Today’s picture: Northern tip of New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

‘Indicate’ is a more formal, but also a weaker word than ‘show’. It’s used when the conclusion from the research isn’t so clear. This is very common, so the word ‘indicate’ is also very commonly found in research reports. It can also be used to refer to something you’ve said earlier in your essay – ‘As indicated in part 1, it’s difficult to make generalisations in this field. However, ….' The noun is ‘indication’ – meaning a sign.

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences using the word of the day, but only three are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The latest research indicates a growing trend towards eating in cars.

The results can be seen as an indication of increasing uncertainty in the markets.

As he was a new employee, I indicated him how to access the various information systems.

The director indicated that she would not be part of the team in the long term.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What gestures are used in different cultures to indicate agreement, disagreement, surprise or frustration?

What indications are there that the economy is getting stronger (or weaker)?

For more practice, try: www.academicenglishgenerator.com

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Maori people are also known as 'tangata whenua'. What does this mean?

Brave fighters
Permanent Residents
People of the land
First Nation

Part 5: Today's article:

Denmark World's Happiest Nation (from BBC)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7487143.stm

Vocabulary for the article: marred / poverty / prosperity

Questions for the article:

How many countries were surveyed?
Which was the unhappiest?
What are the main factors which contribute to happiness?
Are people generally getting happier?

Today’s musical intro: from Bulgaria
Polegnala e todora by The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Women’s Vocal Chorus. From the CD ‘Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares. Nonesuch Records, 1990.

Today’s picture: Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand

Today's word

The ‘incidence’ of a problem is its rate – in other words, how often it happens. It’s especially used to talk about crime, disease and other problems.

There’s a higher incidence of crime during the school holidays.

For more practice, see Unit 2 of: www.academicenglishgenerator.com

Test

The country successfully reduced the incidence of malaria through a well-designed public health campaign.

The police have reported a worrying increase in the incidence of theft from cars.

Since the university offered all students special classes in how to use and refer to sources, the incidence of plagiarism has been sharply reduced.

We need to increase our incidence of sales in order to reach our targets by the end of the current financial year.

Practice Questions:

Has the incidence of crime in your area been increasing or falling?

What differences are there in the incidence of disease among different communities in this country?

Kiwi Quiz Question

Angry truck drivers decided to block the streets of central Auckland to protest at:

The ban on trucks using some lanes on the Harbour Bridge
The increase in road-user charges
Lack of security in car parks
Sharp increases in petrol prices

Today's article:

Doubts over date for Brit Invasion (from BBC)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7483566.stm

Vocabulary for the article:

Tide / current / unfold / correspond to / manoeuvre

Questions for the article:

What is the main reason Dr Olson thinks the date of the Roman Invasion of Britain in the history books is wrong?

Why did he decide to do research into this question in August 2007?

What equipment was used in the first experiment?

Why does his new hypothesis fit the evidence better than previous suggestions?

Today’s musical intro: from the USA
“Who loves you?” by the Teddy Wilson Orchestra featuring Billie Holliday. From the CD ‘The Quintessential Billie Holliday”. Columbia Records: 1988

Today’s photo: Franz Josef Glacier, South Island, New Zealand, May 2008

Part 1: Today's word

‘Discern’ is a very formal word meaning to see or notice. It can be used in a technical way, to see or understand a pattern that is not very clear. In business, ‘discerning consumers’ are those who can tell the difference in quality between products or services – so usually they demand higher standards. And the noun 'discernment' means 'good judgement'.

I was unable to discern any pattern in the data.

For more examples and exercises, see: www.academicenglishgenerator.com


Part 2: Test

Here are the first four questions from an interview about the English language teaching sector in New Zealand. But the questions have been cut in half. You have three different second halves - click on the one that you think matches the first half of the question.


How would you analyse _____


the language teaching sector is undervalued at present?

regarding language teaching in New Zealand?

the current situation in relation to language teaching in New Zealand?

What do you consider the crucial ______


skills that managers need in the language teaching sector?

issues that can easily be ignored by managers in this sector ?

targets from which managers can select their personal goals ?

How do language schools differ ______


in various organisational and environmental factors ?

from other educational or training institutions?

their products and services to meet the needs of individual clients?

You've described the current system of school assessments ______


is impossible to meet the complex demands of all stakeholders. Is that correct?

must be urgently reformed, haven't you?

as deeply flawed. Why is that?

Part 3: Practice Question:

Would you describe yourself as a discerning consumer when it comes to computers, clothes or food?


Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

How often do general elections have to be held in New Zealand?

Every three years
Every four years
Every five years
There is no fixed term


Part 5: Today's article:

Cheers as endangered turtle sets off on 20-year journey (from New Zealand Herald)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=39&objectid=10519438

Vocabulary for the article:

To hatch / predator / a straggler / voracious / rehabilitate

Questions for the article:

How long has the turtle been looked after by humans?
How long have they been preparing her for release into the wild?
How will they keep track of her?
When is she next expected to return to land?

Today’s musical intro: from Mali
‘Sinsani’ by Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba. From the CD ‘Segu Blue’. 2007: Outhere Records
More information at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/bdcz/

Today’s photo: Public Trust Office, Napier, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word:

‘Assume’ is a more formal word meaning ‘guess’. It can also mean ‘accept’ – especially in the expression ‘to assume a responsibility’. However, it can also be used for any theory or principle which is accepted without analysing or questioning it. It’s very common to do this in research reports, because you can’t research everything and, in order to make predictions, you need to imagine some elements of the situation. For example, ‘The model presented here assumes a steady inflation rate of 5%’ and ‘Assuming a continuing rise in electricity demand, Auckland will begin to suffer shortages by 2015.’ The noun is ‘assumption’. When you critique research, you will often question the assumptions made by the other researcher. For example, ‘Brown’s 2006 study assumed that domestic students had English as their first language. However, that is not strictly accurate.’

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

‘I assume this is your first day on the job’, she said, noticing the look of confusion on my face.

For the sake of argument, let's assume that everyone has perfect knowledge of their first language - although, as we shall see, this claim can be challenged on a number of grounds.

Is it fair to assume that as the manager you have full access to all company information?

After finding clear evidence in his file, I assumed he was telling the truth.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Before you started your course, what assumptions did you make about ...

the way of teaching?

the teachers?

the level and difficulty of the course?

how well you would do?

How many of these assumptions were correct?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is not a long-distance train service in New Zealand?

Tranzalpine
Overlander
Tranzcoastal
Interislander

Part 5: Today's article:

Neurosexism - are men's and women's brains really different? (from Radio New Zealand)
http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ocw/ocw-20080619-2144-Neurosexism-048.mp3

Vocabulary for the article:

Hard-wired / testosterone / oxytocin / legitimise / a chip on your shoulder / a blank slate / predisposition / blueprint / stereotype / empathising / immutable / not set in stone

Questions for the article:

Why does the writer John Gray think that doing housework can be beneficial to women?

Does Cordelia Fine believe that men can recognise emotions?

Why are books like “The Female Brain” so popular – with men and with women?

What gender characteristics does Cordelia Fine believe are hard-wired in the brain?

Why did researchers get people to tick different boxes before rating their own verbal or numerical abilities?

What effect does ‘stereotype threat’ have on people’s performance?

What’s Cordelia Fine’s main point about differences between the sexes?

Today’s Picture: Botanical Gardens, Christchurch, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

When a problem ‘recurs’ it happens again. In fact, many words beginning ‘re-‘ have the sense of ‘again’. ‘Occur’ means ‘happen’ and ‘recur’ means happen again. ‘Recur’ is nearly always used to talk about problems. The adjective is ‘recurrent’ or ‘recurring’ (it doesn’t matter which one you use) – for example ‘recurrent problems’ ‘recurring headaches’. The noun form is ‘recurrence’. This is sometimes using in reports or warning letters – for instance, ‘Any recurrence of this behaviour will result in disciplinary action’.

Recurring problems with our suppliers badly affected production during the first quarter.

Regular check-ups are strongly recommended as there is a risk of recurrence which can be easily treated if caught at an early stage.

For more examples and exercises, go to www.academicenglishgenerator.com

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The Olympic Games recurs every four years in a different city each time.

The doctor gave me some pills and advised me to contact her if the problem recurred.

The management is losing patience with these suppliers over recurring delays in delivery.

Unfortunately, it’s a problem that’s been recurring with worrying frequency.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Have you ever had recurring dreams?
How can people who’ve suffered heart attacks reduce the risk of recurrence?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

In which sport did New Zealand beat England 3 – 1 in a series of one-day matches last weekend?

Rugby
Rowing
Cricket
Football

Part 5: Today's article:

Birthday Party Snub Sparks Debate (from BBC News)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7479758.stm

Vocabulary for the article: to snub someone / an outcry / to violate someone’s rights / an ombudsman / to confiscate

Questions for the article:

Why did the child not invite all of the children in his class to his birthday party?

If he’d sent the invitations by post, would he have got into trouble?

Who is debating the issue now and how long will it take to reach a decision?

Today’s musical intro: from Congo
Cherie Kabisa by Wendo Kolosoy. From the CD ‘Amba’. UPC: 2003
More information about the singer at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendo_Kolosoy

Today’s photo: Scene from Northland, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

‘Embody’ is a stronger way to say ‘represent’. You can use ‘embody’ when you feel that something physical – a person, an organisation, an event, a product – perfectly represents an idea.

Her leadership style embodied the best principles of people management.

For more practice, go to: www.academicenglishgenerator.com

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

For many people, the Berlin Wall embodied the spirit of the Cold War in Europe.

As the Member of Parliament for North Shore, Mr Wayne Mapp embodies a diverse population of many thousands of people.

The Sky Tower embodied the forward-looking ambition of 1990s Auckland.

The Rolling Stones embody all that’s best – and worst – in rock and roll.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which public figure do you feel truly embodies culture?
Which product do you feel embodies the style and technology of the current decade?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

How much of New Zealand's electricity comes from rivers and lakes?

25%
50%
65%
85%

Part 5: Today's link:

An interview with a the founder of an innovative organisation called FreeCycle (from Radio New Zealand)
http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/ngts/ngts-20080626-1915-Freecycle-048.mp3

Vocabulary for the link:

a tree-hugger / landfill / snapped up / the sky’s the limit / thank someone effusively / purge yourself / makes it tick / barter / no strings attached / a plug

Questions for the link:

How long has Freecycle been operating?

How many members and employees does it have and in how many different countries?

Which two main objectives does Freecycle have?

What’s the main restriction on who can use the service?

What are the three restrictions on items that can be given away?

Why did someone give away their historic home free?

What’s Deron’s main advice to people wanting to get stuff for free?

How do people usually feel when they’ve given something away?

What are its growth expectations?

How much better for the environment is reuse compared to recycling?

Today’s musical intro: from Senegal, W. Africa

Samba by Baaba Maal. From the CD Baayo. Palm: 1991

Today’s picture: Otara Market, South Auckland – on a windy Saturday morning

Part 1: Today's word

‘Crucial’ means extremely important, so it’s a useful word when you need to say something stronger than ‘important’. If something is crucial, you can’t do without it! When you analyse something, you can try to identify crucial elements – in other words, the most important parts. The noun is ‘crux’ – but it’s mostly used in the expression, ‘the crux of the problem / issue / matter’ meaning the most difficult part of a problem.

The quality of recruitment is crucial to the company’s success.

I don’t think you’re focusing on the crux of the matter – how we’re going to pay for all of this.

For more exercises and examples, go to: www.academicenglishgenerator.com

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

It’s crucial that this package is delivered safely to our London office.

Although his help was crucial, we could easily have completed the project without him.

She’d forgotten to include a crucial piece of evidence, which meant that her argument was not supported.

He tried to explain to everyone the crucial importance of his research.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are the crucial elements of a successful essay or report?
Why would you argue that English is crucial for business people in the modern world?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

On June 25th 2008, the New Zealand Government signed one of the most important treaty settlements, returning ownership of _________ to Maori from the central North Island?

Forests
Lakes
Mountains
Hot springs

Part 5: Today's link:

Soup Stirring Robot (from Radio New Zealand)
http://www.radionz.co.nz/__data/assets/audio_item/0020/1604126/ngts-20080624-1912-Soup-stirring_Robot-wmbr.asx

Vocabulary for the article:

back-channelling / to ditch somebody / humanoid / insinuate yourself / inevitable / autonomy / biomass

Questions for the article:

In which country was the interviewee based?

What’s the crucial aspect of the project which attracted funding?

What is more difficult with the new generation of robots compared to traditional ones, used in car factories etc?

Which are the two forms of safety mentioned by the Professor?

What’s the purpose of backchannelling?

Why did the research team choose serving soup as a function for their robot?

Which kinds of backchannelling do the robots need to understand?

How difficult is it for a robot to avoid colliding with people in a room?

Has the demand for robots declined?

What is a robot?

What is the main aim of the ecobot program?

Today’s musical intro: from Cuba

Charlas del Momento by Orquestra Aragon. From the CD ‘Baila Carola’. 1992. Exotica

Today’s Picture: Sandboarding in Northland, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

‘Ambiguous’ is when the meaning is so unclear that it’s impossible to know for sure what a person or a document meant. This is a very important word in academic writing and in law. It’s often used with the words ‘advice’, ‘question’ ‘answer’ and ‘meaning’. The noun is ‘ambiguity’. It’s important to proof-read your own work, because very often, even if it seems clear to you, it may come across as ambiguous to the reader. Often students need to make their arguments more explicit so that the reader doesn’t have to guess what they really mean. Managers too have to avoid any ambiguity when they give directions or explain policy to employees or investors.

There was a lot of argument about the contract as people felt the wording was ambiguous.

The instructions need to be written in standardised code as the software is unable to cope with any ambiguity.

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

I would like to thank my professor for her ambiguous advice about my research.

The contrasting characters of Desdemona and Lady Macbeth show how ambiguous Shakespeare’s attitudes towards women were.

The wording of the proposal is ambiguous and will need to be changed before it can become company policy.

I found the exam question ambiguous, so I had to explain how I understood it before writing my answer.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Have you found any of your exam or assignment questions ambiguous? How did you try to resolve the ambiguity?

Why is ambiguity a particular problem in law, computer programming, the military and management?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Willie Apiata, the person voted the most trusted New Zealander, is a _____________?

Doctor
Soldier
TV newsreader
Scientist

Part 5: Today's article:

Auckland hit by freezing hail storm as wintry weather grips nation (from New Zealand Herald)

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10518001

Vocabulary for the article:

grip / lash / laced with / gusting / squalls / hazardous / knots / nautical mile

Questions for the article:

How strong were the winds in Auckland last night?

How many people are thought to have died last year as a result of driving too fast in bad wintry weather?

When the road is icy, what gap should you leave between you and the car in front?

Where have schools been closed because of the snow?

Which recreational group has been warned about the dangers of high winds around Auckland today?

Today's musical intro: from Cuba

Amor Verdadero. By Afro-Cuban All-Stars from the CD 'A toda Cuba le gusta'. 1997. Nonesuch

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Cuban_All_Stars

Today’s picture: Fast food options at Eden Park Rugby Stadium, Auckland (sausage on a stick, kebab, chips)

Part 1: Today's word

'Portion' is used to talk about a part or share of something. It’s quite common in the expression ‘your portion of the blame for something’, which means your share of the responsibility. In business, it’s also used with words like ‘profits’ etc.

For more examples and exercises go to: www.academicenglishgenerator.com

Part 2: Test

A: Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

Modern mechanics tend to replace faulty portions of a car instead of trying to repair them.

Unfortunately, a large portion of the data could not be used because permission was not given.

Management must accept its portion of the blame for the company’s poor performance.

Companies are required to spend a portion of their profits on research and development activities.

B: Complete this examination answer with the missing words - which have all been words of the day over the last few weeks. You've been given the first three letters of each one.

What is the main role of management during a process of change? Evaluate one model of change management, describing its strengths and limitations.

The process of change, whether at an individual, organisational or societal level, on ________both a sub _______opportunity and a sizeable threat. It is the role of management to maximise the sense of opportunity among the employees while minimising real or imagined threats to their security or well-being.

Change management has frequently been analysed within a psychological par ______. One influential model developed by Kurt Lewin viewed change as a complex process con _______ of three distinct pha ______. During the first of these, which he calls ‘unfreezing’, there needs to be considerable energy in order to overcome defences. This gives way to the second stage – the change itself – which is often a confusing time for all the participants. Finally, the third phase brings about a new set of attitudes. This ‘refreezing’ stage is characterised by increased comfort.

The strength of this model is that the underlying concept of change is not a single fixed ent _____ but a dynamic process – it means different things at different stages. This is important for managers, as they will need to recognise the different stages and adjust their strategies accordingly.

However, the model has two major weaknesses: one internal, the other external. The model itself has been difficult for managers to implement because the par _______ of the three com _______of the model have proved extremely difficult to recognise. The other weakness is that the model does not enc ________the social aspects of change, which are a central concern for managers. For this reason, managers have sought to inc __________ the psychological insights provided by Kurt Lewin within a broader model of organisational change.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

How many portions of fresh fruit and vegetables do you eat every day?
Do you spend a portion of each working day trying to build up your vocabulary?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these important places in New Zealand is NOT named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman?

A sea
A national park
A city
An island

Part 5: Today's radio programme:

Asian story: The multicultural workplace (from Radio New Zealand)
http://www.radionz.co.nz/__data/assets/audio_item/0005/1579604/arpt-20080617-1534-Asian_Story-wmbr.asx

Vocabulary for the article:

clientele / pecking order / hierarchy / the bottom line / protocol / deference / eyes averted / accomplishments / to prompt someone /

Questions for the article:

1. Tarani Falconer has worked with people from how many different cultures?

2. Which three ‘c’s is her work designed to develop in cross-cultural communication?

3. Which three reasons are given for NZ firms to invest in intercultural awareness?

4. What sometimes happens when an applicant has a name that’s difficult to pronounce?

5. Why, did she think, one applicant had written, “I pray to God that you will consider my application” on a cover letter?

6. How might some applicants show respect to the interviewer?

7. What name is given to the recruitment process where people choose applicants who are most similar to themselves?

8. What proportion of New Zealanders are multicultural? One in four

9. What expression does she use for an attitude that is NOT proactive – in other words, doing nothing until it’s too late?

Today’s musical intro: from Mali, West Africa

Soukora by Ali Farka Toure (with Ry Cooder). From the CD ‘Talking Timbuktu’. World Circuit: 1994

Today’s Picture: Indoor Snowboarder at SnowPlanet near Auckland

Part 1: Today's word

Incorporate’ means ‘include’ – especially to include many different features or when different things or ideas are included later on. It’s common when talking about revisions to reports or essays.

For more examples and exercises, see: www.academicenglishgenerator.com

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The final draft of the report incorporated a number of revisions.

The work placement, which used to be an add-on component of the business studies course, has now been fully incorporated into the degree program.

Manchester United have incorporated many foreign players into their team.

We’ve incorporated an automatic translation tool into the latest version of our word processing program.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What kinds of multimedia and IT are incorporated into your courses?
Do you manage to incorporate a wide range of sources in your essays?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a major New Zealand company?

Fonterra
Billabong
Sealord
Fisher & Paykal


Part 5: Today's article: International: Science & History

Blue sky thinking: 10 ideas that changed the course of history (from The Guardian Newspaper, UK)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/jun/22/philosophy.plato

Vocabulary for the article: flourishing / a discipline / equate / meditate / sphere / an eclipse / clockwork / pursuit / benevolent / despot / onslaught / emancipatory / inextricable / esoteric /

Questions for the article:

A: Before you read the article, see if you can put these scientists and writers in the order they lived?

Adam Smith
Galileo
Einstein
Freud
Newton
Descartes
Berners-Lee
Plato
Karl Marx
Mary Wollstonecraft


You can check your answers by looking at the article – the people are in chronological order:

B: Read the article and answer the questions below – if you click on ‘play’ you’ll hear me reading out the questions and answers

Who:

Developed modern astronomy?
Was only appreciated much later?
Brought mathematics into science?
Had a big influence on Christianity?
Gave a new explanation of conflict?
Indirectly helped motorists?
showed people they were more complex than they realised?
Created the idea of the ‘invisible hand’?
Gave people a much greater ability to communicate?
Made a clear separation between the physical and mental world?


Today’s musical intro: from Senegal

‘Scandalo’ by Africando. From the CD ‘Mandali’, 2000, Sterns Africa

For more details, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africando

Today’s photo: Indoor skiing at SnowPlanet, Silverdale (north of Auckland)

Part 1: Today's word

A parameter is a limit or a feature of a system that controls others and can be adjusted. Normally, before starting on a research project, you have to set parameters. In other words, you need to limit the area of your research, so that you can concentrate on getting good results.

For more examples, exercises and examples of academic writing go to: www.academicenglishgenerator.com

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The central government established the parameters within which local governments can work.

He had some interesting parameters on the subject, but was unable to support his ideas with research.

Social aspects of motivation were not considered in this study as they were outside the parameters of the model used in the research.

The lecturer briefly outlined the main parameters of her research before describing the model in more detail.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Did your lecturers set clear parameters for use of sources in your assignments?
Do you like flexibility or do you prefer to work within relatively strict parameters?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a volcanic cone in Auckland?

Mount Eden
Mount Elizabeth
Mount Wellington
Mount Albert

Part 5: Today's article:

The Three Survivors: E-bay, Yahoo and Amazon (from The Economist)

International: IT Commerce

http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?source=hptextfeature&story_id=11580247

Vocabulary for the article:

to rebuff sb / a dotcom / a mogul / tawdry / truant / to flock to (a place) / disenchanted /

Questions for the article:

Which of these three companies seems to be in the best position in 2008?

What two mistakes does the writer think were made by Yahoo!?

What problems does the writer see in E Bay?

Which two innovative ideas have added to Amazon’s business over the last few years?

Today’s musical intro: from Algeria

‘Walagh’ by Abdelli, from the CD ‘New Moon’. Real World: 1995

Today’s photo: Another scene from the pre-match entertainment at the All Blacks vs England rugby match at Eden Park, Auckland, June 14th 2008

Part 1: Today's word

‘Encompass’ is a formal word and it’s used to say that something will cover a wide range of different topics or items. It’s quite often used in the introduction to a research report or presentation. If something is 'all-encompassing', it means 'comprehensive' - in other words, it covers all possible aspects.

For more examples and exercises go to: www.academicenglishgenerator.com Unit 1

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The meeting is expected to encompass people from a wide range of backgrounds and interests.

The conference will encompass a number of themes ranging from management to finance.

Her research encompasses both international and domestic marketing.

Gardner’s (1985) model of motivation was clear but did not encompass all the relevant aspects of this complex topic.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Will your degree course encompass a wide range of different subjects?

Which aspects would you expect a short introductory course to your country to encompass?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a New Zealand university?

Canterbury
Manawatu
Victoria
Lincoln

Part 5: Today's online interview

International – science
Smart Animals (from Radio New Zealand)
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights

Vocabulary for the article:

breed / larva / central nervous system/ dumb / wimp / inherent / novel / peers / side-effects


Questions for the article:


1) When does Tad Kowecki believe natural selection favours the development of greater intelligence?

2) Why did the researcher choose fruit flies?

3) Because intelligence itself is too complex to study, which aspect does he focus on?

4) What two experimental procedures are mentioned?

5) Which side-effects were noticed in the smart flies?

6) What two explanations were given for the lower performance of the smarter flies?

7) What is similar and different about the relationship of costs and benefits of intelligence in fruit flies and humans?

8) How much of an infant’s energy is used to run his or her brain?

9) Which factors does Tad believe drove the development of humans’ large brains?

Today's musical intro: from Mali, W. Africa

Doni Fo by Nahawa Doumbia. From the CD 'Mangoni', 1993, Sterns Africa

Today’s picture: A New Zealand fan at the All Blacks vs England rugby match

Part 1: Today's word

‘Constitute’ is a more formal way of saying what something is – especially when you’re talking about how it relates to larger groups or society.

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The elderly constitute a large and growing proportion of the population.

Copying anything from a source without clear referencing constitutes plagiarism.

The Treaty of Waitangi constitutes two versions: one written in English and the other written in Te Reo Maori.

People of Asian origin constitute a large and growing segment of the New Zealand population.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What constitutes happiness for you personally and for people in this country in general?

What elements constitute a successful assignment?


Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these bungy jumps is more than 50 metres high?

Nevis Highwire, Queenstown
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Rotorua Bungy
Taupo Bungy

Part 5: Today's Online Listening:

Honda's Hydrogen Car (from Radio New Zealand)
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/20080617

Vocabulary for the report:

penalise / to emit / an emission / diminished / inexorable

Questions for the report:

How much more fuel-efficient is the new Honda compared to an ordinary car?

How many cars does Honda expect to make over the next 3 years?

What kind of motor powers the new vehicle?

What emissions are produced by the new car?

What two factors limit the growth of the new technology?

Today’s musical intro: from Haiti

‘Marie Jocelyne’ by Coupe Cloue. From the CD ‘Maximum Compas from Haiti”. Earthworks: 1992

Today’s photo: Two English fans watching New Zealand vs England

Part 1: Today's word

‘Substantially’ means a lot and the adjective ‘substantial’ means ‘large and important’. It’s a popular word in business. It’s quite common to see ‘grow substantially’ and ‘substantial savings’ or ‘substantial investment’ for instance. The expression ‘a substantial minority’ is used when you want to say that a group of people are less than half the population, but still an important group that shouldn’t be ignored

The company needs to reduce its costs substantially if it is to remain competitive

We’ve invested substantial sums of money in the project.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 1

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

We’re looking for substantial people to work in our expanded factories.

Substantial changes were made to the original plan.

Although most households now have internet access, a substantial minority of the population depend on traditional sources of information.

We need to reduce our costs substantially if we are to avoid job losses.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Have there been any substantial changes in your course or in your college or university over the last year?

Do you expect the population of this city or country to grow substantially over the next 50 years?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these cities CANNOT be reached by a direct scheduled flight from New Zealand?

Los Angeles
Rio de Janeiro
Buenos Aires
Tokyo

Part 5: Today's article: International – Law & Society

Judge cuts US dog's $12m legacy (from BBC News)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7457700.stm

Vocabulary for the article:

parties / plaintiff / defendant / legacy / to testify / your testimony / inheritance / to inherit / dubbed / tax evasion / an affidavit / executors of the estate / prestigious /prestige

Questions for the article:

How old is the dog and what breed is it?
Where does it live now?
How much are its living costs?
How much did its owner originally leave the dog in her will?
How much has the judge decided to reduce this to – and why?


Today’s musical intro: from Kenya

Safari by Zuhuru Swaleh. From the CD Jino La Pembe, Globestyle Records, 1995

Today’s photo: New Zealand vs England Rugby Match, 14th June, 2008 – pre-match entertainment

Part 1: Today's word

An ‘entity’ is a 'thing’ or ‘idea’ which is considered a whole and separate from other things or ideas. It’s another very academic word, which is used in law, philosophy etc.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 1

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The joint venture bore the names of both parent companies but was in reality an entirely separate legal entity.

Even after the break-up of Yugoslavia, the country continues to exist as a psychological entity for many people in the region even though it no longer appears on the map.

According to Freud, this was a real entity, which could be researched and treated like any other physical conditions.

I’m looking for an entity to hold my papers together. What’s it called in English?

Part 3: Practice Questions:

To what extent is this country an independent political entity in the modern world?

In your experience, do the different university departments function as if they were totally different entities, or is there a good deal of liaison between them?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a fish that can be caught in New Zealand waters?

Hapuka
Tarakihi
Bauru
Kahawai

Part 5: Today's article:

Reading: New Zealand - Society

Kiwi kids early to bed and get most sleep, says Study (from the New Zealand Herald)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10516234

Vocabulary for the article:

toddler / predominantly / nap / sibling /

Questions for the article:

How big was the sample in this study?
What research method was used?
What was the main cross-cultural difference reported?
How many times more likely is a Thai child to share a room than a Canadian child?
According to Professor Mitchell of Auckland University, what problems can children have if they don’t get enough sleep?
How much sleep did he recommend for school-age children?

Today’s Musical Extract: from Portugal

'Guitarrada' from ‘Fado Subtil” by Mane. AMG: 2003

Today’s Picture: Shed by Onetangi Beach at Waiheke Island

Part 1: Today's word

‘Paradigm’ is a very formal, academic word for a general framework of ideas or way of thinking about a topic. Subjects at university have different ways they can be approached. Often, there’s one ‘dominant’ paradigm, which is how most researchers approach a topic, and a number of alternative paradigms, which are used by a smaller group of researchers. For example, 50 or so years ago, behaviourism was the dominant paradigm in psychology. This mean that most researchers, even if they were looking at different questions and using different techniques, followed the same basic way of looking at the mind and how it learns and responds to the environment. However, especially during the 1960’s, these basic ideas were questioned, so there was a ‘paradigm shift’ in which the whole subject of psychology went through a kind of revolution and no longer had one dominant paradigm.

His research was outside the established paradigm, which meant that it was difficult to attract funding.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 1

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

It’s been suggested that the growth of online chat and text messaging has brought about a paradigm shift in written communication.

Charles Darwin developed the paradigm that evolution is brought about through competition for survival.

During the 1950’s, behaviourism was the dominant paradigm in psychology, which meant that most research shared the same basic approach to the subject.

His research was outside the established paradigm, which meant that it was difficult to attract funding.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do you know the names for the dominant paradigm in any of the subjects you study?

Do you know if your subject has gone through any paradigm shifts that have completely changed the way people think about them?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a popular New Zealand magazine?

Metro
North & South
The Truth
The Listener

Part 5: Today’s Online Radio Programme

New Zealand – technology

New Technology with Colin Jackson: Computer Hacking
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/20080612

Vocabulary for the article:

vulnerable / trespass / tort / a vandal / drown out / eureka

Questions for the article:

Which network will New Zealanders need to use in order to use their I-Pod?
What was the original meaning of computer hacker?
What’s the distinction between hacking and cracking computers?
What does Colin Jackson think of Hollywood presentation of hacking?
What’s his advice to home PC users?
How many lines of code do many computer programs have? What’s patch Tuesday?
Why is a ‘zero day exploit’ scary?
Why do many programmers wear headphones?
What’s does Colin Jackson believe the programmer's 'anthem' should be?

Today's audio excerpt: from Mali - Mory Kante 'Desole' from the CD 'Sabou': AMG 2004

Today’s picture: Starfish in a rockpool, Waiheke Island, Auckland, May 2008

Part 1: Today's word

‘Consist of’ means ‘made up of’ different parts. So it can be used for groups of people or for sets or systems which have different parts or members.

The project team consists of the HR manager, a marketing consultant and the company accountant.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 1


Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The course material consists of a study guide, a prescribed text and some photocopied articles.

The team consists of the HR manager, a marketing consultant and the company accountant.

Oxford and Cambridge consist of the two most famous universities in England.

The final examination will consist of 40 multiple-choice items and two short essay questions.


Part 3: Practice Questions:

How many members does your family consist of?

How many different stages does essay writing consist of?


Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a Kiwi custom or institution?

RTE
OE
ACC
RSA

Part 5: Today's Online Listening

International – Culture

Confucian Ways (The Reith Lecture)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/reith2008/

Vocabulary for the lecture:

vistas / filial piety / auspicious / leapfrog / historically verifiable / practise what you preach / vehemently deny / disciples / veneration / hegemony / precursors / descendants / sychophant

Questions for the lecture:


How old is the oldest Chinese book in the British library?
Why did the lecturer choose the title Chinese vistas?
What is the best-selling book in modern China, with sales of over 6 million copies?
How many Confucian institutes have been set up outside China?
When was Confucius born and how long did he live?
Where did he live?
Which class did he come from?
Who wrote the text called ‘the analects’?
How old was Confucius when he was finally able to follow with his heart what his heart desired without overstepping the line?
Which extra elements became added to the State Confucianism which developed by the 12th century in association with examinations?
Why was Shun Fu Zhun’s visit to London in the 1680s important? When did the last dynasty come to an end?

Today’s Photo: Crab in Crab Rock, Waiheke Island, Auckland, May 2008

Part 1: Today’s word

‘Component’ is a more technical word for a part. It can be used for physical parts – for example, for the parts of a machine – as well as for theories, models, plans etc.
Increased spending on direct advertising is a key component of our marketing plan.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 1

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?


English language is an important component of grammar.

Increased spending on direct advertising is a key component of our marketing plan.

Many illnesses have a strong psychological component.

It’s increasingly difficult to describe cars as British, German or Japanese, since the components that make up the car may have been manufactured in several different countries.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are the main components of a personal computer?

Are the different components of your course closely connected or completely separate?


Part 4:Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a requirement for new New Zealand citizens?

To have been in New Zealand legally for at least five years

To be able to understand and speak English

To give up any other passports they may have

To be of good character


Part 5: Today’s Article

World – Education (online video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o

Vocabulary for the video:

Bewildered / fragmented / multitasking /


Questions for the video:

How many students took part in the survey?

How many of their teachers knew their names?

What was the average number of books, webpages and facebook profiles read by these students?

How much more writing do they do in the form of emails compared to essay writing?

What was the strangest thing about the normal daily routine of these students?

What’s strange about the jobs these students will be doing when they graduate?

What’s the big advantage of writing on the chalkboard (instead of using Powerpoint)?

Today’s photo: Shadow on the beach, Waiheke Island, May 2008

Part 1: Today's word

If something is complex, it is not simple and that means it can be hard to understand. In other words, it has many parts and normally takes a long time to study. ‘Complex’ can be used in a neutral way, but is sometimes negative, when a person wants to say something should be simple, but isn’t. Very often the structures, models and theories that you come across at university are complex - this often means that you need to analyse them - in other words, break them down into the different components.

This is a complex question which requires careful consideration.

The complexity of the problem meant that we needed to spend many more hours on identifying its causes and recommending solutions.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 1

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The company is involved in complex negotiations with our trading partners which will take many months to complete.

This is a complex question which requires careful consideration.

Most biologists accept that complex organisms evolved from simple life-forms.

I would like to thank you for your clear and complex feedback on my research proposal.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Is your study schedule so complex that you often forget where you're supposed to be?
What is the most complex aspect of the course you are doing?
Which aspects of English do you find most complex?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question


Which of these people is NOT a successful New Zealander?

Dame Sian Seerpoohi Elias
Anand Satyanand
Dawn Fraser
Lee Tamahori


Part 5: Today’s reading

National – Economy and Society
Migrants contribute much more than locals
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10515407


Vocabulary for the article:

soaring / fertility


Questions for the article:

How much did foreign-born migrants contribute to New Zealand’s economy?

How much did they receive in benefits?

What’s the net contribution per capita (ie contributions made minus benefits received)?

What effect does immigration have on the ageing population?

How much contribution are Professor Pool’s grandchildren making to New Zealand’s economy?

Today’s Picture: Another scene from Craters of the Moon, Taupo, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

‘Adjacent’ is a very formal word meaning next or ‘beside’. It would be used more in technical documents than in conversation

We see a lot of each other as we work in adjacent buildings.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 1

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

We see a lot of each other as we work in adjacent buildings.
The library is conveniently located adjacent to the main lecture auditorium.
The meeting was postponed until the adjacent week due to illness.
A partial mastectomy normally involves the removal of the affected organ and the lymph nodes adjacent to the affected breast.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which buildings are adjacent to the place where you are studying?
Is your house or office overlooked by an adjacent building?


Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question


In which of these countries will you NOT find a city or suburb called Albany?

The USA
Australia
England
New Zealand

Part 5: Today’s article: Listening (New Zealand – Environment)

Global Green Motoring Campaign
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/20080605

Vocabulary for the article: to ease your conscience / a gas-guzzler / fleet / conventional / ease off / fuel-efficiency / get it out of your system / an outlet

Questions for the article:

How can motorists be more environmentally –friendly?
Is the number of cars likely to grow or decline over the next 20 years?
How much more efficient could vehicles become over the next 20 years?
Which two ways is motor sport becoming more environmentally-friendly?
What’s been the main contribution of the President of the FIA, Max Moseley?
What is the growth area of motor sport?

Today’s Photo: Jack’s gate – Waiheke Island

Part 1: Today's word

‘Revenue’ is money coming in – especially from a sale. It’s also used for money the government receives in taxation etc.

Tax revenues have fallen due to a general downturn in the economy.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 15

Part 2: Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which is the odd one out?

The government needs to find ways of increasing its overall revenue without raising taxes.

The revenue from the sale of his business meant that he never needed to work again.

I liked my last job, but unfortunately the revenue was much lower than other companies were paying for the same work.

The company reported higher than expected profits, helped by sharp increases in revenue in the domestic market.

As this is the last word from Unit 15, here is a second test, including most of the words you've seen over the last two weeks. It's an example of a short written examination question. You've been given the first three letters of the missing words. See if you can remember the full words:

Briefly define the THREE general types of macroeconomic policy and the main focus of concern for each of them.

Macroeconomic policies, com ________monetary, fiscal and structural policies, are intended to generate greater aff _____ in a society. Monetary policy deals with the money supply and in many countries, is in the hands of an independent, or semi-independent organization. For instance, in the United States, the Federal Reserve reg _________the money supply. Fiscal policy is dev ______ to managing the budget of a government. This will include decisions on the overall scale of government exp ________ and how this is all _______ to different purposes as well as which methods are used to generate rev ____for government policies – typically focusing on taxation. Many countries have inc ______ substantial debts as a result of past borrowing and investment and servicing this debt may mean having to for ____ spending on current projects. Finally, structural policy refers to efforts made to change the basic structure of the economy – in order to obt _____ greater efficiency or to introduce market reforms. In Eastern Europe, for instance, structural policies have allowed people to con _______ a wider range of goods and services and acc ______ wealth in the form of personal pos _______ and investments while other benefits have acc ______ to businesses in the form of lower costs and greater opportunities to make profits.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Apart from taxation, what are the other sources of revenue for the government?

Do you believe the government should be trying to increase revenue or to reduce expenditure?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT an important part of Maori culture?

Haka
Waka
Hopi
Moko

Part 5: Today’s article

New Zealand – Culture

Matariki – The Maori New Year
Radio New Zealand, Morning Report, Friday 06 June 2008
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport

What is the literal meaning of Matariki?
What is its date based on?
What are the Matariki colours?
Was the celebration at Auckland University an exclusively Maori affair?

Today’s picture: Another scene by the beach on Waiheke Island, near Auckland

Part 1: Today's word

When you possess something, you have it – in other words, it belongs to you. Possess is often used to talk about personal abilities or qualities which a person has. For things, we more often use the verb ‘own’, not 'possess'. However, the noun ‘possessions’ is often used with things. English is a strange language!

The plant was thought to possess the power to make anyone who ate it fall in love.
Guests are reminded to keep a close eye on their personal possessions at all times, as the hotel can not take any responsibility for losses or thefts from this area.

For more examples and links to exercises, click here www.academicenglishgenerator.com and go to Unit 15

Part 2:Test

Here are four sentences with our word of the day - but only three of them are correct. Which one is the odd one out?

We were obliged to advertise the post again as none of the applicants possessed the minimum qualifications we require.

Few of us possess the ability to evaluate our own performance objectively.

It’s illegal to possess even small quantities of Class A drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

He was used to large families as he possessed three brothers and a sister back home in Brazil.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do you feel you possess any special talents?
Which of your possessions would you least like to lose or give up?

Part 4: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a New Zealand native bird?

Tui
Weta
Piwakawaka
Little Spotted Kiwi

Part 5: Today’s article:

New Zealand – environment

New Zealand and Climate Change

http://www.sustainability.govt.nz/climate-change/nz-and-climate-change

Vocabulary for the article:

Sustainability / drought / erosion / compost / offset

Questions for the article:

How much warmer do scientists predict the world will become over the next 20 years?
How much rubbish do New Zealand households throw out unnecessarily?
How much rubbish do New Zealanders produce each month?
How much more efficient are new washing machines?
How much of a household’s energy bill is spent on heating water?
How much more efficient are the new eco-bulbs than traditional lighting?
How much does an average New Zeal