miércoles, 29 de junio de 2011

IGUALDAD: LAS MUJERES MAYORES

En España el número de mujeres mayores supera los cuatro millones y suponen ya el 10% de la población española y casi una quinta parte de las mujeres de nuestro país. Esta tendencia irá en aumento. Según las previsiones del INE, en 2050 habrá 7,5 millones de españolas mayores de 65 años, más de la tercera parte de las mujeres y casi la quinta parte de la población nacional.

Además, estas mujeres serán cada vez más mayores ya que la esperanza de vida al nacer sigue aumentado. Otra estimación del Instituto Nacional de Estadistica prevé que en 2010 España contará con 7.141 personas de más de 100 años.

Sensaciones y actitudes frente a la vejez

Las mujeres mayores no constituyen un grupo homogéneo sino que existen grandes diferencias tanto por los distintos grados de dependencia que pueden adquirir como por las variadas experiencias vitales y sus formas diferentes de entender la vejez.

Al contrario de lo que podría pensarse, en las primeras etapas de la vejez, la gran mayoría de estas mujeres experimentan una sensación de independencia muy bien valorada. Para muchas, se trata del momento en el que se liberan de las obligaciones impuestas que las relegaban al ámbito doméstico y privado. Esta sensación explica la mayor tendencia de las mujeres a participar en actividades educativas, culturales o deportivas organizadas institucionalmente. La falta de experiencia para organizar su vida en el terreno de lo público hace que prefieran acudir a actividades organizadas.

Evidentemente, estas reacciones varían mucho de una persona a otra dependiendo de su experiencia vital. De hecho, existe un número amplio de personas mayores que perciben que su papel en la vida ya ha terminado y que poco pueden aportarles lo que les queda de su vida.

Una encuesta realizada por el Imserso demostró que las mujeres con más formación tienden a hábitos más activos y a una menor sensación de soledad. Por otra parte, las mujeres solteras, separadas o divorciadas son las más activas mientras que las viudas mantienen un menor grado de actividad. Por último, se ha constatado que las mujeres menos activas son aquellas que han perdido su autonomía residencial, es decir que no viven en sus propias casas.

La soledad

La percepción y sentimientos de soledad de las personas mayores en España son muy fuertes, ya que su expectativa de mantener continuamente vínculos y relaciones afectivas y sociales sigue siendo muy potente, produciéndose un aumento de los sentimientos negativos entre las personas mayores que viven solas.
Una de las consecuencias de los cambios sociales producidos en las últimas décadas es que ha aumentado considerablemente el número de personas mayores que viven solas. La mayoría son mujeres de edad avanzada y escasos recursos económicos, ya que muchas de ellas cuentan con una pensión de viudedad (551 euros en 2009).

Del mismo modo aumenta la sensación de soledad, que afecta al 43% de las personas de edad. La mayor esperanza de vida de las mujeres (6,7 años más que sus compañeros varones) y su históricamente escasa representación social hacen de este colectivo un blanco fácil para las sensaciones de soledad, aislamiento y baja autoestima.

Los cambios en la institución familar les afectan especialmente ya que otorgan una gran importancia a sus relaciones familiares de primer grado. Mientras permanecen activas, las mujeres mayores siguen representando el papel familiar de ciudadoras. Más del 30% ayuda a algún familiar en sus tareas domésticas o cuida a sus nietos de forma habitual.

Sin embargo, la situación cambia al aumentar el grado de dependenca, y cuando se hace difícil para las familias ocuparse adecuadamente de estas personas. Entonces aumentan sus necesidades de compañía para paliar los sentimientos de soledad y aislamiento.

Hay que tener en cuenta que las mujeres españolas que hoy tienen más de 70 años conocen cuatro generaciones, de cuatro sociedades relativamente diferentes, cuatro modos de entender las relaciones sociales, familiares o los roles de género. Su reto y el de la sociedad en general es entender y superar las contradicciones manifiestas entre de estos modelos, causantes de incomprensión e impotencia. Este podría ser un primer paso para reforzar los vínculos de integración entre las personas mayores y el resto de la sociedad y aprovechar las relaciones positivas en ambos sentidos.

Referencias bibliográficas:
Dossier Situación mujeres mayores 2009
Envejecer en femenino. Boletín Perfiles y Tendencias. Observatorio de Personas mayores.
El voluntariado como instrumento para la promoción de la autonomía de las personas mayores que viven solas. Fundación Amigos de los mayores.

lunes, 27 de junio de 2011

Las distancias del sistema educativo español con respecto a Europa

El sistema educativo español presenta algunas deficiencias que le separan de los países de su entorno y de la UE-27. Ratios de alumno por clase elevados y una mayor matriculación en centros privados que públicos, junto con una reducida importancia de la Formación Profesional y escasez de profesorado, son algunas de las diferencias con Europa que hay que solventar. Para mejorar esta situación se necesitan medidas concretas y un aumento de la inversión en el sector educativo.

El fracaso y el abandono escolar son dos de los principales problemas a los que tiene que enfrentarse el sistema educativo español, según se desprende del estudio Educación en España. Situaciones, problemas y propuestas que ha elaborado el Gabinete de Estudios de la Federación de Enseñanza de CCOO con la coordinación de la secretaría de Política Educativa.

En el informe se ponen de manifiesto una serie de problemas que, además, están dificultando no sólo la formación de los jóvenes, sino también que el sistema educativo pueda mejorarse y se resuelvan carencias en las condiciones de escolarización, la atención adecuada a la diversidad del alumno o las deficiencias en materiales y recursos humanos en los centros en los que es habitual encontrar plantillas y personal educativo que son insuficientes.

Estos problemas están impidiendo asimismo que la educación en España converja con los niveles europeos. Y es que las diferencias con los países de la Unión Europea son notables. Por ejemplo, en la educación primaria, España dista en 23 puntos porcentuales de la media de la UE en matriculación de alumnos de primaria en centros públicos, mientras que supera en 22 puntos porcentuales el porcentaje de alumnos en este tramo educativo que están matriculados en centros privados concertados. Del total de los 27 países de la UE, España, junto con Bélgica y Malta, están a la cola en matriculación pública en educación primaria.

Unas diferencias que también son notables en el caso de la Enseñanza Secundaria en la que España está a 20,1 puntos porcentuales por debajo de la media de escolarización en centros públicos, mientras se vuelve a superar la media europea en centros privados concertados al igual que en primaria, superando en este caso los 20,5 puntos porcentuales. De esta manera, España vuelve a situarse nuevamente como el país, junto con Bélgica y Malta, que menos plazas públicas oferta en la ESO. Un dato que contrasta con el hecho de que 19 de los 27 países de la UE superen el 90% de los alumnos en este tramo educativo que están matriculados en centros públicos.

Referente a la Formación Profesional de Grado Medio, el informe refleja que España también está lejos de la media de la UE. Por ejemplo, en el año 2006, se graduaron en FP de Grado Medio el 35% de los jóvenes en edad de hacerlo, mientras que la media de la OCDE es del 45% y la de la UE es del 51%.

Además, en España se da una importante desproporción entre el Bachillerato y los Ciclos Medios de FP, ya que las tasas de titulados en bachiller suponen más del doble que las de FP. Una desproporción que no existe en la UE, territorio en el que la situación es a la inversa y que para corregirla en España se precisan de medidas como la articulación de procesos formales de información y orientación sobre las diferentes opciones formativas postobligatorias para los alumnos y alumnas de 4º de ESO, sobre todo, en los centros sostenidos con fondos públicos.

También es necesario que en la Formación Profesional de Grado Superior, en la que existe un considerable desnivel en su implantación en España en relación a los países del entorno, se pongan medidas de planificación y de orientación profesional que potencien este nivel formativo y se incida en su vinculación con la universidad.

Según el informe de CCOO, para solucionar estas diferencias con los países del entorno se precisa el compromiso de los poderes públicos y la decidida apuesta del Ministerio de Educación y las Administraciones autónomas para incrementar la inversión educativa, que debería suponer el 7% del PIB español. De esta inversión, una parte debe destinarse a la Formación Profesional para revalorizarla y poder expandir estos estudios en España.

Sin embargo, este preciso aumento de la inversión en general en el campo educativo dista del recorte salarial de los empleados públicos de este sector, así como de las partidas presupuestarias destinadas a educación con las que se limitan las posibilidades de desarrollo y mejora del sistema educativo y de disponer de los docentes necesarios ante las menores convocatorias de ofertas de empleo.

Un aspecto que es realmente preocupante por que el ratio de alumnos por profesor en España es el más elevado de la Unión Europea en la Educación Secundaria, ocupando una posición intermedia en el caso de Primaria.

Además de esta medida, CCOO considera que también deben llevarse a cabo otras iniciativas que conduzcan al reconocimiento efectivo de la labor educativa, dado que los profesionales de la enseñanza son clave para acometer una mejora de la educación. Para ello, se sigue reclamando la negociación del Estatuto Docente en el que se recojan los derechos y las obligaciones de este colectivo de profesionales y se puedan atender las reivindicaciones del sector.

Entre otras medidas, el sindicato en su informe también aboga por garantizar la escolarización a edades tempranas, de manera que se pueda hacer frente al abandono escolar, además de introducir medidas preventivas en educación infantil y primaria y acometer un plan de choque en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria.

Asimismo, se incide en la importancia de extender la oferta de plazas públicas de calidad a todos los niveles educativos y en todas las comunidades autónomas españolas y en la conveniencia de asegurar la gratuidad y equidad de escolarización en el régimen de conciertos, así como ampliar y diversificar la oferta de Programas de Cualificación Profesional Inicial en todos los centros de la red pública.

jueves, 23 de junio de 2011

CORRECTIONS. INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK

CORRECTIONS. INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK

CORRECTIONS. INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK

CORRECTIONS. INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK

EXAMPLE OF INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK

Many communities have been debating whether or not police officers should carry guns. In some situations, guns protect the police officer as well as the public. However, guns often result in injuries and death. No police officer should ever carry a gun.

First of all, guns cause more harm than good. There are often stories in the newspapaer about people who are accidentally shot. Moreover, many of these stories involve police officers. If guns had not been involved, these accidents would not have happened. On the other hand, there are very few stories about how a gun has saved somebody's life.

In addition to the previous point, in most cases police officers don't need guns. My father, for example, has been a police officer for over 20 years, and he has never had to use his gun. In fact, he says that most people who break the law are unarmed. Thus, it is often unnecessary for police officers to carry guns.

In conclusion, police officers should not carry guns. Guns usually cause harm to people. Moreover, police officers often don't need them to do their jobs.

EXAMPLE OF INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK

The debate over whether or not animals should be kept in zoos is a hot topic, one that generates passionate arguments both for and against. On the one hand, it is sometimes argued that animals should be free to live in the wild and not held in captivity. On the other hand, it is also argued that zoos are important places that not only provide people with a unique learning experience, but also play an important role in protecting animals and preserving their environment. Indeed, zoos offer benefits to people as well as animals, which is why animals should be kept there.

First of all, there are the educational aspects associated with zoos. Zoos provide an opportunity for people to encounter a wide variety of animals, including some strange and exotic ones. Children especially benefit from visits to the zoo, and in doing so they are given an opportunity to learn something about nature, the environment, and the animal kingdom. Moreover, zoos help children develop an appreciation for these things.

In addition to offering unique educational opportunities for people, many zoos attempt to improve the plight of rare species by protecting them. In fact, animals are likely better in a zoo than in the wild. Imagine an antelope faced with the danger of being eaten by a lion, a wolf faced with the prospect of starvation, or a tortoise faced with a long and arduous fight to the sea. Are these animals better off than those held in captivity? Probably not. Moreover, many zoos attempt to reproduce the animals' natural habitats. In such zoos, animals are not kept in cages but rather allowed to roam freely in large, open areas.

In conclusion, it is clear that the educational opportunities, protection of animals, and preservation of habitats offer sound evidence of the value that zoos bring to both people and animals. While a case can be made to eliminate zoos, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

miércoles, 22 de junio de 2011

ESSAY PATTERNS

THESIS STATEMENT and TRANSITION
· There are many reasons to support ________.
· For several reasons, it is better to _________.
· I (strongly) feel that _______. Here are three reasons why.
· I am firmly opposed to __. There are many reasons for this.
· I must oppose attempts to__________ for several reasons
· __________________ Here is why.
· _________________. Here are a few examples.
· ___________ are ______________ in many ways
· ___________ are ___________ for many reasons.
· I feel that ____ for reasons of _____, ____, and ________.
· ________ is detrimental/beneficial to _______________.
· __________ have many advantages over ________.
· The benefits of _______ far outweigh the disadvantages.
· If ____________, I would_______________.
· Given a choice (between ___ and ____), I would _______.
LISTING
Beginning
· First,
· Above all,
· To begin with,
· Foremost,
· Most importantly,
· Nowhere is _______ more apparent than in ________.
· The main reason that/for/why ________ is __________
· One reason that/for/why _________ is ____________.
· One drawback/advantage of ________is ___________.
Middle
· Second, third…
· In addition,
· As well,
· …also…
· Another argument for/against _______ is _________
· Then there is ____________to consider.
· More importantly,
· On the positive/negative side,
Final body argument
· Moreover,
· Furthermore,
· Finally,
· By far the greatest reason why ____ is ______.
GIVING EXAMPLES
· For example,
· For instance,
· Imagine _____________.
· Let’s say ____________
· Let’s look at (+ noun).
· Look at (+ noun).
· Consider (+ noun).
· Regarding (+ noun), __________.
· A case in point is/involves (+ noun).
· To illustrate,
· Let’s take another example.
· In another hypothetical case,
· Another reason that/for/why ______is______.
· Another great benefit of ________ is ______.
· This illustrates (+noun)
· As this example demonstrates,
· All of these are examples of ___________.
COMPOUNDING
· Add _______to _________ and _________.
· ______ is not worth the ______, the _______, and the ________.
· First, there’s the _________. Then there’s the _____________. And the __________.
RESULT
· Therefore,
· As a consequence,
· As a result,
· Accordingly,
· Thus,
· That’s why ___________.
GENERALISATION
· On the whole,
· In many respects,
· In many ways,
· Many people feel that ______.
· Overall,
· As a rule,
OPPOSITION
· However,
· (On one hand…) On the other hand,
· On the contrary,
· Alternatively,
· At the same time,
· One must remember that _____________.
· In contrast,
· In comparison,
SIMILARITY
· Similarly,
· Correspondingly,
· In the same way,
CONCESSION
· Of course,
· Yet,
· Certainly sometimes __________, __________.
· This may be true to a point.
· To a point, this is true.
· Granted, ____________.
COMING BACK TO THE POINT
· However,
· Nonetheless,
· Still,
· Even so,
· The fact remains that
· Though ______, _________.
· Although _____, _________.
· Despite (+ noun), _________.
· Whereas ______, _________.
SEEING THINGS IN A NEW LIGHT
· __________ may not _______ but _____________.
· Seen from this perspective, _____________.
· ______, then, ___________
BEING REASONABLE:
· Much depends on ___________.
· No one will deny that ____ has drawbacks. For example, ____________. However,
· Arguably, ____________.
· This is not to say_____________. (Neither does it mean________.)
· We all know someone who….
ENFORCING THE POINT
· Clearly,
· Certainly,
· No one can deny that ______________.
· _______________ is an undeniable fact.
· There is no question that _________.
· Most people would agree that _______.
· There is no doubt in my mind that ______
· It seems clear to say___________
· It is clear that _________
RESTATING
· In other words
· That is,
· That is to say,
· To be precise,
· The point is this:
· Again,
QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
· ________? The answer almost certainly is no.
· _________? I would say no.
· Should ________? The answer is probably no.
· Should one________?? Certainly not.
· Can ___________? It cannot.
· __________? That is a serious question.
· Why, then, __________________?
· _________? __________. __________? _________. __________? __________.
SUMMING UP
· For these reasons,
· To sum up,
· In conclusion,
· To conclude,
· After all,
· In short,
· This is why ___________.

INDEPENDENT SPEAKING TOPICS

Practice independent speaking topics


Personal Preference
Describe the city or town where you live.
What is your idea of the perfect job?
Describe a person you admire, and explain why you admire this person.
Describe a skill you want to learn
What is your favorite toy?
Who is a famous person you’d like to meet?
Where is a place you go to relax?
What is a valuable lesson you have learned?
What is the best animal to have for a pet, and why?
What is an interesting class you have taken?
What is a good book that you would recommend?

Paired Choice
Do you relax by staying home or going out?
Would you rather take a vacation in the city or the countryside?
What’s better: one big exam, or several small ones?
Do you prefer to study alone or with friends?
Which do you like better: watching TV or using the computer?
Do you prefer oral or written reports?
Would you rather have one long vacation from school, or several small ones?
Do you prefer large parties with many people or small ones with close friends only?
Do you support school uniforms, or students’ own choice of clothes?
Do you prefer to get up early, or get up late?
Do you prefer to plan your vacations thoroughly, or just go without too much planning?
Do you prefer to eat with others, or eat alone?

WRITING TOPICS

1. People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation, increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

3. Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

4. It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

5. A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.

6. If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

7. How do movies or television influence people’s behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

9. Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

10. “When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.

11. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Universities should give the same amount of money to their students’ sports activities as they give to their university libraries. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

12. Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

13. Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

14. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

15. Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in your answer.

16. It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

17. Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons to develop your essay.

18. What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)? Use specific details and examples to explain why these qualities are important.

19. Should governments spend more money on improving roads and highways, or should governments spend more money on improving public transportation (buses, trains, subways)? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

20. It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop your essay.

21. In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

22. We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.

23. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Sometimes it is better not to tell the truth. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

24. In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.

25. A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

26. It has recently been announced that a large shopping center may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

27. It has recently been announced that a new movie theater may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

28. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should sometimes do things that they do not enjoy doing. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

29. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television, newspapers, magazines, and other media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people such as public figures and celebrities. Use specific reasons and details to explain your opinion.

30. Some people believe that the Earth is being harmed (damaged) by human activity. Others feel that human activity makes the Earth a better place to live. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

31. It has recently been announced that a new high school may be built in your community. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details in your answer.

32. Some people spend their entire lives in one place. Others move a number of times throughout their lives, looking for a better job, house, community, or even climate. Which do you prefer: staying in one place or moving in search of another place? Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.

33. Is it better to enjoy your money when you earn it or is it better to save your money for some time in the future? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

34. You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a piece of jewelry you like or tickets to a concert you want to attend. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

35. You must select a person to teach others to do a job. Which one of the following is the most important for you to consider in making your selection?

the person’s education
the person’s work experience
the quality of the person’s previous work

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

36. Businesses should hire employees for their entire lives. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

37. Countries, businesses, and schools are three areas that need good leaders. Choose one of these three areas and describe the most important qualities of a leader in that area. Explain why these qualities are important, using specific examples and details.

38. Choose one of the following transportation vehicles and explain why you think it has changed people’s lives.

Automobiles
Bicycles
Airplanes

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

39. Do you agree or disagree that progress is always good? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

40. Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

41. The expression “Never, never give up” means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

42. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? With the help of technology, students nowadays can learn more information and learn it more quickly. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

43. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

44. Awards and prizes are given for excellence in various fields. Do these awards and prizes serve a useful purpose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

45. Some people think that human needs for farmland, housing, and industry are more important than saving land for endangered animals. Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

46. What is a very important skill a person should learn in order to be successful in the world today? Choose one skill and use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

47. Resolving problems between individuals or groups is important. What should be considered or kept in mind in resolving problems between individuals or groups? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

48. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Self-confidence is the most important factor for success in school or at work. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

49. Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

50. Which is more important for success: the natural ability you are born with or hard work? Explain your opinion, using specific reasons and examples.

51. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents or other adult relatives should make important decisions for their older (15 to 18 year-old) teenaged children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

52. Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

53. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day’s work. Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

54. What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter? Have these qualities changed or remained the same over time in your culture? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

55. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

56. People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support your answer.

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

58. Some people like to do only what they already do well. Other people prefer to try new things and take risks. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

59. Some people believe that success in life comes from taking risks or chances. Others believe that success results from careful planning. In your opinion, what does success come from? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

60. What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

61. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The most important aspect of a job is the money a person earns. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

62. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? One should never judge a person by external appearances. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

63. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person should never make an important decision alone. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

64. A company is going to give some money either to support the arts or to protect the environment. Which do you think the company should choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

65. Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

66. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Businesses should do anything they can to make a profit. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

67. Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

68. Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space (for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

69. People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer.

70. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

71. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an international exhibition, what would you choose? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

72. You have been told that dormitory rooms at your university must be shared by two students. Would you rather have the university assign a student to share a room with you, or would you rather choose your own roommate? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

73. Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

74. Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

75. Schools should ask students to evaluate their teachers. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

76. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to the examples listed in the prompt.

77. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of contribution do you think is valued more by your society? Give specific reasons to support your answer.

78. Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference.

79. You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. Compare the different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose. Give specific reasons for your choice.

80. Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students. Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

81. Some people believe that the best way of learning about life is by listening to the advice of family and friends. Other people believe that the best way of learning about life is through personal experience. Compare the advantages of these two different ways of learning about life. Which do you think is preferable? Use specific examples to support your preference.

82. When people move to another country, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new country. Others prefer to keep their own customs. Compare these two choices. Which one do you prefer? Support your answer with specific details.

83. Some people prefer to spend most of their time alone. Others like to be with friends most of the time. Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with friends? Use specific reasons to support your answer.

84. Some people prefer to spend time with one or two close friends. Others choose to spend time with a large number of friends. Compare the advantages of each choice. Which of these two ways of spending time do you prefer? Use specific reasons to support your answer.

85. Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?

86. The government has announced that it plans to build a new university. Some people think that your community would be a good place to locate the university. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of establishing a new university in your community. Use specific details in your discussion.

87. Some people think that the family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with? Use examples to support your position.

88. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer-planning or not planning for your leisure time? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.

89. People learn in different ways. Some people learn by doing things; other people learn by reading about things; others learn by listening to people talk about things. Which of these methods of learning is best for you? Use specific examples to support your choice.

90. Some people choose friends who are different from themselves. Others choose friends who are similar to themselves. Compare the advantages of having friends who are different from you with the advantages of having friends who are similar to you. Which kind of friend do you prefer for yourself? Why?

91. Some people enjoy change, and they look forward to new experiences. Others like their lives to stay the same, and they do not change their usual habits. Compare these two approaches to life. Which approach do you prefer? Explain why.

92. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave? Use specific examples to support your answer.

93. Decisions can be made quickly, or they can be made after careful thought. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The decisions that people make quickly are always wrong. Use reasons and specific examples to support your opinion.

94. Some people trust their first impressions about a person’s character because they believe these judgments are generally correct. Other people do not judge a person’s character quickly because they believe first impressions are often wrong. Compare these two attitudes. Which attitude do you agree with? Support your choice with specific examples.

95. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People are never satisfied with what they have; they always want something more or something different. Use specific reasons to support your answer.

96. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People should read only those books that are about real events, real people, and established facts. Use specific reasons and details to support your opinion.

97. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is more important for students to study history and literature than it is for them to study science and mathematics. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

98. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? All students should be required to study art and music in secondary school. Use specific reasons to support your answer.

99. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? There is nothing that young people can teach older people. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

100. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Reading fiction (such as novels and short stories) is more enjoyable than watching movies. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.

101. Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

102. A university plans to develop a new research center in your country. Some people want a center for business research. Other people want a center for research in agriculture (farming). Which of these two kinds of research centers do you recommend for your country? Use specific reasons in your recommendation.

103. Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

104. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

105. If you could invent something new, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed.

106. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A person’s childhood years (the time from birth to twelve years of age) are the most important years of a person’s life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

107. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should be required to help with household tasks as soon as they are able to do so. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

108. Some high schools require all students to wear school uniforms. Other high schools permit students to decide what to wear to school. Which of these two school policies do you think is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

109. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing a game is fun only when you win. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

110. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? High schools should allow students to study the courses that students want to study. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

111. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better to be a member of a group than to be the leader of a group. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

112. What do you consider to be the most important room in a house? Why is this room more important to you than any other room? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

113. If you could make one important change in a school that you attended, what change would you make? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

114. A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or an animal) can contribute to a child’s development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why? Use reasons and specific examples to support your choice.

115. Some people believe that students should be given one long vacation each year. Others believe that students should have several short vacations throughout the year. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

116. Would you prefer to live in a traditional house or in a modern apartment building? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

117. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we really do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

118. Some people prefer to spend their free time outdoors. Other people prefer to spend their leisure time indoors. Would you prefer to be outside or would you prefer to be inside for your leisure activities? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your choice.

119. Your school has received a gift of money. What do you think is the best way for your school to spend this money? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

120. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing games teaches us about life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

121. Imagine that you have received some land to use as you wish. How would you use this land? Use specific details to explain your answer.

122. What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important? Use reasons and specific details to explain your answer.

123. Many parts of the world are losing important natural resources, such as forests, animals, or clean water. Choose one resource that is disappearing and explain why it needs to be saved. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

124. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? A zoo has no useful purpose. Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

125. In some countries, people are no longer allowed to smoke in many public places and office buildings. Do you think this is a good rule or a bad rule? Use specific reasons and details to support your position.

126. Plants can provide food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. What is one kind of plant that is important to you or the people in your country? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

127. You have the opportunity to visit a foreign country for two weeks. Which country would you like to visit? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

128. In the future, students may have the choice of studying at home by using technology such as computers or television or of studying at traditional schools. Which would you prefer? Use reasons and specific details to explain your choice.

129. When famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars give their opinions, many people listen. Do you think we should pay attention to these opinions? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

130. The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one change that should be remembered about the twentieth century? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

131. When people need to complain about a product or poor service, some prefer to complain in writing and others prefer to complain in person. Which way do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

132. People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

133. Some famous athletes and entertainers earn millions of dollars every year. Do you think these people deserve such high salaries? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

134. Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

135. People do many different things to stay healthy. What do you do for good health? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

136. You have decided to give several hours of your time each month to improve the community where you live. What is one thing you will do to improve your community? Why? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

137. Your school has enough money to purchase either computers for students or books for the library. Which should your school choose to buy- computers or books? Use specific reasons and examples to support your recommendation.

138. Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

139. People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

140. Groups or organizations are an important part of some people’s lives. Why are groups or organizations important to people? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

141. Imagine that you are preparing for a trip. You plan to be away from your home for a year. In addition to clothing and personal care items, you can take one additional thing. What would you take and why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

142. When students move to a new school, they sometimes face problems. How can schools help these students with their problems? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

143. It is sometimes said that borrowing money from a friend can harm or damage the friendship. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your answer.

144. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents’ generation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

145. Some students like classes where teachers lecture (do all of the talking) in class. Other students prefer classes where the students do some of the talking. Which type of class do you prefer? Give specific reasons and details to support your choice.

146. Holidays honor people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person or event would it honor and how would you want people to celebrate it? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

147. A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either to go on vacation to buy a car Your friend has asked you for advice. Compare your friend’s two choices and explain which one you think your friend should choose. Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

148. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think the new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.

149. What are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use specific details and examples to explain your answer.

150. Movies are popular all over the world. Explain why movies are so popular. Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.

151. In your country, is there more need for land to be left in its natural condition or is there more need for land to be developed for housing and industry? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

152. Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

153. Films can tell us a lot about the country where they were made. What have you learned about a country from watching its movies? Use specific examples and details to support your response.

154. Some students prefer to study alone. Others prefer to study with a group of students. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

155. You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice.

INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Level 5 Response:
the traditional virtue of telling the truth in all situations is increasingly doubted by many in today’s world. many believe that telling the truth is not always the best policy when dealing with people. moreover, the line of a “truth” is becoming more and more vague. this essay will explore the importance of telling the truth in relationships between people.
we all understand that often the truth is offending and may not be a very nice thing to both hear or say. lies or white lies often have their advantages. the manipulation of white lies is the most obvious the business world. how many times have we heard that some product is “the finest” or “the cheapest”? how many times have we heard that products have such and such “magical functions”? advertising is about persuasion, and many would agree that if a company is to tell the absolute truth about it’s products, no one would be interested in even having a look at the products.
the same logic applies to human relationships. if your friend had worn a newly purchased dress on her birthday and energetically asked you if it was a worthy buy, would you freely express your opinion that you had never seen a dress as the one she’s currently wearing? and spoil her birthday? unarguably, hiding(entirely or particially) the truth in some situations can be quite handy indeed. confrontations and disputes can seemingly be avoided.
however, there is always the risk factor of the truth emerging sooner or later when telling an untruth. the basic trust in any relationships(businessman/customer, friends, parents/children) will be blotched, and would have an impact on the future relationship between both parties. the story of the “the boy who cried wolf” fully illustrates the consequenes of telling untruths. no one will believe you when you’re telling the truth. your word will have no weighting.
in addition, another “bad factor” of telling untruths is that you have absolutely no control over when the truth(of previous untruths) will emerge. untruths breed pain in both parties: tears when the truth is uncovered after a period of time; fear and the burden of sharing a “secret”. in the long run, it seems that hiding the truth is not beneficial to either party.
everyone hates betrayal. even if it is the trend to occasionally hide the truth in relationships, it is strongly recommended that not to follow that trend as the risk and the consequences of the truth unfolded overwhelms the minimal advantages one can derive from not telling the truth. afterall, it is understood that relationships are founded on “trust” which goes hand in hand with “truth”. indeed telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship between people. always.

INTEGRATED SPEAKING TEST

READING
First examinees see the following reading passage on their computer screen for three minutes:
In many organizations, perhaps the best way to approach certain new projects is to assemble a group of people into a team. Having a team of people attack a project offers several advantages. First of all, a group of people has a wider range of knowledge, expertise, and skills than any single individual is likely to possess. Also, because of the numbers of people involved and the greater resources they possess, a group can work more quickly in response to the task assigned to it and can come up with highly creative solutions to problems and issues. Sometimes these creative solutions come about because a group is more likely to make risky decisions that an individual might not undertake. This is because the group spreads responsibility for a decision to all the members and thus no single individual can be held accountable if the decision turns out to be wrong.
Taking part in a group process can be very rewarding for members of the team. Team members who have a voice in making a decision will no doubt feel better about carrying out the work that is entailed by that decision than they might doing work that is imposed on them by others. Also, the individual team member has a much better chance to “shine,” to get his or her contributions and ideas not only recognized but recognized as highly significant, because a team’s overall results can be more far-reaching and have greater impact than what might have otherwise been possible for the person to accomplish or contribute working alone.
A narrator then says, “Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.”
Then examinees listen to and can take notes on the following lecture, the script of which is given below.

LISTEN
They view:
A picture of a male professor standing in front of a class
They listen to:
(Professor) Now I want to tell you about what one company found when it decided that it would turn over some of its new projects to teams of people, and make the team responsible for planning the projects and getting the work done. After about six months, the company took a look at how well the teams performed.
On virtually every team, some members got almost a “free ride” ... they didn’t contribute much at all, but if their team did a good job, they nevertheless benefited from the recognition the team got. And what about group members who worked especially well and who provided a lot of insight on problems and issues? Well...the recognition for a job well done went to the group as a whole, no names were named. So it won’t surprise you to learn that when the real contributors were asked how they felt about the group process, their attitude was just the opposite of what the reading predicts.
Another finding was that some projects just didn’t move very quickly. Why? Because it took so long to reach consensus...it took many, many meetings to build the agreement among group members about how they would move the project along. On the other hand, there were other instances where one or two people managed to become very influential over what their group did. Sometimes when those influencers said “That will never work” about an idea the group was developing, the idea was quickly dropped instead of being further discussed. And then there was another occasion when a couple influencers convinced the group that a plan of theirs was “highly creative.” And even though some members tried to warn the rest of the group that the project was moving in directions that might not work, they were basically ignored by other group members. Can you guess the ending to *this* story? When the project failed, the blame was placed on all the members of the group.

The reading passage then reappears and the following directions and question appear on the screen:
They read:
You have 20 minutes to plan and write your response. Your response will be judged on the basis of the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the points in the lecture and their relationship to the reading passage. Typically, an effective response will be 150 to 225 words.
They respond to:
Summarize the points made in the lecture you just heard, explaining how they cast doubt on points made in the reading.

Level 5 Benchmark Examinee Response:
The lecturer talks about research conducted by a firm that used the group system to handle their work. He says that the theory stated in the passage was very different and somewhat inaccurate when compared to what happened for real.
First, some members got free rides. That is, some didn’t work hard but gotrecognition for the success nontheless. This also indicates that people who worked hard was not given recognition they should have got. In other words, they weren’t given the oppotunity to “shine”. This derectly contradicts what the passage indicates.
Second, groups were slow in progress. The passage says that groups are nore responsive than individuals because of the number of people involved and their aggregated resources. However, the speaker talks about how the firm found out that groups were slower than individuals in dicision making. Groups needed more time for meetings, which are neccesary procceedures in decision making. This was another part where experience contradicted theory.
Third, influetial people might emerge, and lead the group towards glory or failure. If the influent people are going in the right direction there would be no problem. But in cases where they go in the wrong direction, there is nobody that has enough influence to counter the decision made. In other words, the group might turn into a dictatorship, with the influential party as the leader, and might be less flexible in thinking. They might become one-sided, and thus fail to succeed.

Rating Annotation
Once you read past what seem to be the results of poor typing, this Benchmark 5 does an excellent job of presenting the points about the contribution and recognition of group members as well as about speed of group decisions. The final paragraph contains one noticeable error (“influent”), which is then used correctly two sentences later (“influential”). Overall, this is a successful response and scored within (though perhaps not at the top of) the 5 level.

martes, 21 de junio de 2011

PRACTICE ENGLISH

Today is a great day!

Earlier today I was thinking of students I have had in the past, especially the teenagers.

Many were very hard workers; they would do all of their activities and exercises and were very determined to learn.

Sometimes when I saw them working so hard I would think:

"They would love to have a break"



It feels great to work hard and accomplish things but sometimes it’s ok to take a break too.

viernes, 17 de junio de 2011

TOEFL: 50 LECTURES TO THE LISTENING

http://www.english-test.net/toefl/listening/Which_aspect_of_bee_behavior_does_the_professor_mainly_discuss.html

TRANSCRIPTION
You've been reading about animal behavior. Today we'll discuss one of the most astonishing behaviors in the animal world: dancing bees. Did you know that bees can dance? Well, neither did scientists, until the 1960s. That's when a German scientist, named, uh, Karl von Frisch, noticed something truly remarkable. As he was observing honeybees, he noticed that some of the bees, which he called scout bees, flew out of the hive to look for food. When a scout found a site where there was food, it flew back to the beehive and started dancing. This dance somehow told the other honeybees where the food was, because after the dance, the bees... [false start] some of the bees flew from the hive straight to the site of the food. Von Frisch called the bees that collect the food forager bees. He thought the scout bee's dance told the forager bees three things -- first, the smell of the food it had found; second, which direction to fly to reach the food; and third, the distance of the food site from the beehive. Von Frisch won the 1973 Nobel Prize for this discovery, but many scientists were skeptical of his theory. They didn't believe it was the dance that led the forager bees to food. Instead, they thought it might be, oh, the smell of the food on the dancing bee, or maybe that they just followed the scout back to the food site. Well, very recently, some British scientists used a new type of radar to prove that von Frisch's theory was indeed correct. It is the dance that communicates this information to other bees.

The British researchers found that scout bees perform two types of dances. If the food is near the hive, say, oh, about 50 or 60 meters away, the scout flies in a round pattern, like a circle. This tells the location, but not the direction, of the food site. If the site is farther away, the scout does what's called a waggle dance. It flies in a pattern of ovals and vertical lines. The speed of the waggle dance tells other bees how far away the food site is. The slower the dance, the farther away the food. If the scout flies in a vertical line up the side of the beehive, it's telling the foragers to fly directly toward the sun. If the scout flies vertically down the hive, it's saying, "fly away from the sun." Up is toward, down is away. If the scout flies at an angle to the hive, it's telling the foragers to fly neither toward nor away from the sun, but in between. The bees have a special internal mechanism to know which angle they should fly, based on the sun, the hive and the food site. They can also measure the distance they fly by recording the motion of things they see as they fly past.

Now, um, one problem with von Frisch's theory had been this: It seems to take the forager bees a long time to reach the food site. That's why ... [false start] That's why scientists thought that perhaps it wasn't the waggle dance that led them there. For many years, scientists couldn't follow the foragers after they left the hive,. because they didn't have the technology. Just a few years ago, though, the British scientists solved this problem using a new type of radar. They were able to attach a, uh, small radio transmitter to forager bees -- I don't know how, but they did. This enabled them to follow the forager bees' flight after they left the hive. The radar showed that foragers, do, in fact, fly straight to the area of the food site. They don't follow the scout bee back to the site, because the scout goes into the hive after it finishes dancing. Well then, if the waggle dance does lead the foragers directly to the food site, why does it take so long for them to find the actual food? The answer is that the waggle dance leads the foragers only to the general area of the food. It doesn't tell them the exact location of the flowers or plants that have the food. So the foragers have to spend a while flying around the area before they find the exact location of what they're looking for.

1). Which aspect of bee behavior does the professor mainly discuss?
(A) Reproduction
(B) Hibernation
(C) Organization
(D) Communication


2). Why does the professor mention radar?
(A) To explain how bees know which way to fly
(B) To show how a theory was proved correct
(C) To illustrate problems with the waggle dance
(D) To confirm the accuracy of the round dance


3). According to the professor, what does the waggle dance tell forager bees?
(A) The distance of the food site from the hive
(B) The exact location of the food at the site
(C) How much food they will find at the site
(D) The weather conditions at the food site


4). Which way should forager bees fly if a scout bee flies up the side of the beehive in a vertical line?
(A) toward the west
(B) between sun and moon
(C) toward the sun
(D) away from the sun

TOEFL: BUSINESS LECTURE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB3AdJuujMM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

1: What is the lecture mainly about?


A) How to form corporations
B) types of business organizations
C) Differences between a proprietorship and a partnership
D) Differences between a partnership and a corporation




2: In the lecture, the professor describes some characteristics of a corporation. Indicate whether each is a characteristic. (YES or NO)


a) Personal liability




b) Officers own the company.
c) Shareholders control the company's ownership.
e) Board of Directors makes daily operating decisions




3: Why does the professor mention that many new businesses fail within the first two years?


A) To discourage new business starts
B) To show how much information he has obtained about new businesses
C) To explain why it is important to know types of business
D) To explain why people may need to have financial help in starting a business




4: According to the professor, what is one characteristic of a sole proprietorship?


A) People can begin business more quickly
B) People are provided with many choices for a type of business
C) People can take advantage of friends' advice
D) People can lose money quickly




5: What does the professor mean when he says this?


A) He wants the students to think about why they are going into business.
B) He thinks going into business together promotes friendship
C) He wants to explain studets realities of life
D) He thinks the students can make good decisions about such matters




6: Why does the professor say this?


A) You have someone to complain to
B) You know someone understands your problems
C) You can get help before you have customer complaints
D) Advisors will help you when you have problems



Answers:
1: b
2: (yes= c, e) (no= a, b, d)
3: c
4: a
5: c
6: d

miércoles, 15 de junio de 2011

TOEFL Speaking question

LISTENING
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmsJJRmVbX8&feature=related

TOEFL: LISTENING PRACTICE

LISTENING:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB3AdJuujMM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

1: What is the lecture mainly about?


A) How to form corporations
B) types of business organizations
C) Differences between a proprietorship and a partnership
D) Differences between a partnership and a corporation




2: In the lecture, the professor describes some characteristics of a corporation. Indicate whether each is a characteristic. (YES or NO)


a) Personal liability
b) Officers own the company.
c) Shareholders control the company's ownership.
e) Board of Directors makes daily operating decisions




3: Why does the professor mention that many new businesses fail within the first two years?


A) To discourage new business starts
B) To show how much information he has obtained about new businesses
C) To explain why it is important to know types of business
D) To explain why people may need to have financial help in starting a business




4: According to the professor, what is one characteristic of a sole proprietorship?


A) People can begin business more quickly
B) People are provided with many choices for a type of business
C) People can take advantage of friends' advice
D) People can lose money quickly




5: What does the professor mean when he says this?


A) He wants the students to think about why they are going into business.
B) He thinks going into business together promotes friendship
C) He wants to explain studets realities of life
D) He thinks the students can make good decisions about such matters




6: Why does the professor say this?


A) You have someone to complain to
B) You know someone understands your problems
C) You can get help before you have customer complaints
D) Advisors will help you when you have problems


Answers:
1: b
2: (yes= c, e) (no= a, b, d)
3: c
4: a
5: c
6: d

TOEFL: LISTENING PRACTICE

LISTENING
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg5dNEytNZk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Here are questions 8-9

8. What is the main subject of this lecture?
a) The failures of the United Nations
b) The historical role of the League of Nations
c) The origins of World War II
d) The forgotten successes of the League of Nations

9. What is the main idea of this lecture?
a) Despite certain advantages, there are any problems involved in the use of hot dry rock technology.
b) Hot dry rock technology is too expensive to ever be used as a practical energy source.
c) The main purpose of hot dry rock technology is to provide pure, clean water.
d) hot dry rock is a potentially important alternative source of energy.

Answers:
8. B
9. D

TOELF: LISTENING PRACTICE

LISTENING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4umLhdInnc&feature=related

Toefl Listening Practice - Main Idea Part 2
Here are questions 6-7:

6. What is the class mainly discussing?
a) Government regulation and self-regulation in the advertising industry
b) A court decision that affected advertising for children in Sweden
c) The problems that a ban on advertising caused the tobacco industry
d) A negative advertising campaign designed to prevent people from smoking

7. What is the main point of this lecture?
a) To compare the characters of Greek epic poetry and those of modern novels
b) To discuss why the professor enjoys the Iliad more than the Odyssey
c) To contrast the main characters of the Iliad and the main character of the Odyssey
d) To explain why the professor is going to have to change the syllabus

Answers:
6. A
7. C

TOEFL: LISTENINGS PRACTICE

LISTENING:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyay4RU4SDk&feature=youtu.be

Toefl Listening Practice - Main Idea Part 1
Questions:
3. What does this lecture mainly concern?
a) The archaeological record found in New England shipwrecks
b) The rules for a game that the students are going to play
c) The leading causes of shipwrecks off the coast of New England
d) The role of the State Archaeological Society

4. What is the main purpose of this discussion?
a) To compare regressive and progressive taxes
b) To explain the need for a new sales tax
c) To discuss the concept of income tax
d) To contrast direct and indirect taxation

5. What is the main topic of this discussion?
a) Edward Hopper's early career as a commercial artist
b) A style of movie making called film noir
c) Edward Hopper's realistic, bleak style of painting
d) Edward Hopper's influence on other painters

Answers:
3. A
4. D
5. C

TOEFL iBT Speaking Question

Se reduce la tasa de fracaso escolar en 2,6 puntos


Los planes de éxito, la crisis y la conciencia social reducen el fracaso en 2,6 puntos, hasta el 25,9%
Espectacular avance de Ceuta, que aumenta el éxito de sus alumnos en casi diez puntos, adelantando a la Comunidad Valenciana. Castilla-La Mancha es la única comunidad que no mejora la tasa.
Se reduce la diferencia por sexos, que todavía es de 12,2 puntos a favor de las mujeres
Al final de la pasada semana el Ministerio de Educación dio a conocer los datos de la tasa bruta de graduados en ESO en el curso 2008-09 o, lo que es lo mismo, el porcentaje de alumnos que terminan la enseñanza obligatoria.

Según esta estadística, la media de alumnos españoles que se gradúa en Secundaria mejora con respecto al curso 2007-08 en 2,6 puntos porcentuales, del 71,5% al 74,1%. Si lo traducimos en tasa de fracaso escolar, vemos que España baja del 28,5 al 25,9, lo que indicaría que los planes de refuerzo y la mayor conciencia social con respecto a este dato están surtiendo efecto.

Tampoco hay que desdeñar el efecto de la crisis tanto en la permanencia en el sistema educativo de alumnos que antes salían para trabajar, como de los que regresan del paro para seguir estudiando.

Por comunidades, todas mejoran excepto Castilla-La Mancha, que aumenta ligeramente la cifra de alumnos que no terminan la ESO, en 0,3 puntos. Por otro lado, Asturias, con un 10,6% de fracaso se sitúa como la comunidad con más éxito de sus alumnos, seguida del País Vasco (12,2), Cantabria (13,5), Navarra (17,9) o Castilla y León (19,6). En la cola se encuentran las Islas Baleares (39% de fracaso), Ceuta (38,2), la Comunidad Valenciana (36,9), Melilla (36,6) o la citada Castilla-La Mancha (31,2). Por sexos las diferencias siguen siendo notables pero en descenso. Fracasa un 31,8% de varones frente a un 19,6 de mujeres.

Si atendemos a la evolución, la mejora es muy acusada en comunidades como Andalucía o o La Rioja, con 5,8 puntos de mejora, Cantabria (4,9), Canarias y Extremadura (4,1) y, sobre todo, Ceuta, con 9,5 puntos de mejoría.

PRACTICE ENGLISH

Kim and Jason spend a lot of time together in the library. They are studying the same subject and often are in the same classes.

"They are fellow students"


This means that they are both from the same group and have shared interests.

martes, 14 de junio de 2011

TOEFL: SPEAKING TEST

TOEFL: COMMON MISTAKES ON SPEAKING TEST

40 New Practice Topics for iBT TOEFL Speaking

40 New Practice Topics for iBT TOEFL Speaking
Here is a list of 40 new topics that you might find useful if you are preparing for Part 1 of the iBT TOEFL Speaking section. These are all Independent topics of the "open choice" / personal experience or opinion type.
1. Who is your best friend? Describe this person and say why he/she is your best friend.
2. What is your favorite place to visit on weekends? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite place to go.
3. What is your happiest childhood memory? Describe it and give reasons to explain why it is your happiest memory.
4. What is your most important possession? Describe it and say why it is so important.
5. Talk about a person in your life who has inspired you. Describe the person and explain why you found him/her inspirational.
6. Where do most like to go to eat out? Describe this place and say why you like it most.
7. Talk about an important national holiday in your home country. Describe it and explain why it is important.
8. What is your favorite book or movie? Describe it and say why it is your favorite.
9. Who do you feel close to in your family (or extended family)? Describe this person and say why you feel close to him/her.
10. Where is a good place to have fun in your city or town? Describe this place and explain why it is fun.
11. Talk about an experience in your life that made you feel embarrassed. Describe it and say why it was embarrassing.
12. What was your favorite subject at school? Describe it and explain why this subject was your favorite one.
13. Who is an important person in your country? Describe this person and explain why he/she is important.
14. Talk about an interesting tourist attraction you have been to. Describe it and say why it was interesting.
15. Talk about a time when you experienced success. Describe the experience and say why it was a success for you.
16. What is your favorite style of clothing? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite.
17. Name a person whom you truly admire. Describe the person and say why you admire him/her.
18. Think of a place that makes you feel relaxed and peaceful. Describe it and explain why it is relaxing and peaceful for you.
19. Talk about a difficulty you have overcome in your life. Describe the experience and say why it was difficult to overcome.
20. What is your most useful study aid? Describe it and explain why it is useful in helping you to study.
21. Talk about a teacher who had a positive influence on you. Describe this person and explain why he/she was so influential to you.
22. Where is your favorite place to study? Describe this place and say why it is a good place for you to study.
23. Talk about a positive experience with learning or using English. Describe the experience and say why it was a positive one.
24. What is your favorite kind of food? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite.
25. Name a famous or influential figure who has inspired you. Describe this person and say why he/she has been inspirational to you.
26. Which place has fond memories for you? Describe this place and explain why it is memorable to you.
27. When have you been happily surprised by something? Describe the experience and say why the surprise was a happy one for you.
28. Describe a resource that helped you to do something better than before. Describe it and explain why it was helpful to you.
29. Describe a person from your country’s history. Why do you think this person was important?
30. Where would you like to go to spend a vacation? Describe this place and say why you would like to holiday there.
31. Talk about something you and your family enjoy doing together. Describe it and explain why you all enjoy it.
32. What is your favorite recreational activity? Describe it and say why you enjoy doing it.
33. Who is the most intelligent person you know? Describe the person and say why you think he/she is intelligent.
34. Where would you most like to live? Describe this place and explain why you would like to live there.
35. What is your favorite season of the year? Describe the season and explain why you like it so much.
36. What custom from your home country are you most fond of? Describe the custom and explain why you are fond of it.
37. Which person are you most likely to go to with a personal problem? Describe this person and say why you would go to him/her in particular.
38. Name a place in your country you would recommend others to visit. Describe this place and explain why you would recommend it.
39. Talk about an event from the past that you would like to relive. Describe the original event and say why you would like to relive it.
40. What is your favorite way of getting around? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite means of transportation.


I've just added four new sample topics and model answers. Find out about:
· a good place in my town to have fun;
· my favorite subject at school;
· why I prefer going on a long trip by train instead of car;
· why I prefer a job I really enjoy even if it has a moderate salary!
· What´s your favorite place to study?

TO SEE EXAMPLES: http://www.english-itutor.com/TOEFL_Speaking_Topics.html

TOELF: INTEGRATED ESSAY. Taking notes from the reading passage.

PRACTICE ENGLISH

Charles received the highest score on the test out of his classmates. He didn’t want to boast but...

"He couldn't help smiling a bit"


This means that he was very happy about his test score but didn’t want the others to know. He was afraid his happiness would make them feel bad.

PRACTICE ENGLISH

Karen said, “Mom! Can I go to the movies with Susan and Britney?” Karen’s mom replied sternly, “You can’t go to the movies with your friends until you clean your room.” She added,

"You have no choice!"


This means that Karen does not have any other options. If she wishes to go to the movies, she must clean her room first .

viernes, 10 de junio de 2011

Itinerarios para el cuarto curso de Enseñanza Secundaria

La remodelación del cuarto curso de la ESO tendrá, definitivamente, tres vías distintas, un modelo que ya estaba en la LOCE y que pretende encaminar a los alumnos hacia el Bachillerato o la FP.


Según queda reflejado en el borrador de real decreto hecho público por el Ministerio de Educación, el cuarto curso de ESO tendrá tres vías distintas destinadas a encaminar a los alumnos hacia el Bachillerato o hacia la Formación Profesional. Se retoma así el modelo de itinerarios curriculares que ya recogió la Ley de Calidad de Pilar del Castillo aunque para tercer curso.

La reforma del último curso de educación obligatoria está en marcha. El borrador de real decreto dado a conocer por el ministro Ángel Gabilondo define un modelo que, para parte de la comunidad educativa, responde a los itinerarios marcados por la LOCE durante el último gobierno del Partido Popular. Ahora el ministerio toma el testigo adaptando a la Ley Orgánica de Educación unos principios de diversificación curricular que pretenden ayudar a reducir el fracaso escolar.

Y es que el cuarto de ESO es quizá el más problemático de toda la educación secundaria y donde se ceba el abandono. Los responsables educativos lo saben, de ahí que se estén tomando estas medidas. El objetivo de esta reforma no es otro que buscar salidas para los alumnos que no pueden o no quieren seguir el camino de las enseñanzas universitarias (que es casi lo mismo que decir “pasar a Bachillerato”). El decreto se debate estos días, no sin críticas: hay sectores sindicales que analizan con cautela la propuesta por segreadora.

Tres vías

Lo conocido hasta la fecha es que se ofrecerán tres vías a los alumnos de quince años: una enfocada al Bachillerato de Letras, otra al de Ciencias y una última a la Formación Profesional. En principio, la propuesta del MEC es que ninguna de ellas cierre las puertas al estudiante que decida cambiar de opinión al final de curso, aunque en la práctica lo razonable y viable es que ese cambio no se produzca.

Los alumnos estudiarán seis materias comunes (siete en las comunidades con lengua cooficial) y tres específicas de la vía elegida. Además, el borrador de real decreto establece tres nuevas asignaturas: Alimentación, Nutrición y Salud y Ciencias Aplicadas a la Actividad Profesional e Iniciativa Emprendedora, cuyos contenidos aún se están desarrollando. La reforma entrará en vigor, previsiblemente, en el curso 2012-2013.

Cada una de las opciones tiene tres asignaturas: hacia el bachillerato de Letras serán Educación Plástica y Visual, Latín y Música; para el de Ciencias, Biología y Geología, Física y Química, y Tecnología; y para FP, Alimentación, Nutrición y Salud, Ciencias Aplicadas a la Actividad Profesional y Tecnología. Los alumnos podrán cursar las tres en bloque o solo dos ellas y otra más a elegir entre las siguientes: Informática, Iniciativa Emprendedora y segunda Lengua Extranjera. De cada una habrá dos clases semanales.

Entre las seis materias obligatorias para todos los estudiantes aparece otra novedad: las dos versiones de Matemáticas. La primera está destinada a los alumnos que piensan seguir estudiando la asignatura en Bachillerato y la otra para los que no. De esta redacción la comunidad educativa ha entendido que se establecerán dos niveles de exigencia, pero el decreto insiste en que ambas deben garantizar igualmente las competencias marcadas por la LOE.
De momento, la voz más crítica sobre estos cambios ha sido la de la Confederación de Asociaciones Padres de Alumnos (CEAPA), mayoritaria en la escuela pública. Esta organización teme que "muchos institutos utilizarán las opciones de 4º para separar al alumnado según sus capacidades".

Más cambios

El borrador se refiere también a los Programas de Cualificación Profesional Inicial (PCPI) pensados para los alumnos en mayor riesgo de acabar la educación obligatoria sin el título. Se adelanta un año su oferta (a los quince) y se incluyen dos partes en el currículum: una obligatoria, de enseñanza básica y formación profesional, y otra voluntaria, con la que podrán obtener el título de ESO. El modelo también permite que los módulos obligatorios den acceso directo a la FP de grado medio sin necesidad de tener el título de secundaria ni pasar un examen de acceso. Los PCPI tendrán una duración de dos años.

En definitiva, lo que se pretende con todas estas medidas es reducir el fracaso escolar y también que los alumnos no salgan de las aulas sin un título mínimo que les permita moverse por el mercado laboral. Así, los institutos expedirán un certificado de estudios en el que quedarán reflejadas las materias que el alumno aprobó durante el tiempo que estuvo en el instituto y la formación que le haría falta para completar la ESO.

COMPETENCIA DIGITAL


El Departamento de Proyectos Europeos del Instituto de Tecnologías Educativas (ITE) ofrece un informe sobre la competencia digital, una de las ocho competencias básicas que se incorporaron al currículo oficial de nuestro país en 2006, siguiendo las recomendaciones de la Comisión Europea sobre el aprendizaje presentadas en 2005.
Este informe recoge algunos de los elementos más relevantes en relación al desarrollo de la competencia digital de los estudiantes. Así, destaca la variedad de funciones que las TIC pueden adoptar en la educación en general, y en el aprendizaje y desarrollo de los estudiantes en particular, y recoge algunos de los cambios necesarios para su integración en las aulas, como son la competencia y formación de los docentes y los recursos de los centros.
Para la consulta del documento:
Competencia Digital Europa ITE Marzo 2011

USO DE LAS TIC EN EDUCACIÓN

Un informe del Instituto de Tecnologías Educativas revela que los centros educativos españoles, tanto privados como públicos, cuentan con una adecuada provisión informática.
La presencia de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación en las aulas es notoriamente creciente. En los últimos años, con una velocidad inusitada, nuevos dispositivos y nuevos materiales didácticos están dando paso a otras metodologías que están llamadas a modificar de forma permanente las aulas tal y como las conocíamos hasta ahora. Ahora bien, ¿exactamente cuántos ordenadores y de qué manera se utilizan en el ámbito educativo?

Las cifras provienen de un informe reciente del Departamento de Proyectos Europeos del Instituto de Tecnologías Educativas (ITE) que se encarga de cruzar indicadores y datos provenientes de distintas fuentes, como los ofrecidos por Eurostat, el Observatorio Nacional de las Telecomunicaciones y de la Sociedad de la Información, el Ministerio de Educación y el Instituto Nacional de Estadística, así como de las consejerías de Educación de las comunidades autónomas. Todo ello permite cuantificar la presencia de las TIC en los centros educativos y aulas españoles y europeos.

Por ejemplo, la presencia de internet en los centros educativos de España es prácticamente total. Existe un 99,7 % de escuelas e institutos que cuentan con conexión a la red, de los cuales el 86,8 % lo hace mediante banda ancha. Ello permite establecer una ratio de 6,5 alumnos por ordenador destinado a tareas de enseñanza y aprendizaje, mientras que el número medio de profesores por ordenador queda establecido en 3,2.
Ordenadores actualizados

En cuanto al destino de los ordenadores en los centros educativos encontramos que más del 72 % del número total de terminales se reserva a la docencia o la utilización directa de los alumnos, siendo prácticamente imperceptible las diferencias entre centros de titularidad pública y privada.

En el rubro en el que sí existe una distancia algo más significativa entre centros públicos y privados es en el de los ordenadores destinados a tareas propias del profesorado (17,8 % de los institutos públicos frente al 14,6 % de los privados), así como en los ordenadores que se reservan a tareas administrativas (6 % en institutos públicos frente al 9,4 de los centros privados).

Por otra parte, todo aquel que se declare un usuario medianamente avanzado en materia informática sabrá que es prácticamente imposible seguir el ritmo de últimos lanzamientos, pues el mercado absorbe cada vez más rápidamente, por ejemplo, los modelos de procesadores. En este sentido, los que pueblan nuestros centros educativos se encuentran bastante actualizados, puesto que un 74,4 % de los centros públicos de enseñanza Secundaria y FP cuentan, al menos, con un procesador Pentium IV o superior. Este porcentaje desciende al 72,7 % cuando se trata de centros privados, y más significativamente al 60,6 % para centros públicos de Educación Primaria.

El estudio también recoge datos acerca del destino que le dan los particulares que han utilizado internet para educación y formación. Así, el 52,5 % de la población que usa la red ha buscado información sobre educación y formación, mientras que el 45,8 % ha hecho consultas sobre algún tipo de aprendizaje, mientras que un 12,7 % ha realizado algún curso de cualquier materia vía internet.