At the start of my space-journey to the "IELTS" planet, other 15 spacecrafts had merged with the "British Council" space station to charge their 4-section fuel tanks. I remember that day -2nd, April, 2007. We had received a formal 'welcome' from the 'Captain' of the space station. He questioned us regarding, the fuel level everyone needs to charge his ship? Most of the astronauts answered; they need level Seven. Among them, I only needed level six. later on, I asked myself " all these astronauts speak English, so what is the factor that determines my English competency among them?" The answer was to raise my spaceship fuel level and challenge these astronauts to be the first one who takes-0ff from the "IELTS". We had all listened to the 'captain's instructions' regarding how to lift the tank's four-parts fuel level, in order to go back safely to 'Earth', and tried to implement them when we landed on the "IELTS" planet on 12th, May, 2007. Finally the results came on:
1- Listening: 6.5
2- Reading: 6.0
3- Writing: 8.0
4- Speaking: 8.0
Overall Bands: 7.00
The 'IELTS' will definitely measure your competency and highlights your weakness points as well as your power.
The 'captain' said it once" the truth hurts". I was expecting more grades for the 'Reading'. Now I know that I have to implement more efforts on the 'Reading and Listening' sections, but hey! I made it! I succeeded! I have flown back safely to Earth!
Thank you " Captain Tony" and many thanks to all my spacecrafts mates for making this journey pleasant and successful.
Firas Shaker.
Friday, 25 May 2007
Friday, 27 April 2007
Blog on or blog off!
Hello campers!
Yeah, it's over - those four weeks flashed by, didn't they?
Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback in the end-of-course questionnaires.
Those who are dissatisfied know what was lacking - you had a full banquet and some never showed up; others came and went without taking part; there were those who picked at the food on the table but their minds were elsewhere on other matters and then there were the hungry ones who filled themselves with what was on offer.
Now it's time to digest that four week long meal. Even better, give some recipes and suggestions to the next set of diners: ieltscommunity19 at the new website:
www.ieltsplant.blogspot.com
Bye for now
Please comment below if you want to be invited to join the next weblog, before it's too late!
Caio
Tony
Yeah, it's over - those four weeks flashed by, didn't they?
Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback in the end-of-course questionnaires.
Those who are dissatisfied know what was lacking - you had a full banquet and some never showed up; others came and went without taking part; there were those who picked at the food on the table but their minds were elsewhere on other matters and then there were the hungry ones who filled themselves with what was on offer.
Now it's time to digest that four week long meal. Even better, give some recipes and suggestions to the next set of diners: ieltscommunity19 at the new website:
www.ieltsplant.blogspot.com
Bye for now
Please comment below if you want to be invited to join the next weblog, before it's too late!
Caio
Tony
Monday, 23 April 2007
Finally I am on the track
Dear Tony
Please accept my apology for the neglect of contribution in the weblog but I am really busy all over the week even in my weekend I could not find enough time to review the documents.
Finally I have got the chance to do it and I do it, I did a full review on all the papers of listening, reading and speaking including the tips and the strategies that is change my mood and give me the feeling to go on in more confidence.
Now I have two missing points which is reviewing the writing papers and more comprehensive practice.
Many thanks for all your efforts dear Tony and please foregive me for any mistakes.
Regards, Mazen
Please accept my apology for the neglect of contribution in the weblog but I am really busy all over the week even in my weekend I could not find enough time to review the documents.
Finally I have got the chance to do it and I do it, I did a full review on all the papers of listening, reading and speaking including the tips and the strategies that is change my mood and give me the feeling to go on in more confidence.
Now I have two missing points which is reviewing the writing papers and more comprehensive practice.
Many thanks for all your efforts dear Tony and please foregive me for any mistakes.
Regards, Mazen
Traditional Dresses
As a result of globalization, increasing number of people around the world stop using their traditional dresses and go for international dressing fashion instead. I believe this is a good approach as far as nations do not forget to wear national costumes in thier special occasions. In this essay I will explain why people supersede original look with new one.
Every body watches television and go to the cinema,where superstars, actors and most of television programs reporters appear wearing international fashion. It is designed in in fashion capitals; Paris, London, Rome and Newyork. People want to look like celebrities and think wearing same dresses will enhance thier look and make them more attractive. Some fashion houses are working on selling expensive designed styles as low prices clothes. This also supports the spreading of such new looks among all people categories. Moreover, most of countries' presidents wear formal clothes. Only few african ones are stricktly appearing in thier traditional costumes.
Discussing an other aspect, people find it more comfortable wearing modern clothes rather than using other old ones, especially for jobs inside modern cities such in banks and government jobs. On the other hand, farmers as an example, keep using thier national clothing because it is more suitable for the job nature. Besides they are not in deep contact with the city society and modern styles. Even in thier leasure time they choose to feel linked to thier roots by enjoying traditional dresses. Things are differernt in cities where man would do many activities during the day. For myself as one of the city residents, I work in an office, jump in city transportation, go shopping in crowded markets and perhaps do some sport in the evening or go to a night club for dancing.
As a conclusion I must say that, changes made to our lives rythem changed our wear requirements as a result. World is a place where things run faster and changes even more rapidly. Events are not happening as slow as it used to be in the past. But man should not forget his history with all means of word. Man without history woul go through shaking future.
Every body watches television and go to the cinema,where superstars, actors and most of television programs reporters appear wearing international fashion. It is designed in in fashion capitals; Paris, London, Rome and Newyork. People want to look like celebrities and think wearing same dresses will enhance thier look and make them more attractive. Some fashion houses are working on selling expensive designed styles as low prices clothes. This also supports the spreading of such new looks among all people categories. Moreover, most of countries' presidents wear formal clothes. Only few african ones are stricktly appearing in thier traditional costumes.
Discussing an other aspect, people find it more comfortable wearing modern clothes rather than using other old ones, especially for jobs inside modern cities such in banks and government jobs. On the other hand, farmers as an example, keep using thier national clothing because it is more suitable for the job nature. Besides they are not in deep contact with the city society and modern styles. Even in thier leasure time they choose to feel linked to thier roots by enjoying traditional dresses. Things are differernt in cities where man would do many activities during the day. For myself as one of the city residents, I work in an office, jump in city transportation, go shopping in crowded markets and perhaps do some sport in the evening or go to a night club for dancing.
As a conclusion I must say that, changes made to our lives rythem changed our wear requirements as a result. World is a place where things run faster and changes even more rapidly. Events are not happening as slow as it used to be in the past. But man should not forget his history with all means of word. Man without history woul go through shaking future.
Saturday, 21 April 2007
Hi
Tony
I saw your comments for Sameh's essay. Iam supposed to publish something today, but unfortunately I think I got throat infection and I feel so weak and lazy of doing anything. Hopefully, I would be able to contribute tomorrow.
Sameh; very nice touch really.
Regards for all
I saw your comments for Sameh's essay. Iam supposed to publish something today, but unfortunately I think I got throat infection and I feel so weak and lazy of doing anything. Hopefully, I would be able to contribute tomorrow.
Sameh; very nice touch really.
Regards for all
Sameh's ' Lost' Suitcase + Tony's MODEL letter
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing to complain about what I call carelessness of finding my lost suitcase.
I have been travelling with your respective airline company for the last two years. I admit the flight services are at very high satisfactory standard. However, the ground services in general are not to the same level. Particularly, I have reported at your service counter in London airport for my missing suitcase. It has been registered with code X121. You can refer the mentioned for all case details. After 8 days, I did not receive any telephone call to inform me what has happened or to even simply apologize for the incident.
I want to bring to your attention that the lost suitcase contain some expensive garments, gold plated accessories as well as three high cost branded digital devices. I am afraid in case of loosing the suitcase, I will legally claim the cost of all things inside in addition to my inconvenience about the way you handled the matter.
Please let me know as soon as possible what action you propose to take. I am sure that your facility is able to bring my belongings back in the shortest time. (196 words)
Yours faithfully
Sameh
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam
My name is Sameh Wahib. I am writing to complain about what I consider to be your company's carelessness regarding finding a lost suitcase.
I am a frequent flier with Emiratistan Airways and value your service. This was until I lost my beige-coloured Delsey suitcase last Friday, 14 April, while flying EM234 flight from Abu Dhabi to London. Despite registering my lost suitcase, code X121, at your Heathrow service counter, eight days have passed and no one has called me to up-date me on my claim's status.
Kindly note that this lost suitcase contained some expensive garments, gold-plated accessories, as well as three costly branded digital devices. In the eventuality of losing the suitcase, I will take legal action to claim the cost of these items in addition to compensation for my inconvenience and distress caused by your airline's inefficiency.
I expect to hear by return what action you propose to take in order to return my belongings without further delay. (160 words)
Yours faithfully
Sameh Wahib
Thanks BOSS ;-)
Dear Tony,
P.S I called you Boss in the title bar just to remember Hussain
I shall join Firas and thank you for the truly useful and helpful advices you gave us though the last 9 sessions. The good times past very quickly and I would say that I am not going to miss you Tony if you invite me also to your new weblog. I did not go to learning courses for looong time but this one touched me to the soul. I believe that you did not play as tutor only but big brother as well to all of us. Your patience was noticed stretching when you argued with some participants of the class. I admired your yellow card a lot as a stop for the discussion.
Have a lovely day
Sameh
P.S I called you Boss in the title bar just to remember Hussain
Friday, 20 April 2007
At The End of the Course
Dear Tony
As we reach the end of the course next week, I must take this as a token of my gratitude for all your teaching efforts, help and guidance.
Furthermore, I will be delighted to contribute to the next Blog to publish some of the writing tasks and relevant asked questions for the exam.
On the contrary what you have mentioned regarding the exam " NO MAGIC PILLS" or " MAGIC FORMULA" to pass the IELTS,, the magic is here: Practise your vocabulary, practise your writing, practise your reading and practise your listening.
I advise my classmates to go to the site:http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/ielts/default.htm [super advice Firas!] and practise their skills in addition to the learning zone.
Thanks again for all what you have done to us. [It has been a pleasure and a privilege to help you meet your targets, dear Firas!]
Thanks and regards
As we reach the end of the course next week, I must take this as a token of my gratitude for all your teaching efforts, help and guidance.
Furthermore, I will be delighted to contribute to the next Blog to publish some of the writing tasks and relevant asked questions for the exam.
On the contrary what you have mentioned regarding the exam " NO MAGIC PILLS" or " MAGIC FORMULA" to pass the IELTS,, the magic is here: Practise your vocabulary, practise your writing, practise your reading and practise your listening.
I advise my classmates to go to the site:http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/ielts/default.htm [super advice Firas!] and practise their skills in addition to the learning zone.
Thanks again for all what you have done to us. [It has been a pleasure and a privilege to help you meet your targets, dear Firas!]
Thanks and regards
At the end of the day...
So,
There is no 'magic formula'; no 'quick fix' and certainly no 'miracle pill' for IELTS success, is there? You need talent, confidence and a systematic, resourceful approach to this demanding exam. You have so many demands: work, college (in some cases which seems to be more of a hindrance than a help!), family, commuting (?) and then on top of all that, this Tony B character requests your presence three days a week at the British Council!
Some come to every class, relatively fresh, eager and prepared. Some barely make it to class but this is at great cost to all the other demands on their time and attention. Others do make it to class in the physical sense, but their minds are elsewhere. Then there are those that miss classes, for various reasons and it is obviously a great strain with all their competing priorities. Finally, we have the few that run away before the going even gets tough...
Hmmm, what is happening here? My dynamic IELTS classes of 2005 and 2006 are a distant memory. Hardly anyone in the past two IELTS courses appreciates the weblog and how it can support you. What a pity and a great loss for you! Sure, we'll have a new weblog in May, that class might rise to the challenge and value this resource. Some of you, ieltscommunity18, might even want to join the next weblog - there's only Firas and Sameh who have contributed to this weblog. Ah well...
The final week looms. Before you know it, the course will be over and the countdown to your destiny with IELTS begins. Monday and Tuesday (make sure you bring the Insight into IELTS book on Tuesday 24 April!!!) will be heavy IELTS practice days. Wednesday we shall look at the 'big picture'; you get your reports; I mark your final exams; you do a questionnaire; I will try to answer your IELTS questions and allay your fears and doubts; we have a final listening; we can have a session in the Learning Zone; discuss your build-up to the exam and maybe even have the 'Diana debate' - for fun!
It must look a bit sad, me here talking to myself, but the Beale household is stirring this Friday morning and now we'll have breakfast together.
So, Haifa, the blog is what you make it. If students have nothing to say, contribute, ask, suggest or offer, then so be it.
I am here. I was there. You will regret your lack of interest in the weblog when it is too late. However, there is still time to benefit (please note spelling!) from the weblog!
Roll on the next course! Let's see what you are made of!
Any comments / posts / reaction would be highly appreciated!
Over and out
Tony
- in the final analysis
- when all is said and done
- what it all boils down to
There is no 'magic formula'; no 'quick fix' and certainly no 'miracle pill' for IELTS success, is there? You need talent, confidence and a systematic, resourceful approach to this demanding exam. You have so many demands: work, college (in some cases which seems to be more of a hindrance than a help!), family, commuting (?) and then on top of all that, this Tony B character requests your presence three days a week at the British Council!
Some come to every class, relatively fresh, eager and prepared. Some barely make it to class but this is at great cost to all the other demands on their time and attention. Others do make it to class in the physical sense, but their minds are elsewhere. Then there are those that miss classes, for various reasons and it is obviously a great strain with all their competing priorities. Finally, we have the few that run away before the going even gets tough...
Hmmm, what is happening here? My dynamic IELTS classes of 2005 and 2006 are a distant memory. Hardly anyone in the past two IELTS courses appreciates the weblog and how it can support you. What a pity and a great loss for you! Sure, we'll have a new weblog in May, that class might rise to the challenge and value this resource. Some of you, ieltscommunity18, might even want to join the next weblog - there's only Firas and Sameh who have contributed to this weblog. Ah well...
The final week looms. Before you know it, the course will be over and the countdown to your destiny with IELTS begins. Monday and Tuesday (make sure you bring the Insight into IELTS book on Tuesday 24 April!!!) will be heavy IELTS practice days. Wednesday we shall look at the 'big picture'; you get your reports; I mark your final exams; you do a questionnaire; I will try to answer your IELTS questions and allay your fears and doubts; we have a final listening; we can have a session in the Learning Zone; discuss your build-up to the exam and maybe even have the 'Diana debate' - for fun!
It must look a bit sad, me here talking to myself, but the Beale household is stirring this Friday morning and now we'll have breakfast together.
So, Haifa, the blog is what you make it. If students have nothing to say, contribute, ask, suggest or offer, then so be it.
I am here. I was there. You will regret your lack of interest in the weblog when it is too late. However, there is still time to benefit (please note spelling!) from the weblog!
Roll on the next course! Let's see what you are made of!
Any comments / posts / reaction would be highly appreciated!
Over and out
Tony
Monday, 16 April 2007
Airport Expansion Plans + Tony's edits
Dear Tony,
I think this is the task u gave us last week as a homework. Sameh wrote the same and used a briliant idea and words. Iam trying to use another idea and purposely publish it here so, u can correct the mistakes for us in order to learn from it.
see u tonight.
It has taken me a while, but I have FINALLY edited and chopped Firas' letter below:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a mechanical Engineer who works in a consultancy firm and lives near the airport of our city: Baghdad. I am writing to you regarding the govermental plan to increase the capacity of the flights in the airport. This increase, if it is implemented would lead to re-construct the airport building and ultimately chance the route which lead to my house. This plan, will impose four extra hours of driving in the car. As the airport road is the main road, most of the cars in the city would have to change their route to the secondary road which is narrower and ultimately this will extend the rush hour. In addition to what is mentioned, It will be difficult to drop my children into ther school at the right time. To avoid the road rush, I would have to awake them in the early hours in the morning and will be delayed to take them back for two hours. The risk of exposing my children to high risk due to non-availability of someone who could look after them after the schooling hours would be extremely high; not mentioning the time lose that could be used for their reading and eventually will efect their educational level. I trust that the above mentioned, would bring your kind attention to the fact that this issue is commen for all the parents who live in the airport district and using the same road. Kindly asking you to publish muy letter in your respective newspaper in order to be considered by the relavant authority and start constructing a new subsidiary road before demolishing the existing main one. (273 words)
Yours faithfully,
Firas Shaker.
Note: Tony, please tell me about the writing style, the idea, what should I do, what should I avoid in addition to the grammer mistakes and vocabulary.
Can I use Plus instead of in addition from the sentence above? No!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam
My name is Firas Shaker. I am a mechanical engineer working in a consultancy firm and live near Baghdad airport. I am writing to you regarding the goverment's plans to increase the capacity of the flights in the airport.
I believe that if it this extension plan is implemented, it would lead to re-constructing the airport buildings and approach roads. This plan will impose four extra hours of driving since the airport road is the main road. As a result, most of the cars in the city would have to change their route to the secondary road, thereby causing congestion. In addition, it will be difficult to drop my children off at school at the right time.
These above-mentioned issues are of great concern to all the airport district inhabitants. Kindly publish my letter in your respected newspaper for the relevant authorities' attention before construction work starts on the airport expansion and consequent traffic chaos ensues. (153 words)
Yours faithfully
Firas Shaker
I think this is the task u gave us last week as a homework. Sameh wrote the same and used a briliant idea and words. Iam trying to use another idea and purposely publish it here so, u can correct the mistakes for us in order to learn from it.
see u tonight.
It has taken me a while, but I have FINALLY edited and chopped Firas' letter below:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a mechanical Engineer who works in a consultancy firm and lives near the airport of our city: Baghdad. I am writing to you regarding the govermental plan to increase the capacity of the flights in the airport. This increase, if it is implemented would lead to re-construct the airport building and ultimately chance the route which lead to my house. This plan, will impose four extra hours of driving in the car. As the airport road is the main road, most of the cars in the city would have to change their route to the secondary road which is narrower and ultimately this will extend the rush hour. In addition to what is mentioned, It will be difficult to drop my children into ther school at the right time. To avoid the road rush, I would have to awake them in the early hours in the morning and will be delayed to take them back for two hours. The risk of exposing my children to high risk due to non-availability of someone who could look after them after the schooling hours would be extremely high; not mentioning the time lose that could be used for their reading and eventually will efect their educational level. I trust that the above mentioned, would bring your kind attention to the fact that this issue is commen for all the parents who live in the airport district and using the same road. Kindly asking you to publish muy letter in your respective newspaper in order to be considered by the relavant authority and start constructing a new subsidiary road before demolishing the existing main one. (273 words)
Yours faithfully,
Firas Shaker.
Note: Tony, please tell me about the writing style, the idea, what should I do, what should I avoid in addition to the grammer mistakes and vocabulary.
Can I use Plus instead of in addition from the sentence above? No!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sir/Madam
My name is Firas Shaker. I am a mechanical engineer working in a consultancy firm and live near Baghdad airport. I am writing to you regarding the goverment's plans to increase the capacity of the flights in the airport.
I believe that if it this extension plan is implemented, it would lead to re-constructing the airport buildings and approach roads. This plan will impose four extra hours of driving since the airport road is the main road. As a result, most of the cars in the city would have to change their route to the secondary road, thereby causing congestion. In addition, it will be difficult to drop my children off at school at the right time.
These above-mentioned issues are of great concern to all the airport district inhabitants. Kindly publish my letter in your respected newspaper for the relevant authorities' attention before construction work starts on the airport expansion and consequent traffic chaos ensues. (153 words)
Yours faithfully
Firas Shaker
Saturday, 14 April 2007
CONTRIBUTION
Dear Sana
You are welcomed to comment on the posts as we know from Tony that you had higt marks in the exam.
Yours sincerely
Firas
You are welcomed to comment on the posts as we know from Tony that you had higt marks in the exam.
Yours sincerely
Firas
Home work + Tony's edits
Firas - see my edited versions below!
Tony,
Regarding the writing task given of short paragraphs in various situation, please find the sequenced respond as follows:
1- Dear neighbour
Iam writing to inform you that my baby, who sleeps in the next room, keeps awak every night due to the high tone emissioned from your stereo. Due to the above passage said, Iam unable to sleep well also, because I have to look after my baby which gives me a very brief time to sleep. Kindly asking you to turn the stereo off in order to get over all the problems caused by this machine.
Yours sincerely
Firas
2- Dear Aunt
In line with your birthday and the cermoney you had into your house regarding the same, please accept my apology that I did attend to this party,neighter brought a present for you. The reason behind my absence was that my instructor in the Ielets course that Iam currently involved in, has given me a lot of homework which kept me at home all the time. I hope that you will consider the reason behind my absence and ultimately forgive me.
Yours sincerly
Firas
3- Dear Alex
Iam writing this letter in order to thank you for lending me your camera. I consider this as a generous sense from your side. I promise you, that I would return it back as soon I finish taking the necessary picture whaih are required ti illustrate the work progress in the site.
Thanks and Regards
Firas
4- Dear Sister
Iam writing to you in order to remind you about my graduation party of date 25th February 2007. As you can see from the date mentioned, that the party supposed to be held next month. This will give you a vast time to organise yourself, and enhance the difficult circumstances, that might prevent you of attending this party. I would really like to see you there and meet my classmates, whom I worked with them, during the study course.
I hope you can settle this matter to my satisfaction and show yourself in there.
Yours sincerely
Firas
5- Dear Sir
Iam writing to complain regarding the charging fees Iam asked to pay, eventhough I have not renewed my membership in the club. I have been receiving receipts since the last three months, although I have informed the club officially about my intension of not visiting the club again.'please see my letter reference number CLUB/MEM.CANCEL/1 dated of 25 April 2007'.
I trust that you will gve this matter your urgent attantion and stop sending me any further letters relavant to the club's membership renewel.
Yours faithfully
Firas
6- Dear Sir
Iam contacting you regarding, your products' advertisement; illustratd on your factory web site page in the inetrnet; which I found satisfactory to the demands of my job. I would be grateful if you could forward to me a catalogue relevant to the above said products as soon as possible with a price number alloted for each item, as shown in web page.
I hope you can settle this matter to my satisfaction.
Yours faithfully
Firas
7- Dear Tony,
Iam writting to you regarding the education improvement that happened to my son after attending your vocational classes. In this regatrd, I would like to exopress my deep thankfull and vast grateful of helping him in addition of preparing him to the Ielets exam. After attending your classes, my son have became elegible and qualified to conduct the above said exam.
Thanks and Regards.
Yours sincerely
Firas.
NOTE: PLEASE COMMENT ON THE FORM,SHAPE ,PUNCTUATION AS WELL AS SPELLING OF THE ABOVE AT YOUR SATISFACTION.
1- Dear neighbour
I am writing to inform you that my baby, who sleeps in the next room, is kept awake every night due to the loud noise from your stereo. Due to this racket , I also am unable to sleep well. I ask you to turn the stereo off in order to avoid these problems or I shall inform the police concerning your unreasonable behaviour.
Yours sincerely
Firas
2- Dear Aunt
About your birthday party that you had into your house, I am so sorry that I couldn't attend. Please forgive for this and that I forgot to bring you a present. I was absent because my IELTS tutor has given me a lot of homework which kept me at home all the time. I do apologise and will come to see you next saturday - I promise!
Your nephew
Firas
3- Dear Alex
Iam writing this letter in order to thank you for lending me your camera. I consider this as a really generous gesture. I promise you that I will return it as soon I finish taking the necessary pictures which I need to illustrate the work progress on site.
Thanks and regards
Firas
4- Dear Sister
Iam writing to you in order to remind you about my graduation party on 25th May 2007. As you can see from the date mentioned, that the party will be held next month. This will give you plenty of time to organise yourself in case you might have difficulty in attending this party. I would really like to see you there and meet my classmates that I worked with during the course.
SEE YOU THERE!
Love
Firas
5- Dear Sir
I am writing to complain regarding the fees I have been asked to pay, even though I have not renewed my membership in your club. I have been receiving reminders for the last three months, although I have informed the club officially about my intention of not rejoining the club. Please see my letter reference number CLUB/MEM.CANCEL/1 dated of 25 April 2007.
I trust that you will give this matter your urgent attention and stop sending me any further letters regarding the club's membership renewal.
Yours faithfully
Firas
6- Dear Sir
Iam contacting you regarding your electronics (?) products' advertisement illustrated on your factory web site page on the Internet which I found useful for my job. I would be grateful if you could forward to me a catalogue relevant to the above products as soon as possible with a price number alloted for each item, as shown in web page.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Firas
7- Dear Tony,
Iam writing to you regarding the education improvement that my son gained after attending your vocational classes. In this regard, I would like to express my deep thanks and vast gratitude to you for helping him in addition of preparing him to the IELTS exam. After going to your classes, my son have became elegible and qualified to conduct this particular exam.
Best regards
Firas
Bravo Firas! Well done for taking the time and trouble to post this work!
Tony,
Regarding the writing task given of short paragraphs in various situation, please find the sequenced respond as follows:
1- Dear neighbour
Iam writing to inform you that my baby, who sleeps in the next room, keeps awak every night due to the high tone emissioned from your stereo. Due to the above passage said, Iam unable to sleep well also, because I have to look after my baby which gives me a very brief time to sleep. Kindly asking you to turn the stereo off in order to get over all the problems caused by this machine.
Yours sincerely
Firas
2- Dear Aunt
In line with your birthday and the cermoney you had into your house regarding the same, please accept my apology that I did attend to this party,neighter brought a present for you. The reason behind my absence was that my instructor in the Ielets course that Iam currently involved in, has given me a lot of homework which kept me at home all the time. I hope that you will consider the reason behind my absence and ultimately forgive me.
Yours sincerly
Firas
3- Dear Alex
Iam writing this letter in order to thank you for lending me your camera. I consider this as a generous sense from your side. I promise you, that I would return it back as soon I finish taking the necessary picture whaih are required ti illustrate the work progress in the site.
Thanks and Regards
Firas
4- Dear Sister
Iam writing to you in order to remind you about my graduation party of date 25th February 2007. As you can see from the date mentioned, that the party supposed to be held next month. This will give you a vast time to organise yourself, and enhance the difficult circumstances, that might prevent you of attending this party. I would really like to see you there and meet my classmates, whom I worked with them, during the study course.
I hope you can settle this matter to my satisfaction and show yourself in there.
Yours sincerely
Firas
5- Dear Sir
Iam writing to complain regarding the charging fees Iam asked to pay, eventhough I have not renewed my membership in the club. I have been receiving receipts since the last three months, although I have informed the club officially about my intension of not visiting the club again.'please see my letter reference number CLUB/MEM.CANCEL/1 dated of 25 April 2007'.
I trust that you will gve this matter your urgent attantion and stop sending me any further letters relavant to the club's membership renewel.
Yours faithfully
Firas
6- Dear Sir
Iam contacting you regarding, your products' advertisement; illustratd on your factory web site page in the inetrnet; which I found satisfactory to the demands of my job. I would be grateful if you could forward to me a catalogue relevant to the above said products as soon as possible with a price number alloted for each item, as shown in web page.
I hope you can settle this matter to my satisfaction.
Yours faithfully
Firas
7- Dear Tony,
Iam writting to you regarding the education improvement that happened to my son after attending your vocational classes. In this regatrd, I would like to exopress my deep thankfull and vast grateful of helping him in addition of preparing him to the Ielets exam. After attending your classes, my son have became elegible and qualified to conduct the above said exam.
Thanks and Regards.
Yours sincerely
Firas.
NOTE: PLEASE COMMENT ON THE FORM,SHAPE ,PUNCTUATION AS WELL AS SPELLING OF THE ABOVE AT YOUR SATISFACTION.
1- Dear neighbour
I am writing to inform you that my baby, who sleeps in the next room, is kept awake every night due to the loud noise from your stereo. Due to this racket , I also am unable to sleep well. I ask you to turn the stereo off in order to avoid these problems or I shall inform the police concerning your unreasonable behaviour.
Yours sincerely
Firas
2- Dear Aunt
About your birthday party that you had into your house, I am so sorry that I couldn't attend. Please forgive for this and that I forgot to bring you a present. I was absent because my IELTS tutor has given me a lot of homework which kept me at home all the time. I do apologise and will come to see you next saturday - I promise!
Your nephew
Firas
3- Dear Alex
Iam writing this letter in order to thank you for lending me your camera. I consider this as a really generous gesture. I promise you that I will return it as soon I finish taking the necessary pictures which I need to illustrate the work progress on site.
Thanks and regards
Firas
4- Dear Sister
Iam writing to you in order to remind you about my graduation party on 25th May 2007. As you can see from the date mentioned, that the party will be held next month. This will give you plenty of time to organise yourself in case you might have difficulty in attending this party. I would really like to see you there and meet my classmates that I worked with during the course.
SEE YOU THERE!
Love
Firas
5- Dear Sir
I am writing to complain regarding the fees I have been asked to pay, even though I have not renewed my membership in your club. I have been receiving reminders for the last three months, although I have informed the club officially about my intention of not rejoining the club. Please see my letter reference number CLUB/MEM.CANCEL/1 dated of 25 April 2007.
I trust that you will give this matter your urgent attention and stop sending me any further letters regarding the club's membership renewal.
Yours faithfully
Firas
6- Dear Sir
Iam contacting you regarding your electronics (?) products' advertisement illustrated on your factory web site page on the Internet which I found useful for my job. I would be grateful if you could forward to me a catalogue relevant to the above products as soon as possible with a price number alloted for each item, as shown in web page.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
Firas
7- Dear Tony,
Iam writing to you regarding the education improvement that my son gained after attending your vocational classes. In this regard, I would like to express my deep thanks and vast gratitude to you for helping him in addition of preparing him to the IELTS exam. After going to your classes, my son have became elegible and qualified to conduct this particular exam.
Best regards
Firas
Bravo Firas! Well done for taking the time and trouble to post this work!
Homework
I will publish one of my writing homework;hopefully today or tomorrow, for your kind comments.
yours faithfuly,
Firas
yours faithfuly,
Firas
Some Examples to be Given
Goodmorning Tony,
You gave us two examples last week regarding 'how to use the punctuation'for semi-colon and commas. Can you please give us more examples for the rest of punctuations?
Note; hope everybody had a nice weekend, and Tony; what is the news of football this week especially manchester United?
You gave us two examples last week regarding 'how to use the punctuation'for semi-colon and commas. Can you please give us more examples for the rest of punctuations?
Note; hope everybody had a nice weekend, and Tony; what is the news of football this week especially manchester United?
My local airport is getting bigger + Tony's corrections
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing this letter to bring to your attention that myself and large number of my neighbours are extremely unhappy about the new plan to enlarge our local airport and surely to increase the number of flights. We all would like you to discuss this issue as soon as possible in your newspaper.
We are all living in a compound near the airport and are facing the noise problem created from the landing and taking-off of aeroplanes nearly every four to five minutes. Although we have got used to it, but it is affecting our health and temper; our behavior at home and work. At the same time, the traffic in our area is highly crowded. You can imagine what would happen if the number of passengers were increased using the proposed new airport.
Please do not understand this matter simply as a problem for some individuals, because even if we leave this district and find another quiet place to live in, others will ineviatbly occupy the houses that we live in at present. Some citizens will always face the problem. I believe that we have the right to bring this matter to the public attention.
I would be most grateful if you would understand and support this case as soon as possible.
Yours faithfully
Sameh
A pretty good effort, Sameh! Thanks for your initiative and interest!
I am writing this letter to bring to your attention that myself and large number of my neighbours are extremely unhappy about the new plan to enlarge our local airport and surely to increase the number of flights. We all would like you to discuss this issue as soon as possible in your newspaper.
We are all living in a compound near the airport and are facing the noise problem created from the landing and taking-off of aeroplanes nearly every four to five minutes. Although we have got used to it, but it is affecting our health and temper; our behavior at home and work. At the same time, the traffic in our area is highly crowded. You can imagine what would happen if the number of passengers were increased using the proposed new airport.
Please do not understand this matter simply as a problem for some individuals, because even if we leave this district and find another quiet place to live in, others will ineviatbly occupy the houses that we live in at present. Some citizens will always face the problem. I believe that we have the right to bring this matter to the public attention.
I would be most grateful if you would understand and support this case as soon as possible.
Yours faithfully
Sameh
A pretty good effort, Sameh! Thanks for your initiative and interest!
Thursday, 12 April 2007
Just blogged to say hello!
Greetings all!
Just to say "hello" and to show that I was thinking of you and that I admire your 'pluck' in going for IELTS and taking this course with such a slave driver!
Any messages for me?
Tony
Just to say "hello" and to show that I was thinking of you and that I admire your 'pluck' in going for IELTS and taking this course with such a slave driver!
Any messages for me?
Tony
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
Bad feeling
Hi Tony
I am not feeling well, yesterday's test of reading shoked me because I could not understand any word, I just guess the answers.
I think I need more and more reading, more and more practicing, more and more vocabularies.
My lexical resource seems to be very poor
Please pray for me
Mazen
I am not feeling well, yesterday's test of reading shoked me because I could not understand any word, I just guess the answers.
I think I need more and more reading, more and more practicing, more and more vocabularies.
My lexical resource seems to be very poor
Please pray for me
Mazen
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
hello Tony
thanks alot for your invitation.Sorry i'm in a hurry because i'm busy in work.
thank you
take care
will be in touch.
thank you
take care
will be in touch.
Saturday, 7 April 2007
Khaleej Times
Hi everybody,
As he has been telling us during the last three sessions "Listen to Uncle Tony", I have already done so and bought the Khaleej Times this morning, then went through some articles. The paper is easy to understand with a lot of good language usage in any particular piece of text. Try it.
Sameh
[PS Tony's edits are in italic font].
Bravo Sameh! A student who has listened and started applying the 'Tony' formula - which is: the more you read, the more you understand and empower your vocabulary whilst at the same time absorbing a range of grammar (from complex to basic) used appropriately and accurately. The content of these articles is interesting and thought-provoking! Therefore, it is a win-win-win situation.
Go for it!
Excellent initiative Sameh and a splendid example for the rest of the class to follow.
I will be off for a swim in the sea after lunch and will be checking the blog later this evening. I look forward to hearing from you!
BFN
'Uncle' Tony
As he has been telling us during the last three sessions "Listen to Uncle Tony", I have already done so and bought the Khaleej Times this morning, then went through some articles. The paper is easy to understand with a lot of good language usage in any particular piece of text. Try it.
Sameh
[PS Tony's edits are in italic font].
Bravo Sameh! A student who has listened and started applying the 'Tony' formula - which is: the more you read, the more you understand and empower your vocabulary whilst at the same time absorbing a range of grammar (from complex to basic) used appropriately and accurately. The content of these articles is interesting and thought-provoking! Therefore, it is a win-win-win situation.
Go for it!
Excellent initiative Sameh and a splendid example for the rest of the class to follow.
I will be off for a swim in the sea after lunch and will be checking the blog later this evening. I look forward to hearing from you!
BFN
'Uncle' Tony
Thursday, 5 April 2007
No escape...
Hello again!
You must have been wondering what to do with your 'free' evening and five days without Tony, so here are some suggestions:
the Task 2 essays were:
ACADEMICS: IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility.
What are your opinions on this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS GT Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries people no longer wear their national costumes. They are forgetting their history and traditions. More people should be encouraged to wear their national costumes every day.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
So, I want FOUR paragraphs:
1. INTRODUCTION (3 sentences) - rephrase the question / say something intelligent / state your position on this question
2. BODY PARAGRAPH (5 sentences) - give your ideas/opinions/examples FOR or AGAINST the question
3. BODY PARAGRAPH (5 sentences) continue giving your ideas/opinions/examples FOR or AGAINST the question
4. CONCLUSION (2/3 sentences) round off your essay with a logical conclusion that reflects your position in the introduction and which has been justified by the arguments/evidence/ examples that were developed in paragraphs 2 and 3
I'm looking for interesting ideas; relevant arguments; personal examples from your life/experience/country/culture/society; a range of vocabulary; use of a wide field of grammar; attention to spelling and punctuation; no short forms using [ ' ] and a formal academic style of written English.
There! I have thrown down the gauntlet! Are you up to my challenge? We shall see...
Engineer Sana, lovely to have you with us, maybe you could help us regarding how you managed to empower your range of vocabulary in order to score band 8.0 for IELTS Reading and band 7.0 for IELTS Writing? If Maryam or Mona are looking in, do join us and help this class - they seem keen!
Enjoy the weekend - that's an order!
Tony
Standing by for YOUR comments and posts - where are you?
You must have been wondering what to do with your 'free' evening and five days without Tony, so here are some suggestions:
- organise those folders according to the ten categories
- do the pronunciation homework
- read through all the handouts I gave you this week
- prepare for the debate on Monday (debaters and audience)
- write me your personal letter (some not done yet)
- do that task 1 writing that some students did not hand in (Amal,Ayeda, Shaikha, Hamdan)
- do the task 2 essay (see below)
- register with the weblog (10 of you!)
- surf the websites I recommended
- do the reading work from Insight into IELTS you started
- look ahead to next week
- read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read read
the Task 2 essays were:
ACADEMICS: IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries children are engaged in some kind of paid work. Some people regard this as completely wrong, while others consider it as valuable work experience, important for learning and taking responsibility.
What are your opinions on this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS GT Writing Task 2
You should spend 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries people no longer wear their national costumes. They are forgetting their history and traditions. More people should be encouraged to wear their national costumes every day.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
So, I want FOUR paragraphs:
1. INTRODUCTION (3 sentences) - rephrase the question / say something intelligent / state your position on this question
2. BODY PARAGRAPH (5 sentences) - give your ideas/opinions/examples FOR or AGAINST the question
3. BODY PARAGRAPH (5 sentences) continue giving your ideas/opinions/examples FOR or AGAINST the question
4. CONCLUSION (2/3 sentences) round off your essay with a logical conclusion that reflects your position in the introduction and which has been justified by the arguments/evidence/ examples that were developed in paragraphs 2 and 3
I'm looking for interesting ideas; relevant arguments; personal examples from your life/experience/country/culture/society; a range of vocabulary; use of a wide field of grammar; attention to spelling and punctuation; no short forms using [ ' ] and a formal academic style of written English.
There! I have thrown down the gauntlet! Are you up to my challenge? We shall see...
Engineer Sana, lovely to have you with us, maybe you could help us regarding how you managed to empower your range of vocabulary in order to score band 8.0 for IELTS Reading and band 7.0 for IELTS Writing? If Maryam or Mona are looking in, do join us and help this class - they seem keen!
Enjoy the weekend - that's an order!
Tony
Standing by for YOUR comments and posts - where are you?
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Invitation
Dear Tony,
Thanks for your invitation into the Blogger. I hope we will get the best of it by asking you about the answering techniques that should be followed in the exam to score the highest marks. I would like to thank all my groupmates that I meet yesterday, and you, for making the 3 hours joyful.
Thanks and Regards,
Firas Shaker
Thanks for your invitation into the Blogger. I hope we will get the best of it by asking you about the answering techniques that should be followed in the exam to score the highest marks. I would like to thank all my groupmates that I meet yesterday, and you, for making the 3 hours joyful.
Thanks and Regards,
Firas Shaker
IELTS COMMUNITY 18
Dear Tony,
I am so happy to take the comming IELTS classes more serious than the last year where I could not attend most of the classes even the exam.
I am advising myself and all IELTS students to listen to your instructions carefully and try to spare as much time as they can to practice, practice and practice. Ielts is not easy even for native speakers.
Best Regards
M. Ekbal ouf
I am so happy to take the comming IELTS classes more serious than the last year where I could not attend most of the classes even the exam.
I am advising myself and all IELTS students to listen to your instructions carefully and try to spare as much time as they can to practice, practice and practice. Ielts is not easy even for native speakers.
Best Regards
M. Ekbal ouf
Thanks a lot for your invitation
Dear Tony ...
Hello i received with pleasure your email .
Am very happy to be a member of your community and I hope that i 'll get a great benefit through joining your classes .
khalid alsalhi
Monday, 2 April 2007
Check your inboxes!!!
Hello lovely new class!
That was fun, wasn't it? See how three hours flew by!
Well, we have some SERIOUS seekers after knowledge in this class, who want to 'hit the ground running!'
So, check your email inboxes NOW and accept my invitation. You will have to create a GOOGLE account with your email address and password (make sure you REMEMBER your password).
Then you can comment and make posts.
FORMER IELTS students: you are most welcome to join us - please do and let us know how you have got on with your IELTS tests - especially the 31 March candidates and those 'girding their loins' for 14 April. ieltscommunity18 here on ieltstrial.blogspot would LOVE to hear from you, wouldn't you, guys?
Phew! I'm off to bed now - it's been a long day and a real pleasure to meet my 16 new IELTS hopefuls. May your 'trial' not be too much of an ordeal!
Good luck and good night!
Tony
That was fun, wasn't it? See how three hours flew by!
Well, we have some SERIOUS seekers after knowledge in this class, who want to 'hit the ground running!'
So, check your email inboxes NOW and accept my invitation. You will have to create a GOOGLE account with your email address and password (make sure you REMEMBER your password).
Then you can comment and make posts.
FORMER IELTS students: you are most welcome to join us - please do and let us know how you have got on with your IELTS tests - especially the 31 March candidates and those 'girding their loins' for 14 April. ieltscommunity18 here on ieltstrial.blogspot would LOVE to hear from you, wouldn't you, guys?
Phew! I'm off to bed now - it's been a long day and a real pleasure to meet my 16 new IELTS hopefuls. May your 'trial' not be too much of an ordeal!
Good luck and good night!
Tony
Friday, 30 March 2007
Another month... Another course... A fresh start...
Good morning
As I write, I look forward to meeting my new IELTS class and wish the last class good luck in their IELTS exams on 31 March and 14 April.
All former students are cordially invited to join this latest weblog. Hopefully it will be more productive than the lack of interest shown by the majority of ieltscommunity17, unlike their extremely active predecessors in ieltscommunity16 on www.ieltswatch.blogspot.com
Any comments, requests for invitation to join ieltscommunity18 are most welcome.
Best regards
Tony
As I write, I look forward to meeting my new IELTS class and wish the last class good luck in their IELTS exams on 31 March and 14 April.
All former students are cordially invited to join this latest weblog. Hopefully it will be more productive than the lack of interest shown by the majority of ieltscommunity17, unlike their extremely active predecessors in ieltscommunity16 on www.ieltswatch.blogspot.com
Any comments, requests for invitation to join ieltscommunity18 are most welcome.
Best regards
Tony
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