Đây là tài liệu tiếng Anh học thuật giúp mọi người trau dồi kỹ năng sử dụng ngoại ngữ cũng như phản xạ tiếng Anh ngoài đời thực. Tài liệu này hoàn toàn có thể tự học tại nhà, thêm vào đó là rất dễ hiểu có thể tiếp thu nhanh trong quá trình học, tài liệu đa phần là do những tác giả nổi tiếng biên soạn và có chỉnh sửa để phù hợp với sự thay đổi của mỗi năm.
From: "Saved by Windows Internet Explorer 7" Subject: IELTS Preparation Hints Date: Sat, Mar 2009 19:11:45 +1000 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="gb2312" Content-TransferEncoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://www.askynz.com/ielts/preparation.htm XMimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.0.6001.18049 IELTS = Preparation=20 hints Skills for the Listening Module = Skills for the = Reading=20 Module Skills for the Writing=20 Module Skills for the Speaking=20 Module=20 =A1=A1=20 The following study hints will help you in the = weeks leading=20 up to the IELTS.=20 • Become familiar with the test as early as = possible The=20 skills being tested in the IELTS take a period of time to build up = Cramming=20 is not an effective study technique for IELTS.=20 • Use your study time efficiently Study when you = are fresh=20 and, after you have planned a timetable, make sure that you keep to = it Set=20 goals and ensure that you have adequate breaks In the IELTS test, = each of the=20 four Band Modules =A1=AA Listening, Reading, = Writing and=20 Speaking =A1=AA carries the same weight = Study each skill=20 carefully and spend more time on the skills in which you feel you are=20 weak.=20 • Be aware of the exact procedure for the test = Be very=20 clear on the order of each section, its length and the specific = question=20 types There are many resources available to help you practice these=20 skills.=20 • Having a study partner or a study group is an = excellent=20 idea Other students may raise issues that you may not have = considered.=20 • Seek help from teachers, friends and native = English=20 speakers Countdown to the=20 test=20 Days before the = test=20 This is not a time for intensive study It is a = time to=20 review skills and your test technique It is important to exercise, eat, = rest=20 and sleep well during the week in which you will take the test.=20 Leave nothing to chance If you not know how to = get to=20 the test centre, try going there at a similar time one or two weeks = before the=20 real test.=20 The night before the = test=20 You must have a good dinner and go to bed at your = normal=20 time =A1=AA not too early and not too late, as = you not=20 want to disrupt your sleep pattern if possible.=20 Have everything ready that you need to take with = you to the=20 test so you can simply pick it up in the morning, for example, the test=20 registration form, passport, test number, pens, pencils, erasers, etc A = pen=20 that runs dry or a pencil that breaks can take several minutes to = replace Check=20 before the exam exactly what articles you need Set your alarm clock the = night=20 before or arrange a wake-up call.=20 On the morning of the=20 test=20 Eat a good breakfast You will have several hours = of=20 concentration ahead of you and you will need food and drink in the = morning You=20 may even want to bring more food or a snack with you, especially if your = speaking test is at a later time that day You cannot, however, take = food or=20 drink into the exam room If possible, wear a watch in case you cannot = see the=20 clock in the exam room It is essential that you keep track of = time.=20 Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test = centre You=20 will be required to complete a registration form and to show your = passport=20 before you enter the examination room so you must arrive at the time = specified=20 by your test centre If you are early, you could go for a walk If you = are late,=20 you will not be allowed to enter Avoid the added tension of having to=20 rush.=20 During the = test=20 Most students at the test will feel nervous This = is quite=20 normal In fact, it can actually be quite helpful in terms of = motivation It may=20 make you alert and help you to focus The aim is for you to try to = perform at=20 your optimum level.=20 In contrast, high levels of anxiety can affect a = student's=20 performance However, much of this anxiety can be overcome by good = preparation,=20 familiarity with test details and a positive attitude.=20 The examination room should be suitable for = testing, that=20 is, the lighting, ventilation and temperature should be appropriate If = you are=20 uncomfortable because of any of these factors or if there is some other = problem,=20 such as not being able to hear the recording of the Listening Module, = make sure=20 you ask the person in charge to something about it For example, you = may ask=20 to change seats.=20 Examination = technique=20 By using good examination technique you could help = to=20 improve your overall score for the IELTS test.=20 Remember that every section is marked = independently Do not=20 jeopardise your performance in one section just because you believe that = you=20 have done badly in another Do not underestimate or try to predict your = outcome.=20 You may, in fact, have done better than you imagined.=20 Focus on what you know rather than on what you = don't know=20 while you are doing the test.=20 Ensure that you adhere to the times suggested as = they=20 usually correspond to the number of marks given for a particular=20 question.=20 In the Listening and Reading Modules, it is a good = idea to=20 write down an answer, even if you are not sure of it, before moving on = to the=20 next question Many students intend to return to the answers they have = omitted=20 at the end of the test but not have enough time to so = Furthermore, by=20 writing your best answer at the actual time of reading the question, you = save=20 the time you need to spend again on re-reading the question and=20 re-acquainting yourself with the subject matter If you are not = confident about=20 your answer, mark it in some way and return to it at the end.=20 Do not leave any answers blank.You are not = penalised for=20 incorrect answers, so =A1=AEguess=A1=AF = wisely.=20 =A1=A1=20 Skills = for the=20 Listening Module=20 In the IELTS Listening Module, the recording is = played once=20 only You must, therefore, use a number of strategies to help you listen = closely There are a few main skills you will need to well in the = IELTS=20 Listening Module:=20 Understanding the instructions=20 Instructions are both written on the question = paper and=20 spoken on the tape Read and listen to every word in the instructions = very=20 carefully Ensure that you follow them exactly and answer in the correct = way.=20 Previewing and predicting=20 An announcer will briefly outline:=20 • the topic=20 • who is talking=20 • the situation Try to=20 listen carefully as this will help you to preview the questions.=20 Before the recording begins for each section, you = will be=20 given up to 30 seconds to read and become familiar with the questions = Use this=20 time efficiently so that you can prepare yourself to listen for the = information=20 you need.=20 Here are some hints for = previewing and=20 prdicting:=20 • Study the question carefully and try to predict = what type=20 of answer is required For example, will it be a date, a name or maybe = a=20 number?=20 • Check the differences between similar-looking = pictures or=20 diagrams.=20 • Look for minor details such as different = numbers or=20 omissions In addition to the 30 = seconds=20 before each section, you will also be given 30 seconds after each = section to=20 look over your answers If you are satisfied with your answers in the = section=20 you have just finished, move on to the next section and use the full 60 = seconds=20 for previewing.=20 Listening for specific information=20 Use of previewing and predicting skills will help = you listen=20 for the specific information you need to answer the questions in the = Listening=20 Module Listening for key words and common connective words often helps = to=20 signal the specific information that you need in order to answer the = question.=20 Make sure that, while you are actually writing your answers, you = continue to=20 listen to the information given in the recordings as there will not be a = second=20 opportunity to hear it.=20 Checking and rewriting=20 You are given about 30 seconds after each section = to check=20 your answers Check that all your answers correspond with the given=20 instructions.=20 Make sure that you have answered every question = Marks are=20 not deducted for incorrect answers so, if you are unsure of a particular = answer,=20 you should guess by writing down what you think is the most likely=20 answer.=20 Check that you have included only what is = necessary in the=20 answer.=20 At the end of the Listening Module, you are given = about 10=20 minutes to transfer your answers from the question paper onto the answer = sheet.=20 Scan your answers to ensure that you have transferred them correctly so = that the=20 number on the question paper corresponds with the number on the answer = sheet Be=20 especially careful when transferring answers from tables as sometimes = the items=20 are not linearly ordered.=20 =A1=A1=20 Skills = for the Reading=20 Module=20 One of the main difficulties experienced by = students doing=20 the Reading Module is not having enough time to complete the test It = is,=20 therefore, essential to read both efficiently and effectively.=20 There are a few main skills that you will need in = order to=20 well in the IELTS Reading Module It is useful to use the following = procedure=20 for each text that is given.=20 Previewing (about minutes for each = passage)=20 (a) Study the passage by noting:=20 • • • • • titles=20 headings=20 illustrations=20 diagrams=20 any print in bold type or italics = (b) Study key parts of the passage by skimming Read the = first=20 paragraph which often focuses on the main idea The first sentence of = each=20 paragraph usually expresses the key points of the paragraph Generally, = the=20 concluding paragraph provides a summary of the given passage You may = wish to=20 highlight these with a pen.=20 Interpreting the instructions and questions = (about 2=20 minutes)=20 Read each word in the instructions carefully and = ensure that=20 you understand exactly what is required and in what form For example, = the=20 instructions may say, =A1=AEChoose no more = than three words=20 from the passage for each answer' In this situation, it would not be = acceptable=20 to write four or more words Often students find the right answer but = present it=20 in the wrong form and, unfortunately, not score any marks for that = answer.=20 Understanding what is required, therefore, is just as important as = finding the=20 right answer in the passage.=20 When you are looking at the questions, you need to = recognise:=20 • what type of question you have to answer (is it = gap-filling, multiple choice, matching information, etc?)=20 • whether or not the question requires a specific = or=20 general answer=20 • what form the answer should take (is it a = number, date,=20 reason, etc?) Scanning the text = for=20 specific answers (about minute per question)=20 Use your time wisely Spend no longer than one = minute on=20 finding each answer Only look in the given text, table, diagram or = graph for=20 the answer required Locate key words in the question and find them, or = synonyms=20 for them, in the text The sentences around these words are most likely = to=20 contain the answers you need.=20 If you are still unsure of the answer after you = have spent=20 approximately one minute on the question, make a sensible guess in the=20 appropriate form You may wish to mark the answers you are unsure of in = some way=20 so that, if you have time at the end of the Reading Module, you can = check=20 these answers again.=20 Checking your answers (about = minutes)=20 After you have completed your answers for each = section, you=20 need to check them Check that you have followed the instructions = exactly If=20 you have time, return to the answers you marked because you were unsure = and see=20 if the answers you have given are the best ones.=20 Do not leave any answers blank = as you do=20 not lose marks for incorrect answers =20 Helpful hints for the Practice = Reading=20 Module • There may be some words in the passage = with which=20 you are unfamiliar Use the strategies explained in the section, = =A1=AEWorking out unfamiliar = vocabulary' to help you=20 work out the meanings of these words.=20 • Be aware of the use of connective words = These will=20 help you with the general meaning of the text If you are unsure = of any=20 answers, check the table of common connective words.=20 • Note if there is a glossary accompanying = the=20 passage.=20 • Follow the instructions carefully A = correct=20 response will be marked wrong if it is written in the wrong = form.=20 Working out unfamiliar=20 vocabulary=20 When reading a passage in the IELTS test, it is = most likely=20 that you will come across words with which you are unfamiliar Be = prepared for=20 this You may not need to understand the exact meaning of an unknown = word,=20 unless there is a question directly related to it.=20 If you need to know the meaning of an = unfamiliar word,=20 don't panic There are various strategies that you can use to work out = the=20 meaning of the unknown words.=20 Check the context=20 Are there any clues in the surrounding words or = phrases?=20 Look particularly at the words just before and just after the unfamiliar = words.=20 Look for a definition=20 Sometimes the writers realise that the word is an = uncommon=20 one so they define, restate, explain or give an example of it Words = that signal=20 meaning often include =A1=AEis', = =A1=AEmeans', =A1=AErefers to', = =A1=AEthat is', =A1=AEconsists of' For = example,=20 =A1=AESnoring is a noise generated by = vibrations of the soft=20 parts of the throat during sleep.' The word =A1=AEis' signals=20 a definition.=20 Remember, too, to check if there is a = glossary.=20 Identify the word's place and = purpose=20 Is it a noun, adjective, verb or adverb in the = sentence? Are=20 there any punctuation clues, for example, semicolons or question = marks?=20 Look for connective words=20 They are often near the unknown words and will = usually help=20 to identify the general direction of the argument which will help to = give some=20 understanding of the unknown word.=20 Break the word down into syllables=20 Sometimes knowledge of common roots, affixes and = possible=20 similarity of words in your own language can help you to identify the=20 meaning.=20 Treat the unknown word as an algebraic entity=20 =A1=AEX'=20 Observe the relationship of the unknown = word,=A1=AEX', to other words and concepts with which you are more = familiar.=20 Often this is enough to answer questions that include=A1=AEX'.=20 =A1=A1=20 Skills = for the Writing=20 Module=20 TASK ONE=20 In Task of the Writing Module, you are given = about 20=20 minutes to write a minimum of 150 words.You are asked to look at a = diagram,=20 table, graph or short piece of text and describe the information in your = own=20 words There are three important steps you should follow: preparation, = writing=20 and editing These steps will help you to write a coherent and well = organised=20 essay in the time given.=20 Preparation (about minutes)=20 You need to spend 2-3 minutes working out exactly = what you=20 are going to You should pay attention to the following = points:=20 • Study the question carefully Most Task = writing=20 involves writing a report which describes some information given You = may wish=20 to note the instructions with a high-lighting pen.=20 • Think carefully about the topic Outline some = pertinent=20 points.=20 • Ensure that your ideas are arranged = logically.=20 =A1=A1=20 Writing (about 15 minutes)=20 When writing a Task report, include:=20 • introductory sentence=20 • body paragraphs (1-3)=20 • concluding sentence (optional) = Introductory sentence=20 The=20 introductory sentence explains what you are describing, for = example:=20 =A1=AEThe table=20 compares the population growth and interstate migration in each = Australian state=20 for 12 months to the end of 1994.'=20 =A1=AEThe graph=20 shows the growth of computers in Australia between 1975 and = 1995.'=20 =A1=AEThe pie chart=20 represents the proportion of gases contained in natural gas.'=20 =A1=A1=20 Body paragraphs=20 When discussing the date presented in the task, = identify=20 significant trends and give examples that relate directly to the given=20 information to support your statements If you are explaining a process = or an=20 object and how it works, you need to group your information so that it = follows a=20 definite logical order.=20 Remember that the use of verbs expressed in the = present=20 passive voice is often appropriate when giving a description of a = process or=20 procedure, for example:=20 =A1=AECoffee beans are pulped to remove their = casing They are=20 then soaked in water, rinsed thoroughly and dried After the beans are = sorted,=20 they are roasted in a kiln and blended Next, they are packed and = dispatched to=20 shops and supermarkets.'=20 =A1=A1=20 Concluding sentence (optional)=20 A = simple=20 concluding statement could include any of the following, where = relevant:=20 • • • • significant comments=20 a potential solution=20 an overall summary of the ideas=20 future implications =A1=A1=20 Editing (about minutes)=20 Make sure that you have followed the instructions = carefully.=20 Be sure that you have written what you intended and that no important = ideas are=20 missing.=20 In the last few minutes, check for obvious errors, = such as=20 spelling or grammatical errors.=20 =A1=A1=20 TASK TWO=20 All too often students begin planning or even = writing their=20 answers in the IELTS Writing Module before they understand what is = actually=20 expected of them Following the steps below will help you to plan a=20 well-structured and coherent essay or report that addresses the given=20 task.=20 =A1=A1=20 Preparation=20 You may wish to spend about 5-7 minutes working = out exactly=20 what you are going to There are five steps to consider.=20 • Study the question carefully Most task = statements or=20 questions have a key instructional word or words telling you what to = Note=20 these words with a highlighting pen There are=20 also key topic words which point to the most important parts of the = question.=20 Underline those words too Ask yourself how the key words relate to the = given=20 instruction.=20 • Think carefully about the topic How you = feel about=20 it?=20 • Establish a point of view and list some points = for=20 development The answer normally takes the form of a short essay The = word=20 =A1=AEessay' comes from an old French word = essai=20 which meant =A1=AEto attempt or try out', or = =A1=AEto test' In an IELTS Writing Module Task answer, your = purpose is=20 to develop your point of view in a convincing way.=20 • Decide which points will be written as topic = sentences.=20 Think about how they will develop into paragraphs.=20 • Ensure that your points are arranged in a = logical=20 order =A1=A1=20 Writing=20 When you are writing a Task answer, a structure = based on=20 the following elements could be used (summarised in the flow chart=20 opposite).=20 =A1=A1=20 Introductory paragraph=20 The introduction of a Task answer should begin = with a=20 general statement or idea of your own that takes into account the key = topic=20 words or their synonyms The last sentence of the introduction should = include a=20 thesis statement which shows the point of view or direction that = will be=20 taken in the answer.=20 =A1=A1=20 Body paragraphs=20 Body paragraphs each consist of several sentences = that are=20 arranged in a logical way to develop a main idea You can expect to = write about=20 2-4 body paragraphs for a Task answer Each of these contains an = appropriate=20 connective word to ensure a smooth transition between paragraphs This=20 connective is then put in a topic sentence which is the main point of = the=20 paragraph clearly stated in a sentence Every sentence in the paragraph = must be=20 directly related to it Try to develop every paragraph adequately This = may be=20 done through the use of examples, explanations, detail, logical = inference, cause=20 and effect or making comparisons or contrasts There are many different = ways to=20 organise your ideas for body paragraphs Be confident of the ideas you=20 choose.=20 =A1=A1=20 The conclusion=20 A good conclusion serves several purposes:=20 • It indicates the end of your essay.=20 • It gives your final thoughts and assessments on = the essay=20 subject.=20 • It weighs up the points in your essay and = should=20 strengthen your thesis statement.=20 • Do not simply repeat your opening paragraph = This appears=20 too mechanical and superficial =A1=A1 =20 INTRODUCTION • General statement=2 • Thesis statement=2 =A1=A1 =20 BODY PARAGRAPH • Topic sentence including connective = word=20 • First supporting sentence=20 • Second supporting sentence=20 • Third supporting sentence=20 =A1=A1 =20 BODY = PARAGRAPH=20 =A1=A1 =20 BODY = PARAGRAPH=20 =A1=A1 =20 FURTHER BODY=20 PARAGRAPHS =A1=A1 =20 CONCLUSION • Final assessment with concluding = connective=20 =A1=A1=20 Editing (about 3-5 minutes)=20 In the last few minutes, you should check for = obvious=20 errors, such as spelling or grammatical errors Be sure you have written = what=20 you intended and that there are no important ideas missing.=20 Study the checklist for editing It lists points = to think=20 about when checking your essay Become familiar with the list so that = you will=20 know what to check for in the actual IELTS Writing Module =20 Checklist for=20 editing =A1=AA I have = used accurate=20 grammatical structures, for example, consistent verb tenses, = subject-verb=20 agreement, accurate word formation (especially of nouns, verb and=20 adjectives) and appropriate use of =A1=AEa' and=20 =A1=AEthe' as well as = prepositions.=20 =A1=AA I have = used a range of=20 sentence structures.=20 =A1=AA I have = used appropriate=20 vocabulary.=20 =A1=AA I have = used accurate=20 spelling.=20 =A1=AA I have = stated the main=20 idea for each paragraph in a topic sentence and all the points are = related=20 to this topic.=20 =A1=AA I have = used connective=20 words effectively to link ideas so that the thoughts move = logically and=20 clearly from sentence to sentence and paragraph to = paragraph.=20 =A1=AA I have = developed each=20 paragraph adequately.=20 =A1=AA I have = supplied enough=20 detailed information and sufficient examples or facts.=20 =A1=AA I have = developed a=20 definite point of view.=20 10.=A1=AA Every = paragraph that I=20 have written has definitely helped to address the=20 task =A1=A1=20 Skills = for the Speaking=20 Module=20 Before the test begins, the examiner will check = your=20 identification For security reasons you will be asked to bring your = passport or=20 some other photographic identification You will be asked to sign your = name,=20 which will be matched up with the photograph and signature on your IELTS = application form.=20 The test will then be conducted in five phases, = which we=20 will now describe in turn.=20 Phase 1: = Introduction=20 In Phase 1, the examiner will first introduce = himself or=20 herself and will invite you to the same You may be asked some = general=20 questions about your background, family, home or personal = interests.=20 SKILL = Greeting the=20 interviewer and introducing yourself.=20 Phrases you could use:=20 • =A1=AEGood afternoon My name = is =20 (name) =20 • =A1=AEHello My name is = (name) but=20 most of my friends call me (shortened version of=20 name/nickname) Think about=20 questions that the examiner might ask about the personal information you = provided on the application form With a partner, take turns = interviewing each=20 other with questions based on this information Try to give full and=20 comprehensive answers to each question.=20 Phase 2: Extended=20 discourse=20 In phase 2, the interviewer will encourage you to = speak for=20 a longer period of time on a familiar topic You may be asked to speak = on topics=20 related to your country, such as customs or lifestyle, and your personal = involvement with these The aim of Phase is to show the interviewer = that you=20 can describe something, tell a story, give information or directions or = express=20 your opinion without relying on the interviewer to help you through the=20 task.=20 The idea is for you to talk and give as much = information as=20 you can Do not simply answer 'yes' or 'no' Remember, the interview = should be=20 like a conversation Do not memorise responses If you appear to be = reciting=20 from memory, the examiner will interrupt and ask a different=20 question.=20 Before you begin preparing for Phase 2, you may = wish to make=20 a list of topics related to your country, culture, lifestyle, personal=20 interests, etc Once you have completed such a list, form questions that = relate=20 to each of the skills for this phase Think about possible questions = that could=20 be asked.=20 With a speaking partner, practise interviewing and = being=20 interviewed Try to give full and comprehensive answers to each = question.=20 SKILL Providing general factual=20 information.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEWhat are some important festivals in your = country?'=20 • =A1=AEWhat kind of climate does your country = have?'=20 • =A1=AEWhat are some of the main industries in = your=20 country?' SKILL = Expressing your=20 opinions and attitudes.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • What you enjoy about the traditional music = of your=20 country?=20 • =A1=AEWhat you think are positive and = negative aspects of=20 your country's education system?'=20 • =A1=AEWould you prefer to live in the city or = in the=20 countryside and why? SKILL =20 Describing a place, event or situation.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AECould you describe the village/town/city = in which you=20 grew up'? =20 • =A1=AEWhat happens during (cultural event, such = as Chinese New=20 Year/Christmas) in your country'?=20 • =A1=AECould you tell me how you like to spend = your leisure=20 time?' SKILL = Comparing=20 places, events or situations.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEHow is (city where candidate is studying) = different from=20 (candidate's home city)?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEWhat is the difference between shopping = in (city where=20 candidate is studying) and shopping in (candidate's home = city)?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEWhat you like most about living in = (country where=20 candidate is studying)? How does that compare with (candidate's home=20 country)? =A1=AF SKILL You=20 should be able to give directions and instructions.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AECould you tell me, in detail, how you got = from your home=20 to the test centre this morning?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEIf I had to catch a train or bus in = (candidate's home=20 city) what would I do?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEIf I were to meet (an important older = person) in your=20 culture, how should I greet them to be polite and show = respect?=A1=AF=20 SKILL You should = be able to=20 re-tell a story or a sequence of events.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEWhat happens in (an important festival) = in your=20 country? =A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEWhat is the most embarrassing thing = that's ever happened=20 to you?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEWhat did you when you were preparing = to leave=20 (candidate's home country) to come to (country of study)?=A1=AF = SKILL Explaining how or = why=20 something is done.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEWhy people what?=A1=AF(referring to something just mentioned)=20 • =A1=AECould you tell me more about the = procedure involved in=20 (the topic under discussion)=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEHow people celebrate the New Year in = (candidate's=20 country)? =A1=AF Phase 3:=20 Elicitation=20 In Phase 3, the interviewer wants to ascertain how = competent=20 you are at gaining information on a given topic.=20 You will be given a card On this card will be = written a=20 brief outline of a particular situation The card will state your role = and the=20 role of the interviewer You need to ask questions to find out more = information.=20 The card will suggest things for you to ask but these are only given to = you as a=20 guide Do not feel compelled to follow these suggestions if you have = ideas of=20 your own.=20 You are responsible for starting the conversation = and, to=20 some degree, developing and directing the flow of dialogue.=20 To prepare for Phase 3, select one of the = exercises from the=20 Practice work cards below Practise asking questions with a = partner.=20 Phase 4: Speculation and=20 attitudes=20 In Phase 4, the interviewer will converse with you = in=20 greater depth on a particular topic Topics that may be discussed = include your=20 plans for the immediate and long-term future and the impact that these = may have=20 on you and your family Your opinion about, attitude towards and reasons = for=20 your particular future plans may also be discussed.=20 The interviewer may not understand or agree with = some of=20 your responses You may be asked to expand or elaborate on some point = that you=20 have made, so be prepared for such a response Being prepared, however, = never=20 means memorising set responses.=20 During Phase 4, the interviewer will allow the = discussion to=20 become more complex He or she may refer to other comments you have = previously=20 made so you may have to defend your opinion or give a more detailed = explanation=20 of an idea you have already mentioned.=20 Before you begin preparing for Phase 4, you may = wish to make=20 a list of your future plans under the headings of academic, = professional,=20 personal and possible conse-quences of these plans Also, make a list of = topics=20 that relate to your personal interests in life as well as a wider rangs = of=20 topics relating to your country, profession and specific area of = study.=20 SKILL Discussing your future=20 plans.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AETell me what you plan to when you = finish your=20 undergraduate studies.=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEHave you thought about which university = you would like=20 to study at and why?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEHow did you come to choose (a chosen area = of=20 study)? =A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEWould you ever like to have your own = business? Why or=20 why not?=A1=AF Here are some key I hope to = In the = future I would=2 like to = phrases you could=20 use: =20 a foundation successfully= = course.=20 20 a=20 complete master's degree I intend to=20 the University of = Sydney.=20 graduate from=20 In a few = years I'm=20 planning study=20 at Astoria=20 to College In two = what I years have in mind is = to major in =20 Psychology.=2 study=20 International explore=20 the area of Trade.=20 Marketing a BA.=20 Within three = years I receive=20 imagine I = will complete an=20 MA.=20 an=20 MBA.=20 a=20 PhD SKILL Expressing your feelings, = opinions and=20 attitudes.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEWhat are your thoughts about = (controversial=20 issue)?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEHow would you feel if (a controversial = issue) were to=20 happen in the next three or four years?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEYou seem to support (a controversial = viewpoint) Why is=20 this? =A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEHave you ever had to choose between (X) = and (Y)? How did=20 you make this decision? How did you feel as a result of your = choice?=A1=AF=20 SKILL Explaining why = you made=20 certain decisions in the past and giving reasons for your plans for the=20 future.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEHow did you know that you wanted to = become a=20 (candidate's choice of profession)?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEWhen did you decide to study overseas? = What influenced=20 you to make this decision?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEWhy have you decided to study = (candidate's choice of=20 study)? How will this help your future career?=A1=AF = SKILL Expressing agreement and=20 disagreement.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEI agree with you to a point on this = matter, but could=20 you expand on it a little more, please?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEI'm not quite convinced by what you are = saying Could=20 you develop your idea more for me, please?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEI'm sorry I don't quite understand what = you are trying=20 to say Could you put it another way, please?=A1=AF = Phrases you could use when agreeing:=20 • =A1=AEWell, of course Naturally I = couldn't agree more=20 =A1=AF Phrases you could use = when=20 disagreeing:=20 • =A1=AEI'm sorry I can't agree with you I = don't really=20 think so =A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEThat may be so but Unfortunately, I = have a different=20 point of view =A1=AF SKILL =20 Discussing hypothetical situations and speculating on future = events.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEHow you think having a degree from an = overseas=20 university is going to help your job prospects when you return to = (candidate's=20 home country)?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEDo you think that the time spent studying = in a foreign=20 country is going to benefit you personally? If so, in what = ways?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEHow you think your country benefits = when students=20 return from studying abroad?=A1=AF SKILL Following and responding to = changes in tone=20 and direction in the interview.=20 Questions you may be asked:=20 • =A1=AEDo you have any regrets about choosing = (candidate's=20 choice of profession) or (candidate's choice of country in which to=20 study)?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEIf you could repeat the year of your = life, what would=20 you differently?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEWhat advice would you give other students = planning on=20 (studying overseas)?=A1=AF Phase=20 5: Conclusion=20 This is the final section of the assessment and = will=20 naturally follow on from Phase The interviewer will let you know that = the=20 interview has come to an end, wish you good luck and say goodbye = You can prepare yourself for this phase by = becoming familiar=20 with common expressions of leave-taking, noting them and practising = responses to=20 them.=20 SKILLS Noting that the = interview is=20 finishing and saying thank you (with a smile!).=20 Phrases you could use:=20 • =A1=AEThank you very much.=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEGoodbye.=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AESee you.=A1=AF Coping with the interview=20 There may be times in the interview when you may = not=20 understand what the examiner is saying because he or she may be speaking = too=20 softly or too quickly Perhaps the examiner may be using words or = phrases you do=20 not know At these times, not be afraid to assert yourself Ask the = examiner=20 to speak more loudly, more slowly or to use other words Also, not = hesitate=20 to ask the examiner to repeat his or her words at any time.=20 Phrases you could use:=20 • =A1=AECould I ask you to speak more loudly = please?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AESorry but I didn't catch that Would you = please repeat=20 what you just said?=A1=AF=20 • =A1=AEI'm not quite sure what you mean Could = you explain it=20 to me? =A1=AF =B7=B5=BB=D8=D6=F7=D2=B3=20