speaking exam part 1-a

1. What is the meaning of your given name?
Alb - nothing really. I was named by my father after Albert Einstein.
Jes - nothing really. My father was fan of a political critic and a song writer in the late 60's.

2. Does your name affect your personality?
Alb - in a way it does. I dont know if einsten was as perfectionist as i am, but i think he was.
Jes - i am not a fan of music like jesse michael is, but my name reminds me to be socially involved.

3. Tell me something about your hometown.
Alb - I am from Nueva Ecija, it's a province north of the Philippines and it is considered as the Rice grainery of the country.
Jes - I came from Pampanga, it's a city Northwest of the Philippines and it is a living example of the american colinization, infact american air and naval bases are

still present there.

4. What are the differences in accent between your hometown and (test city)?
Alb - none at all. We only speak tagalog/filipino which is also the national laguage of the Philippines.
Jes - everything is different. i speak a dialect entirely different from the national language of the Philippines. In my dialect, the vowels are emphasized.

5. What is the character of the people like in your hometown?
Alb - I live in an agricultural town. The way of living of peole is less complex. People from my hometown are generally hardworking people.
Jes - My hometown is where the american people settled for about 25 years, people there are a little complicated. Strong influence influence blended with the

traditional filipino values of respect, courtesy, and fear of the Lord.

6. What is people's favourite food in the region where you live?
Alb - all types of rice cakes. (smile). I came from the rice granery of the Philippines so basically people explore more recipes using rice.
Jes - i dont know if you have heard of Sisig as we call it in the Philippines. My hometown is best known in preparing the best Sisig in the Philippines. The main

ingridient basically is tiny chopped pork belly, fried with spices and chilly added for additional flavor.

7. Are there any traditional festivals in your region?
Alb -  yes there is. Every may of each year, Nueva Ecija celebrates the Araquio festival. It a colorful event that includes street dancing in vibrant costumes.

Basically it tell about the muslim and christian war way back and it is also a celebration of a bountiful harvest.
Jes - yes there are. the most famous one is the Giant lantern parade. Its a parade of giant colorful lanterns and it is done days before christmas. Pampanga is known

for its unique lanterns made up of colored crepe and japanese paper with frames of intricate tinwires skeletons containing electrical mechanism and a thousand bulbs


8. Tell me something about a local Festival.
(same as the above)

9. How have weddings changed in recent years?
Alb - Weddings became less significant. Couple get marry just for the sake of getting married.
Jes - Weddings nowadays is very expensive. Getting married will cost you a fortune. And also, it became

more of a ceremony only, the real essense of getting married is not there anymore.

10. Describe a traditional wedding ceremony.
Alb - In the Philippines, its basically thesame as other european or western weddings. The bride wears the

white wedding dress, and the groom wears a toxido or the Traditional Barong Tagalog top. It is held in the

church and a priest conducts the wedding.
Jes - It would be a ceremony held in the church and a priest conducts the wedding. The bride has to wear

the white wedding dress and the groom wears a toxido or the traditional barong tagalog top.

11. How do (Nationals) usually celebrate birthdays?
Alb - Strong influence of the spanish and american culture is evident even in birthdays. We celebrate

birthday by going to church early morning and a small lunch or snack is held. Dont forget the birthday

cake. (smile)
Jes - Birthdays are usually celebrated by going to church early morning thanking the lord for another year

- thats a strong spanish culture and ofcourse, birthday cake should be there.

12. Are there any traditions concerning the birth of a baby?
Alb - None really.
Jes - Nothing that i can think of.

13. How do you like (abu dhabi)? Compare it to your hometown.
Alb - I came from an agricultural town where all i can see is green. While Abu dhabi is the entire

opposite. Buildings everywhere. industrial complex being built. This is a new and exciting place to live.

i'm beginning to like it here.
Jes - Almost thesame actually. From where i came from, building as tall as the building here in abu dhabi

is also present there. However the main difference is the weather, it is not as hot and humid there as

compared here. Well, i can't really stand the extreme temperature here.

14. What place do you like best in (abu dhabi)?
Alb - among all other places, i think it will be the church. Asside from the fact to I go there to pray,

its a place where most of the Filipinos go. I feel that i'm in the Philippines if im in the church.
Jes - among all other places, i think it will be the church. Asside from the fact to I go there to pray,

its a place where most of the Filipinos go. I feel that i'm in the Philippines if im in the church.

15. What places in (your city/test city) should a foreigner visit?
Alb - If you are looking for great natural wonders, then go to Minalungao Park on summer. the park features

a breathtaking view of the narrow but deep Penaranda River. On both sides of the river bank are 16 meter

high limestone walls. The ridge formation of white sculptured limestone walls shows the might of the great

river.
Jes - Pampanga probably has the richiest history when it comes to spanish colonization. well maintained

landmarks still are in place and would love to have a glimpe of it. There are to many to mention and i

would suggest you get visitors get help from friendly tourist personnel of the province.

16. What places would you recommend a visitor to go to in your region/hometown?
(same as the above)

17. If you had the choice, where would you choose to live in (your country)?
Alb - I were to have a choice, ofcourse i choose to live in Canada. Health benefits, and financial

stability for me and my family, and canada has that. Thus i chose to take this IELTS exam.
Jes - I were to have a choice, ofcourse i choose to live in Canada. Health benefits, and financial

stability for me and my family, and canada has that. Thus i chose to take this IELTS exam.

18. Which parts of (your country) would you recommend a foreigner to visit?
Alb - Philippines is packed with beautiful beaches, natural wonders and good people. On the summer, they

can visit world renowed Boracay Beach. There they will find local and foreigner enjoying the white sand

beach. During the cold season, they can visit the Banaue Rice Teraces. Its one of the 7 wonders of the

world.
Jes - Philippines is packed with beautiful beaches, natural wonders and good people. On the summer, they

can visit world renowed Boracay Beach. There they will find local and foreigner enjoying the white sand

beach. During the cold season, they can visit the Banaue Rice Teraces. Its one of the 7 wonders of the

world.

19. Tell me something about your family.
Alb - I have a big family. We are ___ siblings, ___ are boys and ___ are girls. My parents are farmers and

they manage a small family business. My brothers and sisters are all professional and they live their own

lives now.
Jes - We are ____ in the family. ____ brothers and ____ sister/s. My mother is a retired school teacher.

together with my 2 brothers, my mother manages a small family business.

20. Which is the worst place you've been to in (your country)?
Alb - My country is a great place. Hmmm... probably the worst is when i visited a correctional facility for

an outreach program. Its not because i'm sorrounded by convicted or accused criminals but its the

situation. the lack of support by the government.
Jes - My country is a great place. Hmmm... probably the worst is when i visited a correctional facility for

an outreach program. Its not because i'm sorrounded by convicted or accused criminals but its the

situation. the lack of support by the government.

21. Who takes the greatest responsibility for bringing up a child in your family?
Alb - My parents shared the responsibility of bringing us up. My father for financial support and my mother

for the emotional support.
Jes - Personally, it was my mother who brought us up. My father passed away when we were still little.

(sigh)

22. Which is the best place you've been to in (your country)?
Alb - I love the beach... so i would say Boracay Beach. Its a white sand beach located centrally of the

Philippines.
Jes - I love the beach... so i would say Boracay Beach. Its a white sand beach located centrally of the

Philippines.

23. Who does most of the household chores in your family?
Alb - My mother did not employ a house helper, so what we do is share the responsiblity. One has to do the

dishes, one has to do the laundry and another has to do the cleaning... sounds fair, right? (smile)
Jes - My mother did not employ a house helper, so what we do is share the responsiblity. One has to do the

dishes, one has to do the laundry and another has to do the cleaning... sounds fair, right? (smile)

24. Are the traditional sexual roles within the family changing?
Alb - No. It is always my father that decide prettymuch about everything. My mother is always there to

support the decision.
Jes - Yes. My mother played the role that my father left since he passed away (pause). Basically she does

the descision making and all. we are always there to support her.

25. Why is the divorce rate increasing so rapidly? Is it a problem?
Alb - Everybody can get married to who ever they want to nowadays. and if they chose for divorce, they can

do it instantly. The sanctity of marriage persay is lost. It will be the children that will suffer the

result.
Jes - It is an alarming problem. The problem really will not directly affect the couple, but it directly

affects the psychological upbringing of their children. The number of divorce increases because of to much

freedom. they are free to marry someone, in the same way they can separate.

26. What is your opinion of the (safety) situation in (your country)?
Alb - Rescently Philippines had its issue when it comes to security. However i am still confident with the

current administration that they are looking into these issues.
Jes - Rescently Philippines had its issue when it comes to security. However i am still confident with the

current administration that they are looking into these issues.

27. How are children disciplined in (your country)?
Alb - It different in the Philippines. Parents normally do light physical punishment like slapping of the

hands, legs and alike.
Jes - its a little harsh in my country. Parents normally do light physical punishment like slapping of the

hands, legs and alike.

28. Is it acceptable for couples to live together without marrying?
Alb - Hmmm... I think so. It will take years for you to know the person entirely before deciding to build a

family with her. and one way to know your partner is to live together.
Jes - I believe so. I personally wont marry someone who i dont know. I dont want to undergo divorce because

i did a mistake of not knowing my partner before committing into marriage.

29. If you had the choice, would you have a son or a daughter?
Alb - Son. i want someone that i can play with.
Jes - Son. it will be fun to have someone play basketball with me.

30. Would you bring your child up any differently to the way your parents did?
Alb - No. I am proud of how my parents raised me. I learn the value of respect and became a God fearing

person because of them. I want my children to have the same, or even better.
Jes - No. I am proud of how my parents raised me. I learn the value of respect and became a God fearing

person because of them. I want my children to have the same, or even better.

31. Who is your favorite musician?
Alb - (think of one and repost it in the blog, ok?)
jes - (think of one and repost it in the blog, ok?)

32. Do women still have too heavy a burden in their day to day life?
Alb - Im really sorry, but i cant answer that in behalf of the women. (smile)
Jes - Im really sorry, but i cant answer that in behalf of the women. (smile)

33. Is the increasing influence of American culture largely a positive or negative thing?
Alb - I personally think that it brings about positive things. For one, the Radical but effective decision

making.
Jes - I personally think that it brings about positive things. For one, the Radical but effective decision

making.

34. What, according to you, has been the greatest change in recent years?
Alb - Definitely, globalization. It greatly affected all sectors of society. Education now has to be at par

with the recent technology. Graduates has to be globally competitive.
Jes - Infrastructure. 30 - 40 years ago, dubai and abu dhabi was not heard of. Now, with the ongoing

infrastructure, Dubai and Abu Dhabi is considered as one of the most powerful nation.

35. What, according to you, has been the most problematic change in recent years?
Alb - ennvironmental pollution. because of infrastructure and industrialization, we sacrifice our

environment.
Jes - ennvironmental pollution. because of infrastructure and industrialization, we sacrifice our

environment.

36. What, if you are a lecturer what changes have you seen in education over the past few years?)
Alb - education bacame the tool of academic institution to rob the society. It is noticeable that every

year, tuition fee increases.
Jes - education bacame the tool of academic institution to rob the society. It is noticeable that every

year, tuition fee increases.

37. Who should bear the responsibility for payment of tuition fees?
Alb - it should be both the government and the parents. The government should have a share of the tuition

fees since in the long run, they will benifit a lot from the graduates once they start working.
Jes - it should be both the government and the parents. The government should have a share of the tuition

fees since in the long run, they will benifit a lot from the graduates once they start working.

38. What can be done to improve education in rural areas?
Alb - financial support is needed from the goverment. schools need to be renovated, books needs to be

supplied. Not to mention, qualified teachers to facilitate the learning process.
Jes - financial support is needed from the goverment. schools need to be renovated, books needs to be

supplied. Not to mention, qualified teachers to facilitate the learning process.

39. Have recent changes affected your job in any way?
Alb - Yes. just recently i was assigned in one company. I had to work in a site clinic doing basically

first aid remedy to the laborers in the construction site. It different from the hospital experience i'm

used to.
Jes - Nothing major really. well, there are minor changes but i did not let it interfere my job in anyway.

40. Do you agree with private education?
Alb - yes. I am a product of a private university. Though it is expensive, but these universities spends so

much money for research and advancement of technology in teaching and students can take advantage of it.

The lack of support from the government to its universities makes these universities a little delayed.
Jes - yes. I am a product of a private university. Though it is expensive, but these universities spends so

much money for research and advancement of technology in teaching and students can take advantage of it.

The lack of support from the government to its universities makes these universities a little delayed.

41. What can be done to close the gap between urban and rural areas?
Alb - Introduction of internet and new technology for communication to rural areas. that way there will be

an open link for urban and rural places.
Jes - Introduction of internet and new technology for communication to rural areas. that way there will be

an open link for urban and rural places.

42. If you had the power, what reforms would you carry out within education?
Alb - given the chance, i would implement the latest proven effective method of teaching to all schools.

this way learning will be effective and money spent for education will not be wasted.
Jes - given the chance, i would implement the latest proven effective method of teaching to all schools.

this way learning will be effective and money spent for education will not be wasted.

43. Describe a typical working day for you.
Alb - A typical working day. (pause). I arrive to the hospital at 9:20am since my shift starts at 9:30 am.

I look into the number of patients, and one by one do the health assessment. After doing so, send them one

by one to the doctors they want to see. i pretty much do these daily. my shift ends at 5:30pm.
Jes - A typical working day. (pause). I arrive to the hospital at 9:20am since my shift starts at 9:30 am.

I look into the number of patients, and one by one do the health assessment. After doing so, send them one

by one to the doctors they want to see. i pretty much do these daily. my shift ends at 5:30pm.

44. How do you see yourself in ten years time?
Alb - in 10 years . I will have to great loving family of 4, a good paying job like i will be a working in

the health sector of the goverment as a cosultant maybe, and still as healthy as i am now.
jes - in 10 years . I will have to great loving family of 4, a good paying job like i will be a working in

the health sector of the goverment as a cosultant maybe, and still as healthy as i am now.

45. If you had the opportunity to change your job, what would you do instead?
Alb - I still would prefer to work in the health sector. If not a nurse, maybe a public health consultant.
Jes - I admire doctors who work for the WHO and is assigned in remote areas in the world. So if im not a

nurse, i might have been a doctor working for the WHO.

46. If you had one million (local currency), what would you do with it?
Alb - that'll be great. Hmmm... probably, part of it will go to the bank as savings, another part of it

will an investment for business and ofcourse the last part will be for me to go for vacation in Rome.
Jes - that'll be great. Hmmm... probably, part of it will go to the bank as savings, another part of it

will an investment for business and ofcourse the last part will be for me to go for vacation in Rome.

47. If you could start your life again, would you do anything differently?
Alb - hmmm.. no. I am happy and contented with what i have and who i am now.
Jes - i'd rather not... it might turn out to be worst. (smile). I am happy and contented with what i have

and who i am now.

48. Do you have any ambitions?
Alb - who has none? (smile). my long term ambition is to become a millionare. (smile).
Jes - yes of course. I dreamt of earning a nobel price in health. (smile).

49. Which country/place would you most likely to visit?
Alb - Jerusalem or Rome. I'm a christian after all.
jes - Jerusalem or Rome. I'm a christian after all.

50. What changes do you think (your country) will see in the next few years?
Alb - with the confidence and support that the people shows to the current government administration, i believe that Philippines will gradually come out of poverty.
Jes - with the confidence and support that the people shows to the current government administration, i believe that Philippines will gradually come out of poverty.

51. Will any possible future changes affect your job in any way?
Alb - definitely. I'm almost done with the requirement of the canadian embassy for resident visa, except this IELTS exam. If everything will work out as planned, in less than a year i will acquire the visa and move to canada.  That will definitely be a major change that will greatly affect my currenct job.
Jes - definitely. I'm almost done with the requirement of the canadian embassy for resident visa, except this IELTS exam. If everything will work out as planned, in less than a year i will acquire the visa and move to canada.  That will definitely be a major change that will greatly affect my currenct job.

52. How do you think you will cope in (canada)?
Alb - I dont know really. But i believe that im flexible enought for the changes that is happening and will happen in the future. I can speak english, so i hope the transition will be easy. (smile)
Jes - To be honest, i dont know. one thing im sure of is that im flexible enought for the changes that is happening and will happen in the future. I can speak english, so i hope the transition will be easy. (smile)

53. What do you do in your spare time?
Alb - talking with my family in the Philippines, doing the usual chores and ofcourse, grabbing some more sleep. (smile)
Jes - talking with my family in the Philippines, doing the usual chores and ofcourse, grabbing some more sleep. (smile)

54. What will you do if you fail the IELTS?
Alb - Oww... thats a tough one. Well, life has to go on. i will take the exam again in the next available time. I just hope that i dont run out of money (smile). but im sure i did well and i know i will pass the exam.
Jes - Oww... thats a tough one. Well, life has to go on. i will take the exam again in the next available time. I just hope that i dont run out of money (smile). but im sure i did well and i know i will pass the exam.

speaking exam part 1

Speaking test #1

Interview
1. Is bicycle a best/good transport? 

Alb - Given the circumstance of a clean and safe road, i believe bicycle is a good and healthy way of transport.

Jes - I believe it is a good and healthy way of transport, but we also have to consider the safety of our roads.

2. Do you think that there should be separate lane for bicycles?

Alb - Definitely. Hearing all scary news of accidents resulting from bicycle use, a good suggestion will be a separate lane.

Jes - That is a very good suggestion and i strongly commend that. Looking at the number of accidents resulting from bicycle use, a separate lane is needed.

3. Why should a child have bicycle?

Alb - His balancing skills will be enhanced. However we should only allow a child to use a bicycle if he is responsible enough to use it.

Jes - A child should not have bicycle until he is old and responsible enough to use it. This will develop his balancing skills.

4. Are you working or a student?

Alb - I am working as a nurse here in Abu Dhabi.

Jes - I am employed as a nurse.

Speaking test #1

Interview
1. What is your full name?

Alb - (complete name -with middle name)

Jes - (complete name -with middle name)

2. How can I call you?

Alb - I am comfortable being called Albert.

Jes - Jessie will be good.

3. Can I see your identification?

Alb - Sure, here it is. (hand in your passport) 

Jessie - Ofcourse, here it is. (hand in your passport - closed)

(then the examiner will give you back the passport, say thank you and just put it in front of you - on the table)

4. What do people usually do on weekends in your country?

Alb - Philippines is a Christian country. Sundays are spent going to church with the family. Saturdays are mostly spent at home doing the regular house hold chores. (smile)

Jes - Filipinos usually attend the church every sundays, and typically, saturdays are for cleaning and doing household chores with the family.

5. What do you do on weekends?

Alb - Since i am working here in Abu Dhabi, i only get a day off and i usually spend it with my friends  and we go to church together. And basically head home after, prepare food and do the laundry.

Jes - A typical weekend for me is day in church with my friends, internet chatting  with my family in the Philippines, and a day spent for laundry.

6. Did you think art is important in life, like painting and sculptures?

Alb - I believe so. Art makes our life colorful and less boring.

Jes - Paintings and sculptures contributes to the beauty that life brings. It decreases dullness to an open space.

7. Did you draw anything when you were at school?

Alb - I'm not really fond of drawing, but i think at somepoint i did, but not a remarkable one. (smile)

Jes - I always represent my class in every poster making contest in school. Some of my posters are still hanged in the arts room.

8. Are there any art galleries and museums in your home town? 

Alb - Philippines has a rich history so i think so. Though i am not really a fan of art galleries or museums, i was able to visit a couple of museums when i was in the Philippines.

Jes - Definitely. Aside from the fact that Philippines has a rich history, local and international filipino artist  displays their work in different art galleries across the country. I was able to visit around 15.

writing topic #7

The best way to solve the world's environmental problem is to increase the cost of fuel. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give your opinion.

writing topic #6

Schools should only teach academic subjects like math and science, and disregard non-academic subjects like music and sports. to what extent do you agree or disagree?

writing topic #6

Schools should only teach academic subjects like math and science, and disregard non-academic subjects like music and sports. to what extent do you agree or disagree?

writing topic #5

Do you think that subjects that are unrelated to the major course of the college should be included in their curriculum. Agree of disagree.

writing topic #4

Human activities and urbanization cause harm to nature. discuss the implication of depleting natural resources. Cite specific measures government must implement to ensure environmental preservation.

writing topic #3

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement. Face to face communication is better than other types of communication such as letters, email or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

writing topic #2

To be labelled as a work of art, a painting, sculpture, or other are forms should display certain qualities that are unique. However, over the past century, there has been a decline in the quality of prize-winning artwork and it is possible for quite ordinary pieces of artwork to be labelled masterpieces while true works of art pass unnoticed.

writing exam

make an essay:

Topic #1.

Because of biotechnology, there are new farming and agricultural methods that result in new types of fruit and vegetation. Others oppose this view. Discuss both views and give your opinion.