The ability to interact is crucial to this course, and its focus is on voice tones that reflect how you sound. Learning about the way in which you sound to a native speaker can help you to build confidence.
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Face-to-face communication and comparing it to other forms is the topic for this IELTS essay writing task.
IELTS Homework
Write an essay to express your opinion on the effectiveness of face-to-face communication compared to other forms such as letters, emails, or telephone calls. Emphasise the unique benefits of face-to-face communication, and provide examples from your experience if possible. Your essay should have a minimum of 250 words and should take about 40 minutes to complete.
The return to normal working practice post-COVID has brought about a dilemma in society. Technology has played a significant role in this process. As a global society, we aim to strike a better balance between work, rest, and play. However, this is highly controversial, as there is a growing concern about the lack of social skills among the younger generation.
Work Environment
The workplace has embraced new forms of work environments, including hybrid and remote working. While this has sparked debate in certain sectors, it has proven to be effective in maintaining profitability and productivity for most sectors. For instance, remote working can reduce overhead costs for companies and provide employees with a better work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention.
There are, nonetheless, skeptics who argue that these new forms of communication lead to a loss of face-to-face interaction. It’s important to recognise the value of physical interaction in building and maintaining relationships, both within and outside of the work environment. Some employers see technology as a threat to interpersonal skills that they consider essential, and it’s crucial to preserve these skills.
Family Structure
Another area where face-to-face communication has diminished is within the family structure. We can see more families replacing physical interaction with conference call technology such as Zoom and Skype.
When expressing your opinion, consider offering varied examples instead of relying solely on generic statements such as “I think.” Additionally, using a richer vocabulary can help you achieve a higher score. This topic falls under the genres of health and technology, and you can find related articles on most news portals’ homepages. It’s important to continually enrich your vocabulary to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the English language and to incorporate it into your speech.
The Exam Preparation Course
Our Exam Course works within the framework of most boards, understanding the need to focus on strategy. Achieving higher scores requires patience, comittment and the ability to manage your time. A solid study plan needs to be adhered to and you will be required to prepare homework at the end of every class.
Whilst IELTS is challenging, it’s one of the most respected exam boards with employers. The difference between the General and Academic level is tactical and you should understand that patience, perseverance and study is mandatory.
Level
Understand the level you have and what is needed to increase it. Having family, work and personal commitments must be balanced with the task in hand. Just the want to pass this exam is not enough, without planning, it will remain an unachievable objective and quite frankly a wasted effort of spending money and time.
The Horizon drifted through the Andromeda Nebula, a swirling mass of chaos and colour obscuring the stars.
In “Shadows of the Nebula,” the crew of the spaceship Horizon navigates the treacherous Andromeda Nebula, where they detect a mysterious distress signal emanating from a derelict Federation ship, the USS Valor. Commander Thorne, determined to uphold their responsibility to those in need, leads his team—technician Jax and telepath Lyra—into the depths of the abandoned vessel.
As they explore the eerie corridors, they encounter a lone survivor who reveals that the crew was taken by evil shadows lurking within the nebula. Suddenly, a dark figure confronts them, claiming they have trespassed into the realm of the lost. Faced with this supernatural threat, Thorne and his team must fight for their lives against the encroaching darkness.
In a tense escape, they manage to reach the transporter room and beam back aboard the Horizon just in time. With the shadows dissipated but the danger still looming, the crew sets a course for the nearest starbase, reflecting on their harrowing experience and the constant threats they face in their ongoing battle against the unknown forces of the universe.
Join one2one academy for this intermediate to advanced reading and comprehension task. Book a free test class for more information about this lesson plan; details are on our website.
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The Horizon
The Horizon drifted through the Andromeda Nebula, a swirling mass of chaos and colour obscuring the stars. This mysterious and dangerous nebula was known for its unpredictable energy fluctuations and the strange phenomena it spawned. Inside the ship, the atmosphere was thick with tension, a palpable reminder of the dangers ahead. Commander Thorne leaned over the control panel, his fingers dancing across the console as he monitored their surroundings.
“Status report, Jax,” he said, glancing at the nervous technician adjusting his collar.
“Nothing to report, just the usual cosmic soup,” Jax replied, his voice wavering. “But I’ve picked up some strange energy readings. It’s like we’ve stumbled into a worm’s nest.”
“Let’s not mince words,” Thorne retorted, his tone sharp. “What do the readings indicate?”
“Um, it’s hard to tell,” Jax stammered, peering into the screen. “It’s fluctuating. It could be a distress signal… or a trap.”
Just then, Lyra, the telepathic crew member, spoke up from her station. “I sense something… or someone. There’s a presence trapped within the nebula.”
“Great,” Jax muttered, shaking his head. “Just what we need—more company. We should cut our losses and get out of here.”
“Not so fast,” Thorne interjected, his eyes narrowing. “We can’t abandon anyone in trouble. We have a responsibility, whether you like it or not.”
“Responsibility? You mean to get us all killed?” Jax shot back, but he knew Thorne was right. They couldn’t leave someone to suffer in the depths of the nebula.
“Or worse,” Lyra added, a grim look crossing her face. “What if this presence is linked to the Federation? Our mission was to investigate the disappearance of a Federation research vessel in this sector. If this is indeed their ship, we may have stumbled upon the cause of their vanishing.”
“Then we’ll have to deal with it,” Thorne said, his voice steady. “Set a course for the source of the signal. We can’t afford to look the other way.”
As the Horizon inched closer, the nebula enveloped them, tendrils of gas swirling like wraiths. The ship shook, and the view screen flickered with bursts of colour. “It’s as if the nebula is alive,” Jax whispered, a chill running down his spine.
“Don’t let your imagination run wild,” Thorne snapped. “We need to keep our wits about us.”
“Easy for you to say,” Jax muttered, gripping his seat. “You’re not the one risking your neck.”
“Enough. Prepare to beam down,” Thorne ordered, his gaze fixed on the readings. “We’ll find out what’s happening.”
The team materialised on the surface of a derelict Federation ship, the USS Valor. The air was stale, saturated with the scent of decay. The crew’s breath caught in their throats as they took in the eerie scene. “This place is a graveyard,” Jax said, his voice barely above a whisper, a shiver running down his spine.
“Stay alert,” Thorne commanded, scanning their surroundings. “We don’t know what we’ll find.”
As they moved deeper into the ship, shadows flickered at the edges of their vision. Lyra paused suddenly, her senses prickling. “Something’s not right,” she warned. “I can feel it.”
“Don’t get jumpy,” Thorne said, but his voice showed a hint of concern. “We need to keep moving.”
They entered the main engineering bay, where the source of the distress signal flickered on a console. A lone crew member lay slumped against the wall, his face gaunt and pale. “Help… please,” he gasped, his voice a mere whisper.
“Get him out of here,” Thorne said, urgency in his tone. “What happened?”
“The nebula… it took us,” the man gasped. “One by one… the shadows came for us.”
“Shadows?” Jax echoed, his eyes wide. “What do you mean?”
Suddenly, the air crackled with energy, and a dark figure emerged from the shadows, its form shifting and twisting. “You have trespassed into the realm of the lost,” it intoned, its voice a chilling echo.
“Back off!” Thorne shouted, raising his weapon, but the figure advanced, its presence suffocating. “You cannot escape your fate.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Thorne retorted, his resolve hardening. He turned to Jax and Lyra. “We need to get out of here. Now!” The crew, though terrified, stood their ground, ready to face whatever came their way.
The figure lunged at them, and chaos erupted. Jax stumbled, fumbling with his blaster as Lyra tried to focus her mind, pushing back against the oppressive force. “We can’t let it take us!” she cried out.
Thorne led the charge, directing them towards the exit. “Stay together! We’ll fight our way out!” The crew, united in their struggle, pushed forward as one.
As they raced through the corridors, the shadows seemed to close in around them, whispers echoing in their ears. “You cannot run from the inevitable,” the figure taunted.
“Shut it!” Jax shouted, panic lacing his voice. “We’ll take our chances!” The crew, refusing to succumb to fear, pressed on with unwavering determination.
They reached the transporter room just as the figure surged forward, its form coalescing into a mass of darkness. “You will join the others!” it roared.
“Now!” Thorne commanded, slamming the transporter controls. The team beamed back aboard the Horizon, the darkness dissipating as they materialised on the ship.
“Status report!” Thorne barked, adrenaline surging through him.
“Shields are holding, but we need to get out of this nebula before it’s too late,” Lyra said, her brow furrowed with worry.
“Set a course for the nearest starbase,” Thorne ordered, his voice steady. “We can’t afford to linger here.”
As the Horizon pulled away from the nebula, the crew felt a wave of relief wash over them. They had faced the darkness and emerged intact, but the shadows of the past still haunted them.
“Another close call,” Jax said, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Next time, I’m voting for a nice, quiet planet.”
“Don’t count on it,” Thorne replied, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “In this line of work, quiet is a luxury we can’t afford.”
The Horizon surged forward with the stars glimmering ahead, ready to confront whatever dangers lay beyond. Together, they would continue their fight against the Federation and the shadows that threatened to consume them.
Questions
What is the name of the ship in the story?
Who is the commander of the Horizon?
What phenomenon does the Horizon navigate through?
Which crew member senses a presence within the nebula?
What type of ship do the crew members find when they beam down?
What happens to the crew of the USS Valor, according to the lone survivor?
What does the dark figure claim when it confronts Thorne and his team?
How does Thorne respond to the dark figure’s threats?
What do the crew members do to escape the dark figure?
What is the crew’s plan after they escape the nebula?
Spain has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This lesson plan explores various aspects of Spanish culture and aims to help English language learners gain confidence in expressing their opinions.
Spanish – Traditions
One of the most famous traditions is La Tomatina, held annually in the town of Buñol. This quirky festival, celebrated on the last Wednesday of August, invites thousands to engage in a massive tomato fight. Participants hurl ripe tomatoes at each other, creating a picturesque yet messy spectacle that embodies the spirit of fun and camaraderie. La Tomatina has grown in popularity, attracting tourists from around the globe, eager to partake in this unique celebration.
Another thrilling event is the Running of the Bulls (Encierro) during the San Fermín festival in Pamplona. Each July, brave souls dash through the streets alongside a herd of bulls, creating an adrenaline-fuelled atmosphere. While it draws thrill-seekers, the event also sparks debates about animal welfare and safety, highlighting the complex relationship between tradition and modern values.
Spanish Deep-rooted Cultural Practices
As summer approaches, the lively Feria de Abril in Seville showcases the heart of Andalusian culture. This week-long fair transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of flamenco dancing, horse parades, and traditional attire. Families and friends gather in colourful tents to enjoy local cuisine, music, and dance, embodying the joy and hospitality that Spain is known for.
During the festive season, the Spanish New Year is marked by the peculiar tradition of Nochevieja. At the stroke of midnight, revellers consume twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock, symbolising good luck for the upcoming year. This unique custom adds a dash of excitement and anticipation to the New Year festivities.
Spain – Honouring the Past
Spain’s connection to its history and heritage is evident in the observance of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in certain regions. Families honor their deceased loved ones with altars adorned with photos and offerings, celebrating life and memory in a poignant yet joyful manner.
In Castrillo de Murcia, the El Colacho festival takes a different approach to tradition. In this unique event, a man dressed as the devil leaps over babies born in the previous year, believed to cleanse them of sin and protect them from evil. This unusual ritual, celebrated during the feast of Corpus Christi, showcases the imaginative and sometimes surprising nature of Spanish customs.
Spain – Embracing Regional Diversity
Spain’s traditions are not monolithic; they vary significantly from region to region. The Caga Tió, a cherished Christmas figure in Catalonia, brings joy to children as they hit a decorated log with sticks, prompting it to “poop” out gifts and sweets. Meanwhile, the Semana Santa (Holy Week) features solemn processions that reflect the deep religious roots of the country, with participants donning traditional robes and carrying religious icons through the streets.
As summer arrives, the festival of San Juan Night lights up the beaches with bonfires and celebrations, symbolising the cleansing of past troubles and the welcoming of good fortune. This tradition exemplifies the Spanish love for community and festivity.
Spain – A Living Heritage
These traditions, both strange and beautiful, illustrate the rich cultural heritage of Spain. They unite communities, celebrate history, and offer a sense of belonging. As Spain continues to evolve, these customs serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
Whether through laughter at La Tomatina or reverence during Semana Santa, the traditions of Spain are a vibrant tapestry that continues to enchant and inspire, inviting all to partake in the joyous celebration of life.
Spain is known for its rich culture and diverse traditions, some of which might seem strange or unusual to outsiders. Here are a few unique Spanish traditions that stand out:
Spanish Traditions
1. La Tomatina
Held annually in the town of Buñol, La Tomatina is a massive tomato-throwing festival. Participants throw ripe tomatoes at each other for fun, creating a colourful and messy spectacle. The event usually takes place on the last Wednesday of August and attracts thousands of participants from around the world.
2. Running of the Bulls (Encierro)
This famous event takes place during the San Fermín festival in Pamplona. Participants run in front of a group of bulls that are let loose on the streets. While it’s a thrilling event, it also raises concerns about animal welfare and safety.
3. La Feria de Abril
In Seville, the April Fair is a week-long celebration featuring traditional flamenco dancing, horse parades, and colourful casetas (tents). People dress in traditional attire, and locals and visitors alike enjoy food, drink, and music late into the night.
4. Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve)
One quirky New Year’s tradition involves eating twelve grapes at midnight—one for each stroke of the clock. People try to eat all twelve grapes in time with the clock chimes to ensure good luck for the coming year.
Spanish Influence
5. Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
While this tradition is more widely associated with Mexico, it is also observed in parts of Spain, particularly in regions with strong cultural ties to Latin America. Families honor their deceased loved ones with altars, offerings, and celebrations.
6. El Colacho
In the town of Castrillo de Murcia, this unique festival involves a man dressed as the devil (El Colacho) jumping over babies born in the previous year. The ritual, which takes place during the feast of Corpus Christi, is believed to cleanse the babies of sin and protect them from evil.
7. Caga Tió
In Catalonia, the Caga Tió, or “pooping log,” is a traditional Christmas figure. Families decorate a log with a painted face and a red hat, and during Christmas, they hit the log with sticks while singing traditional songs. The log “poops” out gifts and sweets for the children.
8. San Juan Night
Celebrated on the night of June 23rd, the festival of San Juan marks the arrival of summer. People gather on beaches, light bonfires, and jump over flames as a way to cleanse themselves of the past year’s troubles and welcome good luck.
9. The Feast of San Isidro
In Madrid, locals celebrate San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers, with a vibrant festival that includes processions, traditional costumes, and a variety of food and drink, particularly the popular “rosquillas” (doughnuts).
10. Semana Santa (Holy Week)
While Easter celebrations are common around the world, Spain’s Semana Santa features elaborate processions with participants dressed in traditional robes and carrying religious icons. The sights and sounds create a deeply emotional atmosphere.
These traditions reflect Spain’s cultural diversity and regional variations, providing a glimpse into the country’s unique customs and celebrations.
Opinion
Expressing opinions in English as a Second Language (ESL) is an important skill that helps learners communicate their thoughts clearly and effectively. Here are some useful phrases and strategies for expressing opinions in various contexts:
1. Basic Phrases for Expressing Opinions
I think that… – Example: “I think that learning English is essential in today’s world.”
In my opinion… – Example: “In my opinion, travel broadens one’s horizons.”
I believe that… – Example: “I believe that technology has improved our lives.”
I feel that… – Example: “I feel that we should invest more in renewable energy.”
2. Agreeing and Disagreeing
Agreeing: – “I completely agree with you.” – “That’s a great point.” – “I share your perspective.”
Disagreeing: – “I’m not sure I agree with that.” – “I see your point, but I think…” – “That’s an interesting perspective, but I believe…”
3. Providing Reasons
When expressing opinions, it’s helpful to support them with reasons. Use phrases like:
One reason is… – Example: “One reason is that it can lead to better job opportunities.”
This is because… – Example: “This is because it helps improve communication skills.”
For example… – Example: “For example, many people find that learning a new language enhances their cognitive abilities.”
4. Using Modal Verbs for Suggestions
Modal verbs can be used to express opinions with a degree of suggestion or recommendation:
You should… – Example: “You should consider taking a language course.”
It might be a good idea to… – Example: “It might be a good idea to practice speaking regularly.”
5. Expressing Certainty and Uncertainty
Certain: – “I am certain that…” – “It is clear that…”
Uncertain: – “I’m not sure if…” – “It’s possible that…”
6. Conclusion Statements
When wrapping up your opinion, you can use:
In conclusion… – Example: “In conclusion, I believe that education is the key to a better future.”
To sum up… – Example: “To sum up, travelling can greatly enrich one’s life experience.”
The CELPIP exam places a significant emphasis on the photo description skill, making it a crucial area of focus for your preparation.
Photo description is a great way for exam boards like CELPIP to draw out core vocabulary and determine if candidates are applying structures or just memorising set words and phrases.
The CELPIP exam places a significant emphasis on the photo description skill, making it a crucial area of focus for your preparation. This skill is not just another aspect of the exam, but a key determinant of your success. Below, you will find some credible reasons. As always, practice makes perfect. The pressure of time constraints and interacting where you are not given the chance to translate between languages can add value to your study efforts.
The Exam Preparation Course helps to prepare students by focussing on strategy. Live corrections, working under time sensitive deadlines in class coupled with the use of core vocabulary helps to manage this process.
CELPIP Photo description
Describing photographs in an English exam serves several purposes:
1. Communication Skills:
It enhances your ability to articulate observations and convey thoughts clearly and effectively.
2. Critical Thinking:
Analysing a photograph requires you to interpret visual elements, understand context, and draw conclusions, strengthening critical thinking.
3. Vocabulary Development:
It encourages you to use descriptive language and expand your vocabulary, helping you express ideas more vividly and creatively.
4. Cultural Understanding:
Photographs often reflect cultural elements, allowing students to engage with and understand diverse perspectives.
5. Preparation for Real-World Scenarios:
Overall, it helps students develop a well-rounded skill set that is not only beneficial academically but also in everyday life. Remember that you will need more than memorising words to pass this exam. Practicing how to apply them will give you a practical advantage in real-world scenarios.
When preparing to describe photographs for exams like CELPIP, familiarising yourself with specific vocabulary related to visual descriptions is helpful. Here’s a list of words and phrases you might find useful:
CELPIP General Vocabulary
– **Subject**: The main focus of the photograph.
– **Background**: The area behind the subject.
– **Foreground**: The part of the image closest to the viewer.
– **Composition**: The arrangement of elements within the photograph.
– **Lighting**: How light affects the photograph (natural, artificial, bright, dim).
– **Colour Palette**: The range of colours used in the photograph.
Descriptive Adjectives
– **Vibrant**: Bright and lively colours.
– **Muted**: Soft, subdued colours.
– **Dramatic**: Strong contrasts or impactful elements.
– **Serene**: Calm and peaceful.
– **Chaotic**: Busy and disordered.
– **Rustic**: Relating to the countryside; a simple, rural aesthetic.
– **Urban**: Relating to a city; modern and metropolitan.
Action Verbs
– **Capturing**: To take a photograph that conveys a moment or feeling.
– **Depicting**: To show or represent something in a photograph.
– **Portraying**: To represent someone or something in a specific way.
– **Highlighting**: To emphasise a particular aspect of the image.
– **Framing**: To compose the photograph with specific elements in the foreground or background.
Phrases for Analysis
– **In the foreground, we can see…**
– **The background features…**
– **The photograph conveys a sense of…**
– **This image illustrates…**
– **The use of lighting creates…**
– **There seems to be a contrast between…**
– **The overall mood of the photograph is…**
Contextual Vocabulary
– **Landscape**: Natural scenery.
– **Portrait**: A photograph of a person or group.
– **Still life**: An arrangement of inanimate objects.
– **Action shot**: A photo capturing movement.
– **Candid**: A spontaneous, unposed photograph.
CELPIP Practice Tips
– Look at various photographs and practice describing them using this vocabulary.
– Try to express your thoughts on what the image conveys emotionally and contextually.
– Use specific details and avoid generalisations to enhance your descriptions.
Familiarising yourself with these terms will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and effectively during your exam.
