FOLLOW-UP 4. BUILDING RELATED QUESTIONS

Building related (sample) follow-up questions

1.       Compare the differences between the constructions in your city now and
20 years ago? Describe the building styles in detail?

2.       What are people's attitudes towards old buildings today and that of our later
generation? Should we protect them? Why?

3.       What role do you think the old and modern buildings play in the society?

4.       Compare the differences between house and apartment?

5.       Are there some old constructions in your hometown?

6.       What do you think, is people's attitudes to old building today?

7.       Should we protect old constructions? Why?

8.       What role do you think the old and modern buildings play in the society.

9.       What roles do old buildings and new buildings play in modern society?

10.   What changes have taken place in architecture in the past two decades?

11.   Do you think it necessary to protect old buildings?

12.   Compare the differences between the constructions in your city with them in
20 years ago? Describe the building styles in detail?

13.   What are people's attitudes to old building today and that of our later
generation? Should we protect them? Why?

14.   What role do you think the old and modern buildings play in the society?

15.   Compare the differences between house and apartment?

16.   What do you think, is people's attitudes to old building today?

17.   Should we protect old constructions? Why?

What role do you think the old and modern buildings play in the society?

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MEDIA-The advent of electronic media and the survival of the print media

How has the print media, as a whole, survived the advent of the brand- new electronic media?

Well, media as a whole, indeed, is  an interesting topic.   Until recently/

·         in a matter of little over a decade

·         until nineties

print media was the only option for the people. But all of a sudden, I mean, in  hardly  ten years  the media market witnessed      Uunprecedented changes.  I mean, by the advent of electronic media-T.V channels and internet, to   be precise, channel wars grew deadlier. The traditional print media, apprantly/abviously, was on the receiving end/got caught in the crossfire/took a beating.

 No wonder if the intelligentsia of the print media had sensed it eaerlier and had planned their survival tactics well in advance. Consequently, next to no time, the leading news papers entered the fray I mean, the vibrant media market. As of now/as it stands now, most of the leading newspaper establishments have already set  foot in the vibrant electronic media market to make their mark on it. I mean, the leading newspaper establishments have already started to launch their own TV channels and obviously, the remaining ones are all set to follow the suit.

                              

·         Set foot on/in this vibrant media market.

·         all set to launch their own channels

·         ready to go on air

·         gearing up to go on air,

·         on a wing and a prayer

·         in the pipeline

anytime in a couple of years. Moreover, they have also updated their printing facilitates to match  the new generation trend.  That is how the print media have survived and have been surviving since then.

…………

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MASTER THE ART OF SIGNPOSTING

  THE ART OF SIGNPOSTING

The term `signpost’ literally means small pieces of boards containing signs placed at the sides of the roads. These signs give information about the direction and distance of place. Similarly, signposting in your speaking helps to know the direction of your thoughts. They help anticipate the kind of information. They are also called `sentence connectors’

I have grouped them under the following headings;

       

    1. ADDITIONAL NEWS GIVER

    2. LISTING SPECIALIST

    3. REPHRASER

    4. SECONDER

    5.RESULT INDICATOR

    6. SMART EXAMPLE POINTER

    7. DEVIL’S ADVOCATE(expresses alternative view points)

    8. CONCLUSION ASSISTANT

      ADDITIONAL NEWS GIVER- As to, with respect to, what is more, corresponding, also, moreover, furthermore, again, further, then, as well as, in addition, besides, above all, too, either, neither… nor, not only… but also, similarity, in the same way, in fact, it is found that, in reality, really, as for, regarding

2.       LISTING SPECIALIST- To begin with, in the second place, moreover additionally, also, next, then, Firstly, secondly, thirdly, is another, yet another, in addition, finely, and to conclude, lastly, finally.

3.       REPHRASER- In other words, rather, or, better,  in that case is, in view of this, with this in mind, is to look at this another way.

4.       SECONDER- Therefore, accordingly, as a result, so, then, it can be seen that, the result is, the consequence is, resulting from this, consequently, now,  we can see that, it is evident that, because of this, thus, hence, for this reason, this suggests that, it follows that, in other word, otherwise in that case, that implies.

5.       RESULT INDICATOR- Notwithstanding, nonetheless, however, in the final analysis, although, though, after all, on the other hand, all the same, even if.

6.       SMART EXAMPLE POINTER- As in the following examples, an example of this is, that it to say, in other words, for example, namely, and, as follows, such as, including, especially, particularly, notably, mostly, chiefly, mainly.

7. DEVIL’S ADVOCATE (expresses alternative view points)

8.       CONCLUDING ASSISTANT- Thus we can see that, my conclusion is, therefore, so, in short, in conclusion, to conclude, to summaries, to sum up, briefly, in brief, overall, thus.

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EVALUATION CRITERIA-1

CRITERIA 1.       FLUENCY  AND COHERENCE

It means your ability to speak in a “smooth and skilful way” which in turn, shows your skill to speak without unnecessary hesitation pauses along with your talent to use fillers, fittingly.

COHERENCE

If your speech is coherent the listener can easily make head or tail out of it. This is indicative of your ability to fit the parts of your presentation together.

Are you able to use connecting expressions EASILY to join different parts of answers and to make your talk flow?-is an important t question in terms of your fluency and coherence.

BRITISH COUNCIL PUTS `FLUENCY AND COHERENCE' UNDER THE FOLLOWING HEADINGS     

1.       SPEAK AT LENGTH

2.       ORGANIZING IDEAS LOGICALLY

3.       APPROPRIATE  SIGN POSTING

4.       EXPRESS AND JUSTIFY OPINIONS

5.       DISCUSS AND SPECULATE WITHOUT LONG PAUSES

The formula: (LLSOP=LoLiSOaP)

SIGN POSTING

                                          (You can read it from that portion, from this blog)

OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS IN CONNECTION WITH SPEAKING:

1.   BUILD ON YOUR POINT= Learn to speak  at length.

2. SPEAK CLEARLY AND SMOOTHLY AT NORMAL RATE

3. DO NOT UNECESSARILY, STOP OR PAUSE FOR SEARCH OF WORDS

4. LINK YOUR IDEAS

5. ORGANIZE YOUR SENTENCES LOGICALLY

Explanation

1.   BUILD ON YOUR POINT= Learn to speak  at length.

Examples

Eg: Q.1.  Where are you from?

A: Answer: I am from Muvattupuzha.

Though the answer is correct it is not a professional IELTS answer. Instead build on your answer.

A professional answer: Well, I am from Muvattupuzha, a medium- sized town located around 40 Kilometers away from here.

Q.2 What do you do?

Answer: I am a nurse

Recommended answer: I am presently working at Nirmala Medical Centre, a famous hospital in Muvattupuzha city, situated very close to the private bus stand.    I have been working there for four years.

Tip

Try to answer all the possible `wh’ questions (What/ when/where/why/who/whose)in your answer as as you speak.
2. 

SPEAKING CRITERIA-GENERAL

IELTS SPEAKING EVALUATION

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Follow the following paradigm as you speak:

1.       FLUENCY AND COHERENCE

2.       GRAMMATICAL RANGE AND ACCURACY

3.       PRONUNCIATION

4.       RANGE OF VOCABULARY

The coming blogs   discuss each one at length ….

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TOPIC CARD-A BUILDING YOU VISITED IN YOUR COUNTRY

A BUILDING YOU VISITED IN YOUR COUNTRY

Speak about an interesting building you visited in your country

Where is it located?

Why is it famous?

Explain why do you think it is most interesting?

Malayalees/Keralites(people of Kerala state in India), / largely, take a fancy to buildings especially huge ones. It doesn’t matter to them if those huge buildings/bungalows remain vacant for years. Well, being a typical Keralite, naturally, building is one of my pet subjects. Consequently, while travelling around I have an eye for buildings. And the most interesting building I visited in my country is, indeed, Taj Mahal. I along with my father have undertaken many package -tour programmes and as a part of it  I have visited many huge and impressive buildings. But none of them can be compared to Taj Mahal-the immense white marble master piece!

This mausoleum is located exterior to the city of Agra, 200 kms away from Delhi on the west bank of the river Yamuna, to be precise. It is the part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Agra, in fact, was once, I mean, during the medieval age, one the most powerful cities.  

There are many reasons behind its fame. The prime reason, to my mind, is the  legendary love saga    attached to it.   I mean this historic building immortalizes the Emperor Shah Jahan’s love for his wife-Mumthas Mahal.   I am fascinated by its symbolisms.  Moreover, it represents the splendor of an era which we call the Mugal period.  

Personally, I am intrigued and fascinated by its architectural beauty and elegance. Architecturally speaking, it is a stunning Master piece. For example, the unique magnificent art piece, in fact, is a perfect blend of Persian, Asian, and Islamic architecture. I was mostly impressed by the   four tall towers called minarets located at the corners of the structure with a majestic dome placed perfectly in the middle. Those minarets, as a whole, exemplify the excellent symmetry of both halves of the building. If observed minutely around the archways, you can see the lettering of the Quran verses, regardless of their height. The cost of Taj Mahal is also equally exciting-a whopping great 32milliion Rupees in 16^th century!

………

13 BUILDING RELATED VOCABULARY

·         Interesting/exciting/exotic/unusual

·         Gigantic/imposing

·         Multi-purpose /gorgeous/immense

·         It houses/accommodates two five star hotels

·         Mausoleum

·         Architecturally beautiful

·          Skyscraper(n)

FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS?- FOLLOW THIS PARADIGM

WHEN IT COMES TO ANSWERING IELTS QUESTIONS

FOLLOW-`C-PREP ' PARADIGM 

P-Paraphrase

R-Reason

E-Example

E-Effect

P-Personal experience

C-Compare and contrast

P-Point(the `point' in question)

(Examples in the making)

`PROBABILITY' USAGES..

What do you say if you are not sure of something?

MASTER THESE EXPRESSIONS

1.     I hope I will be able to..

2.     I will have to wait and see..

3.     It's unlikely.....

4.     I imagine (that) it'll be busy...

5.     The chances are that....

6.     I think I stand  a better chance of getting..

7.     In all likelihood....

8.     The likelihood is that..

9.     IT is(very ) likely that..

10.              There is every likelihood that

11.              There is little likelihood now that..

12.              In all probability

13.              I would like to imagine that..

14.              I think that will happen

15.              It is hard to say …

16.              There's no chance of …

17.            My guess is that …

19.              There's just a chance that …

20.              I wouldn't be surprised if …

LET US USE THEM IN SENTENCE

(in the making)

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FOLLOW UP-3 GIVING GIFTS

Q. IS GIVING GIFTS A PART OF YOUR COUNTRY'S TRADITION?

A: By all means, it is perfectly in tune with/in line with my country's culture.As per our history dated back to centuries, our kings handed not only just a part of their kingdoms but also even their own daughters as gifts to the people who they feel merited them.

Q. WHEN DO PEOPLE OFTEN RECEIVE GIFTS?

Well, People  receive gifts to mark memorable occasion of their life such as their birthdays, marriage anniversaries(if married!) jubilee etc. Personally, I get a number of gifts as I celebrate my birthday.


Q. WHY DO PEOPLE GIVE GIFTS?
Well, people hand gifts to mark their love and concern for the other. For example you would , normally, hand gifts only if you love the person to whom you plan to give it.

Q. DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD GIVE GIFTS?
By all means. Precisely because as i have just mentioned , it  is the best means by which we can express   our concern for the other. I  haven't found, so far, any better way to express love for  our dear and near ones other than handing gifts. Though your love is not directly proportionate to the monitory expense of the gifts, they are  indicative of love. I feel greatly loved when I get a gift.  Consequently, I strongly feel that   we should give gifts, provided that we love the other person, I mean the person who has to recieve it.On the other hand, giving gifts without true love amounts to cheating.

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WARM UP-4. HOBBY AND INCLINATION

4. HOBBY AND INCLINATION

1.      What do you usually do in your spare time?

2.      Do you prefer to stay alone or with your friends?

3.      What do you usually do on weekends and weekdays?

4.      What do you usually do when you go out?

5.      What do you usually do with your friend?

6.      Do you like reading?

7.      What kind of books do you like best?

8.      Do you like English? Why or why not?

9.      What do you think about the importance of English?

10.  What are good hobbies and bad hobbies? Why?

11.  What kind of book children in learns today?

12.  Which book you like more?

13.  Do you play golf?

14.  How often do you go for holidays?

15.  How do you prefer to travel when you go on holidays?

16.  What do you enjoy during when you are on holidays?

17.  What do you think people need to go on holidays?

18.  Tell me about your last holiday?

19.  Are you interested in fashion?

20.  When do people in your country take holidays?

21.  How do you manage your time?

22.  Why do you like reading? What are the benefits of it compared to other hobbies?

23.  Is fashion important to you? Why do you think people go for fashions?

24.  Fashion shows received a lot of criticism and opposition? Do you think it is justifiable?

25.  Why do we take photograph?

26.  What do you think photography as a hobby?

27.  Do you think how hobbies can control and reduce our stress?

28.  What is the role of music in your life?

29.  What are the different kinds of music existing in your country today?

30.  Do you keep diary? What are the advantages?

31.  Which activity do you feel time move very faster? How does an teenage spent his leisure time?

32.  Let me know about your hobby? Why do you take this as a hobby? What is your opinion?

33.  Whether people should need hobbies? Why? Why not?

34.  Did you need of specific time schedule for your hobbies?

35.  How can the hobby help your studies?

36.  What are the benefits of listing to music?

37.  What kinds of music do you like the best?

38.   Why do you like this kind of music?

39.  How hobbies are changed from past?

40.  Do you think hobbies are wasting your time?

41.  In your opinion which hobby you prefer in future?

42.  How hobbies are different in each age group?

43.  Are there any new hobbies you would like to take up?

44.  Have you ever being abroad?

45.  What other countries have you visited?

46.  Are there any countries you would like to visit?

47.  How do you like to travel around?

48.  Are there any games or sport you watch but do not play?

49.  What game you play or do?

50.  Are there any activities that you hate? Why?

51.  What games are not played much in your country?

52.  Which sport is most popular in your country?

53.  Which sport is most dangerous in your opinion?

54.  Which game required more strength?

55.  Which sports have bigger crowed in your country?

56.  Would you like to be an actor/actress? Why?

57.  What do you usually do during most of flight?

58.  Do you always eat the food they give you?

59.  What you usually do in your spare time

60.  Do you prefer to stay alone or with your friends?

61.  What do you usually do on weekends and weekdays?

62.  What do you usually do when you go out?

63.  What do you usually do with your friends?

64.  Do you like reading?

65.  What kind of books do you like best?

66.  Do you like English? Why or why not?

67.  What do you think of the importance of English?

68.  What are good hobbies and bad hobbies? Why?

69.  What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

70.  How much time do you have each week for doing these things?

71.  Why do you like doing these activities?

72.  How did you start doing this activity at first?

PRAYERFUL REGARDS, Fr. SIMON, KERALA 

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