Tuesday, October 5, 2010
are you reading the blog?
this is just to check if you are still reading the blog, if you do, comment in this post....
IELTS test in the Philippines – September 2010 (Academic Module)
IELTS exam questions were share by A from the Philippines. Here is what she remembered:
Listening test
Section 1. A car broke down in a remote place, the driver was asking for assistance.
Section 2. About the curriculum in a certain school.
Section 3. The history of engineering.
Section 4. Don’t remember.
Section 2. About the curriculum in a certain school.
Section 3. The history of engineering.
Section 4. Don’t remember.
Reading test
Passage 1. About dinosaurs and how they were discovered.
Passage 2. About e-books and audio books, their development and economy.
Passage 3. About the planets in the solar system, what would have happened if we didn’t have the Sun, some scientific studies.
Passage 2. About e-books and audio books, their development and economy.
Passage 3. About the planets in the solar system, what would have happened if we didn’t have the Sun, some scientific studies.
Writing test
Writing Task 1 (a report)
There was a graph that showed what percentage of men aged 16-25 participated in sports games as well as watched them on television. There was also shown the percentage of men that just watched the game and didn’t play the sport in reality.
Writing Task 2
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using animals to test the medicines invented for human use? Discuss and state your own opinion.
Speaking test
Interview
Questions about me, my work and everyday activities.
Cue Card
Describe someone who you think is successful, please say
- who he/she is,
- what his/her achievements are,
- what made him/her be your choice,
- how his/her success contributed to the society.
Discussion
- In your own opinion, is a rich person considered to be successful?
- Does work matter to you more than your family?
IELTS test in UAE – September 2010 (Academic Module)
IELTS Academic exam was shared by K from UAE, and thanks to her excellent memory we know the following:
Listening test
Section 1. A telephone conversation. The caller was asking about the facilities and membership types in a health club.
Questions: filling in the blanks and multiple choice.
Questions: filling in the blanks and multiple choice.
Section 2. A radio broadcaster was introducing a social program called Connections.
Questions: multiple choice and choosing an answer from the choices in the box.
Questions: multiple choice and choosing an answer from the choices in the box.
Section 3. A conversation between two teaching staff. They were drafting an itinerary/schedule of activities for a visitor who’s coming to their university for a lecture.
Questions: filling in the blanks.
Questions: filling in the blanks.
Section 4. Don’t remember.
Reading test
Passage 1. How optimism is linked to good health and longevity.
Passage 2. Why and how birds migrate.
Passage 3. About ingenuity, how much of it a society requires, how big the supply is, and about the world becoming more complex and thus needing more complex ingenuity.
Writing test
Writing Task 1 (a report)
There were 3 maps of a local area dated 1800, 1900 and 2000. We had to write a report about the developments that occurred in the area during those three years.
Writing Task 2 (an essay)
Some people think that the government should choose the subjects that students will study in the university, while others say that students should be the ones to choose their preferred subjects. What is your opinion about this? Give your reasons and include relevant examples.
Speaking test
Interview
- What’s your name?
- Where are you from?
- Do you prefer watching television or reading newspapers?
- Why do you prefer it?
- Have you tried watching television using the internet?
- What is your favorite time of the day?
- How do you usually spend your day?
Cue Card
Talk about a teacher from your childhood that you would like to meet again. Please say:
- What is the name of the teacher?
- What did you learn from this teacher?
- How much do you want to meet this teacher again?
Discussion
- Is teaching a good job?
- Would you choose teaching as a profession?
- In your opinion, what qualities should a good teacher have?
- What do you think about people not being into teaching nowadays?
- What can the government do to encourage people to take up teaching?
- Can a good teacher still remain good even if her students are bad in class?
IELTS test in Dubai, UAE – April 2010 (General Training)
IELTS exam in Dubai, UAE was remembered and shared by I (thanks a lot!), who described it as follows:
Listening test
Section 1. A phone conversation between a passenger and Train officer about lost items.
Section 2. A teacher was explaining about wild life.
Sections 3 and 4: Don’t remember.
Section 2. A teacher was explaining about wild life.
Sections 3 and 4: Don’t remember.
Reading test
Passage 1. Mail order form.
Questions: True/False/Not Given.
Questions: True/False/Not Given.
Passage 2. Travel and tourism related.
Questions: locate information in the passage.
Questions: locate information in the passage.
Passage 3. Job Interview, hiring and recruiting policy of a company.
Questions: multiple choice.
Questions: multiple choice.
Passage 4. Noise related text.
Questions: matching headings to paragraphs, multiple choice, True/False/Not Given.
Questions: matching headings to paragraphs, multiple choice, True/False/Not Given.
Writing test
Writing Task 1 (a letter)
Write a letter to one of your English-speaking friends, who is coming to visit you. You were supposed to meet him/her at the airport. Due to some reasons you are not able to meet him/her. In your letter explain:
- the reason why you are not able to meet him / her,
- how he/she can get to your house,
- what you have arranged for him/her during his/her stay.
Writing Task 2 (an essay)
In some schools or colleges, cooking is taught to both girls and boys. How does it affect people’s habits in their adult life?
Speaking test
Interview
- What is your name?
- Where is your home town?
- What is good about your home town?
- If someone was to visit your home town, what would he/she like?
Cue Card
Talk about the way you spend your time when you are tired from studies or work. Please say:
- How did you spend your time?
- Who was with you then?
- How did you feel about it?
Discussion
- Why younger and older people have different ways of spending their time?
IELTS test in Dubai and Romania – March 2010 (General Training)
IELTS tests in Dubai and Romania were described by our friends with a very good memory (F. and A. – well done!), and thanks to them we know this much:
Listening test
Section 1. Garbage collection, what day it is scheduled on by the local council, details about the size, color, contents of the bin.
Questions: filling in the blanks and multiple choice.
Questions: filling in the blanks and multiple choice.
Section 2. Lady wants to mail her items from New Zealand to Australia, where she is moving. She was asking the post office worker about the ways to send mail.
Questions: filling in the blanks and multiple choice.
Questions: filling in the blanks and multiple choice.
Section 3. Research done by two students, who are talking to their professor.
Questions: table completion and multiple choice.
Questions: table completion and multiple choice.
Section 4. Monologue of a lady doing a survey.
Questions: multiple choice.
Questions: multiple choice.
Reading test
Passage 1. Tour and history of the Jack London Square.
Questions: True/False/Not Given, filling in the blanks.
Passage 2. Company car-pool policy.Questions: True/False/Not Given, filling in the blanks.
Questions: filling in the blanks.
Passage 3. History of a writer.
Questions: True/False/Not Given.
Passage 4. Maps History, from ancient (Babylonians, Egypt) to 15-16th century.
Questions: mostly information matching (selecting answers A-I according to paragraph type) and multiple choice questions (A-B-C).
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)
Write a letter to the airport flight manager about missing a business trip due to an accident that happened at the airport. Explain:
- what happened at the airport,
- what was the result of missing the flight,
- what you want them to do.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Newspapers and magazines will not be available in the near future because large amounts of information from the Internet will replace them. Do you agree or disagree? Give some examples from your own experience.
Speaking test
Interview
- What’s your full name?
- What shall I call you?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where’s your hometown?
- How is it there?
- Talk about your hometown.
- Where would you recommend a tourist to go to in your hometown?
- What languages do you speak?
- What other language do you want to learn?
- How did you learn English?
- Is it easy to learn English?
- How to improve your English?
- Do you read? What are you reading?
Cue Card
Talk about a famous person (not from your country) that you would like to meet. You should say:
- Who is he/she?
- Why is the person famous?
- How do you know about this famous person?
- Explain why you would like to meet this famous person.
Discussion
- What is the advantage and disadvantage of becoming famous?
- How do famous persons influence people?
- How do famous affect people in wearing branded items?
IELTS test in Dubai, UAE – September 2010 (General Training)
IELTS in Dubai was shared by our kind friend P, who sent us the following information:
Listening test
Section 1. Yoga classes – joining dates / level /cost and relevant sports activities offered.
Section 2. News about vegetables market, details regarding the quality of the produce and its availability.
Section 3. Diagrams of arrangement of rooms and directions.
Section 4. Description of essential qualities and benefits of fish oil and experiments on children and other participants.
Section 2. News about vegetables market, details regarding the quality of the produce and its availability.
Section 3. Diagrams of arrangement of rooms and directions.
Section 4. Description of essential qualities and benefits of fish oil and experiments on children and other participants.
Reading test
Passage 1. Can’t remember.
Passage 2. Some famous musicians and their contribution to the industry (their achievements).
Passage 3. Wearing uniform by the staff on duty, specifications such as gloves and particular types of shoes to wear for safety reasons.
Passage 4. Smog in London in 1952, and the related issues and consequences.
Passage 2. Some famous musicians and their contribution to the industry (their achievements).
Passage 3. Wearing uniform by the staff on duty, specifications such as gloves and particular types of shoes to wear for safety reasons.
Passage 4. Smog in London in 1952, and the related issues and consequences.
Writing test
Writing Task 1 (a letter)
Write a letter to your landlord who wants to increase your rent. In your letter
- introduce yourself,
- explain about your current situation and what you want your landlord to do,
- say what you will do if the rent will be increased.
Writing Task 2 (an essay)- introduce yourself,
- explain about your current situation and what you want your landlord to do,
- say what you will do if the rent will be increased.
Some people say that self employment is better than a job in company or an institution. Discuss, what is your opinion?
Speaking test
- Tell me your full name.
- What shall I call you?
- Tell me about your hometown.
- Tell me about the history of your hometown that you learned in your childhood.
- Where have you visited in your hometown recently?
- Where do you want to spent your holidays?
Cue Card
Talk about your childhood teacher whom you want to meet:
- describe the teacher,
- say what your relationship was,
- and in what ways the teacher was helpful.
Discussion
- What are the qualities a teacher should have?
- What actions should government take to help a graduate student become a teacher?
- Do you think nowadays there is less value in a teacher’s job?
Sunday, September 26, 2010
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.
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.
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