Saturday 30 November 2013

How To End Poverty (Task 2 Writing) (Listening)

One issue that is closely connected with globalization in the modern world is the issue of poverty. This blog has previously drawn attention to the issues raised by this Task 2 Writing question:

Although developing countries receive a great deal of financial aid from elsewhere in the world, they continue to have issues with poverty. Do you think that developed countries should give more help or a different kind of help? Or do you think that developing countries must find their own solutions to poverty?

To properly address this question, we need to examine several issues.

First of all, why do developed countries give financial aid to poor countries and why hasn't this aid led to significant reductions in poverty?

Secondly, what kind of help should rich countries give to poor countries instead of money?

Finally, how can poor people living in developing nations find their own solutions to poverty? Should rich countries simply ignore the problems of poverty overseas?

Many of these questions are answered in the following 20 minute talk. It gives information about a program that was used to help individuals donate money to poor families in Kenya, and the results of this program. Look up the following vocabulary words and read the questions for key words. Then, listen to the talk and answer the questions below.


Reluctant       Labourer       Misuse       Drunkard       

Dowry       Thatched Roof      Eligible     Heifer

Exotic       Macroeconomics    Charity      Anecdote

Geeks         Evidence       Intervention   From Scratch (idiom)

Click Here To Listen

1. Why were aid organisations reluctant to give cash to poor people? (Several reasons are given.) 

2. Why were people initially unwilling to accept cash?

3. What are some challenges related to giving money to poor people? How did mobile phones help to alleviate some of these problems?

4. What is the meaning of the quote, "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime."

5. When people were given $1000, what did they generally buy with the money?

6. Did most people use the money well or waste it?

7. What were some of the disadvantages experienced by people who received money? What about the people who did not receive money?

8. How does "Give Directly" decide who they give money to?

9. Compare the methods used by "Give Directly" to those used by "Heifer International."

10. Which giving method do you think is better, based on the information in this programme?

If you're interested in learning more about Heifer International, Click Here:

Heifer International Website

Saturday 23 November 2013

Globalization and Economic Growth (Listening)

One topic that is certain to show up somewhere on your IELTS exam is the issue of globalization. You may find it in the reading section, in a listening lecture, or as a Task 2 Writing assignment such as the following common topics:

While globalization has made it possible for us to buy a wide variety of international products, many people believe that it’s preferable to buy local products, rather than those from international companies, in order to support the local economy. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this issue, and present your own opinion.

Although developing countries receive a great deal of financial aid from elsewhere in the world, they continue to have issues with poverty. Do you think that developed countries should give more help or a different kind of help? Or do you think that developing countries must find their own solutions to poverty?

Some have argued that the term globalization should actually be called “Americanization” because it largely consists of United States culture and products being dominant all over the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Differences between countries are becoming less and less evident with each passing year. Nowadays, everyone in the world has the same fashions, eating habits, and media. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Do you think the changes associated with globalization are largely positive or largely negative?


You will need to have appropriate ideas and vocabulary in order to understand and discuss these topics. 

In the following video, speaker Alex Tabarrok speaks mostly about the advantages and benefits of a globalized economy. It's useful to pay attention to the manner in which he presents his arguments and gives examples to support them. If you need specific help on how to structure an essay about globalization, or would like to see some sample essays on these topics, please see the previous blog post:

Essay Structure Globalization Topic

Before watching the video, look up the vocabulary words below and preview the gap fill sentences. Remember, it's a good strategy for IELTS listening to guess the word form that will go in the blank. Will the gap be filled by a noun, a verb, or an adjective? Make your guess before you hear the talk, then watch the video to fill the gaps.



Part 1: Fill in the blanks to complete the sentences from the talk. Use these vocabulary words and double check to ensure that the grammar of each sentence is correct. 


Disaster       Cataclysm       Tragedy       Poverty       Resistant       Demand

Embrace       Burden       Cooperation       Incentives       Tripled       Abyss



1. The first part of the 20th century was an absolute _________________ in human affairs, a _________________.
2. It was only in the second half of the 20th century that we slowly began to pull ourselves out of this _________________.
3. We globalised the world. What does that mean? We extended _________________ across national boundaries.
4. Never before in human history have so many people been raised out of such great _________________ as happened in China.
5. Over the next 18 years, incomes in India have _________________.
6. Sub Saharan Africa has been the area of the world most _________________ to growth.
7. The _________________ are much larger to produce drugs which treat more people.
8. It is fortunate that we are becoming less of an idea leader because for too long, the United States and a handful of other developed countries have shouldered the entire _________________ of research and development.
9. We should not fear other countries becoming wealthy, that is something that we should _________________.
10. Globalization is increasing the _________________ for new ideas.


Part 2: Discussion Questions

Is Alex Tabarrok generally optimistic or pessimistic about the future of globalization?

What is the meaning of the Thomas Jefferson quote: “He who lights his candle at mine receives light without darkening me.” ?

Explain why it is better to have a common disease than to have a rare disease, from the standpoint of receiving treatment.

According to Alex, how will economic growth in Africa affect the world market? Give an example.

Does Alex think that we should be worried about future Depressions? Do you agree with him?

Why does he ask the question “Is China drinking our milkshake?” What does that question refer to?

What does Alex Tabarrok recommend that America do regarding globalization?


Do you believe that Alex Tabarrok’s views about the future are correct? Do you see any problems with his argument?

Thursday 21 November 2013

Globalization & Essay Structure (Task 2 Writing)

As we have learned, all English essays have certain important elements. The basic structure of an IELTS Task 2 essay should be as follows:

Paragraph 1: Introduction with Main Idea
Paragraph 2: General idea to support Main Idea with examples and details
Paragraph 3: Second general idea to support Main Idea with examples and details
Paragraph 4: Possible third general idea to support Main Idea with examples and details
Paragraph 5: Conclusion – be sure to restate the Main Idea!

If you follow this structure, it will help you to achieve a high score in Coherence and Cohesion, since it provides your ideas in a well organised way. However, today we are going to learn that there is more than one way to organise an essay, especially when that essay is asking you to compare two different ideas and give your opinion. Many IELTS questions have a structure that looks like this:

Many people believe that A is correct because it is beneficial for society. On the other hand, some people support B. Please give your opinion on this issue and give evidence to support that opinion.

So, the essay is asking us to compare A and B and give our opinion about which one is better. There are two basic ways to organise this essay (while maintaining the basic structure that we need.)

Ø The first way is called the Thesis-Led approach. To write a thesis-led essay, I always state my opinion very firmly at the beginning of the essay, and make sure that all my statements support this opinion. This very basic example will give you an idea of how your essay should look with a thesis-led approach.

Paragraph 1: Undoubtedly, A has more advantages than B.
Paragraph 2: A is beneficial for children whereas B is not.
Paragraph 3: A is enjoyable for adults while B is not.
Paragraph 4: Implementing A is far less expensive than implementing B.
Paragraph 5: In conclusion, it is clear that A is superior to B.

You can see that each paragraph of the essay mentions both A and B. If I am using a thesis-led approach, I should not separate the sides of the topic, but compare each one with the general ideas that I have chosen to separate my paragraphs. Thesis-led essays are often very strong and persuasive.

Ø The second way to organise an essay is called the Argument-Led approach. While I should still give my opinion on the topic, I can also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each argument before finally stating my opinion strongly. An argument-led essay should be structured as such:

Paragraph 1: While both A and B have merits, this essay will discuss the reasons why A is ultimately preferable to B.
Paragraph 2: B has some benefits. On the other hand, B has many drawbacks.
Paragraph 3: Although A has some negative aspects, A has more advantages than B.
Paragraph 4: In conclusion, it is clear that A is superior to B.

Ø Look at the following Task 2 topic which we have previously discussed:

While globalization has made it possible for us to buy a wide variety of international products, many people believe that it’s preferable to buy local products, rather than those from international companies, in order to support the local economy. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this issue, and present your own opinion.

Ø Now look at the two essays on the following pages. Which one is using the thesis-led approach? Which one is using the argument-led approach?

1.
Undoubtedly, the development of globalization in the past few decades has led to a massive increase in the number and variety of products that are available to buy. All the same, there has been some debate about whether it is better to buy products from large multinational corporations or to purchase from local producers. While it may sometimes be convenient or preferable to buy goods from overseas, I would argue that it remains beneficial to buy the majority of our goods from local producers.
Admittedly, the quality and variety of internationally produced items cannot be disputed.  We can buy imported clothing in any style or any colour at a reasonable price. We can have a taste of international culture through products such as Swedish furniture, German cars, and Indian textiles. Overseas companies like the Apple Corporation produce the most up-to-date technology and gadgets which simply can’t be recreated locally. International products can sometimes be cheaper and more easily accessible than ones produced at home.
Even so, it would be unwise to ignore the true cost of buying from abroad. Whenever we send our dollars to another country, we are sending jobs there, too. Eating fast food from McDonald’s harms the business of local restaurant owners and takes jobs and money away from the local economy. If international companies put local merchants out of business, this will ultimately lead to less variety and control over what we consume. Furthermore, buying products that have been transported long distances has a highly negative effect on the environment.
Thus, although it is tempting to purchase predominantly from large multinational companies, I believe it is in the best interest of the community for people to buy locally whenever possible. Even if it costs a few dollars more to buy something from a local producer, the benefits to society will certainly repay the difference.         

2.
For several decades, there has been a heated debate about the advantages and disadvantages of globalization. More specifically, consumers must decide whether they will purchase a majority of their goods from global corporations or from local producers. It is my opinion that people should buy from local companies in order to support the local economy, maintain national solidarity, and protect the environment.
Buying from international producers harms small independent regions in several ways. Firstly, it takes money out of the local economy and sends it overseas, often to large companies in wealthy countries. This can also increase the unemployment rate in the region, as local shops and producers are forced out of business by international competitors. As these local shops close, consumers are then forced to buy from the overseas producer, giving them fewer choices and less control over their daily lives. Because they are not mass-produced, local goods may be more expensive but are often of higher quality. Additionally, since local producers are small, they often provide superior service and care to the customer.
Another reason to buy products that are made close to home is that this does significantly less damage to the environment. Local products are made from nearby materials, and so manufacturers have a vested interest in taking care of, and not exploiting, the resources they use. Furthermore, regional goods do not travel long distances before they are sold, which means less petrol and far less pollution are involved with their production.
In sum, while there may be some products that simply cannot be purchased from the local area, consumers should make an effort to buy locally-produced items whenever possible. This ensures the security of the local economy and the protection of the global environment for many years to come.

Now you try! Look at the IELTS Task 2 Topics in the boxes below. Choose one which is interesting to you and try to make 2 different essay plans, one using the thesis-led approach, and one using the argument-led approach.

Although developing countries receive a great deal of financial aid from elsewhere in the world, they continue to have issues with poverty. Do you think that developed countries should give more help or a different kind of help? Or do you think that developing countries must find their own solutions to poverty?

Some have argued that the term globalization should actually be called “Americanization” because it largely consists of United States culture and products being dominant all over the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Differences between countries are becoming less and less evident with each passing year. Nowadays, everyone in the world has the same fashions, eating habits, and media. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Do you think the changes associated with globalization are largely positive or largely negative?


Thesis-Led Plan
1.      I firmly believe that  ___________________________________________________
2.     ___________________________________________________
3.     ___________________________________________________
4.     ___________________________________________________
5.     In conclusion, ___________________________________________________

Argument-Led Plan
1.      While ___________________________________________________ has many positive aspects, ___________________________________________________ is preferable.
2.     ___________________________________________________
3.     ___________________________________________________

4.     In conclusion, ___________________________________________________

Saturday 9 November 2013

Five Historical Robots (Listening)

IELTS Listening Part 4 often contains detailed lectures on a wide range of topics. These tend to be on topics such as the environment, technology, business, and history.

Below you will find a radio programme which incorporates two of these topics - it provides a short history of robotics.

Here are a few vocabulary words and idioms you might need:

automaton      mind-blowing      insight     anatomy

mechanism      discharge         revolutionise     

conceal        elite             clockwork

The recording is approximately 21 minutes long. There is no reason to listen past minute 22:00.

CLICK HERE 

and press play to hear the listening.

In which country and in which century was the first robot reportedly built?

Which well-known artist created a mechanical lion?

What kind of animal did Jacques de Vaucanson build? What kinds of things could this animal do?

What other robotic creations did Vaucanson build?

Why was the robot called "The Writer" built by Jaquet-droz a significant development in robotic technology?

What every day fashionable item did Jaquet-droz become famous for?