Graph interpretation class IX

 Q. The graph demonstrate telephone calls put into categories in The United States from 2005 to 2012. Write a report of atleast 150 words reporting significant trends and figures along with suitable comparisons.

The given bar graph provides information about the total time spent on calls via fixed lines and mobile phones from 2005 to 2012 in UK. There are 3 types of calls given. The data is calibrated in thousands of minutes. 

Considering local fixed calls first. It is evident that 2008 and 2009 recorded the highest figures for such types of calls. The minutes of calls were same at about 90 thousands. However, year 2005 and 2012 recorded the lowest minutes of calls by fixed line (70 thousands minutes.)

Moving to national and international calls made through fixed line and all mobile calls, it is clear that the trend was upward in both the categories but the rate of increase in former was much higher in comparison with later. Initially the calls made by mobiles were 50 thousand minutes but by 2012, the figure reached at the highest point (inspected thousands minutes). A steady growth was seen in minutes of national and international fixed line calls starting at nearly 35 thousand minutes in 2005 and increasing to 62 thousand minutes by 2012.

Overall, in terms of talk time, local fixed lines topped the charts but rate of growth in case of mobile calls were maximum. 

REFERRAL POINTS: local fixed calls - in 2008 and 2009 - highest figures - 90 thousand // 2005 and 2012 - the lowest minutes (70 thousands minutes) // National and International calls made through fixed line and mobile calls, trend was upward // Mobile talk time- less than 5 thousand minutes (2005) // Mobile talk time- highest point (45 thousand minutes) - 2012 // Overall in terms of talk time, local fixed lines topped the charts but rate of growth in case of mobile talk time was maximum.

VOCABULARY: Elucidates: shows // approximately: nearly, about, almost // gradually: slowly, steadily // increased: rose // Subsequent: following

Diagram interpretation class IX

 Q. The flow chart shows how electricity is generated by a hydroelectric dam. 

Write a 150 words report for a university lecturer explaining how the process works.

The flow chart shows the process of generating electricity. The diagram reflects the entire structure of a hydroelectricity dam.

As it can be seen from the figure that a large dam is constructed and it is connected to a powerhouse. The dam forms a large reservoir across a river. Following this, water collected in the reservoir is sent out with force through a way made for admission or intake. It then flows into a narrow chamber called a penstock where the resulting high pressure moves a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator in the powerhouse above where the movement of the turbine produces electricity. This electricity leaves the powerhouse through wires which carry it to far off places where it can be used. After the turbine stage, water goes out through another channel into a river.

Thus, it is good that this process is renewable and is totally dependent on natural forces.

REFERRAL POINTS:

Process of generating electricity // entire structure of a hydroelectricity dam // large dam is constructed and it is connected to a powerhouse // water collected in the reservoir is sent out with force // flows into a narrow chamber // electricity leaves the powerhouse through wires which // water goes through another channel into a river // process is renewable and is totally dependent on natural forces. 

VOCABULARY: Elucidates: shows// Reservoir: tank// Chamber: Compartment// Turbine: a kind of machine

Topic: Incident you forgot important.

 Cue Card-45 

An incident where you forgot something important. 

• When was it? // What did you forget? // What was the result? // How did you feel.

I made the mistake of forgetting something four years ago. // I forgot to deposit my sister’s admission fee. // She was to begin school and her seat was given to someone else. // I was so upset with my carelessness.

To err is human. No one is perfect and I am no exception. 4 years ago my youngest sister was to begin school and my parents trusted me with the depositing her school fee as they had to go out of town due to an unfortunate demise in the family. I was sure that I would remember and be able to do so but sadly on the day which fee was to be deposited, I forgot about it. In the late afternoon I realized the terrible mistake I had made. My parents had advised me to set a reminder on my phone but I didn’t follow their advice because I was overconfident that it is a simple task and I will not forget to do it. I was extremely upset with the carelessness I exhibit at that time. I was filled with guilt that my mistake will cost my sister admission in the best girl’s school of our city. However, after a lot of efforts, we were able to secure her admission in that school. I and my parents spoke to the principal several times but she denied admission saying that she cannot bend the rules. An acquaintance who was known to the principal spoke to her and she obliged us by agreeing to admit my sister in the school. My parents did not scold me but asked me to learn a lesson from the incident. I learnt it that day and remember it till date. I make sure to write or set reminders for every important task.

Follow ups:

1. What do people do to remember things? (People generally write the things that they need to remember or set up alarms and reminders on their phone.)

2. Why do old people forget things easily? (Old people forget things easily because generally memory goes down with age.)

3. What kinds of things can people do to prevent a bad memory? (People get almonds to keep their memory sharp. They also avoid excessive use of mobile phones and other modern gadgets to prevent bad memory.)

4. Do you think memory is important while learning language? (Like for all other things, memory is important to learn a language because retention is important to learn a language.)

Related Question: An appointment you forgot.

Skill you would like to learn.

 Cue Card-44

A skill you would like to learn

• What it is? // Where can you learn it? // Explain why you want to learn it.

I would like to learn the skill of cooking. // I will join a cooking course, see videos on You Tube and also take some tips from my mother. // I am planning to go abroad and I will be alone there, so learning to cook will be helpful in my day to day life.

Life is a process of constant learning. We are always learning small and big things. I am very fond of learning and I always want to know new things. Recently, I have decided that I will join a cooking course and improve my skills as I am nowhere near being a good cook. I feel, this is important for everyone to learn as it makes a person independent. I have decided to join a four week cooking course with my friends and watch cookery videos on you tube and most importantly, learn from my mother who is an amazing cook. I am a foodie, I love trying different kinds of food. I want to learn cook because I am planning to go abroad for higher studies where I will be alone. So, I should be able to cook for myself. I will try to improve my cooking skills and become as proficient as I can be. 

Follow ups:

1. Do you think boys and girls should learn the same skills? (Boys and girls learn different skills because boys are more interested in sports whereas girls like learning cooking, make-up. However, sometimes both genders learn common skills.)

2. Why do boys tend to have better critical thinking skills? (Boys tend to have better critical thinking skills as they are more practical where as girls are more emotional.)

3. Why do girls like shopping? (Girls like shopping because it elevates their mood and they are keen to keep up with latest clothing trends.)

4. Do you like to learn new skills constantly? (I like learning new skills but not constantly. I feel like, we should learn one thing at a time, practice it and attain some level of expertise before getting into something else.)

5. Should schools teach both arts and science? (Schools should teach both art and science as some students have a logical brain whereas others are more inclined towards creativity and art.)

Related Questions: Describe a course you want to join OR Describe something you wish to learn.

Cue card A news reporter you would like to meet.

 Cue Card-43

A news reporter you would like to meet.

• Who is it? // How do you know him/her? // Why do you like him/her?

The news reporter I would like to meet is Barkha Dutt. // She is a columnist in the Hindustan Times and a journalist and news anchor for NDTV. // I like her because of her confidence and also because she is graceful, elegant and well-educated. 

India has had many great people from time to time. There are a few personalities who leave indelible footprints in our hearts and they influence us in several ways. The person, I truly admire and appreciate is Barkha Dutt who is an Indian television journalist and columnist. I have read several articles written by her in the popular newspaper, Hindustan Times. She is the host of my favourite TV show and the award winning weekly show, ‘We, The People’ as well as the daily prime time show, ‘The Buck Stops Here’. She emerged as a prominent figure post her reporting of the Kargil war in 1999. She has to her credit books named “The Unquiet Land Gujrat”, “The Making of a Tragedy”. She is also the recipient of the Padma Shri for her excellent work. I am inspired by her confidence, elegance and grace. She is a woman par excellence who is an inspiration to many others, especially me. Her strong and charismatic disposition impresses the viewers. She is a woman who I respect and admire and would surely want to meer her one day. 

Follow ups:

1. What type of people can be seen on TV? (All kinds of people like politicians, doctors, priests, astrologers, or dieticians can be seen on TV.)

2. Do you think there is too much news about celebrities? (Yes, I feel celebrities are excessively flashed on news channels to an extent that they lose their privacy.)

3. Do you think negative information shown in the news can have a negative influence on people? (I think that a negative influence is cast on people when things like crime and fear of terror attacks are hyped in news.)

Related Question: Favourite personality OR Favourite person on television OR A person you admire

Cue card Visit to a hill station ielts speaking cue card

 Cue Card-42

Visit to a hill station 

• Where did you go? // Who were you with? // When did you go? // How was your experience?

I went to Shimla, which is the “queen of hills” in Himachal Pradesh. // I had gone with friends. // I went in the mid of August. // The experience was pleasant, we all had fun and it was a very memorable time. 

I am fond of travelling but being a student, I have never had enough time to visit different places. However, it was near Independence Day that we had a three-day off and my friends and I went to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. We begun our journey in the afternoon and by the evening, we were there. I enjoyed each and every step of the way. The scenic beauty was mesmerizing and mind-blowing. We stopped several times along the way to click pictures. The weather was a wonderful escape from the scorching heat of the plains. Our three days' trip brought us really close to each other and gave us memories that we will cherish for life. We went to the famous Mall Road, visited the Christ Church and rode horses. We went to the institute of advanced studies which is a famous monolithic structure. We also had coffee in a newly opened coffee shop with friends. This rejuvenating trip to Shimla gave me very fond memories which I will recall them when I am sad and I am sure, they will make me smile. 

Follow ups:

1. What are the advantages of travelling?

- Travelling helps us to gain knowledge and widens our experience. It also increases understanding of cultural diversity.

2. What do you prefer, travelling with friends or family?

- I prefer travelling with friends as with them, I do not have to be formal and I can enjoy freely. 

3. What means of transport are popular in your country?

- People in my country use all kinds of transport ranging from cycle rickshaws to aeroplanes. 

Related Question: A short vacation with friends OR A holiday you recently went to.

Proverb: He that travel far knows much.

Meaning: A person who has been to many places has a lot of knowledge and experience.

A time when you waited for something.

 Cue Card-41

A time when you waited for something. 

• Where did you wait? // When did this happen? // Who you were with? // Explain why you had to wait. 

I had to wait at a hospital. // This happened in the freezing month of December. // I was with my mother and uncle. // I had to wait because my maternal aunt had to be operated.

I generally go prepared to wait and usually carry a book or something with me to pass my time but the one occasion when I had a very unpleasant waiting experience was when my aunt had to undergo a surgery in the freezing month of December. My mother, my uncle and I reached the hospital at 8 am as my maternal aunt was to be operated for a gall bladder condition at 8.30 am. However, to our surprise, this time was not for her and the doctor was caught up in an emergency. My aunt was given some medicine which made her feel sleepy and my mother starts praying whenever she is free. My uncle went to his workplace to be back shortly and this wait went on not only till the afternoon but further into the evening. It was what I would call a very unpleasant wait because the atmosphere of the hospital was disturbing as there was death, blood, sickness, disease and I get upset at the sight of such things. Therefore, I hated this wait and I was not even able to read a book because I found the atmosphere disturbing. Finally, the wait was over and around 5:15 pm she was taken to the operation theatre for her surgery. To conclude, I would not want to experience this kind of a wait again. 

Follow ups: 

1. Why do you think patience is important? (Patience is important because actions performed and decisions taken in haste are likely to fall.)

2. Why is it tough for children to be patient? (Children are immature and always excited, so they find it tough to be patient.)

3. Do you feel angry easily when told to wait? (I remain calm when I am made to wait because I believe that people don’t make others wait deliberately.)