Opinion Essay

Nowadays, technology developments are causing environmental problems. Many people think that we should live a simpler life while others believe that technology can solve environmental problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Answer:
Technology has trespassed in almost all spheres of life. It has become an integral part of the human life. However, technology is also blamed to be the prime cause of environmental disturbances too. There has been split opinion regarding its use in context with environment. While some believe that we should live a simpler life, others vote that technology can be applied as a solution rather than taking it as a problem. Both the views are explained in detail further.
Focusing on the former view, it can be argued that avoiding technology or making judicial use can attribute to bring down the level of pollution and thus easing the problem of global warming. It will not only be less expensive but also help in saving the indigenous resources, also can curb the issues of deforestation and advancing deserts. Many animal and plant species would be saved. There would be less contamination in air, water and land. Evidently, this way of life could lead to restore the sudden climatic changes to its regular cycle.
In contrast, the latter view suggests technology as application rather than an issue. To begin with, the majority of the innovations can be conveniently used to actually save the surroundings. For instance, it is not unusual that technology is employed for building check dams that not only saves the nearby areas from flooding but also extends the irrigation facility. Moreover, technology has widely contributed to increase in productivity by applying the principals. The best examples for this are the drip irrigation method, genetic modification and hybrid produce. Thus, technology can put forwared ideas that are environmental friendly.
In my opinion, I undoubtedly support the latter view than the former one. This is because technology can definitely work more efficiently and bring more accurate results. Simple life is not an ideal solution because technology has more benefits to both man and his surroundings. The evidences mentioned prove that technology can contribute in a magnimous way to save environment.
Hence, in the light of above discussion it can be concluded that the technology developments can definitely help to resolve the environment problems by its thoughtful implications. I believe , technology is the answer to this problem than the question.

Negotiate in English

 1. alternatives - any other choices a person or group has, rather then agreeing with the other person or group
Example: "We can ask them to do A if we do B, but they have many alternatives."

2. arbitration - when a neutral person or group comes in to settle a disagreement
Example: "If we can't agree by midnight tomorrow, this case will go to arbitration."

3. commitment - an obligation to do something or deliver something
Example: "We've made a commitment on this point. If we don't do it, the agreement will fall apart."

4. compromise - an agreement where you get less than you want but also give less than the other person wants
Example: "If we don't compromise, this deal will never get done."

5. concession - accepting less on one specific point in order to get something from the other person on a different point
Example: "Okay, you've made a concession on price, so we can make a concession on the delivery date."

6. confidentiality - an agreement that prevents either side from talking about the agreement in public
Example: "I'm sorry but our confidentiality agreement prevents me from answering your questions in detail."

7. equivalent - a proprosed agreement that is different from, but equal in value to, a previous proposal
Example: "We can't agree to that proposal, but here we would like to suggest an equivalent package for you to consider."

8. facilitation - a process where people, called facilitators, try to make it easier for two people to reach an agreement
Example: "You may not reach a better agreement with facilitation, but you will reach an agreement faster."

9. final agreement - the results of the negotation that everyone agrees to put into action
Example: "After six long months, we now have a final agreement."

10. good faith - being honest about your intentions
Example: "If we negotiate in good faith, we are sure to reach an agreement eventually."

11. impasse - when two sides hold different positions that they are unwilling to change
Example: "We were close to an agreement but we suddenly hit an impasse over payment terms."

12. intermediary - a person who communicates between the two sides of a negotiation
Example: "They've been negotiating through an intermediary after that big argument last week."

13. issue - a topic that needs to be discussed in a negotiation
Example: "Money is the biggest issue in this negotiation, but resources and responsibilities are important issues too."

14. mediation - when a neutral person or group comes in to identify the issues, explore options and clarify goals
Example: "If we use mediation, it may help to move the negotiations forward."

15. offer - one or more options that is sent by one negotiator to the other
Example: "Let's offer them a one-year service contract and see how they respond."


16. package - a combination of options that has been offered as a solution
Example: "John put this package together last night. Let's look at each option and see if we really want to offer this."

17. party - either side in a negotiation is called a party, whether one individual or a whole group
Example: "If party A accepts party B's proposal, then the negotiation is finished."

18. proposal - any suggestion or idea given to one party from the other
Example: "We'll look at your proposal during the coming week and give you our response the following Monday."

19. tentative solution - an agreement that depends on some conditions, so that it might not be a final agreement
Example: "At last we've reached a tentative agreement. Perhaps these long negotiations will be over soon."

20. trade-off - an exchange process in which one side gives up partly on some issues in order to gain on other issues
Example: "There are always trade-offs when negotiating. You can't win them all!"

Common English Idioms

Increase your vocabulary and speak more natural English by studying the idioms and expressions below. These are some of the most common expressions in English. Study the example sentences which show how idioms are used in context when you speak English. Have fun!

English Expression 1. as easy as pie means "very easy" (same as "a piece of cake")
Example: He said it is a difficult problem, but I don't agree. It seems as easy as pie to me!

English Expression 2. be sick and tired of means "I hate" (also "can't stand")
Example: I'm sick and tired of doing nothing but work. Let's go out tonight and have fun.

English Expression 3. bend over backwards means "try very hard" (maybe too much!)
Example: He bent over backwards to please his new wife, but she never seemed satisfied.

English Expression 4. bite off more than one can chew means "take responsibility for more than one can manage"
Example: John is so far behind in his studies. Besides classes, he plays sports and works at a part-time job. It seems he has bitten off more than he can chew.

English Expression 5. broke means "to have no money"
Example: I have to borrow some money from my Dad. Right now, I'm broke.

English Expression 6. change one's mind means "decide to do something different from what had been decided earlier"
Example: I was planning to work late tonight, but I changed my mind. I'll do extra work on the weekend instead.

English Expression 7. Cut it out! means "stop doing something bad"
Example: That noise is really annoying. Cut it out!

English Expression 8. drop someone a line means "send a letter or email to someone"
Example: It was good to meet you and I hope we can see each other again. Drop me a line when you have time.

English Expression 9. figure something out means "come to understand a problem"
Example: I don't understand how to do this problem. Take a look at it. Maybe you can figure it out.

English Expression 10. fill in for someone means "do their work while they are away"
Example: While I was away from the store, my brother filled in for me.

English Expression 11. in ages means "for a very long time"
Example: Have you seen Joe recently? I haven't seen him in ages.

English Expression 12. give someone a hand means "help"
Example: I want to move this desk to the next room. Can you give me a hand?

English Expression 13. hit the hay means "go to bed" (also "hit the sack")
Example: It's after 12 o'clock. I think it's time to hit the hay.

English Expression 14. in the black means "the business is making money, it is profitable"
Example: Our business is really improving. We've been in the black all year.

English Expression 15. in the red means "the business is losing money, it is unprofitable"
Example: Business is really going poorly these days. We've been in the red for the past three months.

English Expression 16. in the nick of time means "not too late, but very close!"
Example: I got to the drugstore just in the nick of time. It's a good thing, because I really need this medicine!

English Expression 17. keep one's chin up means "remain brave and keep on trying"
Example: I know things have been difficult for you recently, but keep your chin up. It will get better soon.

English Expression 18. know something like the back of your hand means "know something very, very well"
Example: If you get lost, just ask me for directions. I know this part of town like the back of my hand

English Expression 19. once in a while means "sometimes, not very often"
Example: Have you been to the new movie theater? No, only see movies once in a while. I usually stay home and watch TV.

English Expression 20. sharp means "exactly at a that time"
Example: I'll meet you at 9 o'clock sharp. If you're late, we'll be in trouble!

English Expression 21. sleep on it means "think about something before making a decision"
Example: That sounds like a good deal, but I'd like to sleep on it before I give you my final decision.

English Expression 22. take it easy means "relax"
Example: I don't have any special plans for the summer. I think I'll just take it easy.

English Expression 23. to get the ball rolling means "start something, especially something big"
Example: We need to get this project started as soon as possible. I'm hoping you will help me get the ball rolling.

English Expression 24. up to the minute means "the most recent information"
Example: I wish I knew more about what is happening in the capital city. We need more up to the minute news.

English Expression 25. twenty-four/seven means "every minute of every day, all the time"
Example: You can access our web site 24/7. It's very convenient!

English Expression 26.-all of a sudden means "unexpectedly", used to describe something that happens very quickly
Example: He had just gone to bed when all of a sudden the phone rang.

English Expression 27. be all ears means "eager and ready to listen"
Example:Go ahead and speak. I'm all ears!

English Expression 28.be fed up with means "to hate something now, even though I may have liked it before"
Example: I'm fed up with my job! I think I should start looking for a new one.

English Expression 29. to bug means "to bother someone". (American English)
Example: Hey, stop tapping your fingers. It's really bugging me!

English Expression 30. a cinch means something that is very easy to do
Example: I didn't think I could run five kilometers, but with the right preparation, it was a cinch.

IELTS video

You must watch this video just before sitting your IELTS, it helps a lot.

Listening Tips

some useful tips for my visitors to do before they take their exam. They're very simple, but I've watched too many IELTS exam taker lose points because they didn't do these things.....

Always circle the instructions regarding number of words in your answer – they change throughout the exam.

Notice the question number order on diagrams, flow charts and tables – this is the order you will hear the information.

Use all available time to read the questions before listening.
In section 1, 2 and 3 the listening is divided into 2 parts. You have about 20 seconds to prepare before you listen to the first part, and another 20 seconds before you listen to the second part. You then have 30 seconds to check your answers – if you feel confidant about your answers move on – get as much extra preparation time as you can. In section 4 you have to answer all 10 questions in one listening part so you really need to get ahead to prepare for this.

When you transfer your answers to the answer sheet make sure you write the answer in the correct space – too many students have made mistakes here and lost all their points.

If the answer is a letter (A, B, C etc.) make sure you write the letter not the actual word from the listening – another mistake so many students have made.

If your answer is a name make sure the first letter is a Capital letter.

When you read questions focus on the key words – underline them or circle them – this will help you concentrate on finding the right answer.

For short answer questions or gap fills try to predict the answer, or at least think about the grammar of the answer, before listening.

For multiple choice questions, and questions that require you to choose from a list, try to rephrase the ideas or think of similar meaning vocabulary that you might hear.

For multiple choice questions, if you hear something that tells you that one of the answers is wrong then put an X next to that answer – identifying wrong answers can help you find the correct answer.

Remember, if you need a score between 6.5 and 7 you should aim to get the following proportion of correct answers:
Section 1 (the easiest) 100%
Section 2 100%
Section 3 80%
Section 4 (the most difficult) 50%

IELTS Writing Task - 2 : Agree/Disagree

Some people think that children some academic subjects which will be beneficial to their future careers. Therefore, other subjects such as music and sports are not important. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

It is a matter of discussion for the parents and the counselors whether too much strict imposition of discipline has adverse effect on children or obedience is beneficial. However, both the beliefs has its own pros and cons, so, before commenting on a decision both the aspects must be examined.
Focusing on the former view, it can be said that this conventional method has been practiced since ages as it has significant advantages. The biggest advantage is that obedience is a good virture and breeded from childhood can definitely help them in their future professional and personal lives. In addition, it also moulds behavior, speech and skill to analyses and act according to situations. This is because the children by listening learn the reason why some actions must be done. They also learn ways of time management and approaching a task in an orderly fashion.
On the other side, too much control definitely weakens the fighting back spirit in the young. Being constantly instructed or ordered, retards their ability of independent thinking. As the children when controlled make no mistakes, do not encounter failure, this makes them impractical towards problem solving. In fact, a little amount of independence helps them to introspect and recognize their own potentials. Moreover, there is always a threat that too much control can turn them into a rebel. This would not help them to solve problems but could create them.
In my opinion, I would state that until a certain age, obeying rules and listening to elders should be mandatory; however, children past 14 to 15 years must be left on their own to take decisions under the keen but no interfering presence of the parents and teachers.
Thus, it can be concluded that discipline should be imbibed in children by initial strict approach and then gradually loosening the reins. So as to make the children ready to fight their adverse situations and are able to survive the worst.