a bad habit. Yes, it’s bad when you drink exceedingly but not when you do it moderately and don’t shy away from your jobs and responsibilities and giving to society. People generally have a habit of painting everything with the same brush. There I have an objection.

5. Describe a person in the news that you want to meet.

Who he or she is
What this person showed up on TV for
How you knew what this person
Why you want to meet him

There are many celebrities that I follow in my life. They are from all segments such as news anchors, politicians, sportspersons, actors, singers, comedians, and among others
Today, I would like to talk about one of my favorite playback singers who is a kind of a household name in Indian society. His name is Arijit Singh
Arijit Singh has a shy nature, and hardly have we seen him on a TV show ever. But back in 2016, he appeared in one of the most popular chat and comedy shows: The Kapil Sharma Show
This fella is absolutely down-to-earth and one of those public images who doesn’t believe much in flaunting his skills. It was a rare thing to see him participate in a comedy show
He’s the most loved and young playback singer in India. He has a wonderful voice texture. Some experts describe his voice as raw and grainy, whereas I think he has a natural voice, and you experience depth in his voice
Therefore, this great singer requires no introduction, and I’m sure if you ask any youngster in India about this marvelous singer these days, everyone has some positive opinions for him
Truly, I get mesmerized when I happen to listen to any song of his. He caters to genres, such as pop, ghazal, Indian classical, electronic dance music (EDM), and filmy
Plus, he is good at playing harmonium, guitar, piano, vocals, and tabla
I always desire to meet this accomplished guy whenever I have any opportunity. However, it’s hard to meet him because he’s a big name in our music industry now
I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hope one day I’ll have an opportunity to see this gentleman for sure

Follow-up questions:

What types of people can be seen on TV? What are the kinds of people do the news usually reports about?

Well, we have dedicated TV stations for types of shows that we would like to watch. We’ve categories such as entertainment, international, infotainment, news, sports, music, and movies. So, it comes down to your choice, first of all. You’ve gotta a wide range of variety to your choice. Ahh, I love sports, music, movies, and sometimes like to stay in touch with domestic and international news, too.

We see all kinds of celebrities. Thankfully, things have changed in the last ten years dramatically and you happen to see the presence of movie actors also on TV. This was not a trend in the past, but things have changed for good. We see sportspersons, actors, news anchors, comedians, politicians, and others.

Do you think there is too much news about celebrities? What is your take on the news reports in recent years?

Yes, I agree with this. It’s, at times, annoying, too. There’s too much limelight offered to celebrities, and people miss out to know other essential information or news. For example, some news reports discuss what Taimur did. This guy is the son of Saif Ali Khan, and he’s what? Just 2 years old. He’s not a significant personality to discuss. And what will people do with his daily itinerary? Nothing. So, it’s very much irritating to know that the quality of reports has stooped so low these days.

Do you think negative information in the news can have a negative influence?

Certainly, to some extent. Human behavior typically responds to what happens around him and what people say on any issue. Whether it is right or wrong, but people tend to get influenced in either direction: Positive or Negative. A negative piece of information on the media impacts the viewers greatly. For example, when the pandemic of coronavirus became a household name, everyone was so much scared to step out of the home. The situation needed to stay home, and there’s no doubt about it. But what will we do without our essential goods and services? So, anybody who went out of home was always scared because the moment he returns and watches TV, everything around him was depressing, and people were dying. It does influence heavily.

Why do people like negative news?

I don’t know the exact reason for this, but it’s true that people, in general, gravitate more to negative news than positive news. Maybe, human beings like excitement, climax, something that’s not usual, or maybe something else. Any bad news that features in any sphere of life, people love tracking and discussing it profusely. That’s the way it is!

What is usually in the news in India?

First of all, I don’t watch the news much on our television because it has more negative news than positive news. We’ve all types of pieces of news, which range from sports to celebrity news, to domestic and international issues, to some scientific updates, and others.

Is that information always true?

I doubt that all pieces of information in the news are true. We’ve seen that news is being manipulated everywhere in the world. In most cases, reporters are biased and promote that piece of news that suits their ideologies or agenda. For example, when you update yourself with any piece of news from CNN, it will be quite opposite to what is being broadcasted on RT News. CNN is an American News Station, while RT News is a Russian one. You can clearly see how stories are twisted to align with their propagandas. Sometimes, it’s hard to know who’s right and who’s wrong. Therefore, I personally believe that what you hear or watch on TV may be far from reality.

What is the difference between broadcasting news in the past and in the present?

Frankly speaking, I don’t have much of the information about how news was broadcasted in the past because I’ve never analyzed this matter. But, based on my assumption, I can say that news that is broadcasted today carries a lot of sensation. I mean sometimes news reporters prosecute some accused virtually before the verdict on that case comes out of the adjudicating body (court). This is worrisome and frightening. I can say that this is a digital prosecution or digital character assassination. I assume that News TV media in the past just described what happened in a plain language and didn’t have their opinions sprinkled on the story. Everyone today has become a self-proclaimed judge or saint on any matter. Specialists in different fields have become irrelevant in this deadening culture of news broadcasting. Journalism is dying!

Do you believe everything said in the news?

No, I won’t believe anything blindly. To me, it’s very simple: ‘Trust but verify’. If you don’t have such an investigative attitude, you fall into a trap of fake news. What happens these days is people form their perception on the basis of fake news that they get from ‘WhatsApp University’ or ‘Twitter University’. That’s a dangerous precedent (=criterion) we’re setting in our society.

What kind of news is popular in India?

Indians love to track any news on their beloved celebrities, sportspersons, or any national issues and movie updates. Apart from these regular mentions, any news pertaining to national security, people take a tremendous interest in it. For example, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) intruded our borders, which ensued bloody spat between soldiers from both the ends, resulting in many casualties and injuries. After this incident, people were interested in each and every update of it because when it comes to nationalism, we Indians always show solidarity for our army.

Out of all these updates, celebrities top the index in terms of popularity. Indians love watching movies and idolize their role models. So, this section always gets the maximum attention in the media.

Are the stories about celebrities in the news always true? Is the news on celebrities mostly positive?

Well, I can’t say that it’s always true but in most cases, they do so. Before any news hits the media, social media websites get active and people get updates, but social media is also a nuisance. In some cases, they are filled with rumors, and those rumors keep doing rounds in our society until the official piece of news or clarification is announced on TV.

I don’t agree that news on celebrities inspires people generally. They are meant for killing time. However, people love to learn more about what’s happening in their life. A very few celebrities leave a solid message on the minds of people, and they are worth knowing. For example, I would be more interested in the piece of news wherein the celebrity has bounced back from the dark time. Like what happened to Yuvraj Singh, one of the legendary Indian cricketers. He was struggling with life and death because of cancer. He fought back and came alive and was also picked up in our regular cricket team which played internationally. Such a piece of news has substance.

How do you think the celebs in the news can influence adolescents?

I believe that they have a big role in influencing and encouraging our youth. It’s not a choice for them but also an obligation. They’ve become stars because these youth have loved and supported them by watching their movies and idolizing them as their role models. Young children and other diehard fans love to emulate every action and style of them, whether it’s a good or bad habit.

Large corporations rope in celebrities to sell and market their products. Children and the youth when they see their role models doing or endorsing any product, the sales of the same skyrocket in the blink of the eye. Therefore, there’s a great influence of celebs on the youth as far as India is concerned where more than 50% of the population is young.

Are news reports on the TV in India divided into domestic and international ones?

Some TV stations do but not all. Most TV stations focus on the domestic news, and there are also regional TV stations, which specifically feature local news of the city or town.

Vinod Gambtoo’s IELTS Speaking Conjecture, Part 2

June 11, 2020June 11, 2020 admin Leave a comment

Describe a time when you were cheated/when someone lied to you/someone did not tell you the complete truth

What the occasion/situation was
When this happened
Who the person was
What he hid about
Why you think the person did not tell you the whole truth

Or they could ask to talk about a time when you lied to someone

About cheating or lying, I guess everyone faces this immorality (=dishonesty) on many occasions
It’s sad that it’s a part of our life, but we cannot help it
I would like to recount (=tell, narrate) one of the incidents that I’d gone through recently
I wanted to buy a belt, so I visited one of the premium shops in town
The sales officer, named Jenny, attended my purchase order
She showed me many belts from the display and went on pitching striking points/qualities of each belt. I settled with one of my choices and placed the order
I am an animal lover, and therefore, I abstain from using genuine leather products. I don’t want to be a part of animal killing or brutality
I shared this resolution with her and asked her to show me only those belts which were made of the artificial material that looked like genuine leather
She very well understood my point, but she went on withholding (=conceal, hide) information with respect to the belt material and presented false information
She confirmed proudly that the belt was made of artificial material only
Two days later, my father happened to see that belt, and he liked it. He wanted to try it on, and while doing so, he told me that it was made of genuine leather. He knows how much I love animals. He was surprised at my decision to buy the belt made of genuine leather
Jenny sold the product with lies and deception (=betrayal, disinformation). Therefore, I returned it after three days
It’s undesirable and unacceptable. I was upset with her lies and felt cheated
I don’t know why she had to lie to customers. Maybe she would get incentive on each order, and because of making extra bucks, she might have done it. But whatever it is, she shouldn’t have done this, especially when someone like me who is an animal lover would be much annoyed at such deception

Follow-up questions:

Do you think telling white lies is acceptable sometimes?

Surely (=admittedly), it must not be ever. I believe there must be a severe penalty for lying. Anybody who lies on any matter cannot be trusted ever. Whether it is once or frequently, I think we should take a serious note of all forms of lying. Unfortunately, in some cultures or countries, lying is not seen as a big (=significant) offense as other crimes, and people take it casually. I am afraid of this behavior and treatment for people who lie and deceive. This could lead to colossal (=enormous, huge) fraud or crimes at some stage. Therefore, I would say that we should nip the evil in the bud (=kill the evil at the start).

Do you think honesty is the only important (=outstanding) quality that should be in person?

It’s not the only quality that people should possess, but it’s, undoubtedly, essential to the core. Just imagine if a person is dishonest, he may set a false narrative in the relationship. In some cases, people are devious and take advantage of innocent people by peddling lies and dishonesty. They may rob of peace of someone with their harmful agenda. Hence, I give a lot of significance to honesty, but there are other qualities, too, which cannot be ignored at all.

Do you think children should be taught honesty at a young age?

It goes without saying. The foundation plays a vital role in good qualities, such as honesty, etiquette, discipline, compassion, and others. Once the child grows and becomes a teenager, it’s hard for parents and schools to mold him for these basic (=necessary) qualities. Because he becomes adamant and stubborn on a certain (=particular, specific) issue or might have built the foundation of non-cooperation. Initially, children may get mad at us for being the enforcer of consequences. But if we don’t do that now, they will be a huge (=massive) liability for everyone.

Do you think that being completely honest at all times can be not good?

It’s true that sometimes your steadfast honesty turns on to you. Regardless of its consequences, we must not bend our ethics. However, we must make one exception on this topic. We’ve seen many intellectuals are dishonest, and they engage themselves with depravity (=wickedness, degradation). You cannot defeat them straight, so you have to change your rules to beat them. For example, in Mahabharat, Duryodhana fought the war with Pandavas and justified it, but his justification was wrong in spirit.

Why do people lie sometimes?

Well, I’ve no idea why they do so. Maybe they get benefitted from a pack of lies, or perhaps they get the sadistic (=ruthless, brutal) pleasure of putting someone down. I guess there’s a remote possibility that some people are born for lying and manipulating. That comes from their lineage (=clan, origin, pedigree), or they learn from their parents.

How would you define white lies?

It is straight. Some people refuse to accept reality, no matter what happens. If you tell them that the earth is round, they will fight you with lies and make you feel that the earth is flat. Such manipulators or better I call them as intellectually dishonest people present ingeniously (=skillfully, aptly, deftly) pack of lies.

Some people say liars are those who have a good memory; what do you think?

I’m not sure about this thing. But I know of one thing sure that liars have to memorize a lot because they need to present the same lie over and over again.

What are the other ways to teach children about honesty, except having parents or teachers teach them?

I believe the school foundation plays a vital role in establishing certain habits and hacks (=strategy, technique) of life. Children should be rewarded for every small act of their honesty. At least once in a week, there must be a class that gives importance to ethics, morality, discipline, and other essential qualities in our life. Inspiring stories that centralize honesty as a virtue should be included in the school curriculum.

2. Describe your idea of a perfect home or dream house

Where this place would be (is)
What it would look like/what it looks like
When you would like to live there/when you want to live there
Explain why it is ideal for you

Currently, I live in a three-bedroom apartment in the city
It’s the location which offers comfortable access to all places of the city and well connected with public transportation
If I were to have my dream house, it would be a penthouse surrounded by trees and located in the suburbs for some reason
I think the house beautifully decorated from flooring to a state-of-the-art kitchen boasting a 14-feet ceiling makes sense
I would love to have an airy living room leading to the spacious terrace with the white oak flooring. Such a decorating setup makes the home lively and refreshing
Along with these, I would love to see French windows all around my home because it allows more natural light, and they look elegant
My home must include integrated lighting, irrigation, and audio. The open terrace will be like a garden with a private space created by using green climbers where you can sit and enjoy some private moments
Flowering plants of all size to give color and simple wooden benches with artistic chairs for sitting will be the part of my living
I guess to build my dream house is very expensive, and I don’t think that it will be done sooner; might take another ten years to accumulate that much of fund, so I guess it will be when I’m in my thirties (or you can say after ten years or so).
Such a house will give everything that I want
First of all, I’m a nature guy who loves trees, serenity, chirping of birds, and fresh air. When I’m home, the rich (=luxurious) wooden furniture will always give me a sense of living in a beautifully-designed home. And, when I go out to my terrace, flowering plants and green climbers will give (=provide me with) me a glimpse of the garden, and I can watch a bright blue sky with birds flying
This whole package makes my home perfect; in fact, more than perfect
I have been dreaming of such a place to live whenever I get an opportunity for long. Unfortunately, I can’t do that right now because, for this dream house, I need to make a lot of money, and I guess it will take some years to fulfill my dream
I see home is more than four walls because you live there, enjoy every moment of life, and there are emotions attached to it. There’s no place like your home in the world; no matter how busy you are or how far you travel for various activities, but the real pleasure we get only when we return to our home

Follow-up questions:

Do most Indians live in an apartment or a house?

My country is blasting with the population, and you see people everywhere. Unlike other countries, land per person is not enough because of a high density. And, that’s the reason prices of the land always go north every year. Most Indians don’t have the luxury of owning a house but live in an apartment.

Do young people in your country like to live with their parents or by themselves?

Well, the answer is Yes and No both. It all depends upon the disposition (=frame of mind, personality) of the person. Some young people believe in living in a joint family, whereas others see it as an infringement (=invasion, violation) in privacy. On the whole, our society is structured culturally in a manner wherein people enjoy living with parents, and they don’t like to separate them.

Do Indians like to rent a place to live?

Again, it rests on personal choice. But broadly, I believe that Indians love to own the place as they believe that taking a home loan and pay an EMI because you become a property owner (=landlord) after some years. But this logic doesn’t apply to those people who have a transferable job. I’ve personally met those people in my life, and they get really disappointed at losing on to an opportunity to buy a house or make a decision.

Would you live abroad in the future?

Maybe Yes, and that’s why I am taking this English test. I’m planning to study abroad for a few years, and then I may settle there as long as all the immigration rules go in my favor.

How is modern home design in your country different from that of the past?

There has been a lot of transition and transformation in home designing in my country over the years. I guess in the past, I mean I’m talking about some 50 years ago before my birth, people in India loved home design inspired by the living of our kings and rich history. But with time and an increasing population, people moved to small apartments as the land cost became expensive. Therefore, they couldn’t fit those heritage designs in modern apartments. These days, we’ve a neat and clean design, mainly in a straight-line pattern. The modern home design looks slick and attractive and doesn’t waste any space. For example, homes are getting smaller these days, so every inch in your home counts. I personally believe that both sorts of home designs look amazing, depending upon the size of your property. But I must admit that the modern design involves lesser efforts to design and leaves more space for use.

In your country, what types of homes do most people live?

India is a vast country with 1.35 billion people. We’ve people from all classes, rich and poor, settled both in rural and urban areas. Plus, the weather remains different depending upon the place from North to South and East to West. For example, if you go to hilly areas of Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh, you will see homes having the shape of hut and made of pure wood because they control the chilly weather during winter. But if we see homes in other regions, they’re made of cement and bricks. Rural India, at times, is opposite to big cities. You’ll see some homes right in the middle of the farm or nearby. Depending upon the spending budget, city, and region, people live in apartments, palaces, bungalows, penthouse, affordable flats, rowhouses, and also slum areas.

Do people prefer to live in modern homes or older-styled homes?

I reckon people love to live in modern homes owing to modern facilities that are available in modern homes. Older-styled homes look grandeur (=magnificence, opulence, majesty, greatness) and an epitome (=exemplar, embodiment, type) of royalty, but our lives have changed dramatically over the centuries, and we need homes that offer the best functionality. I guess modern homes address all the solutions to comfort our day-to-day life. Additionally, maintenance time and cost play a significant role in choosing the home. And those go in favor of modern houses.

How are modern homes different from older homes?

As I said to you, there is a massive difference in both styles. Older homes offer decent heights, natural light, and grandeur furniture to make you feel like a Maharaja. But modern homes have all the answers to our day-to-day life. People may not have time and money to maintain homes, and what they want is functional features such as spick and span (= neat, clean, and well looked after) premises, well-lit area, use of every corner of the home in this expensive world, the right type of electrification that supports several gadgets and white appliances (=goods) and others.

3. Talk about someone who encourages you to achieve goals or someone who encouraged you to achieve a goal

Who the person is
How he/she is related to you
How he/she encourages you
What this person encourage you to do
Something about that person which you like the most
Why this encouragement helped you to achieve this goal

It’s a golden question
In many battles of life, either we win or fail. But when we fail, we more often get emotionally negative for various reasons. And it’s hard to get unstuck on many occasions
Such events impact adversely on you, and at times, you do something unimaginable and hard on you further
So, the bottom line is we need to remain focused on our goal. However, it’s easier said than done. Therefore, you need someone who could lift your spirit and turn your negative thoughts into positive actions
In my life, I look up to my mommy as the best person who always takes me out of the swamp (=marshland, mud) when needed
If I’m out of sorts, or feeling overwhelmed with emotions owing to desperations of being left out to reach my goal, my mommy comes to rescue me to bring back normalcy
She always tells me, “Your chimp is the reason that puts you down, so control it.” You know we have a chimp inside us, not the real one, but the one who keeps talking to you always and steer your life.
She tells me that it’s me who has to guide my chimp to become either a monster or a victor. And, yes, she is right in that. Ever since I’ve tried to control my chimp (myself) from inside, things changed dramatically, and it turns a negative perspective to a positive one
The best thing I like about her is the way she tackles my frustration and guides me to get rid of it rapidly. She’s untiringly calm when it comes to addressing my issues. She is as cool as a cucumber, whereas I’m, at times, impatient. Therefore, this chemistry works wondrously in my case
Her wisdom helps me steer out of danger and brings me back to the point. In this extraordinarily competitive world, we want to be a winner professionally. Plus, as I said to you about the Chimp who thinks 100 times faster than you – whether it’s positive or negative. Hence, there’s a big deal of maintaining calm. For example, when you’re close to your target, you become overboard (=crazed, enthusiastic, zealous), and there we’ve got to control. At the same time, when things don’t go as you think, it takes you down, so we’ve to see that we’re not mired into a swamp

Follow-up questions:

Why is it important for teenagers to set their goals?

If children aren’t (ain’t) inspired to make their careers at the right age, they probably are not able to become responsible citizens ever in life. They become a burden on parents and the state also. For example, I see many people who are in their twenties or thirties in my country, but they are not at all worried about their life and life of people around them. It pains many, and they not only ruin their lives but also of others. Therefore, it is ‘US’, I mean parents, society, teachers, and the surrounding, who have to ensure them of the right guidance and check (=stop) them from indulging into any sort of nuisance at large.

What will encourage children to learn more?

Well, there could be many things that encourage children to learn more. I guess the first thing is their own natural motivation. I mean, some people are born to learn new things, and they need no push at all. In some cases, parental guidance and stature of parents constantly influence them to push their limits. Some children grow hearing chitchat between parents about ambitions, challenges, innovative ideas, and other things that inspire them further. Lastly, I believe successful stories of winners motivate children. Humankind has an inclination to share and tell stories of those people who have made a difference in our life. Some children start idolizing those people and try to be them or better than them as well. This is how we’ve a positive environment, which works well for children.

Do parents and teachers punish children these days?

Yes, I think so, but maybe not in a harsh way the way it used to be in the past. In the past, children were controlled harshly in some cases, but gone those days now. It’s the need to discipline children before they go astray. Because when we’re very young, we’re restless and think as if we own the world. But the reality is quite the opposite of this fact. Therefore, teachers and parents need to check on them time after time for their good. The absence of supervision from these both parties could be detrimental to their careers.

Who do you think has a greater influence on the goal-setting of children? Teachers or parents?

I think both play a critical role in inspiring children to do something extraordinary. We cannot place the sole responsibility on parents or on teachers. If we do the math, children broadly spend their one-third of time at school and the same amount of time at home and the rest in sleep. So, what they learn at school must be supplemented and supported by parents equally, or the whole exercise gets defeated.

4. Describe a time when you first met someone

Who the person was
Where you met
When it was
How was your experience?

We meet several people in our life on many occasions
Some of them stay with us forever, and others just disappear with time
Those who leave a long-lasting positive impression on our minds either become friends or someone to deserve a special honor for their benevolent (=benign, caring, generous) acts
I’m the guy who generally doesn’t make friends quickly as I’m introverted by disposition (=tendency, personality)
But I do get gravitated to those people with who(m) my ideology gets aligned
I recount (=tell, narrate) one of the incidents which gave me a good friend, and I’m thankful to God for rendering (=give) such an opportunity
A few years back, I remember passing by Queen’s Street on Prince Edward Island and happened to see an injured cat paining and meowing
She hurt her leg and was in excruciating pain. The moment I saw her sorry plight, it tugged at my heartstrings (=to cause strong feelings of love or sympathy), and I rushed to rescue her
I had my limitation as I was not a vet (=veterinarian), so I wanted to help her get rid of pain and nurse her wound but helpless
Luckily, a girl named Georgina was passing by, and she saw us and immediately pulled over her car to check on us
She is as much animal lover as I am. Fortunately, she is a vet. Plus, she enjoys helping stray animals and dedicates her some time to go around the city and reach out to such patients
She and I took the injured cat to her dispensary, where this cat was carefully attended. She took me to a tour of a shelter house on her property that she had built for this cause. I was taken aback (=surprise) to see her efforts, dedication, and sympathy. She is a good Samaritan (=someone who gives help to people and others who need it)
From that incident, we became good friends because there was one thing in common in both of us was the animal love
We shared various stories of how we tried to assist stray animals in our ways and found a good reason to be friends forever
So, this injured cat who we named ‘Gucci’ connected us to become good friends, and both of us are thankful to ‘Gucci’. Gucci is doing good now and delivered three kittens in the following year before she was spayed (=remove the ovaries of a female animal)

Follow-up questions:

Do you think it is strange to make friends online?

Well, I believe it’s not advisable as we’ve no idea about the stranger’s background. Another thing is why to make friends online? We may have 1000 friends on Facebook, but with how many we hang out? That doesn’t make any sense. Traditionally, we make friends by going out and about. We travel, walk the dog, volunteer some specific causes, frequent cafes, or clubs, or attend evening classes. These have been ways to discover new people over the decades. Maybe, people in thirties or forties yet prefer these ways to make friends. Things may change with the youngster. They have entirely (=quite) new ways to come across others. These days, we’ve seen many mobile apps where you discover new friends, or sometimes you sit behind a computer and start blogging on the ‘WordPress’ platform, which enables you to find friends across the world easily. Online gaming is another tool wherein youth happens to meet new friends as well. But, overall, I believe meeting new people in person and knowing them rather than being all over virtually and never happen to see each other. Strangers, at times, put you in trouble as well, and we’ve heard many such negative stories, too.

Why do some people have few friends?

Having many friends or not all depends upon our personality type. Some people are extroverted and vocal, whereas others are introverted, or they love being with few friends only. I guess some people want limited numbers of friends and believe in maintaining a healthy relationship throughout their life. There is no point in having hundreds of friends, because sometimes when you need them, they are nowhere in sight.

What is more important – a new friendship or an old one?

I reckon both types of friendships are equally important in our life. Yes, there is some difference, especially when you are connected to someone over the years. There’s a kind of exceptional bonding because relationship matures with time. Having said that, it also works against it as, in some cases, we carry forward a little animosity (=opposition, strong dislike, anger) if any that occurred years back to our present life as well. A new friendship is all about unlocking a new experience. For example, we get married, and our partner could also become a new friend, and s/he must be needed more than anyone else in the world. Additionally, our dynamics change, like moving from one school to another, one job to another, and one place to another. These all-new settings also impact our relationship. Distance and availability, to some extent, sweeten our relationship with friends.

How do companies welcome their employees?

Large corporations send an electronic greeting to new recruits and sometimes with the greeting card and welcoming ceremony within the department. I’ve no idea about small corporations because it’s managed by the boss or manager wholly. Therefore, it all depends on the disposition (=personality, tendency) of them. Some bosses are extraordinarily congenial (=harmonious, friendly), and they treat each employee as a family member, whereas other bosses distance themselves from day one, citing specific reasons for it.

5. Talk about a newly built public facility (such as parks, cinemas, etc.) that improves/influences local life quality in your city

Which the facility is
Where it is
How it improves life quality
How you feel about it

I would like to talk about a park which was built, I guess, one year ago in the vicinity near my home
The municipality has named it ‘Maharaja Ranjitsingh Park’
I guess it is in the remembrance of Maharaja Ranjitsingh who was one of the bravest kings that my country had produced centuries back
It’s located around one kilometer from my home, so I think it is well placed for me because whenever I desire to visit this park, I can walk to it, which offers me some warm-up before I arrive at the garden
Recreational clubs, playgrounds, and parks are essential parts of our life to refresh, especially in my country, which has a population of over 1.35 billion people. It’s the most densely country on this earth when we see the land area per head (person)
Parks offer us ‘me time’, and you could rewind yourself by sitting in a serene (=cool, comfortable) environment, on the lush green grass surrounded by various types of beautiful trees. On top of it, chirping of birds animate your inner feelings, and you have nothing but to fall in love with nature
I’ve seen people from all walks visit and enjoy life in this park. This park is something special compared to others as it houses a lake in the center. Sometimes, you happen to see flamingoes and tortoises (NB=check pronunciation) and small fishes, too
Personally, I like this park enormously for many reasons. It’s a huge garden and has everything for all aged people. I like its walking track the most because it is covered by tall trees on both ends. So, when you walk, it makes you feel that you are being welcomed by nature and protects you from the sunlight. Therefore, I’m able to conserve some more energy and stamina, which invariably helps me stretch my jogging rounds
Plus, as I said that there is a lake in the center. I believe that’s a well-thought plan by the urban designer. My city has no seashore, so, at times, we miss an opportunity to experience water frolic and a glimpse of it. This suffices

Follow-up questions:

What measures should be taken to deal with damage to public facilities?

Public property damage is a nuisance everywhere in the world. People act recklessly and don’t feel ownership of anything until they pay from their wallets. Hence, whatever public properties are around us are taken for granted. Two things we can think of implementing to stop this menace (=nuisance). One, we need to educate people at the elementary level about civic sense and morality. Children grasp and apply whatever they learn at the school rapidly. Once they are grown up, it’s hard to discipline them because there are chances that they become rebellious. These children, when grow, become responsible citizens and value for everything – be it personal or public property. Second, all public places must be put under surveillance. Through CCTV cameras, we can catch anarchists and damagers.

What is the difference between the old facilities and new facilities?

It’s a slightly difficult question to answer. Anyway (X= not anyways), old facilities were built according to time and need, and today things and tastes of people have changed dramatically. So, maybe they are not much wanted. Additionally, most of them are worn out and lack of finesse and attractions. On the contrary, new facilities address all those issues. They are with time and taste both. What was something popular may not be the same in the current scenario. For example, when I go to my club to play tennis these days, the club administration has placed a device that dispenses sanitizer for members. This was not in need previously, but, after the coronavirus pandemic, such small facilities address the needs of today.

What facilities do young people and old people like in your country?

Well, I can’t typecast (=establish, estimate) the choice of the young and old people since it rests on personal inclination. But, broadly, I would say that old people love socializing people of their time, and they more often prefer parks, temples, and also recreational clubs where they sit and enjoy times. About the youth, they always love recreational clubs, playgrounds, or eateries, where they could hang out with friends.

What is the difference between facilities in the countryside and the ones in the cities?

I think the overall setup remains unchanged, whether it’s a rural or urban area in developed countries. But that may not be true in a country like mine because there is a massive difference between what’s offered in cities and the countryside. What I said just now would be available in cities, but in the countryside, you may not see such facilities. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that people in the countryside don’t enjoy their life. They have natural scenic places and lakes where they hang out with friends. They’ve plenty of land on which they build a deck and play actual drama to entertain people.

Vinod Gambtoo’s IELTS Speaking Conjecture, Part 1

June 5, 2020September 12, 2020 admin 3 Comments

Describe a uniform you wear (at your school or company).
- When you wear it
- Who bought it for you
- What it looks like
- How you feel about it

I don’t need to wear a uniform these days
But I recount (=tell, narrate) my school days when it was mandatory to put on the school uniform
The fundamental idea of the uniform is to treat everyone equally
Some companies have made regulation of putting on the uniform for a variety of reasons
Some large corporations (=company, firm) believe the uniform decreases the dress-based discrimination (=prejudice, bias) at the workplace
My parents bought me the uniform every year. And the fun part was that I knew that it was going to be the same every year, but getting rid of the old one offered renewed joy
I always loved my school uniform. It had a combination of blue and white
We had to wear blue pants (X = not pant) and a white shirt
More than the uniform, I was always fascinated (=strongly attracted) by the belt. It was a stripe-designed strap with the emblem (=symbol, figure) of our school on the plate style buckle
I also loved our school logo on the shirt. It was beautifully designed with a lamp and Goddess Saraswati in it
On a sports day, usually on Saturdays, we had to put on a round-necked blue T-shirt with grey-colored sweat pants
While talking to you right now about my school uniform, it takes me back to my golden days of life
School time is something that you treasure (=cherish) forever, and If I had an opportunity to ask for something now, I would certainly like to have those golden days back.
We all looked amazingly handsome and beautiful in our school uniform. No matter how pricey clothes that we buy now and put them on, but there’s nothing like our uniform. It was simple and attractive. Maybe it’s linked to our school time, and then we were quite young and restless hence, with the uniform, so many things are attached
Some friends of mine hated to put on the uniform, citing it was compulsion imposed on us because we looked upon students who were going to college or university at that time, and they were exempted from this code of wearing
But if I talk about myself, I never shared such a mindset then. On the contrary, I enjoyed it. Yet I’ve my old uniform of the year 10 as reminiscences (=memory, recollection), and I take it out, at times, to relive those moments. So, it comes down to how people think on this point

Follow-up questions:

Why should students wear uniforms?

Wearing a school uniform is a symbol of identification and pride, and it also makes a personality for a school. It’s the imperative piece of being a school student. It also teaches students to take pride in their appearance. Wearing a uniform is all about being in the organization or school together

2. On what occasions should people wear uniforms?

It depends upon who (m) you’re associated with, and you need to size up the occasion (that) you will be attending. Otherwise, you don’t feel confident if you’re over or underdressed, so we’ve to ensure that we’re dressed in an outfit that is the right to the occasion. For example, in a school, the uniform gives a sense of togetherness, and we all look good, no matter whether we are thin or doughy (=fat) or whatever. When we grow up and start our career, some corporations have a dress code. You’ve no choice but to align with the philosophy and policy of the corporation. In some cases, when we’ve got an annual meeting or any roadshow for promotion, we wear uniforms.

3. Should companies ask employees about the design of their uniforms?

Well, my answer is ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ both because there could be several suggestions if asked. Imagine a corporation which has over 1,000 employees, people will pour in ideas and recommendations, and everyone has his own preference. In that case, it’s slightly tricky to narrow down the final decision. But this exercise can be used for gathering ideas and preferences and anything that comes close to the conclusion of the management, that dress code should be taken.

4. Can people tell someone’s personality by his or her clothes?

Of course, yes. I believe that your clothing sense reflects your personality and, in some cases, your royalty, too. People get attracted to those who have a neat and sharp clothing sense. And it also depends upon an occasion. I’ve seen people wearing a pair of jeans and a round-necked T-shirt while attending any wedding event, and they certainly look horrible in that. It’s tacky (=tasteless, gaudy). At the same time, when somebody is dressed in an appropriate outfit grabs the attention of the audience.

5. What color would catch people’s attention most?

It’s subjective. For some boys and men, they don’t imagine trying colors other than black, white, navy blue, and beige. And bright colors look good on girls. In fact, I feel jealous because women have a plethora of colors to choose for their attires, whereas boys have no such choices. It’s sad (with a smiling face).

2. Describe a special day that made you happy.

When it was

What the occasion was

Why it made you happy

There are countless moments and days when I felt happy
In fact, I’m grateful for something every day as I listen to my inner child
The special day that I recount (=tell, narrate) now is my last birthday. Usually, people love their birthdays, but any birthday which brings a surprise is incredible
That’s what happened to me last year
I had been thinking of buying the latest iPhone over the months, but it was beyond my budget
Additionally, I didn’t want to force my parents to buy me an expensive phone, so what I did was I started to save some money every month
Yet I was short of around ₹30,000, and it was a big amount for me to manage
I don’t know how my parents observed my longing (=wish, yearning) for a new phone, but I’m sure they kept their eyes on this wish of mine
I remember this surprise because it gave me a smile of the century on my face
I got up in the morning and was waiting for my cup of tea to be served
Instead of tea, my mommy hugged me and gave me the gift-wrapped box
I asked her what was in it. She said, “you open it up and see yourself”
And guess what! It was iPhone XR. I couldn’t believe that for a while, but it was happening
The thing that I had been longing for (=wanting, wishing, desiring) quite some time was right there in front of my eyes
I felt I was on cloud 9 (=state of perfect happiness) and thanked my parents for that incredible gift
I know it’s something beyond my imagination and never knew that my parents were so much attentive to my wishes
Anyway (X= not anyways), parents are always there to cheer your special moments

Follow-up questions:

What are some things that made you feel happy?

There are many things, in fact, that makes me feel great many times. Whenever any positive piece of news that breaks for which you have been waiting for so long is one of them. I cheer when Team India wins the match, or also I feel elated (=happy) at the playing opportunity for either an indoor or outdoor game. I personally believe that fulfilling hobbies bring unimaginable (=incredible, unbelievable) joy to your life.

2. Do you think artistic activities can make people happy? (Why/Why not)

I’m not sure about it because it varies from person to person. I’m the guy who is not overly inclined to artistic activities, so it doesn’t matter to me. But I’ve seen a lot of people enjoying themselves when they employ themselves in creative activities. There’s a classic case in my family. My sister lives in a world of arts, so she finds tremendous joy whenever she gets associated with artistic activities.

3. Do you think people who have more talent are happier than others? (Why/Why not)

I don’t agree with this notion. Happiness has nothing to do with talent (=ability). It’s all about how you see your life and try to extract pleasure (=happiness) from small things around you. For example, I feel much convinced when I feed animals, but my neighbor, who is a renowned doctor, abhors (=hates) it. He might be feeling happy with other activities. I’ve also seen talented people being grumpy (=bad-tempered, waxy), and at the same time, people who live by the road enjoy better than us on many occasions.

4. Do you think money makes people happy?

My answer is ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ both. Money is not everything but not lesser than anything, too. That’s a paradoxical (=contradictory, incongruous) statement, but it’s true for sure. Life becomes beautiful with money, but it also becomes trash if you’re deprived (=strip, deny) of sound health. So, money does buy medicines but unable to get your health on many occasions. Again, I’ve seen the happiest people with lesser wealth and the most frustrated with riches on this earth.

5. Are the things or events that make people happy today the same as several decades ago?

Of course, the definition of happiness, excitement, surprise, and other emotional triggers remains unchanged. Maybe the mode, nature, and sources of joy might have changed with time. For example, people in the past enjoyed a cup of tea in the garden, and today they go to a cafe.

6. Why do people feel happy when they are with members of their family?

By all means (=of course), they’re your family, and for every moment, whether we’re happy or not, they stand by us. Another important aspect is that we don’t need to fake anything with them. Whether we are good or bad, they love us untiringly and incessantly (=regularly, constantly, endlessly). Such unconditional love ties the members of the family. To me, the family is first!

7. What are some examples of family activities that make people happy?

I guess there are many family activities that make our lives whole. A cozy dinner with your folks or maybe going on holiday with them or could be with them for watching just a movie are some of the activities. I personally like a candlelit dinner with my girlfriend at the beachfront restaurant, which provides the perfect end to the day.

8. Some people say the happiest time in people’s lives is the period when they are at school. Do you agree?

There’s no doubt about it because we’re young and restless with no external concerns of career-making or sustaining any type of relationship or so. In school time, we enjoyed small things which seem to be inconsequential (=unimportant, insignificant) if we think about them right now, but that’s the all joy that we had. We never judged anyone or were judged by our friends, too. We seized every moment and enjoyed life more even if when something went wrong, it didn’t impact much the way it happens now. I wish I could reclaim those golden days of my life now, but it’s just not possible.

9. Do young and older people find happiness in the same things?

Yes, I think so. Some moments and activities bring the same joy regardless of your age and other factors. I can give you an excellent example to substantiate (=confirm, prove) my agreement. My dad, mommy, sister, and I play Ludo game on the tablet, and you’ll be surprised to see the intensity, excitement, and happiness when we beat each other. We all become kids once again and fight hard as they do so.

3. Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake.

When it happened

Why you were sleepy

Why you had to stay awake

And how you stayed awake

Sleep has been called ‘force multiplier’. It means it can worsen or enhance your performance
I personally cannot stand the sleep deprivation (=hardship, loss) and need at least eight-hour sleep to stay in the right mood
Usually, I ensure to have deep sound sleep, but there are occasions where I couldn’t keep up the same
I remember the night before the paper of Math (X= not Maths) during the Year 12 exam. I always struggled with calculus in my school time, so needed additional time to cover my study
As I said that the course of math always scared me, so it was boring (=tedious). And you know that when you do some boring job, it makes you feel drowsy and uninterested
So it happened that night particularly. I had to cover my pending portion of the exam preparation, and I felt sleepy
I hated that moment, but I knew that if I hadn’t stayed awake, I would have to pay a heavy price for it
I had no choice but to stay awake at any cost
Then what! People have their own ways to stay awake; some have energy drinks, and others believe having tea or coffee
I don’t know how far it is true that such beverages containing caffeine help you stay awake, but it certainly doesn’t work for me
If I’ve to stay awake for some reason, I will rather watch some interesting videos on YouTube or maybe music also
So, during that hard time, I watched any song of my choice and got charged and got back to my studies, and then whenever I felt sleepy, I repeated the same

Follow-up questions:

On what occasions do people need to stay awake even when they are tired?

There could be several occasions where you need to stay awake even if you hate to do so. When we’ve to write an exam, it’s an integral part, and I’m sure most students go through the same situation. When we grow up and are burdened heavily with some backlog of jobs, it takes away our sleep in order to meet the deadline. And the worst of all is when you have unwanted visitors at home, you don’t want to spare some time for them, but you do so just to sustain the relationship.

2. How do they keep awake when they are tired?

People have ways to keep themselves awake. The most common hack (=strategy, technique) on which people rely on is to consume any drink that contains caffeine. For example, tea, coffee, or energy drink. I’ve seen some people washing their faces with soda. They get a kind of instant zip (=oomph, vitality, vigor, verve) in their mood. I don’t know whether it works or not, but people do that. And there are some people who do some job that interests them the most. Like reading a novel or maybe watching some exciting series on Netflix or YouTube.

3. Why do people feel tired a lot nowadays?

Well! It’s not about these days or yesteryears. People get fatigued (=tired) owing to physical tiredness or psychological reasons. For example, students participate in sports competitions or play outdoor games, which certainly takes their toll because of excessive playing or working out exhaust them. While people who work go through extraordinary pressure of many things at the workplace, along with their own external concerns. The steep competition in the business or at the workplace keeps everyone on the toe forever, and it impacts adversely on their health.

4. What kinds of people lack sleep?

There could be many kinds! Some people work globally from their home place, and the time difference breaks their regular cycle of sleep. The classic example is people working with call centers. There are some people who remain under pressure at the workplace, or even those people who are under constant threat of losing their jobs in this competitive world are deprived of the sound sleep. Some people also suffer from insomnia, and that’s the worst thing we could expect. There could be many others, too.

4. Describe an experience when you played an indoor game with others.

What you played

Who you played with

Why you played

How you felt about it

I play both indoor and outdoor games
It all depends upon the opportunity and time availability, and on some occasions, it’s all about the company of friends or members of the family with who you are
I personally love the game of Chess as it is a fascinating (=exciting, interesting) indoor game; usually, it’s played with two players
But today I’m going to talk about another game, which is popular these days
It’s Ludo, and it’s also known as Boardgame
I went to my cousin’s place some days back, and happened to meet his friends there, too
We were just killing time by gossiping, and one of his friends recommended to play Ludo game
First, we decided to play on the cell phone, but later on, decided to change it to an iPad
I find this game exciting, and for every move of your token, you need to use reasoning to beat your rival. You cannot roll your tokens randomly or without giving a thought. If you do so, you may lose
This game is played with two to four players, and we decided to team up and played in the partnership of two each
So, whoever brings all four tokens to the finishing square wins
This game: if played with attention, it brings all sorts of emotional triggers, such as fear, excitement, jubilation, regret, and so on
My partner and I were the winners in the end. However, we narrowly defeated our opponents because one of their partners had only one token left to the finish, and luckily we had two sixes, and my partner made it

Follow-up questions:

Do you play any indoor games?

Sometimes I play indoor games, but I rather (=instead) prefer to play outdoor games more. I personally believe that the game must include physical efforts (energy busting) along with skills. For example, I get more satisfaction if I happen to play tennis, badminton, or cricket.

2. Do you prefer to play indoor games or outdoor games?

Outdoor games, any day. That will be the first preference. You get a different kind of joy when you play in the ground, field, or court. And, it also gives a workout to the body.

3. What indoor games did you play when you were a child?

I don’t remember all, but yes, there were games such as playing cards, especially Rummy, Ludo, Candy Crush, Indoor Bowling, and Puzzles, among others. Apart from these, we also played Indoor Obstacle Course and Follow the Leader.

4. Is there any particular indoor game that you liked (when you were a child?

I enjoyed playing all the games. If I have to single out my favorite one, I will go with ‘Road Rash’ on Xbox. There is a particular reason for it because you play it with simulation. It means as if you feel driving the bike, cutting your wave, kicking or getting kicked by your opponent, and so on. It’s really entertaining, especially when you come down from the cliff, staying in the altitude for seconds, and land your bike. You feel as if it were happening to you.

5. What sorts of indoor games do children play now?

I’m not sure about it, because I don’t have any kid in my family at the moment. But let me guess. I guess they play games on Xbox yet. There are countless gaming apps, but frankly speaking, I’m unable to think of any other game. Maybe I never thought of being asked such a question ever.

6. Do you play video games? And what kinds of video games do you like to play?

Yes, and I love it. If I had an opportunity right now, I wouldn’t wait for it. Car Racing and Road Rash are my favorite ones. There could be many other games, but I’ve no idea, I just play those games that offer me pleasure, and these are the games that make me excited and playful.

7. Is it good for young people to play video games?

I don’t see anything wrong with it. I know some people consider it (as) a bad habit, but I think otherwise for a variety of reasons. Video games make players think and make the judgment on their next moves, so it’s like applying your critical thinking. It is fun, isn’t (ain’t) it? In most games, you need to think rapidly and make your moves. If you fail to make the right decision, you face a defeat. In a nutshell, that prepares you at the elementary level to make the right decision, which can be helpful in the career later on.

8. What qualities should a team leader have?

Well! There is a list of qualities for team leaders, but it’s hard to have a composed team leader these days. I think the team leader should be, first of all, a clear communicator since he has to assign duties to team members and get things done on time. Furthermore, he should be confident for his team and patient when things go wrong. In many cases, team leaders wear a lofty (=high, elevated) ego and prejudice (=bias, discrimination), which kills the tempo of the team and impacts productivity. I personally believe that he should be fair, kind, and cooperative. If I’m in a fix (situation), he should roll his sleeves and stand by me.

9. Is teamwork important to individuals?

Yes, it is. In fact, it is of great significance. We must not forget that teamwork makes large corporations. Teamwork means professional diversity. Coordinated efforts give a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to each team member. In some cases, team members learn from each other and develop skills. It teaches several professional traits without which it’s hard to make progress in the career.

10. What do you think about people spending too much time on computer games?

Anything too much always brings disappointment of any sort. I don’t know what drives people to spend their precious time on computer games excessively. It’s an addiction – an unwanted one for sure. I believe many people lose an opportunity to experience this beautiful world outside the four walls. It should be avoided.

5. Talk about something that you borrowed from your friend

What it was

When you borrowed

From whom you borrowed it

What you did with it

Why you borrowed it

No matter how old you are, you can keep lending or borrowing something somewhere in your life
I guess it’s an integral part of our society. But it may not go well with everyone
I remember having borrowed the motorbike of my neighbor once when I was in the final year of my college
I remember that incident pretty well now. It was drizzling on that day, and I guess it’s the weekend
My friends called and invited me to go to a movie. It wasn’t planned, but all of a sudden a couple of friends decided about this and connected each other.
My motorbike was with the workshop for a regular mechanical service, and I didn’t have any vehicle to go and join them. I kept thinking about my options on how to come and go there, and eventually, I decided to borrow the motorbike from my neighbor for this friends’ gathering cum movie watching
My neighbor, Aakash, recently bought KTM 200 Duke motorbike then. This motorbike was amazing, and I had a test drive of it on varied roads before. The engine had a great punch, and I guess its attractive design fails to age yet
So, the joy of meeting with friends for a movie and driving the motorbike in the drizzle makes this event unforgettable for me. In fact, when I recollect this incident, I cannot fail to remember those crazy stunts that I performed on this motorbike. In fact, I shouldn’t have done that because I had borrowed it from someone, but you know when you are very young, you become restless and less thoughtful about certain etiquette. Anyway (X= not anyways), this question took me back to the memory lane of my school time

Follow-up questions:

What do Indian people usually borrow?

In my country, well, it’s hard to think that what people borrow from one another. I guess it all depends upon the person and the way he has decided to live. For example, I’ve seen some people who believe not to lend or borrow. At the same time, there are people who cannot resist (=refrain from) this habit. I guess people borrow everything and all things from books to clothes to cars to motorbikes and even money or academic notes, too. I think people do that in any society.

2. Does borrowing things make people uncomfortable?

In most cases, I reckon it makes people uncomfortable as nobody likes to share his stuff with anyone except when someone is very close to him. I personally believe that it’s not a good habit, especially some people aren’t (=ain’t) expressive, and they don’t like to say ‘no’ to them, but at the same time, from deep inside they reject this idea. So, my point is why to make people uncomfortable for this undisciplined act.

3. What to do if you don’t want to lend something to others?

Don’t ask me this question because I’m very much infamous for being straight to my dealings with people. I’ve my ways to decline people’s requests on borrowing. I tell them in a straightforward manner, and my response will be, “Buddy, we’re friends and I respect and understand you and your need. But I never lend any of my stuff to anyone because, on many occasions, it leaves a bitter experience to either party. So, in this case, I’ve no option but to decline your request.”

4. Why do people dislike lending valuable items?

There could be many reasons for it. I think when you help someone by lending something, it may lead to forming a bad habit of dependency. Some people have a habit of relying on others for all their needs. In some cases, the lender faces inconvenience also. For example, if I happen to lend my motorbike to someone, I will face inconvenience in commuting. And, that’s the primary reason that people don’t like to lend their valuables.

5. What would you do if your friends didn’t give back what they borrowed from you?

Well! It all depends on the value of the stuff. If it is highly expensive, then I might pressure him to take my stuff back. If it has no high value, I may let it go and will never lend him anything to him.

6. Why do some people borrow things instead of buying them?

As I said, some people form a nasty habit of borrowing all the time. They are misers and don’t like to spend on themselves. That’s cheap, but what can we do in such a case? Nothing, I guess. You cannot change the habits of people, and they will remain as they are, no matter how many efforts we put in to explain to them. They’re just stubborn in wrong aspirations and demands.

7. What would you do if people don’t return the money they borrowed from you?

First things first, I will request him to give my money back. And if he is unmoved to my request, I may talk to his family for helping me get my money. If I fail here, I will involve people in acquaintance to pressure and convince him to get my money. When all the options are exhausted, I may take serious steps against him.

8. Why are people embarrassed when they borrow money from others?

One word answer is self-esteem. I reckon most people in the world don’t prefer to borrow from others unless they are in deep financial trouble. Self-esteem is invisible in the form, but it impacts us a great deal. It’s like a humiliation for sensitive people, and they feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.

9. Do you often borrow things in your daily life?

I try not to borrow anything ever in my life. Borrowing will be the last resort for me when all the options are gone. But this was not the case while I was studying. When I was in school, we borrowed all possible things from friends. But that’s a different time. For example, I took academic assistance from friends wherever I couldn’t cope with (X= not cope up with) certain parts of my studies. These all things are considered acceptable, but once you’re grown up, we’ve several external and internal concerns, and we keep negotiating them for ourselves and family. As long as you’re young and studying, I guess we can offer some leeway (=scope, space, headway), but certainly not when we’re grown up.

10. What things you usually borrow from your neighbor?

Uhhm, not much, in fact, nothing. Yes, once I borrowed the motorbike from my neighbor as mentioned in my previous question. That’s the only incident of borrowing that I recollect now.

11. How do you like when some people borrow money from others?

I don’t see it as a good habit and advise people not to burden themselves on someone for their needs. If there’s a dire (=desperate, critical) situation, they can certainly think of borrowing but not more often. The reason behind this is because everybody is mired (=entangled, trapped) with his own budget and responsibilities these days. It’s hard for people to help others.

12. What kind of problems are associated with borrowing things?

On many occasions, what I’ve seen is that it leaves a bitter experience. For example, when we lend something to someone, they don’t return our stuff on time or sometimes they damage and return it. As far as financial assistance goes, there is a chance that you may lose your money in a relationship. When you try to get your money back, it kills the bonhomie (=sweet) relationship that you’ve developed over the years. In some cases, it leads to the exchanging of unspeakable arguments also.

13. What is your opinion about the phenomenon of borrowing in society?

As long as we’re young, it’s all acceptable to borrow, or to lend, or to even share your things. These days, I’ve noticed that the moment you become financially strong, some people, or friends, or your relative will flock around you for benefits. It’s a dangerous phenomenon that’s emerging in our society. At the same time, I also believe in charity. If you’re financially strong and could help others – maybe, in the form of lending in the beginning and you know that it won’t be returned if there is the case – you should move ahead and help the needy in your acquaintance.

Canada revises the settlement funds requirement

February 20, 2020February 20, 2020 admin Leave a comment

The government of Canada revises the requirement of the amount of funds that certain skilled workers need to demonstrate in order to migrate to Canada. This policy ensures to stay aligned with the inflation rate annually. The federal government has increased this amount as below:

Number of family members	Funds required in Canadian dollars
1	$12,960
2	$16,135
3	$19,836
4	$24,083
5	$27,315
6	$30,806
7	$34,299
For each additional family member	$3,492

Your family size decides the amount of funds that you need to carry with yourself. Intended immigrants must show these funds whether their members of the family accompany him or not. Use the above-mentioned table to calculate the size of your family.

Master the First & Last Paragraph of Essay

February 4, 2020February 20, 2021 admin Leave a comment

While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.

Introduction: Many people believe that headhunters ought to evaluate personal qualities other than their academics, attainments, and job experience. I personally believe that it has some merits for this process, but they are not absolute, described below. (36 words)

Conclusion: In conclusion, personal qualities play a vital role in evaluating the suitability of employees, but they do not supersede requisite professional traits. (22 words)

Many people believe that learning a foreign language is a very difficult task. What are the most difficult things about learning a foreign language? What is the best way to overcome them? Explain and include your personal experience or knowledge of these problems.

Introduction: It is indeed true that learning another language, especially a foreign one, is a Herculean task. In some cases, it seems a far-fetched dream, but it may not be the same for all. This essay describes my personal experience and know-how of these difficulties while mastering a non-native language. (49 words)

Conclusion: In conclusion, it is a challenging job for people to overcome learning hardships while adopting and adapting to an alien language. Nevertheless, it is a doable job as long as solemn efforts are put in. (35 words)

Many parents encourage young people to leave home when they become older, while others think they should stay at home with the family. Discuss both views, and give your own opinion.

Introduction: More and more parents, these days, motivate the youth to stand on their own two feet when they get older. However, there is a school of thought which thinks against it. I personally believe that it is an excellent idea to inspire the youth to explore the world after a certain age. (54 words)

Conclusion: In conclusion, it makes sense for the youth to experience the world at the right stage of their life. Inspiring them to stay with the family may not reap positive fruition. (31 words)

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factors contribute to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Introduction: Job satisfaction plays an essential factor in employees’ workplace as they give their considerable part of adult life working there. Several elements decide job satisfaction since it a practical ask of all the working people. This essay discusses all the determinants of job satisfaction. (46 words)

Conclusion: In conclusion, job satisfaction plays a pivotal role in employees. The absence of intrinsic value at the workplace may not produce the desired outcome. (24 words)

IELTS Model Answer

December 7, 2019January 18, 2020 admin 2 Comments

Question: Some people believe that entertainers are more important than scientists. Support the reasons and examples from your experience.

Answer: It is the choice that people make between good and popular. Some people love to be associated with their famous figures, such as sportspersons, comedians, actors, and others. However, there is a school of thought which believes that contributions of scientists are as good as other popular figures. This essay takes a neutral stance on both types of heroes.

There are several reasons why the contributions of great scientists cannot be ignored, to begin with. Humankind has evolved from an early primitive stage to the glitter of this modern world. Scientists have strived untiringly to make our life easier and comfortable in every walk of life. For example, we would have been roaming to hunt animals to feed ourselves and died this way had there been no inventions or innovations. Furthermore, scientists are instrumental in making this world a better place to live.

On the flip side, entertainers have a different role to play when compared. Our day-to-day life works on happiness, passion, emotion, stress, and other psychological triggers. These entertainers give a reason for a smile on the face. People are stressed from their nine-to-five jobs, and they find solace and blitheness when they watch their entertainers doing their roles.

In my opinion, it is a battle between popularity and good. Entertainers are closer to the hearts of people as they are generally more covered on television, the internet, newspapers, and magazines. While scientists live with us daily, but they are hidden and unidentified behind the curtains. A classic example is that the youth gravitate more to Tom Cruise than Albert Einstein.

In conclusion, it is indeed entertainers are more remembered and loved than scientists. Both have specific roles in our lives, but the latter is, at times, unfortunate to receive lesser honor and recognition in society. (297 words)

IELTS Model Answer

December 5, 2019December 7, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Question: Some people believe that there will be a reduction in air travel in the future. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Answer: The aviation industry has witnessed a multi-fold growth of air travelers over the decades. However, some experts foresee that numbers of flyers will decrease in the years to come. I personally believe that it is a blessing in disguise and do not see it as a negative development.

There are several reasons why a fall in air travel is beneficial to our planet. Firstly, the aviation industry is one of the largest contributors of carbon gases in the atmosphere. Airplanes run on kerosene, which releases carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere. Secondly, people living near commercial airports suffer from noise pollution. It causes sleep disturbances, interference with communication, and performance effects, among others. Lastly, aircraft manufacturers have not put in serious efforts to innovate the engineering mechanism, which could save the fuel or planes could fly on the alternative fuel. This inertia demands a punishment, too.

The opposite is also true. The slowdown in the aviation industry could leave a ripple effect on the economy. There are tens of thousands of people who work for airlines, and their jobs could be threatened. Additionally, airlines have already been facing a turbulent financial time in the world of late. Their profit margins have substantially been squeezed, and some of them are on the cusp of bankruptcy. Ergo, this topic also includes an ethical dilemma about whether to rejoice or to feel sorry.

In conclusion, the reduction in business activities in the aviation industry will be a savior to our degrading environment, but it will also come at a huge cost. (258 words)

IELTS Model Answer

November 6, 2019November 6, 2019 admin 1 Comment

Question: Online shopping seems to be replacing the traditional method of buying. However, some buyers are skeptical about this practice. Discuss both benefits and risks associated with online shopping.

Answer: Online shopping is indeed gaining traction these days. Many people find it as a godsend for several reasons. However, there is a group of people who yet questions this modern-day shopping method. This essay examines both perspectives.

There are several reasons why online shopping gained popularity overnight. Firstly, it offers a remarkable amount of ease while transacting the deal. For example, people nowadays remain busy. They hardly have time left for shopping on many occasions. It is not a new sensation that several working people do their holiday online shopping at work. This was just a dream two decades ago. Secondly, it is a boon for the elderly and people with disabilities. They no longer need to visit bricks and mortar and go through hassles. Lastly, online shopping offers a wide range of merchandise for customers to click and choose. Shoppers have a paradise of a range of products along with competitive pricing.

The opposite is also true. Online shopping brings a few downsides compared to its counterpart. Some people believe in feeling the product and trying it on in some cases. Physical stores offer this feature, and it works wondrously. Additionally, online shopping is a breeze only when it has ultra-fast broadband. Otherwise, it frustrates busy customers with slow downloads, technical failures, and poorly designed checkout processes. Last but not least, the e-commerce business platform has destroyed the business of retailers. Sagacious people prefer to support local businesses and the community. Such community feeling prevails, and it seems that online businesses might face some resistance sooner or later.

In conclusion, online shopping is taking over traditional businesses and winning the hearts and minds of shoppers in these fast forward times. Nevertheless, it seems a passing fad. (287 words)

Comma Rules

September 26, 2019September 28, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Poor punctuation brings shame to well-written literature. Therefore, no accomplished author can afford to ignore it. A comma, which is a member of the punctuation family, plays an essential role in your write-up. Let’s study its 5 primary uses.

A comma is placed between words in a series:
1. She likes to eat fruits, juice, ice cream, and brownies.
A comma can also be used for salutation, such as opening and closing a letter.
1. Dear Sir and Madam, (in the opening of the letter)
2. Love, Josh (at the end of the letter)
A comma is also used to set off a dependent clause at the beginning of a sentence.
1. After working hard on this assignment, we decided to take some time off for future projects.
A comma is used before the conjunction in a compound sentence. In other words, we connect two sentences using ‘and.’
1. She likes to eat fruits, and she likes to eat ice cream.
A comma is used before and after quotation marks.
1. “She likes to eat fruits,” She said.
2. She said, “She likes to eat fruits.”

IELTS Model Answer: Task 1, Academic Training

September 18, 2019September 18, 2019 admin Leave a comment

The bar chart compares the regular physical activity of a different age group of Australian men and women in 2010. As can be seen, men doing physical exercises during youth and old age were higher in numbers than women.

As to the data, over 50% of men in the age group of 15 to 24 did regular physical activity, whereas women were slightly behind about 5% in the tally. This is the only trend in which men superseded women by a fair margin. As the age progressed, nearly 50% of women, a tad below or above, in all age groups from 25 through 65 or above did regular physical activity. This trend for men was the opposite. It stayed at nearly 40% upwards until the age group of 55 to 64 and rose to nearly 47% in the last age group. However, there was a massive difference in the age group of 35 to 44, wherein nearly 53% of women were regular in the fitness activities as opposed to a tad below 40% of men.

Overall, women are more active in physical activities than their male counterparts. (183 words)

Reference:

The topic is taken from Cambridge 12 (Test 5 & Task 1) for training purpose in general.