Academic English

evaluate

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:43:42 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Just Plane Crazy, Antique Shop, Oratia, Auckland

ACADEMIC WORD

When you evaluate something, you consider carefully the evidence of its strengths and / or weaknesses and reach a conclusion about its overall quality. Assignments at university often require critical evaluation of theories. This means that you have to summarise the arguments and evidence for and against the theory and reach a conclusion about its overall value.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The performance of each player will be evaluated by our team of experts in the studio.

The study evaluated the effects of two different time-management training programmes.

We found that the evidence did not fully evaluate the conclusions which had been drawn.

Without a more detailed description of the procedures, It is difficult to evaluate the results of the experiment.

PRACTICE

What means are used to evaluate the performance of teachers or lecturers?

Are you usually asked to evaluate the papers which you have taken at University?

KIWI QUIZ

Which New Zealand organisation, owned by 19, 000 farmers, has announced record results for the last year, including over $10bn overseas earnings?

VIDEO

Today’s videos focus on Kiwi slang. Click on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch the video to answer the questions below. When it’s over, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

1) If it’s ‘cold as’, it’s ...

still cold

getting colder

very cold

2) If someone says, ‘choice bro’ to you, they are ...

pleased

confused

selective

3) You might be called an ‘egg’ if you’ve done something ..

clever

practical

stupid

4) A skux should be popular with ..

the elderly

girls

teachers

5) If you live in the wop-wops, you probably won’t be very near ...

a beach

a cinema

a farm

6) Why would you not want to live near hoons?

they’ll be noisy

they’ll eat your veggies

they’ll use up a lot of water

7) Which of these words is used in a positive way (like ‘cool!’)?

sad

bitter

mean

8) What does the bird offer the whale?

a fish

some plankton

a chip

9) What is deceptive about the whale?

its size

its colour

its position

10) The bird realises the whale is parched, when he asks for ...

a bed

some water

somewhere to live

interpersonal

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:58:18 GMT

KIWI PHOTO

The All Blacks Haka – interpersonal communication at its best!

ACADEMIC WORD

‘Inter’ means ‘between’, so ‘interpersonal’ means ‘between people’. In the modern globalised and interconnected environment in which we live, interpersonal communication skills are increasingly important – for any kind of work. As many IT professionals have found, it may be your technical skills that allow you to DO the job, but it is your interpersonal skills that will GET you the job.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Unfortunately, the client took the criticism interpersonally, though it was intended to be constructive and focused on systems without laying blame.

Successful candidates will provide evidence of strong interpersonal skills.

Interpersonal Communication (101) focuses on analysis and practice of how messages are conveyed and received.

Proxemics is the branch of interpersonal communication which deals with personal space, its cultural determinants and its effect on delivery and comprehension of messages.

PRACTICE

In which aspects of your work and studies are interpersonal skills most important?

How effective do you think interpersonal skills training can be?

KIWI QUIZ

Daylight saving starts in New Zealand at 2.00 am on Sunday 25^th September. What do you need to do to your clock before you go to bed on Saturday night?

VIDEO

Today’s video features five different concepts in interpersonal communications. Each one is illustrated by a brief roleplay. Click on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch the video and answer the questions below. When it’s over, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

1) While inviting his friend to watch a ball game, Sam shows that he’s a low self-monitor by ....

failing to notice that his co-worker isn’t interested in his invitation

using few gestures or expressions to reinforce his message

speaking in a flat and unemotional way

2) This is an example of ___________________self-disclosure

contradictory

tactful

inappropriate

3) The woman is guilty of self-serving bias in her evaluation of ....

her co-worker’s body language

the campaign

her boss

4) Emblems are gestures which communicate ....

culturally- specific meanings

opinions about cultural events

in contexts where spoken language is not possible

5) Algebraic impressions ...

change as we learn more about a person

are based on numerical data

are increasingly positive

sustainable

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:13:52 GMT

KIWI PHOTO

Firework Display for the Rugby World Cup (seen from North Shore)

ACADEMIC WORD

If something is sustainable, it means it can continue without extra support from outside. So, you can talk about sustainability in an economic sense, which means that a business is able to survive without further investment. Sustainable can also refer to development or businesses which don’t take more from the environment than they put in. So, for instance, ‘carbon-neutral’ production is sustainable, because it doesn’t add any extra carbon to the atmosphere. A well-known definition of sustainability is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”, which comes from a UN report by the Brundtland Commission in 1987.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Economists have questioned whether current economic growth is sustainable, given such high levels of debt.

Profit levels were initially high, but proved to be sustainable in the long run.

Farmers in the area use sustainable methods of agriculture, well-adapted to the limited water supplies and occasional droughts.

The incentives did raise motivation in the short-term but were not a sustainable solution to the underlying structural problems in the organisation.

PRACTICE

How sustainable is your current lifestyle?

What changes would need to be made if your country was to follow a path of sustainable development?

KIWI QUIZ

Which is the only continent NOT represented at the Rugby World Cup?

VIDEO

Today’s video extracts focus on six perspectives on sustainable development from around the world. There is one question for each video clip. Click on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch each video and answer the questions below. When it’s over, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

1) Khoo Teng Chye says that Singapore is a good model for other countries in relation to ...

building regulation

water usage

biodiversity

2) Virgilio Viana talks about the value of ___________ in helping indigenous communities to generate income.

aquaculture

mining

tourism

3) Sunita Nurain refers to ecological _____________

globalisation

sustainability

development

4) According to Enrique Penalosa, a major mistake in 20^th Century development was in planning cities around ________

factories

energy

cars

5) Pamela Cox argues that ____________ is a good example of the correspondence of economic and environmental sustainability

tourism

solar energy

globalisation

6) The three major impacts of climate change mentioned by Prof. Jorg Imberger are rising sea levels, changes in rainfall patterns and increased _________

sunlight

deforestation

humidity

void

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:48:03 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Auckland (seen from Viaduct Harbour)

ACADEMIC WORD

A void is an empty space. So, for example, when someone has left, it can be difficult to fill the void – in other words, to get over the sense of emptiness. Void is also an adjective, meaning ‘without any legal effect’. So, if your passport has expired, or is badly damaged, it is void and cannot be used for international travel. This happened to me once, when my dog chewed up my passport, just before I was due to fly to New York! Sometimes, for extra emphasis, the double-adjective ‘null and void’ is used, especially for contracts that are incorrectly or illegally made.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Unfortunately, the meeting was void, as there were insufficient members available to vote.

As it involved the sale of illegal drugs, the contract was void and never had any legal effect.

The radical new law effectively rendered all previous legislation in this area null and void.

Since there was clear evidence of corrupt or incompetent counting of the votes, the election was declared null and void.

PRACTICE

What are the main reasons why contracts may be declared null and void?

Will completing your studies leave a void in your life?

KIWI QUIZ

Which driving law, unique to New Zealand, is due to be abolished?

When turning left, giving way to an approaching car which is turning right into the same side-road

Gaining the right to drive, under certain conditions, from the age of fifteen

The right to carry up to three unsecured sheep in a motor vehicle

VIDEO

Today’s video looks at the basics of contract law. It’s actually a presentation made by an American student. Click on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch the video and answer the questions below. When it’s over, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

1) A contract involves mutual promises to do or ___________________ something that is not illegal or impossible

refrain from doing

arrange to have done

consider doing

2) In the first scenario, Ryan, with the green laptop, is the ___________

contractor

offeror

offeree

3) In the second scenario, the contract includes an undertaking by the offeror to ________

guarantee its performance

update some of the software

remove certain viruses

4) What was the problematic aspect which meant that the contract made with the eight-year old boy (Dave) was voidable?

consideration

acceptance

capacity

5) Which of the parties is bound to the contract made between Ryan (offeror) and Dave (eight-year-old boy)?

Dave only

Ryan only

Neither Ryan nor Dave

6) In the last scenario, because the laptop was stolen, the contract was ______

criminal

void

voidable

embrace

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:32:47 GMT

KIWI PHOTO

Wynyard Precinct Visitors Centre, Central Auckland, August 2011

ACADEMIC WORD

When you embrace someone, it means you put your arms around them in a friendly way. Similarly, when you embrace new ideas, it means you welcome them in a very positive way.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

This company has embraced global competition, seeing it more as an opportunity than as a threat.

Unfortunately, managers continued to embrace the traditional top-down approach which reduced motivation and stifled innovation.

The industry was slow to embrace the concept of just-in time production, as it challenged entrenched beliefs and practices.

If this university really wishes to embrace innovation, it needs to put it at the heart of every day teaching, learning and research practices.

PRACTICE

Which new ideas or methods have you embraced over the last year or so?

KIWI QUIZ

What’s the name of the Emperor Penguin which was found on a New Zealand beach and is being released back into the ocean this week?

LISTENING

Today’s video segment focuses on internationalisation in business. There are two videos produced by the UK Government for companies interested in expanding in Asia. One is on opportunities in Malaysia; the other on opportunities in Indonesia.

Click on on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch the videos and answer the questions below. When you are finished, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

Which of these facts is mentioned in the video about Malaysia, which is mentioned in the video about Indonesia, and which is mentioned in BOTH videos.

There are exciting new partnership opportunities in the field of Islamic finance.

The middle class population is 35 million.

Biosoftware is mentioned as one business opportunity.

Food can be a very good topic of conversation.

The workforce is highly-educated.

Personal relationships are very important in business.

Football can be a very good topic of conversation.

One attraction for international companies is the natural resources of the country.

The high level of English language is an attraction for international businesses.

There’s strong demand for international consumer goods.

Glaxo Smith-Kline has their global IT base there.

deception

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:03:10 GMT

KIWI PHOTO

New Wynyard Crossing Bridge, Central Auckland

ACADEMIC WORD

When you deceive someone, you take advantage of them by making them believe something that is actually false. The noun is ‘deception’ and the adjective is ‘deceptive’. Deceptive advertising, for example, makes false claims in order to make a product seem more attractive than it really is. Sometimes, deception is used in psychological experiments, in order to find out how the brain works. There is an example of this in today’s video. However, where deception is practised, it is important that the experimenters have ethical approval and ensure that no harm or humiliation is caused to the participants.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

That’s my old teacher from school over there, unless my eyes deceive me.

He deceived me that Suva was in Samoa; actually, it’s in Fiji.

He deceived several elderly people into giving him access to their bank accounts.

Stop deceiving yourself – she doesn’t love you and never will.

PRACTICE

Have you ever been deceived by an unscrupulous salesperson?

What examples have you come across of deceptive advertising?

KIWI QUIZ

12, 000 people went to Whakapapa and Turoa at the weekend to take part in which sport?

VIDEO

Today’s video focuses on the issue of attention – a key topic in psychology. Click on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch the video and answer the questions below. When it’s over, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

1) What does the first experimenter do?

Changes his shirt

Hands the subject a consent form

Hands the form to the second researcher

2) Change blindness means we often fail to notice ...

large changes in our environment

carefully hidden visual changes

small changes which we expect to see

3) What percentage of the participants notice the change in the experimenters?

17.5%

approximately one in four

only three quarters

4) How is it that some people notice the change while others don’t?

The difference is just a coincidence

It is unclear what determines the difference in perception

They are focusing on a detail which changed

SONG

Memory - from the musical ‘Cats’

ingenuity

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:56:41 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Study Centre with North Harbour Stadium, Venue for 3 Rugby World Cup games, in the background

ACADEMIC WORD

Ingenious means creative in an unusual and practical way, especially when solving a difficult problem. The noun is ‘ingenuity’.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

She came up with an ingenious device for automatically covering the washing line as soon as it began to rain.

She received a Nobel Prize for her numerous achievements during an ingenious career.

There are numerous ingenious applications for Smart Phones, allowing users to replace expensive stand-alone devices for next to nothing.

As criminals become more resourceful, knowledgeable or desperate, security firms and the police need increasingly ingenious means of preventing and detecting crime.

PRACTICE

What kinds of ingenuity do students use to cheat in examinations?

Do you have any ingenious gadgets at home?

What is the most ingenious application that you’ve heard for a Smart phone?

KIWI QUIZ

Twenty years ago, the well-known Kiwi Billy T died. What was he famous for?

Sport / Comedy / Music

VIDEO PRESENTATION

Today’s video features the well-known American Professor and Writer, Gary Hamel explaining why he thinks Management needs to be reinvented for the 21^st Century.

Click on on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch the video and answer the questions below. When it’s over, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

1) According to Gary Hamel, Management “encompasses the tools and methods we use to mobilise and organise human efforts to .....”

productive ends

competitive advantage

sustainable profitability

2) Gary Hamel summarises Management as “the _________ of human accomplishment”

generator

system

technology

3) Gary Hamel argues that .............. needs to be capable of changing at an accelerating pace.

every organisation

digital technology

tertiary education

4) Hamel believes that ingenuity and passion are becoming ....

commoditised

indispensable

commonplace

5) Hamel argues that consumers are demanding that organisations be much more _______

cost-effective

socially accountable

technologically advanced

6) Hamel believes that most Management practices have been inherited from ....

European culture

American Business Schools

the industrial age

7) Hamel believes that Management needs to undergo ...

a revolution

an evolution

a dissolution

8) The Management Mix is mainly intended for people in business who are....

wishing to network in order to gain international clients

aiming to develop their career through a postgraduate qualification

frustrated by existing Management practices

VOCABULARY

What is the meaning of the words and phrases highlighted below, all of which were used by Gary Hamel in the video? I’ve given three possible meanings – which is the correct one?

Management needs to be reinvented ROOT AND BRANCH.

sustainably

ecologically

radically

We live in a world where organisations are BUFFETED by the winds of creative destruction

frequently hit

excitedly moved

unexpectedly stimulated

Leaders can become LAGGERS almost overnight

slow movers

hot performers

cautious investors

Standing in the way of this development are a set of HAND-ME-DOWN beliefs and practices .... from the industrial age

depressing thoughts

helpful principles

inherited ideas

Older management practices value conformance and alignment over CONTRARIAN thinking and bold experimentation.

opposing

original

deceptive

They give too much power to the old guard and not enough to the VANGUARD.

future carriers

new leaders

emerging protectors

Old-fashioned management practices frustrate innovation and STYMIE change

cancel

obstruct

forbid

integration

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:35:16 GMT

KIWI PHOTO: Massey Campus – an integrated environment?

ACADEMIC WORD

When different things or people are integrated, it means they are combined so that they work effectively as a single unit. So, for example, it’s important that new employees are integrated into the existing team and that new practices are integrated into the existing organisational culture.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

These resources are carefully designed so that they may be integrated into a range of different programmes.

After the merger, a major challenge will be to integrate the different organisational cultures of the existing companies into a new whole.

Our new committee will need to work hard to integrate itself in order to present a united position to the rest of the organisation.

Migrants have traditionally had to overcome difficult barriers in order to integrate into their new society.

PRACTICE

How easy is it for migrants to integrate into New Zealand society?

What methods do organisations use to facilitate the integration of new members?

KIWI QUIZ

Which of these teams will NOT be playing in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand this year?

The United Kingdom / Russia / Japan / Canada

VIDEO

Today’s video features the famous marketing ‘guru’ Phillip Kotler. Click on on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch the video and answer the questions below. When it’s over, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

1) Phillip Kotler describes the relationship between Sales and Marketing as ...

a War

a Line

a Partnership

2) The main preoccupation of Marketing is to build ...

the profits

the brand

the quantity

3) Sales Departments typically complain that the Marketing Department ..

hasn’t accepted their suggestions for the Sales Plan

hasn’t involved them in the development of the Marketing Plan

hasn’t followed up on the leads they have suggested

4) What was the traditional pecking-order in organisations?

sales and marketing were on the same level

marketing was under sales

sales was under marketing

5) It was necessary to develop Marketing departments because of the need ...

to introduce planning into the sales process

to overcome the resistance of Sales Executives to integration

to incorporate sales within broader organisational planning

cognitive

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:43:21 GMT

KIWI PHOTO

Twisty Willow Band, performing in Browns Bay, June 2011

ACADEMIC WORD

Cognition is the process of paying conscious attention to things in order to understand them. So, a cognitive approach to psychology focuses on how people understand things and not on automatic processes. This cognitive approach has had a major impact on education, where more time is now spent in developing conscious understanding of principles, rather than copying and memorising facts and figures. Metacognition means our awareness of the way that we think about things. So, students need metacognitive skills so that they are aware of how they study and can make changes if necessary.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Some of his cognitive functions were impaired as a result of traumatic brain injury.

We follow a cognitive approach to language learning, focusing on repetition, imitation and automatic habit formation.

Our cognitive approach to addiction aims to help our clients understand what is driving their addiction and to develop conscious strategies to change their own behaviour.

According to this cognitive model, new information is learnt when it is noticed and integrated into existing knowledge networks.

KIWI QUIZ

The team known as the Silver Ferns is representing New Zealand in the World Championship of which sport?

VIDEO

Today’s video looks at how people can be motivated in the workplace. It is presented by the well-known writer Dan Pink

Click on pause on your podomatic player and click on play to watch the video and answer the questions below. When it’s over, click on ‘play’ again on the podomatic player to hear me give the answers to the questions.

1) What is surprising about the research which Dan Pink refers to is the fact that ...

payment makes no difference to human behaviour

human behaviour is random

humans are not primarily driven by rewards or punishments

2) The study at MIT was funded by ...

the US Federal Reserve

a group of leading American economists

an international socialist organisation

3) For tasks which didn’t require any thinking at all, the MIT study found that ...

higher payment led to worse performance

payment had no effect on performance

payment was a strong motivator

4) The study was replicated in rural India in order to determine whether the findings would be confirmed in a different ............ context

economic

cultural

educational

5) Organisations can get the best performance from their workers if they pay them enough to ...

establish a clear competitive advantage in the marketplace

motivate them to seek higher financial incentives

make them forget about monetary rewards

6) Giving workers autonomy leads to higher levels of ...

competition

engagement

compliance

7) The Australian software company, Atlassian, has found that their employees are most innovative when ..

they are given specialist training in creative thinking

they are given a clear and substantial incentive

they are given time to do whatever they choose

8) The success of Linux and Wikipedia is evidence that people are driven by ...

the wish to get better at challenging tasks

the opportunity to be involved in software development

the pleasure of exerting mastery over others

9) Dan Pink’s key message is that successful organisations are motivated primarily by a sense of ...

competitive advantage

purpose

idealism

intersection

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:51:42 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Two young clowns in Browns Bay, June 2011

ACADEMIC WORD

An intersection is a point where different lines meet – or where different sets overlap. So, for example, when you are driving, you’ll need to slow down and be prepared to stop when you approach an intersection, especially if you do not have the right of way. Concepts, cultures and trends can also intersect – and the intersections tend to be important in terms of meaning and change.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Efficient management depends on open and transparent intersection between all stakeholders.

The intersection between the blue and red lines on the chart indicates the break-even point.

The city is strategically positioned at the intersection of trade routes between Europe and Asia.

The research developed from the assumption that innovation emerges most strongly at the intersection between contrasting systems of belief.

PRACTICE

Are you aware of any intersection between cultures in ...

your course at university?

the market or shopping centre you go to?

your workplace?

If so, does this intersection lead to conflict and / or innovation?

KIWI QUIZ

Which bird has been seen in New Zealand this week for the first time in over forty years?

VIDEO LECTURE

This is a short video introduction to the Marketing Concept. Press pause on the podomatic player while you watch the video and answer the questions below. Then press ‘play’ again to listen to the answers.

1) It’s necessary to have a historical perspective on the Marketing concept because ....

it shows how old the idea is

it helps you to appreciate its importance

it demonstrates that it’s always been at the heart of American business

2) During the Simple Trade Era, there were shortages of ....

imported goods

manufactured goods

all goods

3) During the Production Era, the focus was on ...

increasing the supply of goods

meeting the perceived needs of consumers

developing new technologies

4) The sales era emerged because ..

production had become much more efficient

there was a growing appreciation of consumer rights

increasing competition led to a cycle of discounting

5) From a marketing point of view, the latest stage of development is known as ..

the virtual marketing era

the marketing-oriented company era

the marketing-department era

6) The marketing concept is the intersection of customer satisfaction, whole company effort and ...

corporate social responsibility

profit

sales

VIDEO LINK Australian Network Guide to Making Business Contacts .............................................................................................................................

benign

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:19:01 GMT

KIWI PHOTO

Scene from ‘Last Night of the Proms’ Concert at Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, June 2011

ACADEMIC WORD

We say something is ‘benign’ when people might assume that it’s harmful, but in fact it does no harm and may even have some positive effects. So, if a tumour is benign, it means that it is just a harmless lump, rather than being a sign of cancer.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

She had painful surgery to remove a cyst from her lung, which turned out to be benign.

The company went through a period of benign neglect which, despite the lack of investment, did at least allow for a good deal of independence.

Her attention, though essentially benign, did tend to make him a little nervous, at least until he got used to it.

After a period of poor performance, figures from the last quarter indicate a return to steady, benign growth.

PRACTICE

In what circumstances could neglect, criticism or competition be benign?

VOCABULARY

Complete these sentences with the correct form of words based on compet-

1) We need to innovate in order to ________________ effectively in a global market.

2) She set out to rid the company of its outdated ________________ practices.

3) The new product did have some interesting features, but was simply not ________________ in an increasingly price-conscious market.

4) Her contract stipulated that for a period of six months after leaving the company she could not work for any direct ________________.

5) Cutting costs and investing in new equipment are two common ways which firms use to increase their ________________.

6) Clear laws exist in order to prevent the formation of monopolies, cartels or any other forms of ________________ practices.

KIWI QUIZ

Recently, there have been a number of flight cancellations in New Zealand and Australia because of a volcanic eruption in .... Indonesia / Chile / Iceland? Also see lesson 71 on this topic at: MacMillan Global E-lessons

VIDEO LECTURE

This is a short interview with Michael Porter, the well-known Professor of Management from Harvard University. He talks about his influential Five Forces Model of Competition.

1) The underlying rationale of the Five Forces model is to stop managers looking at competition too ...

narrowly broadly deeply

2) The model is intended to apply to ....... industry

competitive global any

3) The airline industry is a good example of the fact that it is the underlying structure of an organisation that drives ...

coolness profitability sexiness

4) Profitability in the airline industry is low because the five forces are all relatively ...

strong benign mediocre

5) Positive sum competition gives the consumer ...

greater bargaining power more choice lower prices

6) Many companies struggle with industry .......

definition technology forces

7) It’s important that the Five Forces Model is applied ....

professionally strictly dynamically

8) In order to enhance positive-sum competition, a company’s strategy should be known and understood by ....

rival companies

the senior management team

the employees of the company all stakeholders

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

authentic

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 31 May 2011 02:05:37 GMT

KIWI PHOTO

Auckland University, Old Arts Building at night

ACADEMIC WORD

Authentic means real and original, not false or copied. So, authenticity is an important aspect of the value of an artefact - an authentic Ming vase is exceedingly rare and valuable. Authenticity is also an important part of experiences – an authentic experience is real, part of the culture and not specially created just for tourism or commercial purposes.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Experiments need to be conducted in order to verify that the statue is made of authentic gold.

The expert witness stated that, in his opinion, the document was authentic.

She wore an authentic 1950’s dress, which she had borrowed from her grandmother.

There are no truly authentic life portraits of Shakespeare, so we can’t be sure what he really looked like.

PRACTICE

Do you feel that your studies and experiences have given you an authentic insight into New Zealand culture?

How do experts determine whether or not a work of art is authentic?

KIWI QUIZ

In which New Zealand town can you visit the Polynesian Spa?

VIDEO

This is a short video about Maori cultural experiences as part of tourism in New Zealand. Watch the video and correct the 10 mistakes in the transcript below. The ten words that have been changed are listed below (in a different order). So, for example, the first error is ‘familiar’, which should be ‘unique’. Try to find the other nine.

While you watch the video, click on ‘pause’ on the podomatic player. Then when you are ready, press ‘play’ again and you’ll hear me reading out the answers.

New Zealand’s indigenous Maori culture and customs have for years captivated the interest of the international traveller. It’s the foundation of New Zealand’s tourism industry and now, more than ever before, tourists are coming to New Zealand to experience something truly familiar. Historically, the type of Maori cultural experience has been one where the visitor would sit back and watch without understanding. These days, a large number of tourism activities incorporate some aspect of the Maori culture, whether it’s learning about stories and traditions or just being involved in a prayer, or karakia.

A lot of our clientele want to get right in depth with our karakia – they email back and want to know the words, they want to have a greater understanding, to find out why we do this. It’s a huge part of our product.

Rotorua is the centre of a huge variety of Maori cultural experiences. It’s where the country’s first visitor guides escorted sightseers around the cultural wonders of the region. Today, it’s a highlight on any Maori cultural itinerary.

Well, this is where tourism first started, Rotorua, so we know all about tourism. We’ve been in it for 150-odd years. Today, what I’ve noticed is that the visitors are far more disturbing, far more sophisticated. You have people who are intellectual seekers, looking to seek knowledge, different knowledge to add to the plethora of knowledge of their own; others are looking to be treasure-hunters, looking for that little treasure item they can take away with them that’s special.

Maori cultural experiences are available throughout the country and more than one in five visitors to New Zealand gets to experience some form of the indigenous culture during their stay. And research shows spending levels are a lot higher among those who get involved in an activity which features some aspect of the Maori culture.

Oh it was fantastic – it was really a cultural awakening for me because I’ve never seen the Maori culture before so it was a good experience, yeah.

A really good way of doing it because it’s realistic and rather than just being told, you’re shown and involved in it as well.

Tourism, I think, for Maori, has changed slightly. Where we were once a backdrop, but now we’re in charge of who we are as a people, our culture and how it is portrayed, which I think is very important. We’re now starting to tell our stories in the fullest sense, than what they probably were.

Chef Charles Royal offers a very different Maori tourism experience. Tapping into a desire by visitors to get into the New Zealand bush and eat indigenous foods.

People always have said to me, if you want to get to know a culture, you get to know the food. There’s a lot of interest in traditional and indigenous ingredients because of the cultural factor. It’s also plants out there that you can bathe in, that you can use as a poultice, which is all to do with your health and well-being.

New Zealand’s Maori tourism is about interpretation and isolation and bringing New Zealand’s landscape alive. It’s about sharing the stories and traditions that have been handed down over the centuries and creating an authentic experience.

Potiki Adventures in Auckland gives visitors a unique insight into the Maori culture. Tours could include art galleries and even artists themselves.

What we are trying to do is show them a window into our lives today. So, we show them Auckland through our local eyes. We do a lot of customising experiences, things like having an incredible young Maori musician take them into a bird sanctuary and show them the traditional instruments and how they relate to birds; going to visit Maori artists in their home. Pretty unique experiences which are very difficult to find.

At first it was quite difficult because I thought “My house? Why would people want to come to my house?” But it’s developed that a lot of people who come here, they, I think they’re looking for an experience to go to your home rather than, say, perhaps, a gallery. I try to offer visitors here a unique opportunity to learn a little bit about our culture and our art.

New Zealand is the youngest country on Earth, but it’s a country that has a rich and vibrant history, a unique Maori culture that sets it apart from the rest of the world.

Maori culture is in a modern period. It’s certainly not going to sleep and it certainly will be around for many more generations. We’re growing stronger with it because we’re proud of it, we stand tall with it and we stand tall as New Zealanders as a result of doing it as well.

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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VIDEO 2: MATARIKI

READING AND VOCABULARY: MATARIKI

obsolete

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 23 May 2011 22:10:12 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Silhouettes in front of Aotea Centre, Auckland

ACADEMIC WORD

If something is obsolete, it means that it’s no longer useful because it’s been replaced by something more modern. For example, video cassettes are basically obsolete because you can’t buy a machine to play them on anymore. When companies design products with the intention that they will only last a few years, this is called ‘built-in obsolescence’ – because when the product goes wrong, it will be too expensive to repair and will need to be replaced by a whole new product.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The whole IT system needed to be replaced because it was obsolete.

CD’s are rapidly becoming obsolete as more and more people obtain their music online.

Because they had no protection against introduced predators, the local mammals soon became obsolete.

A lack of investment over many years meant that much of the country’s manufacturing base was obsolete.

PRACTICE

Do you still use any old-fashioned equipment that many people would regard as obsolete?

What examples could you give of ‘built-in obsolescence’?

KIWI QUIZ

On June 4^th this year, it’s the Matariki Festival. This is the Maori .... New Year / King’s Birthday / Day of the Dead

LISTENING

This is an interview with Helena Norberg-Hodges, the director of a new documentary entitled ‘The Economics of Happiness’. She gives a critique of globalisation.

1) Where in New Zealand has Helena been speaking?

Auckland Christchurch Wellington

2) Localisation aims to counter the ____________ of production and consumption.

connection increase separation

3) She wants to encourage free and open _____________

competition mergers Government

4) Localisation is said to increase employment opportunities while reducing ...

costs pollution inflation

5) There are local business alliances in about _______________ US cities.

130 13 000 30 000

6) Helena believes that national and local businesses are ________________

uncompetitive subsidised over-regulated

7) Helena believes that global finance should be _______________

regulated deregulated unregulated

8) Research shows that there’s much more _______________ at farmer’s markets compared to supermarkets

competition interaction choice

9) Only ________ of the supermarket purchase price goes to the farmers.

1% 10% 20%

10) Which of these are examples of built-in obsolescence in the interviews?

shoes and cars fruit and vegetables travel and tourism

APA referencing

free online reading, vocabulary and grammar lessons

Economics of Happiness documentary

elicit

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 13 May 2011 06:26:28 GMT

KIWI PHOTO: Albany Sign after the May 2011 tornado

ACADEMIC WORD

If you elicit a response, it means you manage to get a response from someone. In interviews, researchers need to use different elicitation techniques in order to get someone to speak – for instance, asking questions, pausing or making encouraging noises are all ways to elicit further responses.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The questionnaire was designed to elicit qualitative data regarding motivation to study.

Through careful questioning, the police were able to elicit the criminal to confess to the robbery.

Language teachers need to learn how to elicit responses rather than giving the answers themselves.

The Government needs to elicit a wide range of opinions on the proposal.

PRACTICE

How do companies elicit feedback from consumers?

KIWI QUIZ

Mana is the name of a new political party in New Zealand. What is the meaning of the Maori word ‘mana’?

Listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with a Swedish Professor called Jon Pierre. He discusses his research into Globalisation.

1) The word ‘globalisation’ elicits confused or half-hearted responses.

2) Globalisation is characterised by removal of trade barriers, deregulation of financial markets, increased access to media and communication.

3) The different elements of Globalisation are distinct and not closely integrated.

4) Both major political parties in New Zealand are in favour of free trade.

5) Japan, Sweden and the USA were chosen for the study of Globalisation because they have similar economies and public services.

6) He focused in particular on the impact of Globalisation at central, regional and local government levels.

7) From the 1980’s onwards, there was increasing influence of public sector values on the market.

8) Americans attributed changes in organisations to domestic rather than global influences.

9) Traditionally, Japanese organisations had more of a long-term relationship building attitude rather than a focus on short-term profit.

10) The Swedish management tradition emphasises efficiency and management.

11) The Washington Consensus refers to management ideas spread by multinational companies.

12) External help has been dependent on opening domestic markets to external competition.

13) Pharmac is a monopoly supplier of pharmaceuticals to the New Zealand health service.

motivation

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:07:24 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Bench at Mincher Garden, Coatesville

ACADEMIC WORD

Motivation is a positive feeling that makes you want to do things. Motivation can be intrinsic, which means that the motivation from inside yourself because you are interested and stimulated by an activity. Motivation can also be extrinsic, which means that external pressures or goals drive you to succeed. If you want to succeed in your studies, it’s probably important to develop both forms of motivation.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

More university students fail through lack of motivation than through lack of intelligence.

It is essential to set a clear motivation for the task in order to plan an effective strategy.

A number of incentives have been offered in order to increase staff motivation in these difficult times.

The manager was confident in her ability but was unsure if she really had the motivation to succeed.

PRACTICE

What is your primary motivation for study – intrinsic or extrinsic?

What do you do to try to raise your motivation levels?

VOCABULARY

Discuss the causes of earthquakes and evaluate the scales which have been developed to measure their intensity.

The cause of any particular earthquake needs to be carefully determined from available evidence, as they can be TRI_ _ _ _ _ _ by a number of quite different geological events and it is not possible to ASS _ _ _ a specific cause in all cases. Earthquakes have been known to COI _ _ _ _ _ with major human activities, such as use of explosives or the extraction of water or minerals from the earth’s crust. Another FAC _ _ _ to consider is the influence of any local volcanic activity.

However, the UND _ _ _ _ _ _ _ cause of most earthquakes – and particularly of the most serious ones – is continental drift. According to tectonic plate theory, the earth’s crust COM _ _ _ _ _ _ seven major plates, and several minor ones – which float on the mantle or astensophere. Not only earthquakes, but a range of major geological events, including mountain-building and volcanic activity, are ATT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to these collisions. The fact that these activities are concentrated at the boundaries of tectonic plates shows that they are not ARB _ _ _ _ _ _ phenomena as was once thought, but a necessary and predictable effect of the earth’s basic structure.

Three basic approaches to measuring earthquakes have been developed. Intensity scales, such as the modified Mercalli scale focus on the effects as INT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ by people in the area affected. HEN _ _, the measurement is rather SUB _ _ _ _ _ _ _, since different people will feel the effects to different extents. However, if carefully UTI _ _ _ _ _, the scale can provide useful human data to those concerned with social IMP _ _ _ _ of earthquakes, in terms of policy changes. Magnitude scales, such as that developed by Richter, use instruments to measure the force of seismic waves produced by earthquakes. However, this form of measurement gives only a partial ASS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of the total force and is inaccurate at higher levels. Its continuing usefulness is based on the fact that it is so well-known and easily understood. But for professional seismologists, magnitude scales have been superseded by the greater accuracy and scope of seismic moment measurements.

KIWI QUIZ

Which active volcano is also New Zealand’s highest mountain? Mt Ruapehu

ONLINE LISTENING

This is a short interview with a young Australian called Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms or legs and has become a best-selling writer and motivational speaker. His website is here.

1) How did the other children in his primary school class treat Nick?

cruelly sympathetically coldly

2) Why was he depressed between the ages of 8 and 12?

his home life had become difficult

he was worried about the future

he started having problems at school

3) How was Nick able to write?

by using his foot to type words

by dictating to an assistant

by using word recognition software

4) How did Nick’s football accident change his attitude?

He became more bitter about being disabled

He was more appreciative of what he had

He tried to drown himself in a bathtub

5) Nick holds the world record for ...

hugs

public speaking

typing with one foot

6) Which of these qualities does Nick regard as most important in life?

work

humour

faith

7) Nick’s main earnings are from motivational ...

speaking

art

music

8) His book includes scenes where he is ...

surfing

acting

dancing

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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MUSIC LINK

________________________________________________________________

presuppose

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:52:10 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Surfers near Wellington

ACADEMIC WORD

Presuppose means to depend on something which already exists. So, for example, democracy presupposes freedom of expression – in other words, you can’t have democracy without freedom of expression.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The budget presupposes continued growth in demand. But is that justified?

His model of the universe presupposes the general application of mathematical and scientific principles.

Do you presuppose that the interest rate will continue at its current low level?

The assignment task presupposes that students will have the necessary research and writing skills.

KIWI QUIZ

Which infrastructure project in Auckland is expected to cost between 3 and 6 billion dollars?

VIDEO LECTURE

This is a short video introduction to different ethical theories.

1) A decision to spend money on a football match is __________ an ethical decision

always

sometimes

never

2) The argument that people should only be allowed to have children if they have good parenting skills is based on a ________________ theory of ethics

consequential

deontological

virtue

3) In Utilitarianism, an action is seen as ethical if it is aimed at the greatest amount of _____________ for the greatest number of people

profit

morality

happiness

4) Medical experiments on humans can be seen as _____________ for the Utilitarian view of ethics

a problem

an argument

supporting evidence

5) Unlike utilitarianism, a deontological view of ethics focuses on .....

morality

actions in themselves

social impact of actions

6) According to Kant, we should ensure that the principles which guide our actions are ____________

universal

critical

practical

7) According to virtue theory, ethical actions are those which are consistent with personal wisdom rather than ____________

qualities

happiness

rules

8) One problem with Virtue Ethics is that it presupposes that human nature is ____________

unitary

diverse

complicated

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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MUSIC LINK The right thing to do

LINKED PODCASTS Utilitarianism Business and morality Relational ethics

mutually exclusive

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:40:44 GMT

KIWI PHOTO St Patrick’s Day Parade, Auckland, 2011

ACADEMIC WORD

If two things are ‘mutually exclusive’, it means that they can’t both exist at the same time. So, for instance, in a football match, a team can’t both win and lose the same match – the two states are mutually exclusive. However, both teams can score goals, because those two states are not mutually exclusive.

Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Two or more events may be defined as mutually exclusive when the occurrence of any one of them precludes the occurrence of any other.

The company must make a clear decision either way, since the options are mutually exclusive.

In the experiment, the balls were coloured red, pink or blue, which meant that the acts of selecting colour constituted mutually exclusive events.

It is recommended that the organisation implements each mutually-exclusive strategy in order to maximise the scope and effectiveness of the project.

PRACTICE

Click here for an interactive game about mutually exclusive events.

VOCABULARY

Here is an academic essay on the topic: ‘Population changes present business with specific threats and opportunities’ . Discuss in relation to the New Zealand economy over the next 25 years’. Read it and complete the missing letters in the numbered words

Two areas of business which are directly affected by population changes are sales and recruitment. The changes forecast in the ‘Population and Sustainable Development Report 2003’ present a range of opportunities and threats which business must 1) a _ a _ t to.

In terms of sales, companies need to be aware of the important changes the New Zealand population is undergoing, not only in overall size, but in ethnicity. One in five young New Zealanders now identify with more than one ethnicity, with a much higher figure in Auckland. This richer ethnic mix suggests that companies may wish to 2) m _ d _ f _ their marketing mix to 3) e _ h _ n _ e their appeal to this growing market sector. New Zealand is unusual in having a rising proportion of adolescents in its population, but after 2010, this is expected to change and the average age to rise steadily as in other developed countries. By 2050, about 1 million people, or a quarter of the population, are expected to be over 65 years old. Every business will need to 4) a _ t _ r its sales strategy to service this older population, especially in smaller towns where services aimed at younger people will need to be 5) p _ a _ e _ out entirely because of falling demand.

In terms of size, the population is expected to become 6) s _ a _ l _ at between 4 and 4 ½ million after the rapid growth of the last century. However, migration will continue to be a significant and volatile factor. More than half of the population move house every five years, and this is expected to increase, which means that companies will need to work harder to 7) r _ t _ i _ their staff. They may need to 8) a _ e _ d their employment policies to provide greater flexibility, in order to attract part-time workers. The impact of globalisation and increasing competition for skills workers worldwide means that New Zealand companies will need to 9) m _ n _ t _ r trends overseas and 10) r _ v _ s _ their salary structures to remain competitive. Companies which rely on a domestic market, whether for sales or recruitment, will be 11) i _ h _ b _ t _ d by limited growth and increasing competition.

Migration from overseas is the most difficult population change to foresee, as it 12) f _ u _ t _ a _ e _ considerably from year to year. New Zealand attempts to 13) r _ g _ l _ t _ external migration by 14) v _ r _ i _ g the points required for skilled migration according to the needs of its economy, but may find it more difficult to attract the kind of employees businesses need as other countries target the same shrinking pool of skilled workers. One opportunity available to New Zealand businesses is the large number of nationals living abroad. Businesses which can persuade them to return home have much to gain from the considerable experience these people have 15) a _ c _ u _ d overseas.

KIWI QUIZ What is celebrated across New Zealand on March 17^th every year?

This is a short video introduction to Max Weber’s basic theory of society.

1) Weber’s main preoccupation is ...

the economy              power                         base and superstructure

2) Weber’s definition of ‘domination’ is ...

Marxist                        observable                 traditional

3) Weber argued that custom and personal advantage were ............ explanations for ‘domination’ to occur

irrelevant                    incompatible              insufficient

4) As well as a ruler and subjects, legitimate domination requires ...

a constitution             a staff                          an army

5) Weber identifies three ways in which domination is legitimated: rational, __________ and charismatic

traditional                   religious                     hierarchical

6) Weber points out that these three sources of legal authority are not ...

mutually exclusive                  logically possible       politically correct

7) Weber used the analogy of economic theory to defend his use of ...

ideal types                             empirical data           experimental methods

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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flux

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:26:32 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Christchurch Coat of Arms

ACADEMIC WORD ‘Flux’ is a condition where everything is constantly moving and changing. For example, after the Big Bang, the universe was in a state of flux.

TEST Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

My ideas on the subject are still in flux – it’s going to take some time to sort out a plan.

The organisation needs to develop a strong and coherent flux in order to respond to significant changes in its operating environment.

The business environment seems to be in a state of flux, with no clear pattern or trends emerging.

The political system has been in a state of flux since the inconclusive election of last February.

PRACTICE Are any of these currently in a state of flux?

your future plans

the economy

the political system in any particular country

VOCABULARY Complete the missing words in this essay from Health Sciences - you've been given half of the letters in each word

Discuss the types of population studied by epidemiology and its potential contribution to public health

Epidemiology may be 1) d _ f _ n _ d as the study of health events in the population. Its basic aim to provide public bodies, such as government officials with data on health, disease and illness and any significant changes over time. It 2) d _ f _ e _ s from microbiology and toxicology in that it is not laboratory based, but 3) i _ v _ s _ i _ a _ e _ populations using statistical 4) a _ a _ y_i _

Unlike microbiologists for instance, epidemiologists are unable to control the environment. What they can control, however, is the sample of the population they study, so that any results can be 5) e _ t _ a _ o _ a _ e _to the wider population. This wider population is known as the ‘full target population’. For instance, for research into possible links between sitting position while using a computer and back pain among New Zealand office workers, the full target population would be 6) e _ u _ v _ l _ n _to all those sit in front of a computer at work in New Zealand.

However, it isn’t feasible or necessary to research every case – the budget and time required for this would far 7) e _ c _ e _ the capacity of any project. Instead, a study population is defined – in this case, perhaps the office computer users in a town that’s seen as a typical one. From this study population, a representative sample is taken. This is defined as the study sample. This could be, for instance, a cross-section of office computer workers in carefully chosen posts in the town. It’s important that the study sample is large enough, so that an unusually low incidence of back pain in some people is 8) o _ f _ e _ by a higher incidence among others.

In this way, it’s possible to reduce bias in larger samples. Statistical techniques can be used to establish the norm and show how far some of the data 9) d _ v _ a _ e _ from this. It should also be possible to 10) c _ a _ s _ f _the data collected, so that, for example, the importance of sitting position, how long people spend sitting at the desk, the types of chairs used etc can be evaluated. It’s also important to establish a control group, that is, a comparable group of people which 11) d _ f _ e _ s from the study sample only in the feature being investigated. So, in this case, it would need to be a group of similar workers who didn’t use computers at work.

Epidemiology can 12) c _ m _ l _ m _ n _ the evidence provided by other sciences by showing how disease and illness behave in real societies. Its use of computer models and statistics makes it especially 13) c _ m _ a _ i _ l _ with the economic models used by health planners and allows them to 14) d _ s _ r _ m _ n _ t _ between popular measures which may be expensive and of no real benefits and those which can be justified on the grounds of both costs and effectiveness in protecting societies and 15) e _ h _ n _ i _ g their quality of health and life.

KIWI QUIZ Which of these cultural events takes place in Auckland every March?

Pasifika

Womad

International Film Festival

LISTENING

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with a student, Ella Bogers, who has found a novel way of raising funds for the victims of the Christchurch earthquake. Click on ‘listening’ to hear the interview and choose the correct answer for the 6 questions below.

1) How much money had they raised at the time of the interview?

just over $380

about a thousand dollars

more than three thousand dollars

2) All three of the girls ...

had been living in Christchurch

experienced the earthquake

were training to become Dive Masters

3) The girls ....

are selling bread and cakes baked by eight other students

did so much baking that they felt worn out

have switched between two different bakeries

4) Their best-seller has been .............. made out of gingerbread

angels

nurses

cooks

5) Before this project, the girls ......

had very little experience in baking

had only contributed baking recipes to online blogs

had mainly used their family recipes in their baking

6) In the future, the girls ....

wish to expand their business nationwide

intend to develop a wider range of baked goods

hope to return to Christchurch

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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VIDEO LINK Voices of Christchurch

MUSICAL LINK Everything I own - Bread

TEXT LINK Massey University’s response to the earthquake in Christchurch

entail

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:23:53 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Garden shed at Mincher House, Coatesville, 10 km from Massey Albany campus

ACADEMIC WORD ‘Entail’ is a more formal word for ‘involve’ having to do something. So, for example, ‘being a university student entails spending a lot of time reading and writing’. In other words, when you are a university student, you have to spend a lot of time reading and writing.

TEST Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The team entails technical experts, project managers and design consultants.

The new development entails demolishing a number of historical buildings.

Working in such a new field naturally entails a certain degree of risk.

Precision engineering entails close attention to detail as well as technical expertise.

PRACTICE

Working and studying part-time entails ...

Living in another country entails ...

VOCABULARY

Complete the missing words in this short essay about education. You’ve been given half of the letters in each word and all of the words are printed underneath in case you need an extra reminder!

Compare and contrast a functionalist and Marxist analysis of education.

The main similarity between a functionalist and Marxist analysis of education is that both approaches a _ s _ m _ that schools e _ b _ d _ the same divisions as the wider society. For Durkheim and other functionalists, schools perform a c _ u _ i _ l role in creating order in modern societies. They c _ n _ t _ t _ t _ the principal means by which young people acquire awareness of social norms and of their place in the social order. For these functionalists, the emergence of schools at the beginning of modern societies c _ n _ t _ t _ t _ s strong evidence of the need for a new social structure to provide the order previously provided through churches and villages. These modern societies c _ m _ r _ s _ more specialised structures with distinct functions and schools are seen as the most fundamental of these.

Marxists would agree with much of this analysis, but their i _ t _ r _ r _ t _ a _ i _ n would be different. For Marxists, education has a more a _ b _ g _ o _ s social role. On the one hand, schools are p _ r _ e _ v _ d as obvious i _ d _ c _ t _ o _ s of the underlying division of labor. The existence of private schools for the bourgeoisie, in which they learn about ownership and basic state schools for the working class, in which they learn the basic skills needed to produce society’s wealth, c _ n _ t _ t _ t _ s clear evidence for this fundamental division. However, Marxism differs from functionalism in its commitment to social action. m _ n _ t _ r _ n _ or i _ v _ s _ I _ a _ i _ g society isn’t enough – Marxists want to change it.

Thus, though functionalists and Marxists both d _ s _ e _ n common features in education, they draw radically different conclusions. For functionalists, education is a means of r _ s _ l _ i _ g many of the divisions and tensions of modern society. Marxists p _ r _ e _ v _ this point of view as f _ a _ e _ since for them capitalist societies are fundamentally unfair to the majority of the population. Therefore, they seek to extend the s _ o _ e of education, so that its main role is to enable people to reject, rather than passively accept, those divisions.

scope / ambiguous / constitutes / embody / monitoring / discern / assume / perceive / flawed / constitute / interpretation / constitutes / comprise / resolving / investigating / crucial / perceived / indications

KIWI QUIZ This weekend, the Lantern Festival in Albert Park, Auckland, marked the beginning of the new Chinese Year. 2010 – 2011 was the Year of the Tiger – how about 2011 – 2012?

LISTENING

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Anne Kirwan, Philosopher in Residence at AUT University, Auckland. Anne discusses the topic of empathy and especially the work of Nel Noddings.

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on LISTENING above) to find out.

1) Traditional ethics has focused on rules and principles.

2) Noddings was one of ten children.

3) Noddings completed a PhD in mathematics at the age of 22.

4) Noddings believes that ethics depends on caring family relationships.

5) Noddings agrees with Plato’s approach to ethics.

6) Noddings challenges the idea that ethics can be detached from relationships.

7) Ethical caring is done naturally because we feel like doing it.

8) Noddings believes that schools have an important role in helping children to learn how to care.

9) Noddings has a rational and unemotional style of writing.

10) Noddings argues that caring is undervalued in Western society.

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

VIDEO LINK Wu Shu Demonstration from the Auckland Lantern Festival 2011

MUSICAL LINK The Logical Song by Roger Hodgson

PHOTO LINK National Kapa Haka Festival 2011

.........................................................................................................................................

prudent

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 03:01:38 GMT

KIWI PHOTO: Waka (canoe) in Te Papa Museum, Wellington

ACADEMIC WORD

If you are prudent, it means you are careful when making decisions. Prudence is especially important when making big decisions, such as deciding upon a career, a university course or a major purchase.

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Unfortunately, our partners were too prudent and missed the opportunity to form a profitable relationship.

It would be prudent to seek independent financial advice prior to proceeding with such an investment.

Management of the crisis will require prudent and well-informed decision-making.

It would be prudent to have the contract professionally translated before entering into any negotiations.

PRACTICE

What might a prudent student do before and during their course?

VOCABULARY

Complete the missing words in the sentences below:

The process of change, whether at an individual, organisational or societal level, com __________ both a sub ________ opportunity and a sizeable threat. It isthe 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 com _________ process con _________ of three distinct phases. 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.

For more examples and practice, go to The Academic Word List

KIWI QUIZ

How much will it cost to send a text from an Air New Zealand flight when they allow people to use mobile phones on board?

LISTENING

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Luke Malpass from the Centre for Independent Studies

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) Luke believes that the free market is a better way of organising the economy than if the Government tries to organise it.

2) Luke believes that the free market is made up of numerous personal decisions.

3) Adam Smith never actually used the term ‘the invisible hand’ to describe the workings of the free market.

4) Luke believes that the free market has been extremely successful in creating wealth.

5) Luke believes that it is possible to combine a controlled economy with democratic values.

6) Luke believes that altruism is not a part of human nature.

7) Luke believes that it is prudent to focus on the interests of yourself and those near to you.

8) Luke explains that corporatism is just a modern form of free market economics.

9) Corporatism was eliminated in New Zealand during the 1980’s.

10) Pollution is an example of an externality that can be created as a result of a commercial transaction.

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VIDEO LINK Day in the life of a Massey University student

MUSICAL LINK Free – performed by Deniece Williams

TEXT LINK Albany Students’ Association

________________________________________________________________

engender

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:12:25 GMT

KIWI PHOTO Scene from Long Bay, 5 km from Massey University’s Albany campus

ACADEMIC WORD

Engender is a formal word for ‘produce’ – it’s especially used when something produces reactions in other people, for example ‘to engender enthusiasm, resentment or fear.

Academic English Generator

TEST

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

It was hard to correct the impression which had been engendered by those false rumours.

The report has engendered a good deal of debate regarding the limits of free speech.

The question arose as to how to spend the profits engendered by the sale of assets.

Her unsteady performance did not engender much confidence on the part of her staff.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

What kinds of behaviour are likely to engender mistrust?

How do lecturers engender enthusiasm for their subject?

VOCABULARY FOCUS

Here is a review of academic words which appeared in the Academic English Podcast in December 2010 and January 2011. Can you complete the missing letters?

It is essential that marketing analysis runs in PAR _ _ _ _ _ with product development.

We were asked to REF _ _ _ _ from discussing the issue outside of the meeting.

His writings were considered SUBV _ _ _ _ _ _, which led to him losing his University post.

She was an outspoken ADV _ _ _ _ _ of gun control.

The university is equally proud of its traditions of SCH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and teaching.

A number of computer LIT _ _ _ _ _ courses are available for elderly users – the so-called ‘silver surfers’.

KIWI QUIZ QUESTION

In which year was the Treaty of Waitangi signed?

ONLINE LISTENING

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Professor Shaun Hendy, in which he explains what microwaves are and what they do.

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) Microwaves have a shorter wavelength than visible light.

2) Microwaves produce movements in electrons.

3) A lot of microwaves were produced by the Big Bang.

4) Maxwell was the first person to produce microwaves.

5) Hertz was the first person to detect microwaves.

6) The British obtained the technology to produce microwaves from the Americans.

7) The first major practical application of microwaves was a military one.

8) The potential of microwaves for cooking was discovered by accident.

9) Microwave ovens work by causing vibrations in the water molecules contained in the food.

10) A magnetron comprises a permanent magnet and an electrode.

11) Exposure to microwaves can cause cancer.

12) Microwaves cannot pass through the small holes in the oven.

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VIDEO SUGGESTION:

An animated map of Auckland's public transport network from Chris McDowall on Vimeo.

ONLINE LINK: Shaun Hendy’s blog – A Measure of Science

flourish

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:06:31 GMT

Today’s picture: Girl in Wellington – with Te Papa Museum in the background

Today's word: If communities or businesses are flourishing, it means they are doing well and growing, just like healthy plants.

Test: Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Gorse, first introduced to decorate gardens with its yellow flowers, flourished to the extent that they have become a threat to native plants.

Auckland’s flourishing Sikh community gather in great numbers every weekend at the temple in Papatoetoe to worship and socialise.

Our business plan is to flourish by at least 10% a year over the next five years.

Online trading has flourished in countries like New Zealand, where consumers have traditionally suffered from a lack of access to world markets.

Practice Questions: What kinds of business are flourishing in the current economic climate?

What are the signs of a flourishing community?

Vocabulary Focus:

We deal with a wide variety _______ clients from all walks of life.

I asked for a view _______ the lake, but all I could see from my window was the shopping mall.

She was warned _______ giving out her personal details.

This is such a waste _______ time – let’s just go home.

She turned and waved goodbye _______ her friends as she turned the corner.

He has a strange way _______ showing his appreciation.

Best wishes _______ your future career.

He withdrew _______ the course due to ill health.

Each print is carefully wrapped _______ acid-proof paper.

There’s something wrong _______ my computer.

Kiwi Quiz Question: Where do most new international students come to New Zealand from?

China / India / the Middle East

Read more about this here

Today’s online listening

1) Where were the first Muslim families in New Zealand from?

China   India England

2) In the 1950’s, the Muslim community in Auckland was ...

diverse well-established wealthy

3) One reason for increasing numbers of Muslims in New Zealand was the military coups in ...

Fiji Nigeria the Middle East

4) The most recent group of Muslim refugees to come to New Zealand is ...

Bosnian   Somali   South Asian

5) When was points-based immigration introduced in New Zealand?

the 1970’s     the 1980’s     the 1990’s

6) Approximately what percentage of the New Zealand population is Muslim?

0.5%      1%      4%

7) The presenter thinks that Mt Roskill, in Auckland, may have been an attractive place for Muslims to settle because ...

there were plenty of job opportunities there

there were strict rules about the sale of alcohol

the climate was especially suitable for agriculture

8) Compared to their parents, younger Muslims in New Zealand...

tend to follow Muslim customs more strictly

are more liberal in their interpretation of Islam

have a wider range of religious customs and behaviour

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Today’s Musical suggestion: Allah, performed by Youssou N’Dour

Today’s Video suggestion: Address by Javed Khan of the Muslim Community of New Zealand to the World Youth Day, 2008

Today’s Online link: Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand

advocate

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:47:05 GMT

Today’s picture: Lake Wakatipu

Part 1: Today's word

If you advocate something, it means you support it by speaking or writing openly in favour. So, an advocate of a policy is a supporter.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

She was an outspoken advocate of gun control.

The Government plans to advocate a 15% increase in education spending.

The Party advocates tax cuts in order to stimulate the economy.

I have always been an advocate of liberal social policies.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Are you an advocate of ..

... increased education spending?

... free trade?

... tighter controls over the banking sector?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

We need to put a stop to the illegal trade _______ endangered species.

New staff are given intensive training _______ health and safety regulations.

She was transferred _______ the new Auckland office from the Sydney branch.

He transformed the company from a traditional family firm _______ a modern globalised corporation.

Any gifts will be treated _______ taxable income.

I’m having a bit of trouble _______ my car – do you know a good mechanic?

I notice Paul left without saying thank you – that’s just so typical _______ him!

The ticket is only valid _______ travel within the Auckland area.

The table has vanished _______ the reception area – has anyone seen it?

You have to expect a variation _______ performance from day to day.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is Ratana? a church / a sport / a type of art

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand about co-operative enterprises in Italy.

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) The province of Emilia-Romagna is a relatively prosperous and socially equal part of Italy.

2) Most of the local businesses are worker co-operatives.

3) Emilia-Romagna has more than half a million people working in co-operatives.

4) Professor Zamagni believes that the main reason for the economic success of Emilia-Romagna is its natural resources.

5) Social co-operatives were first developed in Italy.

6) Management of social co-operatives brings together suppliers and consumers.

7) Traditional capitalist firms pay more attention to the family needs of employees.

8) Co-operatives aim to satisfy the extrinsic motivations of their employees.

9) Within Emilia-Romagna, the richest employee of a firm can earn no more than 20 times the salary of the poorest.

10) All the employees of producer co-operatives are able to become members.

11) Only a minority of co-operative members actually participate in its management.

12) Professor Zamagni believes that co-operatives need to provide more incentives for active participation.

13) Professor Zamagni uses the analogy about the rocks in the road to show that co-operatives depend on people sharing clear, common goals.

14) The European Union has decided to remove legislative barriers to the formation of co-operatives.

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Today’s Musical suggestion: Islands in the Stream

Today’s Online link: Photos of summer floods in Auckland

___________________________________________________________

subversive

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:20:08 GMT

Today’s picture: West Harbour, Auckland

Part 1: Today's word

A subversive movement tries to destroy the power of government or the dominant culture, usually in an invisible or secret way. Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The film was on one level a traditional love story, but carried a subversive political message.

There was a popular uprising against the subversive activities of the police and armed forces.

His writings were considered subversive, which led to him losing his University post.

The new production of ‘Hamlet’ focused on the subversive elements in the play.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do you know any writers or ideas in your subject which were once considered subversive, but now are accepted.

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

The course is not suitable _______ beginners.

There wasn’t much support _______ the proposal.

I’m always suspicious _______ emails from people I don’t know.

He was sympathetic _______ the idea but said he needed more details.

There’s always going to be some tension _______ creativity and discipline.

Don’t ask me – I’m terrible _______ maths!

Thanks a lot _______ all your help – we couldn’t have done it without you.

They were threatened _______ legal action unless they removed our logo from their advertisement.

She was absolutely thrilled _______ her new office.

I lost touch _______ her when she moved house.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which Public Holiday is celebrated on Monday 31^st January this year?

Auckland Anniversary / Waitangi Day / Anzac Day

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a review of a book called ‘Globish’ by Robert McCrum about how English became a world language. The programme is from ABC Radio from Australia and the reviewer is Bruce Moore

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) The author of ‘Globish’ is a well-known linguistics professor

2) The term ‘Globish’ is a blend of ‘Global’ and ‘English’

3) ‘Singlish’, ‘Chinglish’ and ‘Japlish’ are varieties of English

4) McCrum’s book aims to be subversive

5) French ‘grabbed’ a large number of words from English over the centuries

6) The first English dictionary was produced by the Academy in only seven years

7) During the early Middle Ages, English was not the dominant language in England

8) The English translation of the Bible demonstrated the growing importance of the English language in the Renaissance period

9) The second US President, John Adam, predicted the global dominance of English

10) At the end of the twentieth century, English became strongly associated with America rather than England

Selected expressions from the review

1) a leitmotif is an image or topic which is frequently repeated in a book, film etc

2) McCrum feels that English and French attitudes to language are encapsulated in way they produced their first dictionaries. This means that he feels it’s a very good practical example of these attitudes

3) McCrum describes English as a ‘mongrel language’ – this means it’s mixed. A mongrel dog is a mix of different breeds.

4) McCrum talks about England passing the baton to the United States. This comes from relay racing – the baton is the small stick which one runner passes to the next one.

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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Today’s Video suggestion: Kiwi accent

Today’s Musical suggestion: My Old Man by Anika Moa

refrain

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 08:07:04 GMT

Today’s picture: St Matthew’s in the City, Auckland

Part 1: Today's word

If you refrain from doing something, you decide not to do it. The word is used in polite requests, especially in notices – for example, ‘Patrons are requested to refrain from leaving or entering the auditorium during the performance’.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Several students refrained from the course once they realised how much mathematics was involved.

We were asked to refrain from discussing the issue outside of the meeting.

Kindly refrain from smoking except in designated areas.

We refrained from talking until we knew we were out of hearing.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which of these do you refrain from doing when you are in the library?

using your mobile phone?

listening to loud music on your headphones?

checking your facebook page?

chatting to your friends?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

Actually, the new program is very similar _______ the old one, except that it’s a lot quicker.

She was highly skilled _______ computer aided design.

It smells _______ fresh flowers in here – roses, I guess.

She smiled _______ him and said not to worry.

There’s only one solution _______ this problem: We’ll just have to start again from the beginning.

Wikipedia isn’t always a particularly reliable source _______ information.

He seems to spend all his time and money _______ football.

I wondered why everyone was staring _______ me – I guess red hair isn’t that common over there.

I finally succeeded _______ contacting her.

She suffered _______ ill health for many years.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Who is the Leader of the Opposition in the New Zealand Parliament?

Phil Goff

Helen Clark

Winston Peters

Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a short programme from the BBC about the science of different wind instruments. Press pause on the podomatic player and then click on ‘Today’s online listening - and the programme should open up in your browser. Listen and answer the questions below. Press play on the podomatic player again to hear the answers.

1) The oldest musical instrument that has been found is a kind of ..

drum

pipe

harp

2) Why can’t we find any old didgeridoos?

They are destroyed by fire

They are used as weapons

They are eaten by insects

3) How do you get a deeper note on a recorder or tin whistle?

covering more holes

stretching out the tube to its full length

removing your fingers from all of the holes

4) Which of these is a single reed instrument?

flute

saxophone

bassoon

5) The difference in the sound of a note played on different instruments comes from the ..

stylistics

aesthetics

harmonics

6) Which of these instruments produces all of the harmonics in low notes?

clarinet

saxophone

flute

7) Which of these produces high notes on a recorder?

blowing hard

covering more holes

gradually reducing intensity of breath

8) David and Sarah disagree about the impact on sound of different ..

shape

fingering

materials

Language Focus: not only .. also

Example from today’s listening: The shape of the instrument not only bestows physical character, it also affects the harmonics.

Complete these sentences:

Smoking does not only damage your health, ...

Studying at University does not only enhance your career prospects, ...

Cycling is not only a cheap and healthy form of transport, ...

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

Readings and exercises based on global news stories

Today’s Musical suggestion: The Naked and the Famous - a young Kiwi group

parallel

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:57:36 GMT

Today’s picture: Highly appropriate warning sign at Twin Lakes, Coatesville

Part 1: Today's word

If two lines are parallel, it means they are always the same distance apart, like two railway tracks. If one process parallels another, it means it happens in a similar way.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The effects of the internet in many ways parallel the way that printing transformed the early modern world.

Unfortunately, I have few opportunities to interact with my parallel in the New York office.

The railway runs parallel to the main street in Kawakawa, highlighting its central importance in the town’s development.

It is essential that marketing analysis runs in parallel with product development.

Part 3: Practice Question:

It is said that research and writing abilities need to develop in parallel with a student’s knowledge of a subject. Has that been the case for you?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

If you are not completely satisfied ________ your product, we will gladly refund your money.

Thanks for giving me a lift – you saved me ________having to walk.

I was so scared ________the dark that I had to sleep with the light on.

Have you seen my keys? I’ve been searching ________them everywhere.

Her separation ________her children was the most painful part of her time in hospital.

She served ________New Zealand ambassador for many years.

If you’re short ________money, just let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

I’m sick and tired ________hearing the same old excuses.

We mustn’t lose sight ________our objective.

Have you seen any sign ________Paul? He seems to have disappeared.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is a well-known Kiwi group who have been performing over the New Year?

Fat Freddy’s Drop

Mumford and Son

Florence and the Machine

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from ABC, Australia with Professor Tim Flannery from Macquarie University in Sydney. He talks about life systems, starting with ants and then discussing the planet as a whole.

1) In which way do leafcutter ants parallel human societies?

They have specialised social roles

They hunt specialised forms of prey

They own slaves

2) How do ant colonies use pheromones?

To defend themselves

To communicate

To provide energy

3) What is the name of the concept of the Earth as a living organism?

Gaia

Daisy World

Pangaea

4) Which word does Tim use to describe the balance between the different elements in the Earth’s atmosphere?

geo-pheremones

self-regulation

homeostasis

5) In which way has life on Earth contributed to changes in the geology of the planet?

eliminating toxic elements

creating the continents

increasing volcanic activity

6) Indian vultures became extinct because of ...

a traditional funeral practice

an increase in feral dogs

a drug given to cattle

7) The North Asian ecosystem is no longer productive because ...

mammoths are extinct

elephants are hunted for their ivory

the average temperature is too low

8) How does Tim feel about China’s environmental policy?

frustrated

confused

optimistic

....................................................................................................................

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Today’s Musical suggestion: Fat Freddy’s Drop with Hope

Today’s Online link: elessons from MacMillan

scholar

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:51:59 GMT

Today’s picture: Twin Lakes, a private home in Coatesville, 10km from Massey Albany campus

Part 1: Today's word

A scholar is a person who studies something very seriously and knows a lot about it – for example, a University Professor. Their research is published in scholarly articles in academic journals. Scholarly articles are peer-reviewed, which means that other scholars read and criticise the article, which then has to be revised before it is published. This is why scholarly articles are usually a reliable source of research and theory – in other words, scholarship.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The university is hoping to attract scholars from the new Albany High School into its undergraduate programmes.

The university is equally proud of its traditions of scholarship and teaching.

Islamic scientists maintained the traditions of scholarship of the classical Greeks.

For this assignment, students are required to refer to a minimum of three scholarly articles and three relevant books.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Where can you find scholarly articles on a topic you are interested in?

Have you developed skills of scholarship while you’ve been at university?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

I refuse to respond _______ their threats.

We all share some responsibility _______ the failure.

The offer is restricted _______ shareholders.

The results _______ the test should be out next Monday

The closure of the office is likely to result _______ a number of job losses.

She retired _______ the company after 30 years of service.

The prize is a deserved reward _______ all your hard work.

Please take it away – I’ll be glad to be rid _______ it.

There has been a 10% rise _______ library use since the new cafe opened.

You are at risk _______ losing your home if you fail to keep up your mortgage repayments

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is NOT a music festival which takes place in New Zealand every summer?

Rhythm and Vines / Glastonbury / Big Day Out / WOMAD

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Professor Jim Al-Khalali who’s talking about the Golden Age of Arabic Science.

Vocabulary kick-start       backlash   enlightened       peter out

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) During the Dark Ages, there were no major empires and disease was a serious problem.

2) Arabic scientists learnt a lot from the ancient Greeks

3) Islamic religion encouraged scientific discovery.

4) Arabic scholars produced a synthesis of knowledge from around the world.

5) Baghdad had the most important university in the world at that time.

6) There is a misconception in the West that Arabic science didn’t add anything to Ancient Greek scholarship.

7) The main contribution of Arabic science was the development of the Scientific Method.

8) There was a conservative backlash against practical science.

9) The Islamic world gained a big advantage from the invention of the printing press.

10) Scholars across Europe learnt Arabic in order to have access to scientific and medical texts.

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Today’s Video suggestion: Arabic Science

Today’s Musical suggestion: Amr Diab by Tamally Maak

literacy

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 06:39:47 GMT

Today’s picture: Haka (detail) performed at Te Papa, Wellington by boys from Hato Paora College, December 2010

Part 1: Today's word

Literacy is the ability to read and write. If someone can’t read and write, they are illiterate. Computer literacy is the ability to use a computer correctly. Information literacy is an important part of education, as it means the ability to find, select, use and evaluate information effectively.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The Civil War led to the closure of many schools and affected literacy levels of the younger generation.

The Government aims to raise illiteracy levels through a national campaign.

All courses include specific information literacy goals, in addition to content knowledge.

A number of computer literacy courses are available for elderly users – the so-called ‘silver surfers’.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What reasons are there for illiteracy?

Did your school help you develop information literacy?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

I regard you _______ a friend.

With regard _______ your second query, please find attached the relevant information sheet.

I don’t see how this is related _______ my work.

This example isn’t relevant _______ the argument.

I rely _______ him for technical support.

The product will remove most common stains _______ clothing.

Can you report to me _______ any changes that need to be made?

They have a deserved reputation _______ the excellence of their designs.

He resigned _______ his position in the University, but still does some freelance work for them.

I have a lot of respect _______ anyone who is prepared give up their spare time to help others.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these cities was NOT named after a British Prime Minister?

Wellington / Palmerston North / Invercargill

Part 6: Today’s online Video

This is video presentation by the American writer, Dave Eggers, talking about a very creative project he’s set up to help children with their reading.
1) Dave was living in an area with a high proportion of .....
immigrants

writers

teachers

2) Teachers he knew told him that to address the problems of reading and writing among their pupils they needed more ...
voluntary tutors
online programmes
whole-class instruction

3) There were plenty of writers coming into his tutoring centre in San Francisco because ...

family members who were also writers would visit him there

he provided free internet and library services for them

his publishing company was also based there

4) The mural on the front of the building is about ...

children

literacy

volunteering

5) How did they come up with the idea of including a ‘Pirate Supply Store’ in the tutoring centre?

They needed to make a profit to support their work

It was not possible to run a retail-only business in that zone

The building reminded them of a ship

6) At first, the tutoring centre suffered from a lack of ...

customers

volunteers

funds

7) Why did the tutoring centre become so popular?

It was fun

It had professional teachers

it had up-to-date technology

8) During the mornings, the tutoring centre is used by ...

pirates

classes

parents

9) Apart from the tutoring centre, volunteers from the centre go to work in ...

churches

schools

universities

10) The famous writer, Isabel Allende, suggested that the children ...

publish their own newspaper

write a book about peace

create a website about pirates

11) Unlike many other charitable institutions, the tutoring centre was ..

highly accessible

highly profitable

highly controversial

12) Khaled is an example of a child who ...

became enthusiastic about writing

enjoyed tutoring other children at the centre

was addicted to online shopping

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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Today’s Online links: Once Upon a School 826 National

Today’s Musical suggestion: San Francisco

amplify

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 01:46:46 GMT

Today’s picture: Auckland Botanical Garden

Part 1: Today's word

If you amplify a signal or a feeling, you make it stronger by using some kind of technology. We often need amplification for voices and music. So, for example, if you want everyone to listen to your i-pod, you have to plug it into an amplifier, so that the sound is loud enough.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Can you amplify a bit louder for me. There’s a lot of background noise on the line.

Feelings of guilt can amplify the sense of loss we feel when a loved one dies.

She used visual imagery to amplify the key points of her lecture.

There’s a danger that newspaper coverage may only serve to amplify the problem, rather than contributing to a solution.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What different ways can be used to amplify the human voice?

How can you amplify your academic voice in your essays and reports?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

The profits _______ the deal were reinvested in the company.

She was soon promoted _______ assistant manager.

We all protested strongly _______ the cuts.

He was punished _______ doing his own work during company time.

They reacted _______ my criticism by simply closing my account.

Are we ready _______ action?

I can’t see any reason _______ her change of mind.

It took the firm a whole year to recover _______ the loss of the European market.

Reductions _______ costs are necessary if the firm is to remain competitive.

He didn’t even refer _______ me by name.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is a well-known Kiwi clothing brand? Billabong / Ripcurl / Mambo / Pumpkin Patch

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Professor Jean Fleming from the University of Otago Medical School. She talks about the sense of touch.

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) Your fingertips have a high concentration of nerve endings.

2) Pain and pleasure are detected by different kinds of nerves.

3) Damage to cells is always perceived as pain.

4) The systems for detecting pain and pleasure in humans are very different from those in other mammals.

5) Nerves in the body can be matched closely to different parts of the brain.

6) Both Jean and Brian had to deal with static electricity when they lived in Australia.

7) Sensations from nerves in the organs are more variable than from those on the surface of the skin.

8) People suffer referred pain when the brain is confused about where nerve messages are coming from.

9) Reflexes always involve signals from the brain.

10) Endorphins and encephalins are often given to women who suffer intense pain during childbirth.

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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Today’s Musical suggestion: Janet Jackson with the Pleasure Principle

Today’s photo suggestion: photos of a surfing Orca

self-esteem

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 03:48:39 GMT

Today’s picture: Coping with life’s ups and downs at Kawerau Bridge, Queenstown

Part 1: Today's word

Self-esteem is the feeling you have about how good you are. So, if you have high self-esteem, you feel good about yourself, confident in your relations with other people and pleased with your performance. If you have low self-esteem, you lack self-confidence, you feel shy and nervous in company and you are anxious or embarrassed about your performance. For university students, good grades can be a boost to self-esteem, whereas failing courses can be a blow to their self-esteem. Universities like Massey offer counselling services to help students deal with the inevitable ups and downs of Uni life, as well as student learning support to help students develop their study and writing skills.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Unfortunately, low self-esteem can become part of a vicious circle, since it tends to make it harder to perform well, which can further decrease confidence.

The achievement award was a boost to her self-esteem after what had been a frustrating year.

In my first year, I was totally lacking in confidence, so the positive self-esteem I received from my lecturers made a huge difference to my performance.

Like other psychological traits, self-esteem has proved difficult to define and measure, particularly across different cultures.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What blows or boosts to your self-esteem have you received over the last year?

Do you believe that certain national, social or ethnic groups tend to have higher self-esteem than others?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

It was plain _______ everyone that there was a problem.

It’s important to be polite _______ our customers even when they are unreasonable. Computer games are especially popular _______ young men.

They received a good deal of praise _______ their charitable work.

I much prefer playing sport _______ watching it.

I felt she was prejudiced _______ me on account of my appearance.

There’s a lot of pressure _______ the team to win something this year.

She used to take such pride _______ her appearance.

I was prevented _______ saying anything in public about the incident.

He profited _______ the deal.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is a famous New Zealand rugby player?

Sonny Bill Williams / Sugar Ray Robinson / Hone Harawira

Part 6: Today’s online listening

Transcript of the programme

This is a short discussion from Australian ABC radio about whether self-esteem is different in the East or the West.

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) Steve Heine found that East Asians have lower self-esteem than North Americans.

2) A number of studies have refuted his findings.

3) Steve Heine claims that in collectivist cultures face is more important than self-esteem.

4) Both Steve Heine and Masaki Yuki agree that East Asians have a neutral level of self-esteem.

5) Yuri Miyamoto found that East Asians are less likely to celebrate achievements.

6) The story of Sai Weng and the Horse highlights the need to save face.

7) A ‘middle way’ approach to self-esteem is associated with high levels of health in both Westerners and East Asians.

8) Susumi Yamaguchi argues that Steve Heine findings only related to explicit self-esteem.

9) Huajian Cai used a reaction time test in order to measure implicit self-esteem.

10) Steve Heine believes these new methods help us to understand self-esteem more accurately.

Language Focus

Lectures and presentations often include informal, colloquial expressions, even when dealing with complex academic topics. What do you think is the meaning of these expressions used by the different psychologists in these interviews?

a hot topic / the take-home in his landmark paper / the paper kicked off a debate their Japanese counterparts put a lid on their exuberance / teasing out the debate / you don’t want to be seen showing off/ this is a minefield

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

Today’s Musical suggestion: Simply the Best

Today’s Online link: Optical illusions and what they tell us about the mind

distribution

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 04:14:31 GMT

Today’s picture: Ducklings sticking close to mum in Dunedin

Part 1: Today's word

In business, ‘distribution’ is the process of moving goods or services from the supplier to the end-user. Recently,many businesses have been able to reduce distribution costs through increased use of the web and more efficient supply-chain management. In science, mathematics and statistics, distribution is the equal spread of factors (such as data, pressure etc) across a system or population. In social policy, distribution of wealth means the fair sharing of goods and services among the population. Traditionally, taxation has been used as a means for the redistribution of wealth – moving some of the wealth from the rich to the poor – particularly in social democratic societies.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Our goods are distributed through a range of online and traditional channels.

Rich countries have been criticized for distributing their wealth, rather than sharing it more equally with producing countries.

Food and blankets were distributed to the victims of the earthquake by volunteers and emergency services.

The structure has been carefully designed so as to distribute energy rapidly and equally.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are the major channels of distribution of goods and services?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the tax system as a means of wealth redistribution?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Prepositions

The photocopier is in need _______ a service.

It was nice _______ you to think of me.

Could you take note _______ any suggestions and pass them onto me later?

Take no notice _______ him – he’s only looking for attention.

It just occurred _______ me – does Anne know anything about this?

I’m open _______ any suggestions about how we can improve our services.

There’s a lot of opposition _______ the new regulation.

He decided not to take part _______ the discussion.

We participated fully _______ the negotiations.

I’ve lost my patience _______ them.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Compared with past years, is inflation in New Zealand high, average or low at the moment?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the economist Neville Bennett. He’s discussing the issue of inequality

Some taxation vocabulary: to complete a tax return/loophole / dodge / a tax evader / tax haven / tax evasion

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) Dr Bennett’s interest in the topic arose from a study of High Net Worth in New Zealand

2) High Net Worth is defined as having more than US$ 1m for personal spending

3) There are about 10 million people worldwide in the High Net Worth category

4) The wealth of those in the High Net Worth category in the Asia-Pacific region grew by 30% last year

5) Until the 1980’s, wealthier people generally had to pay higher taxes

6) The song ‘Taxman’ by the Beatles criticised the way wealthy people exploited tax loopholes

7) The combined wealth of the High Net Worth individuals is greater than the capitalisation of all the world’s stock markets

8) US household wealth is greater than the combined wealth of High Net Worth individuals worldwide

9) Dr Bennett believes that social problems tend to be higher when wealth is unequally distributed

10) Dr Bennett believes that greater equality will result in higher economic growth

11) Dr Bennett believes that relatively few New Zealanders have benefitted from the boom in the property market

12) Dr Bennett believes in the ‘trickle-down’ theory of wealth redistribution

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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Today’s Video suggestion: Introduction to The Spirit Level by Wilkinson and Pickett

Today’s Musical suggestion: Taxman by The Beatles

________________________________________________________________

entanglement

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:35:53 GMT

Today’s picture: Dunedin Railway Station

Oh, what a tangled web we weave

When first we practise to deceive

(Sir Walter Scott)

Part 1: Today's word

If someone or something is entangled, it means that they are caught in a web and cannot get free. Entanglement is often used metaphorically, to talk about a complicated and damaging situation that someone has become involved with.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Unfortunately, the initiative became entangled in local politics and nothing came out of it.

The journalists were quick to point out an entanglement between the Minister and several prominent business leaders.

He managed to avoid any personal entanglements during a long and successful career.

Department of Environment workers are desperately trying to free a whale that has become entangled in fishing nets.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What do you need to use if your hair is entangled?

Where can people get advice about financial entanglements they are trying to get out of?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

It was very kind _______ you to offer to help.

I had no knowledge _______ the proposal.

There’s a lack of interest _______ the whole idea.

Unfortunately, they were laughing _______ me, not with me.

This downturn in the market is likely to lead _______ job losses.

There is a limit _______ what can be done in such a short time.

He made some interesting links _______ management and sport.

It’s an interesting product but I don’t think there’s a market _______ it in New Zealand.

She got married _______ a much older man.

There’s an urgent need _______ action.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

In which city is the University of Otago based?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Dr Shaun Hendy, who is talking about Quantum Computing. The discussion starts by talking about the 2010 Nobel Prize for Physics

1) Which of these is NOT a quality of graphene?

strength

fluidity

invisibility

2) Graphene is useful in quantum computing because ...

it is a flexible sheet for insulating semi-conductors

it is a thin sheet which conducts electricity

it is a cheaper alternative to silicon for producing integrated circuits

3) What was the most important aspect of the experiment by Otago University researchers with the rubidium atom?

stability

radioactivity

computation

4) A transistor is the crucial component of a computer because of its ability to ..

manipulate sub-atomic particles

be switched on or off

perform complex operations

5) A subatomic particle is in a super-positional state when ...

it is not being observed

it is storing information

it is moving freely between two states

6) Quantum computing has the potential to increase the ____ of calculations.

accuracy

speed

randomness

7) In quantum physics, entanglement is ...

an attraction between otherwise unrelated atoms

a relationship between the states of particles

a computing system built on Q-bits

8) What are likely to be the most useful immediate applications of quantum computing?

creating and breaking codes

accelerating computer graphics

making mobile computing less expensive

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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Today’s Video suggestion: Entanglement – explained by Dr Quantum

Today’s Musical suggestion: Computer Love

continuum

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:29:30 GMT

Today’s picture: Sydney Harbour Bridge

Part 1: Today's word

A continuum is a sliding scale which shows how one state gradually changes into another. So, for example, you could say that there is a continuum between black and white, which passes through various shades of grey. This is the opposite of a dichotomy in which the two categories are separated, such as ‘member / non-member’. When you are discussing a theory or comparing and contrasting two models, it can be useful to consider carefully if you are really dealing with a dichotomy or a continuum between two points.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

According to the ‘slippery slope’ hypothesis, offenders are highly likely to progress through a continuum of offences from minor offences to serious crimes.

The study evaluated the continuum of the programme as a long-term solution to the underlying problems.

The party embraces a continuum of views from moderate conservative to radical right.

The data are represented as points on a continuum of satisfaction.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which of these do you consider to be a continuum or a dichotomy?

good and evil

male and female

transformational and transactional leadership

qualitative and quantitative research

classical and romantic art

modernism and post-modernism

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: What’s the missing preposition?

It seems he never had any intention _______ going through with the deal.

She takes little interest _______ politics.

Please don’t interfere _______ our affairs.

It’s about time you introduced me _______ your parents.

We invested _______ a wide range of stocks.

There will be a full and fair investigation _______ the incident.

I was disappointed not to have been invited _______ the Graduation.

What was your involvement _______ the project?

I was always jealous _______ him for his good looks.

I’ve always been keen _______ working overseas.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

In which sport do the ‘Black Sticks’ represent New Zealand?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the Professor Jean Fleming from the University of Otago Medical School. She talks about the science of sleep

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) Sleep and waking is a continuum rather than a dichotomy.

2) The amount of electrical activity in the brain is too low to produce waves.

3) The level of electrical activity in the brain is the main difference between waking and sleep.

4) All animals, including insects, need to sleep.

5) Sleep is associated with the restoration of cell function.

6) Some sea mammals only sleep with the right-side of their brains.

7) When people dream, the electrical waves in the brain are the same as those when they are awake.

8) Normal sleep passes through a number of cycles.

9) During REM sleep, the brain limits muscle movement.

10) People can train themselves to remember their dreams.

11) Sleep-walking is a common condition associated with REM sleep.

12) The homeostatic drive is what wakes you up.

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Today’s Video suggestion: Stop this train – by John Mayer

conspicuous

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 06:17:00 GMT

Today’s picture: Cafe Volcano and the Lava Bar, Lyttleton, Christchurch

Part 1: Today's word

Conspicuous means easy to notice because a person or thing is different or very important. So if you look different from everyone else in a room, you are conspicuous. If everyone notices that someone is missing from a meeting, you can say that person was ‘conspicuous by their absence’. When people spend money in a very uncontrolled and public way, this is an example of ‘conspicuous consumption’.

Academic English Generator

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Getting the sack from the United Nations was a conspicuous failure in what had, until then, been a remarkably successful career.

I wouldn’t have felt so conspicuous if I’d been wearing a suit and tie like the others.

She tried not to be too conspicuous as she picked up the fallen scenery at the back of the stage.

I was fortunate that no one noticed how conspicuous I was on that occasion.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

On what occasions do you feel most conspicuous?

Have you taken part in any event where there was conspicuous consumption?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

Did you hear _______ Jim? How sad!

Paul Renwicks? Sorry, I’ve never heard _______ him.

The downloading of music from the internet has had a major impact _______ the music industry.

She made a really big impression _______ me at our first meeting.

If you can improve _______ your offer, I’m sure we’ll have a deal.

He had very little influence _______ the result.

The Prime Minister was only informed _______ the decision some weeks later.

He was innocent _______ all the charges against him.

She insisted _______ paying the bill.

Instead _______ getting cold and wet, why don’t we stay at home and watch a DVD?

The building is insured _______ $10m.

You’re insured _______ fire and theft.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

How high does New Zealand rate in terms of ‘economic freedom’?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the geologist, Hamish Campbell from GNS Science, who’s discussing the recent earthquake in the Canterbury region of New Zealand – near the city of Christchurch.

Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Listen to the interview (by clicking on ‘Today’s online listening’ above) to find out.

1) The Christchurch earthquake was the largest in New Zealand this century.

2) No one died in the Christchurch earthquake, despite widespread damage.

3) A lot of people were knocked to the ground by falling shelves.

4) New Zealand’s buildings have had to be earthquake-proof for over fifty years.

5) Several earthquakes have occurred on the same fault line over the last hundred and fifty years.

6) Farming activity obliterated the fault line which existed 100 years ago.

7) The northern side of the fault was lifted up by approximately 4m.

8) The density of rock just under a house largely determines the amount of shaking.

9) Liquefaction was conspicuous because it was concentrated in certain areas of Christchurch.

10) Aftershocks take place in the same area as the original quake.

11) The epicentre is the actual location where the rupture took place.

12) Scientists believe that now there’s less likely to be another quake in the same area any time soon.

13) Scientists are beginning to identify a pattern of earthquake activity in New Zealand.

14) Scientists believe that farming activity may have triggered the quake.

Language Focus: Speculating about past events

To speculate about past events – in other words, to imagine things that didn’t really happen – we use third conditional structures. We can use ‘if’ or we can use ‘Had .... done’. Here is an example from the listening:

Had it occurred during daylight hours, there would have been a lot more people around

In fact, it didn’t occur during daylight and there weren’t a lot more people around. But Hamish is speculating, imagining something different from what really happened.

Make similar sentences about these facts:

1) The building codes were strictly enforced, so not many buildings collapsed.

2) The quake didn’t happen in a densely-populated area so not too many people were affected.

3) There was an emergency plan so the authorities were able to react relatively quickly.

4) There were several major aftershocks which meant it was difficult for people to get back to normal.

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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Today’s Video suggestion:

I feel the earth move performed by Carole King

superimpose

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:42:32 GMT

Today’s picture: View from Mount Ruapehu

Part 1: Today's word

If one image is superimposed on another, it means that it’s put over the top of the first image. The word is also used when a new issue or problem is added on top of an existing situation.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing .

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The existing rules will be strictly superimposed on all staff members.

The external regulations were superimposed on the existing framework without proper consultation.

If the matrix is superimposed on the scatterplot, a clear upward trend emerges.

The program allows images from the hard disk to be superimposed onto three-dimensional objects.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What do you think of magazines where images are superimposed over the text?

Do you think that culture is something that’s superimposed onto human nature – or is there no such thing as a basic human nature without culture?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Prepositions

She was forbidden _______ seeing him again. I’ll never forgive him _______ what he did to us. I’m free _______ any financial obligations. I’m not frightened _______ you. The whole team were frustrated _______ their poor performance. I was never much good _______ sports. When do you expect to graduate _______ Uni? I’m sincerely grateful _______ all your support. He was found guilty _______ murder and given a life sentence. You know, I still feel guilty _______ the way I treated my parents. He’s got a really annoying habit _______ interrupting me every time I open my mouth.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Where did New Zealand rank in the World Giving Index Survey, showing how generous people are in giving money to charity?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

1) What is superimposed on biological differences of sex? genetic code cultural values innate characteristics

2) Which of these features are typically used by children to represent gender differences? height colour hair

3) The opera ‘Carmen’ by Bizet is an early example of ... feminists protesting against exploitation the second wave of feminism women working in an industrial context

4) The first wave of feminism ... focused on rights of women within the home is still incomplete was connected with the abolition of slavery

5) Women in the early post-war period .... felt a conflict between their roles inside and outside the home focused on the struggle for the right to vote were more confident in their own identity

6) The second wave of feminism focused on challenging the .... of women agency representation liberation

7) Dr Stone feels that the focus on the sexual revolution during the second wave of feminism was ... naive necessary liberating

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Today’s Video suggestion: sisters are doing it for themselves

iteration

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:12:44 GMT

Today’s picture: Kiwi cuisine: Hot dog on a stick (with sauce)

Today's word

An iteration is one complete phase of a project, which begins with the results of the previous stage and then repeats a similar process. It is common that new products go through several iterations before they reach the final version. Many planning and research processes are iterative, which means they consist of several cycles.

Academic English Generator

Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

This is the fifth iteration of this software package.

After ten iterations, the program automatically exits and the system reboots.

The iteration of this product was a lengthy and time-consuming process.

Action research is an iterative process in which conclusions from one cycle produce questions for further investigation.

Vocabulary Focus: prepositions

Are you enrolled _______ the course?

Two drops of sweetener are equal _______ two heaped spoonfuls of sugar.

He was excluded _______ school for two weeks after fighting with his classmates.

The offer has now been extended _______ all our existing customers.

I have a lot of faith _______ your ability.

I’m not so familiar _______ Apple Macs, so it might take me a bit longer.

Woodstock is, of course, famous _______ its rock festival, but has much more to offer the visitor.

The board is in favour _______ the proposal.

In these difficult times, every firm needs to focus _______ the bottom line.

She was especially fond _______ her grandson, with whom she spent many happy hours.

Kiwi Quiz Question

Which international rock group will be playing in Auckland on November 25^{th and}26^th?

Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with two nutritionists, Arran Wilson and Kevin Sutton from Plant and Food Research. They talk about their research and development of a healthier snack bar.

1) What was the main purpose of the laboratory test they developed?

to determine the relationship of the Atkins diet with carbohydrate intake

to measure the effect of different foods on glucose level in the blood

to investigate the role of blood glucose in the development of diabetes

2) How long does it take for the body to begin releasing glucose from food you’ve just eaten?

ten minutes

thirty minutes

one hour

3) How long does it take for the glucose level to return to what it was before eating?

20 minutes

two hours

four hours

4) What effect does fibre have on glucose release?

makes it slower

increases it

prevents it

5) You are likely to feel hungry sooner after eating if ...

higher levels of insulin are released

the fibre content is higher

the glucose curve is steeper

6) Which of these eating practices leads to lower blood glucose levels?

chewing each mouthful more

taking larger bites

taking more food in liquid form

7) What has been through several iterations within the project?

Massey University’s chewing machine

Food Safety regulations

Methodology for measuring glucose levels

8) What is the main variable in chewing?

gender

age

food type

9) What has been a particular challenge in producing food products with low glucose?

taste

shelf life

packaging

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

trajectory

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:15:24 GMT

Today’s picture: Rock pool shadow

Part 1: Today's word

The trajectory of a stone is the path it follows when it is thrown. But the word is also used to talk about the way processes or projects develop. If the economy is on a downward trajectory, for instance, it means that things are steadily getting worse.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

We are satisfied with the general trajectory of the negotiations.

If the rocket follows its expected trajectory, it should land in the mid-Pacific at 1.10 am.

After a period of fluctuation, the economy finally appears to be on a trajectory.

Business leaders are concerned that inflation appears to be on an upward trajectory.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which of these would you describe as being on an upward trajectory? your career? the New Zealand economy? environmental awareness?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Prepositions

I’m still suffering _______the effects of the cold I had last month.

My parents discouraged me _______ playing rugby because they thought it was too dangerous.

I’m disgusted _______the way I was treated by people I thought were my friends.

The team was divided _______four sub-groups, each with a specific task.

I dreamt _______her again last night.

I wouldn’t dream _______moving overseas.

The late running of this service is due _______bad weather.

The recession is beginning to have a major effect _______our business.

She emigrated _______New Zealand from the UK.

We are placing a strong emphasis _______creativity.

She got engaged _______her childhood sweetheart.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is the main stadium in Auckland where most Rugby World Cup games will be played in 2011?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Australian Radio with Pavan Sukhdev , head of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Green Economy Initiative

Vocabulary for the interview: deplore/ startled / set aside / depleted

1) If female fish are allowed to grow to full size, they produce _______ times more eggs

10

50

100

2) Pavan Sukhdev believes that the fishing industry would benefit from more ...

subsidies for trawlers

marine reserves

smart technology

3) Pavan Sukhdev argues that a major problem in economics is the treatment of environmental benefits as ....

overheads

externalities

fixed costs

4) He notes that you cannot manage what you do not .....

measure

calculate

account for

5) What analogy does he draw between the environment and human feelings?

they are inherently unpredictable

they both determine management decisions

they are valued but have no market

6) Why are the electricity companies in favour of Costa Rica’s policy of paying farmers not to cut down forests?

the company receives $50 per hectare on its land

the cost of fuel for its generators has decreased

it has led to greater electricity production

7) The example from Uganda shows the value of ....

draining swamps for improved sanitation

environmental cost-benefit analysis

modern waste treatment facilities

8) What percentage of food do households typically waste?

10%

25%

50%

9) The new Red Plus scheme involves rich countries paying developing countries to ....

control population growth

limit deforestation

reduce their carbon emissions

10) In general, Pavan Sukhdev believes environmental awareness is on a _________ trajectory.

critical

downward

positive

Grammar Focus: Imagining a different past

During the interview, Pavan says, “if you had asked me this question three years ago, my answer would have been ‘Completely not’.”

This is a good example of a Third Conditional sentence, which we use to talk about things which didn’t really happen – in this case, the interviewer didn’t really ask him that question three years ago – it’s just imaginary.

The Third Conditional grammar is:

If + had(not) done + would/could/might (not) have done

Complete these Third Conditional sentences

If Paris Hilton (be) poor, no one (hear) of her.

If I (know) about the Student Learning Centre last semester, I (not fail) my assignments.

If my parents (not support) me, I (not come) to New Zealand.

If you (tell) me how bad the film was, I (not book) tickets to see it.

If I (be) more careful, I (not hurt) my back.

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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Today’s Video Trajectory 1: Center of Mass Trajectory a neat demonstration of some basic physics from MIT

Today’s Video Trajectory 2: Holiday for Susan a gorgeous 1962 promotional film about young ladies holidaying in New Zealand

affiliated

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:58:16 GMT

Today’s picture: Signpost in Westport, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

Affilation is a formal relationship with an organisation. For example, Massey University is affiliated to a number of other educational bodies.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The club is affiliated with the International Association of Photographers.

We can offer independent advice since we are not affiliated to any financial institution.

She regards herself as spiritual, even though she isn’t affiliated to any organized religion.

Massey University remains closely affiliated with thousands of its graduates from around the world.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Is it important for you that the university is affiliated with international bodies?

How common is it for people to say they are spiritual without being affiliated to any organised religion?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus:

I’m finding it hard to cope _______ the demands of a full-time job and a part-time degree.

The referee was severely criticised _______ not awarding an obvious goal.

The accident caused long-lasting damage _______ the reputation of the company.

Have you decided _______ a date?

We’ve decided _______ moving to the city, because it would be too expensive.

She’s 100% dedicated _______ her training programme.

The term “stakeholder” is defined _______ ‘anyone with an interest in the project” (Smith, 2002, p. 26)

There is a growing demand _______ Chinese-speaking managers.

My involvement is dependent _______ my company’s willingness to give me the time I will need.

Would you describe yourself _______ good-looking?

The new phones soon disappeared _______ the shelves as people rushed to get the latest model.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What proportion of New Zealanders do not express an affiliation to any organised religion?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with the academic Paul Morris, who is an expert on religion

1) Which of these religions has an early element of atheism?

Christianity

Hinduism

Animism

2) Which of these ancient Greeks was most openly against religion?

Archimedes

Diagorus

Sophocles

3) What was unusual about the atheism of Jean Medlier?

He said openly there was no God

He was very explicit in his arguments

He was a priest

4) Modern atheism views God as a .......... of people’s own wishes, hopes and fears

fulfilment

projection

denial

5) Compared with rationalists, some humanists are more ...

open to spiritual beliefs

interested in public debates

committed to use of human reason alone

6) How does Paul Morris characterise this group of non-believers?

diverse

militant

institutionalised

7) In which country has atheism recently been an issue in the General Election?

New Zealand

Australia

Canada

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Today’s Video suggestion:

Imagine performed by John Lennon

Today’s NZ link

The Rainforest Express - an interesting tourist ride about 45 minutes from our campus

override

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 04:32:56 GMT

Today’s picture: Ballroom Dance Show, Browns Bay, August 2010

Part 1: Today's word

Override can mean to be more important. So, for instance, my commitment to fairness overrides any benefit I might receive personally. Override can also be used when the normal way of doing something is changed by some higher power or influence. So, for instance, ‘the decision was overridden by senior management’.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The safety of our customers overrides all other considerations.

The drug overrides the body’s tendency to reject foreign blood cells.

There are several factors in her success, but her ability to perform under pressure overrode.

The Board of Management chose to override the wishes of the shareholders.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What is the overriding factor in success or failure at university?

What ways can we use to override our automatic biological systems?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: prepositions

1) She was never fully committed _______ the project.

2) Compared _______ Facebook, MSN looks very old-fashioned.

3) It was unfair having to compete _______ teams with much more experience than us.

4) Everyone complimented him _______ his award.

5) The rock is composed _______ carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.

6) Let me congratulate you _______ your wonderful achievement.

7) Our evening meal consisted _______ watery soup and dry bread.

8) I’m fairly content _______ my current situation.

9) Her friendly attitude was in sharp contrast _______ the way she’d first greeted us.

10) There’s a striking contrast _______ the careers of the two brothers.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which slang word is used in New Zealand and Australia to refer to someone who comes from England ?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

1) The hypothalamus releases hormones in response to ...

the feeling of thirst

the level of salt in the blood

urination

2) What is the main function of peptides?

to carry signals between organs and the brain

to bind hormones to proteins

to pump water out of urine

3) The purpose of an anti-diuretic hormone is to reduce....

the effects of excessive alcohol consumption

swelling caused by the ingestion of seawater

the loss of water from the body

4) What is the main function of leptin?

to overcome resistance to signals of hunger

to tell the brain how much fat is being stored in the body

to increase the storage of fat in cells

Today’s Musical suggestion: Cool Water performed by Johnny Cash

Today’s Video suggestion:Peptide bonding

assertion

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:25:53 GMT

Today’s picture: Queen Charlotte Sound, near Nelson, New Zealand (thanks to Helen Yun for the photo!)

Part 1: Today's word

An assertion is a more formal word for a claim – in other words, something which you are saying is true. We often use the word ‘assertion’ about beliefs that we disagree with, especially in arguments about law or theories – for example, ‘There is no truth in the assertion that my client behaved dishonestly’. The verb is ‘to assert’, which usually means to claim or to state an opinion very publicly – for example, ‘He asserted his determination to continue in his role’ and ‘Descartes asserted that it was the act of thinking that, more than anything else, was proof of an individual’s existence’. If you assert yourself, it means you behave confidently, standing up for your rights.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The company asserted that shareholders would receive a 10% dividend.

What was most surprising was that he continued to assert his innocence.

I wish to challenge the assertion that capitalism inevitably leads to alienation.

Adam Smith asserted that the market was most effective when it was unregulated.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do you find it hard to assert yourself in a group?

Do you agree with the assertion that ‘success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration’?

Part 4: Common words followed by prepositions

Who does this bag belong ________?

The local community benefited little ________the development.

I blame the management ________what’s happened.

Don’t blame it ________me – I wasn’t even there.

I hate to think what she’s capable ________when she’s angry.

What are the chances ________getting a drink around here?

How much do you charge ________delivery?

He has been charged ________false accounting.

The judges commented ________her creativity.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is New Zealand’s Parliament Building commonly known as?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with Dr Prudence Stone, a sociology lecturer based in New Zealand. She talks about the influence of Karl Marx’s ideas.

1) Marx’s ‘material dialectic’ theory argues that truth is ...

relative

absolute

indeterminate

2) Marx asserted that ideas stemmed from ...

individual creativity

economic conditions

social conflict

3) The fact that working-class culture was not acknowledged showed, for Marx, that culture has an economic ...

effect

cost

basis

4) Production of clothing is one example of how labour can create ...

social distance

political conflict

spiritual meaning

5) Marx argued that industrialisation separated labour from identity, leading to ...

efficiency

alienation

capital

6) For Marx, history is basically about the struggle between economic ...

theories

systems

classes

7) Dr Stone asserts that Marx’s theories of society are ...

more relevant than ever

mainly of historical interest

of cultural rather than of economic value

8) In Marx’s view, in a capitalist society, workers are essentially ...

owners

machines

slaves

9) Dr Stone believes that Marx’s theories were...

original, insightful but not fully developed

practical, comprehensive and liberating

complex, contradictory, but revolutionary

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Today’s Video suggestion: Zelie performed by Angelique Kidjo (from Benin, W. Africa)

abide by

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:45:06 GMT

Today’s picture: Sculpture at Mudbrick Winery, near Albany

Part 1: Today's word

If you abide by rules or decisions you respect and follow them. So, ‘law-abiding’ citizens don’t break the law!

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Unfortunately, our business partner did not abide by the terms of our contract, which meant our relationship had to be terminated.

This organization is determined to abide by its objectives of economic growth and innovation.

Students must abide by the regulations regarding plagiarism set out in the University Handbook.

All participants are expected to abide by the final decision of the judges.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Would you describe the average New Zealander as ‘law-abiding’?

Are there any rules or regulations do you not always abide by?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Getting the preposition right

according to / accuse sb of / addicted to / adjust to / admit to / agree with sb / agree on or about an issue / pay attention to / apply for a loan etc / believe in

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Compared to other developed countries, how much do New Zealanders spend on health

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with a couple from Australia who adopted a baby from China, who, unfortunately, turned out to have a serious disability. They talk about what happened and how they managed to understand the condition and get the help they and their child needed

1) How long did it take Stuart and Sharon to adopt both of their children?

2) How much higher was the age limit for adoptive parents in China compared to Australia?

3) What problem do they identify in the Australian foster-care arrangements?

4) How was their first meeting with Jessie?

5) Why was San Filippo syndrome such a devasting diagnosis for the child?

6) What is the cause of the disease?

7) What difficulty did Jessie’s condition cause for her parents?

8) Who cares for Jessie Mei Mei now?

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Today’s Video suggestion: Zulema and Marvin Gaye in a classic performance from 1972

Today’s Online Resource: Beautiful photos of New Zealand

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gullible

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:34:59 GMT

Today’s picture: Eel Bridge, Piha, near Auckland

Part 1: Today's word

A gullible person is easily deceived because they trust too much and don’t ask enough questions. Nowadays gullible people are targeted by criminals who send emails which seem to come from banks or give news about a prize they’ve won – in order to trick the recipient into giving personal information. These emails are known as phishing scams – a scam is any kind of organised deception.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing and click on 'PLAY' above to hear this podcast including the answers to all the tasks which follow.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The more gullible students failed to recognize that the website did not name the author or cite any credible sources.

I now realize how gullible I was not to be taken in by his smooth sales talk.

The online paper mills, which sell ready-made assignments to desperate or lazy students, appear to attract ever-increasing numbers of gullible customers.

It’s difficult to believe how anyone can be so gullible as to fall for those online phishing scams.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

How gullible are you? Have you ever fallen for an online scam?

In what ways does university study help people become less gullible?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: gullibility

There’s one born every minute / a mug / the oldest trick in the book / see through someone / take the bait / fall for something hook, line and sinker

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What was New Zealand’s unique achievement at the 2010 Soccer World Cup?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a short presentation by the famous British biologist and TV presenter, Sir David Attenborough, who talks about his love for fossils. Click on 'Today's online listening' to open up the link to the interview.

1) Why was the area where David grew up a good place to find fossils?

Ammonites were first found in a nearby village

The area was once the bed of a sea

The coal mining industry uncovered them

2) Why were ammonites known as ‘snakestones’?

They were linked to a well-known religious myth

They were named after a local saint

They were sold to gullible scientists

3) What is unique about trilobites?

They were far older than ammonites

They are the largest known fossils

They had the first functional eye

4) Why was it difficult to examine the trilobites at the Moroccan man’s house?

He didn’t have specialist equipment

The lighting was low

Most specimens were in fragments

5) How did he know that the ‘lovemaking’ trilobites were fake?

They were biologically inaccurate

The seller was not convincing

The species did not match

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

How can I use the referencing function in Microsoft Word (2007 onwards)?

Each time you’ve included a summary or some piece of information in your essay, click on ‘References’ at the top of the screen and then ‘insert citation’ and ‘add new source’. Click on ‘type of source’.

The most common sources you’ll need will be ‘book’, ‘book section’ (which means a chapter in an edited book), ‘journal article’, ‘article in a periodical’ (which means a newspaper, magazine etc) or ‘document from a website’. Complete the information in the table and then press ‘OK’ – the in-text reference inside brackets will ‘magically’ appear in your document.

(more information in the next podcast)

See my Handy Guide to APA Referencing for more tips

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Today’s Video suggestion:The Fossils from the Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens

exacerbate

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:28:25 GMT

Today’s picture: Henna tattoo, Massey University Cultural Fair, 2010

Part 1: Today's word

To exacerbate a situation means to make it worse. For instance, workers may be reluctant to complain about their boss’s behaviour in case their complaint exacerbates the problem – in other words, because they’ve complained, the boss might behave even worse than before!

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Beckham was advised to avoid any form of exercise that might exacerbate the existing injury and delay any recovery.

The incident unfortunately exacerbated underlying tensions between the two communities, which resulted in open conflict.

The political crisis over the budget exacerbated divisions within the ruling coalition to the extent that normal governance became impossible.

Despite her commitment, her performance steadily exacerbated as the stresses of the project slowly increased.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What factors tend to exacerbate the difficulties that most students face at university?

What factors tend to exacerbate underlying tensions and divisions in society?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: circle and square

a vicious circle / to come full circle / to go round in circles / to square the circle / to think outside the square / back to square one / a square peg in a round hole

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is the name of the famous dolphin which used to play with swimmers in the Bay of Plenty?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand National with Dr Ian Hall, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. He discusses the importance of India on a global scale and some of the challenges India faces.

1) Currently, India has great ..... importance on a global scale

military

diplomatic

economic

2) Why does China loom larger in the Western media than India?

it is much more obsessed with the West

it’s in the news much more

it has a much closer relationship with Europe

3) In some ways, India is like Europe in ...

its monolithic institutions

its centralised decision-making

its diversity

4) Dr Hall predicts that in future the Indian economy will ...

exceed 10% a year annual growth

double each decade

face problems of youth unemployment

5) Dr Hall has found that poverty in India is ..

over-emphasised in the West

highly visible

fast disappearing

6) Which of these could act as a brake on growth in India?

growing exposure to international financial markets

a lack of responsiveness at a local government level

rising inflation

7) In what way has the world come full circle?

India and China are once again major players in global markets

India imports 25% of its goods – just as it did in 1700

India and China together once more comprise 50% of the world population

8) Which strategic lesson did the Indian military derive from the Gulf War?

the need to establish regional military alliances

the value of an independent nuclear capability

the need to counter the growing threat from internal insurgencies

9) Since the 1990’s ...

The US has made more proactive efforts to engage with India

India has been keen to enter agreements with the United States regarding nuclear weapons

India has switched decisively away from Government regulation of the economy

10) The relationships between India and Myanmar (Burma) and Iran are ...

historic

complex

volatile

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

When do I need to use CAPITAL LETTERS in titles of books and articles?

You will often see capital letters on the cover of books or in titles on websites etc. However, when you write your reference you need to take most of these out – you only use capital letters to start the first word in the title or subtitle and for names, when we always use capitals. For example:

Shelton, A. (2003). Public places. Auckland: Rim Books

In this example, a capital letter is only used for ‘Public’, because it’s the first word in the title. Here is an example of a longer title – of a journal article:

Von Hurst, P. R., Stonehouse, W., Conlon, C. A., Kruger, M. C. & Coad, J. (2008). Study protocol – metabolic syndrome, vitamin D and bone status in South Asian women living in Auckland, New Zealand: A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind vitamin D intervention. BMC Public Health 8, 1-8

In this example, a capital letter is used for ‘Study’ because it’s also the first word in the title of the article and for ‘A’ because it’s the first word in the subtitle (the subtitle comes after a colon). Capitals are also used for ‘vitamin D’, ‘South Asian’ and ‘Auckland, New Zealand’ because these are words which always have capitals. Notice that capital letters are used for each word of the name of the journal too - BMC Public Health – it’s just the titles of books or articles that don’t use them.

See my Handy Guide to APA Referencing for more tips

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Today’s Video suggestion: Jai Ho from the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’

Today’s Online Resource: Scenic New Zealand photos

anomaly

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:52:00 GMT

Today’s picture: Mudbrick winery and sculpture garden, north of Auckland

Part 1: Today's word

An anomaly is an unusual situation or example that’s different from the normal way.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The new Act is designed to remove the anomaly whereby higher earners could actually be paying lower taxes.

The law which gives preference to male members of the Royal Family is seen as an anomaly in a modern society.

Normally international students require a minimum of 6.0 in academic IELTS, but in this case the college was prepared to make an anomaly.

Boxing and Wrestling are increasingly seen as anomalies in the modern Olympics in which both male and females typically participate in all sports.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do any other Olympic sports seem to be anomalies?

Are any aspects of Kiwi culture anomalies?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: man

be your own man / man-to-man / a man of the world / you can’t keep a good man down

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is the name of the the Maori midwinter festival ?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is another interview with Professor Jean Fleming from Otago University. Here she discusses differences between male and female brains.

1) Males have a Y ....

gene

chromosome

hormone

2) The development of the male brain depends on the production of ..

dna

testosterone

genitalia

3) Anomalies, where males have been brought up as females, show ..

biology does play a large part in behaviour

gender is mainly determined by environmental factors

testosterone is not as powerful as once thought

4) Female athletes were tempted to take anabolic steroids in order to ...

increase their aggression

develop more muscle

disguise their increased testosterone

5) Dr Fleming believes that recent examples of aggressive behaviour by young females ..

are probably caused by low levels of testosterone produced by the adrenal glands

may be related to physical fluctuations typical of the early stages of puberty

are unlikely to have any physiological basis

6) Modern science has shown how ... the brain is, even in adults.

adaptable

vulnerable

unstable

7) The claim that we use only 10% of our brain’s capacity ..

lacks relevant anecdotal evidence

is not based on scientific evidence

is supported by historical evidence

8) Experiments aimed to show differences between male and female brains ...

failed to identify any significant differences in performance

find wide variations in the performance of males compared with other males

have shown that males are better at identifying differences between objects

9) The experiment involving CV’s highlights the problem of ...

biased perceptions of gender

preference for exceptional male candidates

aggressive behaviour in job interviews

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

How do I reference course material?

Your materials for some papers at Massey include articles from journals and extracts from books – this is especially common for extramural papers – and you are usually expected to reference these in your writing. In this case, just reference them in the same way as you reference any books or articles. Ask your lecturer if you’re unsure about the details you need.

Avoid using your lecture notes and general information in your course handbooks as sources in your essays and reports. These are intended to give you a general idea of the key points – but you’re expected to read books and articles to get more information – and to refer to these books and articles in your writing. If you do think you need to refer to handouts or course guides, first check with your lecturer or tutor if this is ok and then follow the examples below:

lecture notes

Catley, B. (2009). The historical development of management. Unpublished lecture notes, College of Business, Massey University

study guide with the author’s name written on it

Fitch, M., & Jones, B. (2009). 115.101 Statistics for business [Study guide].     Albany, New Zealand: College of Business, Massey University

study guide without author’s name written on it

College of Humanities and Social Sciences. (2009). 230.100 Written communication [Study guide]. Palmerston North, New Zealand: Massey University

Remember, for in-text referencing, you just need author and year (with page numbers for quotations). So, for the sources above, this would be:

xxxxxxxxxxx (Catley, 2009).

xxxxxxxx (Fitch & Jones, 2009).

xxxxxxxxxxx (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2009).

See my Handy Guide to APA Referencing for more tips

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Today’s Video suggestion:

Girls and Boys performed by Blur

speculate

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 27 May 2010 05:23:42 GMT

Today’s picture: Several icons of Maori culture, Massey Albany Cultural Fair, May 2010

Tiger, Tiger, burning bright / In the forests of the night/ What immortal hand or eye/Could frame thy fearful symmetry? from the poem by William Blake

Part 1: Today's word

To speculate is to think imaginatively about what might be. Speculation always involves risk, because it isn’t based on strong evidence. In finance, speculation means risky investment.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

We can only speculate on the reasons for her sudden change of attitude.

The recent announcement has fuelled speculation that the company may be preparing to leave the market altogether.

A careful analysis of the data allowed the researchers to speculate on the key determinants of the problem.

The Government has dismissed speculation that the coalition is unstable.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which public figures are the subject of media speculation this week?

What types of investment are attractive to speculators?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: design

icon / symmetry / asymmetrical / representational / abstract

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is considered an iconic image of New Zealand?

the pavlova / the harbour bridge / the koru / sheep

Part 6: Today’s online listening

1) What was the reaction of the first person to see their own x-ray image?

troubled

angry

delighted

2) The antique X-ray machine from the Science Museum was designed to be used ...

at home

in schools

on the battlefield

3) The example of the radiologists conference in 1920 shows the ....... of X-rays

excitement

risks

usefulness

4) Which part of the body was a popular subject of X-ray photography?

hand

head

heart

5) X rays were widely used in the First World War to ..

locate bullets

repair fractures

test equipment

6) In what way is the building known as ‘the Gherkin’ in London related to the image of the double-helix of DNA?

it is home to the Museum which holds the original sketch

its name is based on the nickname of the original image

its shape is inspired by the double-helix

7) Speculation is seen as the link between precise scientific work and ...

experiment

creativity

deduction

8) The early drawings of the scientists who discovered DNA are described as ‘back-of-the-envelope’ because ...

they were rough, informal sketches

they were exchanged through the postal system

they were miniature representations of complex designs

9) The double-helix image is considered unique in science because of its ...

immediate impact on global culture

use of 3-D imaging

combination of beauty and truth

10) Architects are especially fascinated by the double-helix because it is ..

a building block

a complex form

a symbol of vitality

11) The double-helix image ...

is totally symmetrical

is fundamentally asymmetrical

contains both symmetrical and asymmetrical elements

12) Because of its use in Courts, the image of DNA has become a symbol of ..

truth

science

detection

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

How do I include an article from a WEBSITE in my reference list?

First of all, don’t use websites as your main source of theory – only fools do that. It’s fine to look around on the internet for interesting ideas, but if you find something relevant for your essay, check it in books or journal articles and use those more reliable sources in your essay.

The main uses of websites are for up-to-date facts and figures from Government websites like Statistics New Zealand, for information about companies and other organisations, or for articles from magazines and newspapers.

The beginning of a reference to a webpage is just like a book – if there’s no author, use the organisation and if there’s no date, use (n.d.) After the title of the page or article, you need to add: Retrieved + from + the complete url:

Statistics New Zealand. (2006). Quickstats about Pacific peoples. Retrieved from: http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2006CensusHomePage/QuickStats/quickstats-about-a-subject/ pacific-peoples.aspx

If it’s an article from an online magazine or newspaper, give the name of the magazine or newspaper together with an issue number if it has one. Then add the internet information:

Fox, A. (2009, December 12-18). Meet Ben, father of three and $2m in debt. The Listener 3631. Retrieved from: http://www.listener.co.nz/issue/3631/features/14553/meet_ben_31_father_of_three_and_2m_in_debt.html

When you’ve completed your reference, the url will probably turn blue and become a hyperlink. You should reverse this – position the cursor over the url and then right click and select ‘remove hyperlink’ – the blue and underlining will disappear.

See my Handy Guide to APA Referencing for more tips

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Today’s online resource: Designers Institute of New Zealand

Today’s Video suggestion: DNA Replication

Today’s musical suggestion: DNA - a blast from the past

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conundrum

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:50:41 GMT

Today’s picture: Flower painting, Massey cultural fair, Albany, May 2010

To be or not to be? That is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune; Or, to take arms against a sea of troubles and, by opposing, end them? Hamlet's conundrum, from the play by William Shakespeare

Part 1: Today's word

A conundrum is a difficult problem that has no obvious solution. This could, for instance, be an ethical dilemma where each solution has its own problems. A famous conundrum of this type is the trolley problem. Trolley is American English for what we call a railway carriage. Imagine you see a runaway carriage coming down the line and you have the power to pull a lever to direct it down one track where there are five people on the line or another where there is only one person – which do you choose? This seems a simple choice, but there are many varied scenarios, which bring out different ethical issues. Imagine now that the same five people are on the line, but this time the only way to save them is to push someone in front of the trolley to stop it – would you do it? The consequences of both scenarios would be the same – one person dies and five people are saved. But would pulling the lever and pushing the person be considered equally ethical? This conundrum is discussed in today’s online listening, featuring moral philosophers from Harvard University in the USA.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

This organization is faced with a conundrum. Do we continue to invest in undemocratic countries in the hope of having a positive influence or withdraw in the hope that our protest will have an impact?

I’ve been having continual conundrums with my computer, which no one seems to be able to solve.

Should we bomb the building where the enemy is shooting from, thus safeguarding our own soldiers but at the risk of killing innocent civilians? That is one of the many conundrums which military officers are faced with.

Don’t bother me with your conundrums: I’m a practical woman of business!

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What would your answer to the trolley conundrum be?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: thinking

think it over / sleep on it / deduce / infer / intuition / rationalisation /

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is the life expectancy of a Kiwi?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

1) The first conundrum involves a decision about whether or not ...

to divert a railway carriage

to save six people from an accident

to warn people in danger

2) What is different about the second scenario?

the number of people involved

the responsibility of the five workers

the means of stopping the runaway carriage

3) What was the connection between this moral conundrum and what really happened in the Second World War? Both scenarios ...

involved choices about who lived and who died

involved giving false information for a good reason

demonstrated the consequences of unethical behaviour

4) The organ transplant scenario involves a similar moral conundrum to ...

diverting a runaway trolley

pushing the fat man off the bridge

feeding false information to the enemy

5) According to the moral philosopher, Jeff MacMahon, the main reason why the two scenarios involving the runaway trolley are judged differently is ...

the intention behind the action

the consequences of the action

the usefulness of the action

6) The moral philosopher, Frances Kamm, challenges the .......... view of ethics

universalist

human rights

utilitarian

7) According to Frances Kamm, artificially-constructed moral conundrums are like laboratory experiments because ...

they eliminate the sociocultural causes of cognitive bias

they allow specific factors to be manipulated while others are kept constant

they create the conditions for a scientific method of decision-making

8) Studies from around the world show that responses to these conundrums are ...

gender-specific

very similar

culturally determined

9) Mark Hauser believes that key aspects of morality are ...

innate

indeterminate

culturally-determined

10) The example of the children discussing the two conundrums shows ...

the naivety of young people faced with moral dilemmas

the struggle between intuition and rationality

the impossibility of reaching a consensus on moral dilemmas

11) Josh Green compares intuition to ....

the automatic settings on a camera

the artistic skill of a photographer

the flexibility of the manual mode

12) According to Josh Green, the third conundrum is judged differently from the second one because it doesn’t involve ..

a moral dilemma

an innocent person being killed

physical contact

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

How do I include an ARTICLE from an academic journal in my reference list?

The reference for an article starts the same as a book – with the author’s name, the year of publication and the title of the article. However, you put the title of the article in normal print and you use italics for the name of the journal. Then, there’s the volume number, which usually changes every year – this is written in italics. For some journals which come out a few times every year, you need to add an issue number in brackets. Then you write the page numbers of the article that you’ve used. For example:

Durie, M. (2000). Public health strategies for Māori. Health Education & Behaviour, 27(3), 288-295

That will probably be enough, especially at undergraduate level. However, you may also need to add information about how to find the article – look in your Study Guide or ask your lecturer if you’re not sure whether or not you need to include this extra information. If you got the article from a database, you write ‘Retrieved + from + name of the database’. This next example includes this extra information and also shows you how to format an article written by multiple authors – something that is quite common for academic articles:

McNicholas, J., Gilbey, A., Rennie, A., Ahmedzai, S., Dono J-A., Ormerod, E. (2005). Pet ownership and human health: A brief review of evidence and issues. British Medical Journal 331(7527), 1252-1254. Retrieved from Academic Search Elite

Many newer articles have a DOI number printed on the title page. If your article has a DOI number, include it instead of the database information:

Pahl, E., Calvo, F., & Schwerdtfeger, P. (2009). The importance of accurate intervention potentials in the melting of argon nanoclusters. Journal of Quantum Chemistry 109(9), 1812-1819. doi: 10.1002/qua.21976

Handy Guide to APA Referencing

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Today’s Video suggestion: Professor Kamm discussing her recent book on ethics

Today’s Video suggestion: Train in Vain performed by The Clash

engender

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:43:30 GMT

Today’s picture: Ripe apples (photography by Jenny Gao)

Not soon, as late as the approach of my ninetieth year,

I felt a door opening in me and I entered

the clarity of early morning.

One after another my former lives were departing,

like ships, together with their sorrow.

from ‘late ripeness’ by Czeslaw Milosz

Part 1: Today's word

To engender is to cause a feeling or reaction.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The Prime Minister’s comment engendered a good deal of controversy.

This form of behaviour is unlikely to engender confidence.

The volcanic eruption in Iceland has engendered a threat to air transport.

Her resignation engendered a good deal of confusion and concern throughout the organisation.

Part 3: Practice Question:

What news stories recently have engendered controversy?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: elderly

getting on a bit / long in the tooth / over the hill / no spring chicken

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is the median age of the New Zealand population?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a short interview from the BBC with Ms. Nola Ochs who has become the World’s oldest Master’s graduate.

1) A Taiwanese man ...

graduated in 2007at the age of 96

became the oldest person to gain a university degree

encouraged Nola to continue her studies

2) What is her main motivation for study?

personal satisfaction

career advancement

story-telling

3) Which of these events happened after Nola was born?

the Wright brothers took their first flight

Daimler produced his first motor car

the Titanic sank

4) What is her favourite period of history?

the hundred years’ war

the next hundred years

her own lifetime

5) What is she hoping to do next January?

get a new part-time job

become a university professor

finally retire from work

6) The other students on campus ..

like to tell her stories

refer to her as ‘grandmother’

treat her no differently on account of her age

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

How do I include a CHAPTER in an edited book in my reference list?

If the whole book is written by the same person, you don’t need to reference the chapter you used: just reference the whole book

However, a lot of academic books are made up of chapters written by different researchers and then the whole book has one or two editors. So, in this case, you need to include extra information – try to follow the exact order and punctuation of the examples below - the only difference is you'll need to 'indent' the second and third lines on your document):

Lineham, P. (2007). First World War religion. In J. Crawford & I. McGibbon (Eds.), New Zealand’s Great War: New Zealand, the Allies and the First World War (pp. 467-492). Auckland, New Zealand: Exisle Publishing

So, in the example above, you used a chapter called ‘First Word War religion’, written by Peter Lineham. This chapter was on pages 191 to 207 in a book called ‘New Zealand, the Allies and the First World War, which was edited by Crawford and McGibbon. Notice that the initials come after the author’s name (Lineham, P.), but before the editor’s name (J. Crawford). Here’s another example, this time with two writers for both the chapter and the whole book.

Bathurst, R. J., & Williams, L. (2009). Boom and bust in the orchestral business. In N. Koivunen & A. Rehn (Eds.), Creativity and contemporary economy (pp. 191-207). Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen Business School Press.

See my Handy Guide to APA Referencing for more tips

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Today’s online resource: Advice for mature students from Massey University’s Health and Counselling Service

Today’s Video suggestion: When I’m 64 performed by The Beatles

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prudent

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 12 May 2010 23:28:35 GMT

Today’s picture Farewell Spit, Nelson (photography by Jenny Gao)

Part 1: Today's word

Prudent means careful, especially when making important decisions. So a prudent investor will obtain professional advice and avoid ‘putting all their eggs in one basket’

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The burglar was prudent not to leave any fingerprints at the scene.

It would be prudent to seek further clarification before taking any rash decisions.

The Government is committed to a balance of fiscal prudence and social justice.

A prudent measure in these circumstances would be to introduce a pay freeze.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Are you a prudent investor?

How would you characterise prudent purchase decisions?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: debt

default / yield / a loan shark / slash / bail out / prop up / domino effect / pass the buck /

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is a New Zealand bank? Kiwi Bank / Chemical Bank / Santander / Barclays

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with Dr Neville Bennett, from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.

1) What does Neville describe as a ‘leech’ on Greek society? (a leech is a little animal that attaches itself to you and sucks your blood!)

politicians

taxation

Public Service

2) How do wages in Greece compare with those in Germany in terms of purchasing power?

they are higher than those in Germany

German wages are only a third higher

they are one third the German levels

3) How much higher is Greece’s debt than the agreed Eurozone limit?

3%

four times

12bn

4) Why are ‘bond vigilantes’ an important factor in the current credit crunch in Europe?

they are charging excessive interest rates

they are offering ‘sweetheart’ loans

they are prudent investors

5) What is distinctive about the Spanish situation?

booming construction sector

weak banking sector

high unemployment

6) What evidence does Neville Bennett give to support the policy of bailing out the banks?

the growth of the Tea Party movement

the collapse of Leeman Brothers

the expansion of the Royal Bank of Scotland

7) Governments find it more difficult to deal with modern banking crises because of the development of ...

derivatives

the Gold Standard

the Euro

8) Dr Bennett is worried about the prospect of ....... in the UK over the next few years

race riots

default

deflation

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

What information do I need to include with the CITY OF PUBLICATION

For major publishing centres, like London and New York, you don’t need anything else. There’s a list of these cities under ‘place of publication’ on our Get it Right CD.

Grixti, J. (1989). Terrors of uncertainty: The cultural contexts of horror fiction. London: Routledge

For other cities in the USA, Canada and Australia, you need to put the city and the state initials (in capital letters). There’s a useful list of American state initials under ‘place of publication’ on our Get it Right CD.

Claasen, A. (2001). Hitler's northern war: The Luftwaffe's ill-fated campaign,1940-1945. Lawrence, KS: Kansas University Press

For other cities in England, New Zealand etc (countries which don’t have states), you need to put the city and the name of the country:

Ross, J. (2004). Monkey miss her now & everything a teenage girl should know: Short stories. Auckland, New Zealand: Danger Publishing, 2004

See my Handy Guide to APA Referencing for more tips

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Today’s Online Resource: Independent Money Guide for prudent Kiwis

Today’s Video suggestion: Money performed by Pink Floyd

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notoriety

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 10 May 2010 02:45:40 GMT

Today’s picture: Autumn Berries (photography by Jenny Gao)

Part 1: Today's word

Notorious means famous for something bad. So, for example, you can talk about a notorious criminal. Notoriety is the noun. Icelandic banks recently achieved a certain notoriety on account of their financial problems.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The President gained notoriety after the publication of her excessive personal expenditure.

The notoriety of her fame made it virtually impossible for her to exercise her profession.

The biography focuses on his notoriety as a supposed member of the Mafia during his early career.

Despite the notoriety of Thalidomide, it has been shown to have some beneficial effects for adults if correctly prescribed.

Part 3: Practice Question:

How did the following gain their notoriety?

Enron / Ben Johnson / Mike Tyson

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: fashion

a fashion victim / a fashion statement / fashion-conscious / jump on the bandwagon / like it’s going out of fashion

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is the Maori word for ‘tattoo’?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

1) Sharon wished to enhance tattoo’s .......... value

commercial

artistic

technical

2) Since she’s had tattoos Sharon’s mother has become ..

more aware of her Maori heritage

more adventurous about overseas travel

more confident about showing her body

3) Sharon believes that female tattoo artists are ...

both moral and attentive to clients’ needs

more imaginative and innovative

safer and more hygienic

4) Sharon’s tattoos have enhanced her credibility in her work for ..

a national fashion label

the local council

a youth project for the local church

5) How did the parents of the first interviewee feel about his intention to get his first tattoo at the age of 16?

they were unaware of it

they were supportive

they didn’t mind

6) What’s unusual about the leading tattoo artist, Arnold Gupta?

he is an American

he has no tattoos

he is disabled

7) What is Miami Ink?

an advertising campaign

a television programme

a tattooing style

8) What other artefacts were on sale at the expo?

skateboards

canvas portraits

sewing machines

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

How do I include a book in my reference list?

For a book by ONE AUTHOR, you need: Surname, Initials. (Year). Title. City: Publisher

Spoonley, P. (2009). Mata toa: The times of Ranganui Walker. Auckland, New Zealand: Penguin Books

For a book by MORE THAN ONE AUTHOR, you need: Surname, Initials., & Surname, Initials. (Year). Title. City: Publisher

MacPherson, C., & MacPherson. L. (2009). The warm winds of change:Globalisation in contemporary Samoa. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland       University Press

When the book is a 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th EDITION etc, you need: Surname, Initials.,(Year). Title (xxxth ed.). City: Publisher

Emerson, L. (2009). Writing guidelines for business students (4^th ed.). South Melbourne, VIC: Cengage Learning

For books with EDITORS, you need: Surname, Initials. (Ed.). (Year). Title. Place of publication: Publisher.

Holmberg, B., Shelley, M., & White, C. (Eds.). (2005). Distance education and languages: Evolution and change. Buffalo, NY: Multilingual Matters

Use (Ed.) for one editor and (Eds.) for more than one. Notice that (Ed.) with a capital ‘E’ is for editor and (ed.) with a small ‘e’ is for edition.

See my Handy Guide to APA Referencing for more tips

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Today’s Video suggestion:dedicated follower of fashion performed by The Kinks

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virtue

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 03 May 2010 06:13:18 GMT

Today’s picture: Sunrise over Rangitoto Island (photography by Jenny Gao)

Part 1: Today's word

A virtue can either be a positive part of someone’s character or a positive attribute of a project, approach or system. So, for example, if someone is often late for meetings, you could say that punctuality is not one of their virtues. And one of the key virtues of online trading is that low overhead costs can be passed onto the customer in the form of lower prices. There are several common expressions with ‘virtue’. For instance, if you make a virtue out of necessity, it means that you think positively about something that you had to do anyway. So, for example, if you have to do a part-time job in order to support your studies, you can make a virtue out of necessity by finding ways of using your work experience as part of your studies. And ‘by virtue of’ means ‘as a result of’ – for example, ‘By virtue of her persistence, she managed to persuade management of the need for change.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Statutory obligations arise by virtue of general law and not by virtue of any agreement between the parties.

The main virtue of an emissions trading system is that it puts the environment into the company balance sheet.

By virtue of the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Unfortunately the proposal had the virtue of vagueness in relation to measurable outcomes.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are the virtues of:

* post-graduate study?

* group assignments?

* Turnitin?

* research databases?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: perfection

in pristine condition / a splendid performance / a sublime pleasure /an unqualified success / an unmitigated disaster

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which New Zealand town has been threatened with flooding as a result of the rising water levels in Lake Wakatipu

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a short talk from the BBC by Indian author Rhadika Jha on her suggestion for making the world a better place – David, George, Bridget

Vocabulary for the article:

to pitch an idea / a credo / to give someone the thumbs-up / to cut someone a bit of slack

Questions for the article:

Which obsession does Rhadika want to get rid of?

What is the credo of the 99% society?

What is the first step of a new member of this society?

Why do the other panellists feel that Rhadika is making a virtue of necessity?

Do the other panellists basically agree with Rhadika?

Which important quality depends on imperfection?

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

What does a REFERENCE LIST look like?

                                                             References

Brown, D. (2009). Are managers’ views about older employees aligned with company policy?. Modern Human Resources Management 21(3), 135-824

Executive Taskforce Group. (2004, August 12). Ageism contributes to New Zealand's worsening skills shortage. Retrieved August 3, 2007 from Newztext Plus Database

Faleolo, P. (2010). Recruitment practices in New Zealand and Australia: A meta-analysis. Organisational Research 23(4)125-163.

Moore, T. (2001). Discrimination: The impact on comparative advantage. In D. Lyons (Ed.), Organisational change in the era of globalisation.          Springfield, IL: Modern Business Press

Smith, G.S., & Davidov, P. (2003). The graying of America: Case-studies of organisational response. Buffalo, NY: Utopia Press

Statistics New Zealand. (2006). Demographic trends 2006. Retrieved May 3, 2010 from http://www.stats.govt.nz/analytical-report/dem-trends- 06/default.htm

Wallis, P., Simpson, W., & Govinder, R.S. (2007). Human resource management (5^th ed.). Townsville, QLD: Commerce Press

The reference list should be on a separate page at the end of your essay with the title ‘References’ at the top.

All references in the list begin with the surname(s) of the author, followed by their initials, or with the organisation which published the article.

The list needs to be in alphabetical order.

Also, notice that the first line of each reference starts at the left side of the page, but all the other lines should be indented (This may not show correctly in your browser!). One easy way to indent lines is to go to the end of the line before and press ENTER and then TAB.

The exact information you need to include – as well as the punctuation – depends on whether it’s a book, a journal article, a website etc. It may seem complicated, but if you follow the advice and examples given below, you’ll be fine.

See my Handy Guide to APA Referencing for more tips

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Today’s Video suggestion: perfect performed by The Lightning Seeds

contentious

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:23:51 GMT

Today’s picture: Wine Barrels, April 2010 (photography by Jenny Gao)

Wine comes in at the mouth And love comes in at the eye;

That’s all we know for truth Before we grow old and die.

I lift the glass to my mouth, I look at you, and I sigh.

by the Irish poet W.B. Yeats

To listen to this podcast, including the answers to all the questions, just click on the 'play' button above

Part 1: Today's word

A contentious issue is one which causes a lot of argument. So, for example, the issue of whether any form of hitting children should be against the law has been a contentious issue in New Zealand.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The Foreshore and Seabed Act is one of the most contentious pieces of legislation of recent times in New Zealand.

The students were confused by the contentious argument between the two professors.

Australia and New Zealand remain divided over the contentious issue of emissions trading.

The question of whether students should be automatically enrolled in Student Associations remains a highly contentious one in New Zealand tertiary institutions.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

These issues have been contentious in New Zealand: Are they also contentious in your home country?

* the age at which people can legally drive

* whether parents can ever hit their children

* the rights of indigenous people

* whether we need to change our national flag

* whether Auckland needs a second airport

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: using sources

credibility / credentials / verify / acknowledge / a disclaimer

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What’s the name of the online encyclopedia about New Zealand?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Australian ABC radio about the appropriate use of online sources such as Wikipedia

1) Shane Fitzgerald changed the Wikipedia profile of the French composer Maurice Jarre in order to

correct an untrue quotation

update the facts surrounding his death

show how poor most journalistic research was

2) What is the key aspect of any wiki?

collaboration

comprehensiveness

encyclopedia

3) What do the presenters feel is an appropriate use of Wikipedia for research?

a resource to double-check facts

a forum for contrasting opinions on a topic

an initial overview of a topic

4) The first example of an ‘edit war’ about the Bush doctrine is contentious for .............. reasons

religious

political

technological

5) The three-revert rule on Wikipedia is ...

an online application

an automatic system

a behavioural guideline

6) The presenters give further examples of edit wars about ...

celebrities and geography

political and economic history

religious and cultural events

7) Which of these is an indication that a Wikipedia page may be unreliable?

lack of anonymity

lack of primary sources

lack of edits

8) The presenters feel that appropriate use of Wikipedia for practical purposes, such as building work requires ..

verification of primary sources

peer review

common sense

9) Which of these does the university lecturer describe as a core competency that students need to develop in relation to sources?

critical analysis

APA referencing

digital ethnography

10) The presentation in Canberra highlighted the need to ..

challenge the credibility of speakers

avoid uncritical use of sources

provide statistical evidence for all claims

Part 7: APA referencing tip

What's an appropriate way to use material from any other source in an essay or report?

* Step1: Highlight the key facts in the original

* Step 2: Turn these into short notes on paper or on your screen

* Step 3: Close or put away the original source

* Step 4: Write your own original sentences including the information in your notes

* Step 5: Include an in-text reference (eg author's surname and year of publication in brackets) and an end-of-text reference (eg the full details of the source in your reference list at the end of your essay or report

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Today’s online resource: Wikipedia in research

Today’s media suggestion: Mining Argentina’s salt mines - a great piece of photojournalism

antithesis

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:46:04 GMT

Today’s picture: Collingwood, South Island, April 2010 (photography by Jenny Gao)

I long for scenes where man hath never trod

A place where woman never smiled or wept

There to abide with my Creator, God,

And sleep as I in childhood sweetly slept,

Untroubling and untroubled where I lie

The grass below—above the vaulted sky.

Excerpt from ‘I am’ by the English poet John Clare

Part 1: Today's word

Press the 'play' button above to hear the whole podcast, including questions and answers

In general use, ‘antithesis’ means ‘the exact opposite’. For example, ‘His design philosophy is the antithesis of modernism”. But the more exact meaning comes from spoken and written arguments. ‘Thesis’ is the Greek word for ‘argument’ and ‘antithesis’ means ‘argument against. ’In an essay, the main claim you are defending is your thesis and the antithesis is the ideas or evidence which challenges this position. So, if you are arguing against New Zealand joining a currency union with Australia, this is the thesis of your essay. The antithesis consists of reasons why this union might be considered a good idea. In a balanced essay, it’s important to address the antithesis – in other words, to explain the main challenges against your argument and their weaknesses. A common way to set out a clear argument in an essay is to write a thesis statement at the end of the introduction, in which you can express the antithesis in an ‘although’ clause. For example, ‘It will be argued that although the adoption of a single currency with Australia might strengthen New Zealand’s financial system and ease international trade, it is not in New Zealand’s interests because its economy and society are fundamentally different from those of its more powerful neighbour.’

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

With his sharp business suit and plain language, he came across as the antithesis of the traditional academic.

In many ways, the new Chief Executive Officer was the antithesis of those who had gone before her.

Corporate Social Responsibility appears, at least at first sight, to be the antithesis of hard-headed business practice.

The challenge of effective persuasion is to express a clear antithesis while also dealing with evidence which appears contrary to your position.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

How could you complete these sentences?

Love is the antithesis of ....

Science is the antithesis of ...

Life in New Zealand is the antithesis of ...

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: online activities

send spam / scroll down a page/ web 2.0/ social media/ a tweet /to defriend someone /

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

How many hours a week does the average adolescent male spend playing computer games?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Soren Gordhamer, who has organised the Wisdom 2.0 Conference about how to use social media better.

1) In the excerpt from the comedy ‘South Park’, Stan would prefer to do his homework and _____________ rather than use Facebook.

do sport

go shopping

play video games

2) Which experts did Soren especially want to participate in the conference?

web developers

psychologists

philosophers

3) Which quality does Soren believe is often missing from our engagement in social media?

cleverness

originality

mindfulness

4) Soren is concerned about the ........... of our use of social media and mobile phones.

cost

frequency

total time consumption

5) Before organising the conference, Soren had previously explored the same issues through ..

a website

a course

a book

6) Soren claims that social media has the tendency to divide our ..

attention

identity

time

7) Which of these processes does Soren describe as bottom-up?

traditional news reporting

social media

web design

8) Soren’s interest in the issue of mindfulness and social media arose from ..

personal experience

a comprehensive survey of current practice

a commission from Google and Twitter

9) What is the main business case for social media companies to foster a more mindful use of social media?

sustainability

comparative advantage

economies of scale

10) Which of these is Soren’s guiding principle in deciding whether to go online and engage in social media?

originality of thought

uniqueness of information

potential benefit to others

11) According to Soren, online reading is typically the antithesis of ...

superficiality

attentiveness

comprehensiveness

Grammar Tip

as much as = even though / while (especially in spoken English)

Example from today’s listening: As much as I loved [digital technologies], I found they controlled more and more of my life.

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

How do I include quotations in my writing?

When you copy the ORIGINAL WORDS from a book, website etc, you need to use double quotation marks AND include the page where you copied the phrase from. For a website, where possible, give the paragraph (par.) or section (s.).

Copy the minimum number of words you can – normally, you only need to copy part of the original sentence and put this inside your own sentence. Pick the cherry – leave the branch behind.

As we mentioned above, one reason for copying the original words from a book is in order to give a definition of a concept. In this case, it’s good to introduce the definition with some phrase like ‘xxxxx may be defined as ...’ for example:

Ageism may be defined as “unwarranted discrimination on the basis of age” (Smith & Davidov, 2003, p. 23)

The other main reason to copy the original words is because the author has used an especially memorable phrase:

Boys, in particular, struggle with “blah, blah, blah of language” as a medium of instruction (Irwin, 2009, p. 40).

Irwin (2009, p. 40) argues that boys find activity-based learning more engaging than the “blah, blah, blah of language”.

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Today’s online resource: Wisdom 2.0 Summit

Today’s Video suggestion: Facebook song

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harmonization

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:52:41 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from Takapuna Beach, April 2010

Part 1: Today's word

If policies, laws etc are harmonized, it means that they are made more similar. Harmonization makes it easier to move between countries, because the systems and laws are similar. It also reduces costs because businesses don’t need to make different products for different markets or change the way they operate.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The new location has three major benefits: harmonization, space and natural beauty.

The countries are working towards greater harmonization of commercial law.

Increasing harmonization of customs regulations has reduced exportation costs between the nations.

International harmonization of safety standards should lead to both lower manufacturing costs and fewer accidents in the developing world.

Part 3: Practice Question:

What are the benefits and drawbacks of greater economic, cultural and social harmonization between Australia and New Zealand?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: togetherness

entwined / synergy /confluence / Trans-Tasman integration / across the ditch

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Probably the most famous New Zealander to move to Australia was Phar Lap. Who or what was Phar Lap? an actor / a horse / a rugby player

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a discussion from Radio New Zealand with two guests from New Zealand and one from Australia about moves towards harmonization between the two countries. To listen, click on ‘today’s online listening’ above. The answers to the questions are on my recording, which you can listen to by clicking on the ‘play’ button at the top of the page

1) What percentage of New Zealand exports goes to Australia?

20%

35%

43%

2) Approximately what proportion of the New Zealand population visit Australia every year?

one in ten

a quarter

one in three

3) In which of these areas has there been recent progress towards a single process for both Australia and New Zealand?

company regulations

immigration

treatment of indigenous people

4) Which New Zealand exports has Australia been blocking?

lamb

milk

apples

5) The Australian guest, Peter Slipper, favours ...

cultural harmonization

economic integration

common sovereignty

6) There has been some criticism of New Zealand’s policy towards Australian ..

tourists

banks

exporters

7) All the speakers are in favour of ...

a common defence force

a common currency

a confederation

8) Early moves towards a single country between Australia and New Zealand failed because ...

there was no New Zealand champion

New Zealand voted against it in an election

Australia refused to give equal rights to Maori

9) The formation of a joint military force (ANZAC) to fight in World War 1....

prevented the total separation of the two nations

did not lead to a broader harmonization of the cultures

was a significant barrier to globalisation

10) Which of these important documents is under careful consideration?

a treaty between the Australian State and its indigenous people

a revised Australian Federation

a New Zealand constitution

11) The Australian guest, Peter Slipper, believes that ..

New Zealand would gain most from a closer union

Most Australians would not have strong opinions about closer union

New Zealanders would be more strongly against closer union

12) Australia ....

grew by nearly half a million people last year

achieves double the world average of economic growth

will be ten times the population of New Zealand by 2050

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Today’s online resource:Essay writing advice from across the ditch at Monash University, Melbourne

Today’s Video suggestion:Sweet Harmony performed by The Beloved

exacerbate

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:52:56 GMT

Today’s picture: Stiltwalkers at the Womad Festival in Taranaki

Part 1: Today's word

Exacerbate is to make a problem worse. So, in medicine, for example, exacerbation is the period when symptoms become more severe.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

It is thought that Government action intended to calm the conflict actually exacerbated underlying tensions.

Unemployment has exacerbated significantly as a result of the downturn in exports during the global economic crisis.

I decided to say nothing for fear of exacerbating an already tense situation.

Over-prescription of antibiotics is exacerbating the problem of drug-resistant infections.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What behaviour typically exacerbates these problems?

food shortages?

insomnia?

backpain?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: nerves

hit a raw nerve / get on someone’s nerves / nerve-wracking / lose your nerve / you’ve got a nerve!

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is the average annual salary in Auckland? $53, 218 / $64, 668 / $73, 121

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is another interview with Professor Jean Fleming from Otago University. Here she talks about the brain.

Questions for the article:

1) Bundles of axons are known as ...

neurons

nerves

dendrites

2) Myelin .....

is responsible for the grey colour of the brain

helps the conduction of electrical signals in nerves

is a fatty tissue which protects neurons from damage through shock

3) Electrical signals which move down axons are triggered by movements of ..

membranes

neurotransmitters

receptors

4) Neurones ...

are more numerous than glial cells

compete for energy against glial cells

have a greater mass than glial cells

5) Glial cells ...

protect brain cells from contact with blood

carry electrical signals along axons

are produced by myelin

6) In order to function, neurones need ...

20% of the body’s blood supply

large quantities of white blood cells

glucose for instant energy

7) Alcohol is able to affect the brain because ...

it is not a foreign body

its molecules are relatively simple

it is dissolved by testosterone

8) Theories regarding the right and left hemispheres of the brain are ...

intuitive

controversial

hypothetical

9) The corpus callosum ....

is made up of more than 200 million axons

allows the transfer of millions of neurotransmitters per second

tends to be larger in women

10) A key function of the corpus callosum appears to be ..

collaboration

co-ordination

co-operation

11) Within the skull, the brain is protected by membranes known as ...

meninges

ventricles

foramens

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

What do I do if I want to refer to a book or article that I read about in another book

Give the surname of the original author and year. Then use the expression ‘as cited in’ and add the details of the book or article you actually read.

Hofstede (1984, as cited in Chang, 2010, p. 215) argues that .....

So, in this case, the student is writing about a theory by someone called Hofstede, which they read about in a book by someone called Chang.

Only the books you’ve actually read go into your reference list at the end of your essay. So, in this case, Hofstede doesn’t appear in the reference list – only Chang.

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Today’s online resource: Why New Zealand should not merge with Australia by the British historian, Simon Schama

Today’s Video suggestion: You’ve got a friend performed by James Taylor and Carole King

deliberation

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:24:59 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from a popular regional park near Auckland (see today’s quiz)

Part 1: Today's word

To deliberate is to consider arguments slowly and carefully in order to make an important decision. For instance, migration is a decision which requires careful deliberation.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

After months of deliberation, the committee finally decided not to proceed with the proposal.

After so many months of negotiation, I was rather surprised that the parties managed to reach a deliberation at all.

After much agonizing and deliberation, the club reached a consensus on the demolition of their old stadium and the construction of a new one nearby.

The jury returned after five hours of deliberation, only to tell the Judge that they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

Part 3: Practice Question:

Would you take any of these decisions without long and deep deliberation?

buying a house / changing career /getting married

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: decision-making

canvass opinions / weigh up the pros and cons / sleep on it / a haphazard vs methodical approach / to muddle through /not the be-all and end-all

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these is a regional park near Auckland?

Shakespeare / Elgar / Turner / Dickens

Part 6: Today’s online listening

Click on ‘today’s online listening’ above to open up the link to an interview from Australian Radio (ABC) about decision-making – a key issue in a wide number of fields, such as Management, Social Policy and IT. You can listen to the interview by clicking ‘listen now’ and you can also read the text on the page.

Questions for the article:

1) The presenter’s own experience of a decision-making process was ...

frustrating

insightful

inspiring

2) Which decision-making methods did most military officers say they used?

normative

informal

prescribed

3) Standard decision-making tools tend to be ...

holistic

complex

analytical

4) ‘Wicked’ problems are difficult to ..

delegate

analyse

discuss

5) The major weakness of ‘deliberation’ as a way of making decisions is ...

unreliability

dependence on numerical data

over-formality

6) ‘Decision mapping’ can make the process of deliberation more ..

formal and concise

visual and structured

directive and collaborative

7) A further advantage of decision mapping within organisations is that it...

ensures that statutory obligations are met

identifies the stakeholders who must participate

creates a record of the decision-making process

8) Douglas Englebart pioneered the use of ......... as tools of decision-making

games

computers

roleplays

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

What can I do if there’s no year of publication on the book or article?

First of all, think about using a better source. If the source doesn’t have a publication date anywhere, it might not be the best source you could use. As a Massey student, you’re sitting in a resource-rich environment. You have thousands of books and articles available to you on every topic you could imagine. Why not use them? After all, you wouldn’t want to be seen in a top-class restaurant eating a pot noodle! Enter your topic word into the library catalogue, or one of the databases, and see if you can find a stronger source for your theory or facts.

However, there may be times when the document is really important, even though there’s no publication date. In this case, put ‘n.d.’ (which stands for ‘no date’) instead of the year:

Flyers from the local residents’ group (Okura Action Group, n.d.) accused the council of .....

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Today’s online resource: Time management for University Students

Today’s Video suggestion: I just don’t know what to do with myself performed by Dusty Springfield

literal

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 06:38:43 GMT

Today’s picture: Sculpture at Mudbrick Winery, Orewa

What are days for? ... Days are where we live.

They come, they wake us ... Time and time over. ...

They are to be happy in: Where can we live but days?

.... from a poem by Phillip Larkin

Part 1: Today's word

The literal meaning of a word is its basic meaning. It doesn’t include the social meanings which most words have – and which are often more important. So, for instance, the literal meaning of ‘hot’ is the opposite of cold, but when someone says ‘My teacher is hot’, they’re not referring to the temperature – what they really mean is that the teacher is attractive – they’re not using the word ‘hot’ literally. People who are literal-minded find it hard to understand these social meanings.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The literal problem of the modern American economy is quite simply a failure to live within our means.

When I said ‘Call me anytime’, I didn’t expect you to take it literally! It is 3 am, after all.

In interpretation of contracts, one first needs to establish the literal meaning of what was agreed.

That’s a very literal translation of the lyrics, but fails to capture the beauty of the original words.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What is the literal meaning of your name in English?

Are you literal-minded?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: personality

duplicitous / trait / procrastinate / empathy /institutionalised / make amends

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these kinds of shops are allowed to open on Good Friday?

garden centres / souvenir shops / Christian bookshops /health food shops

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with Jeanette, an Australian who has a condition known as Asperger Syndrome , which is on the autism spectrum

Questions for the article:

1) Asperger syndrome is highly ...

variable

regarded

imaginative

2) People with Asperger’s find it especially difficult to understand ...

literal meaning

complex noun phrases

body language

3) Which people with Asperger’s are likely to take things most literally?

older people

males

scientists

4) How does Jeanette describe recent media coverage of people with Asperger’s?

uninformed

sympathetic

exaggerated

5) How did Jeanette feel when she completed her book?

released

dissatisfied

anxious

6) Because of her condition, what was missing in Jeanette’s attempts to make friends with other children?

give and take

ups and downs

tit for tat

7) Jeanette managed to develop empathy through ..

friendly advice

interpersonal training

logical deduction

8) How did Jeanette find her parents’ religion when she was a child?

troubling

comforting

untrustworthy

9) How did Jeanette initially find the culture of prison?

supportive

familiar

traumatic

10) Why didn’t she accept her diagnosis of Asperger’s at the age of 20?

it didn’t fit in with her self-image

she didn’t trust the psychologists

she felt happy and liked

11) What does Jeanette feel towards her parents?

sympathy and support

hurt and disappointment

admiration and gratitude

12) Jeanette recommends other people with Asperger’s to maintain ..... their parents

communication with

sympathy for

belief in

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

What do I have to do if the book or article has more than one author?

If the book or article has TWO AUTHORS, link the surnames with & (if they’re in brackets) or with the word ‘and’ (if they’re part of your sentence)

...... a culture of competitive innovation (Hamel & Prahalad, 1989)

Hamel and Prahalad (1989) are highly critical of .....

If the book or article has BETWEEN THREE AND FIVE AUTHORS, the first time you mention the source, you should include all of them.

Up to 80% of new consumer goods fail (Quester, McGuiggan, Perreault, & McCarthy, 2004) ........

After that, you can shorten the reference by putting the first surname followed by ‘et al.’

Markets may be segmented according to behavioural, geographic or demographic features (Quester et al., 2004)

For six or more authors, you use et al. even for the first mention. But it’s not common to have so many authors.

Today’s online resource:

World Autism Awareness Day, which is April 2^nd

Today’s Video suggestion:

Days performed by Kirsty MacColl

proximity

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:05:51 GMT

Today’s picture: Sculpture at Mudbrick Winery, near Orewa

Part 1: Today's word

Proximity is a more formal word for closeness. So, for example, Albany’s proximity to the motorway is a great advantage for companies based here. ‘In close proximity’ is another way of saying ‘nearby’ – Michael Porter highlighted the advantages of specialised competitors being located in close proximity to their neighbours, forming a cluster of innovation and expertise.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Download speed is also dependent on proximity to a wi-fi transmitter.

We chose the location mainly on account of its proximity to the leisure services that our residents would wish to use.

Over the years, the partners lost the sense of proximity which had originally formed the basis of their project.

Completion of the new accommodation block will allow the establishment of a vibrant community in close proximity to the university.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Would you be interested in living in close proximity to ... a school / a beach / a shopping centre?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: far

far-fetched / far-flung/ a far cry/ far-out/ go far

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

How many extramural students do we have here at Massey?

Part 6: Interview

This is an interview with another colleague of mine at the Student Learning Centre, Dr Lilia Sevillano, who talks about her role and the students she works with.

1) Apart from extramural students, Lilia also works with postgraduate students who are ..... ?

writing long pieces of work based on literature and research

taking papers on research methods

preparing presentations at international conferences

2) Lilia is involved in helping extramural students ...

across the North Island

within the boundaries of the Auckland Regional Council

in Auckland and Northland

3) Lilia is involved in ...

running academic seminars

co-ordinating an email assignment-reading service

giving study skills workshops all over the country

4) Which of these attributes would a typical extramural student at Albany have?

flexibility

maturity

anxiety

5) Feedback on assignments is available to local extramural students ...

by phone and by post

through individual consultations in Palmerston North

face-to-face and by email

6) Which of these does Lilia highlight as a specific challenge for extramural students?

lack of interaction

lack of access to study skills support

lack of IT skills

7) Lilia’s own recent experience of extramural studies has brought home to her the crucial importance of ....

time management

imagination

critical thinking

8) Which personal quality does Lilia especially associate with successful extramural study?

flexibility

creativity

self-discipline

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

Apart from using brackets, what other ways can I include references in my essay?

For variety, it's a good idea to use one of these methods below for about a third of your references:

According to ... According to Smith and Jones (2003), the plantwide cost accounting method is ...

Author(s) + verb of your choice ... Smith and Jones (2003) argue that the choice of accounting method depends ....

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Today’s online resource: North Shore Walkway a suggestion for an Easter day out

Today’s Video suggestion: From a distance performed by Bette Midler

repudiate

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:21:50 GMT

Today’s picture: Main stage at Womad, New Plymouth, reflected in the lake

Part 1: Today's word
If you repudiate an accusation, a claim or a theory, it means you strongly reject it. Sometimes, it’s used when someone changes their mind and repudiates a policy which they had supported earlier in their career. In Law, if a contract is repudiated, it means that one party rejects the contract that has been made and refuses to perform his or her obligations. Repudiation of a contract is also known as anticipatory breach, since it indicates that a contract will not be fulfilled.
Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The Minister repudiated any suggestion that she had behaved improperly in her dealings with commercial interests.
He repudiated his earlier nationalistic beliefs as a result of his wartime experiences.
The defendant repudiated the contract by denying that she was bound by it and, practically speaking, by refusing to perform any contractual obligations.
The employees firmly repudiated the management, claiming that it was in breach of employment law.

Part 3: Practice Questions:
Do you know of any public figures who have repudiated their earlier beliefs?
What reasons might someone have for repudiating a contract?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: philosophy
agnostic / verifiable / falsifiable / dogmatic / tentative / conjecture / insightful

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question
Why is Easter Sunday 25 hours long in New Zealand this year?

Part 6: Today’s online listening
This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the Auckland-based philosopher, Anne Kirwan. She discusses the life and work of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century, Karl Popper.
Questions for the article:
1) The interviewer is interested in Popper’s time spent working in ....?
Auckland
Christchurch
Wellington
2) What kinds of lectures did Popper attend at university in Vienna?
literature and philosophy
science and mathematics
history and economics
3) Which tenet of logical positivism did Popper challenge?
the need for theories to be verifiable
the separation of science from the arts
the impossibility of confirming theories by experience
4) According to Popper, in order to be scientific, a theory has to be ..
falsifiable
insightful
comprehensive
5) Which of these is a phase of the development of a theory?
proven
dogmatic
tentative
6) Why was Popper’s autobiography unusual?
it was written in the form of a journal
it only covered the first half of his career
it contained little detail about his life
7) Which of these skills did Popper develop during his time in New Zealand?
logic
language
psychology
8) Which ideas did Popper repudiate?
Marxism
Capitalism
Liberalism
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Today’s online resource: Academic Writing e-book
Today’s Video suggestion: Think about it performed by two local philosophers
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accomplish

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:33:54 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from Womad Festival, New Plymouth, 2010

Part 1: Today's word

To accomplish something is to achieve something important – for example by overcoming a challenge. Attaining a University degree is an important accomplishment, which indicates your intelligence, organisational and communication skills as well as your perseverance.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Without the support of my colleagues, I would never have been able to accomplish half of what I have done.

Although she doesn’t seem very enthusiastic about the project, she has accomplished all the tasks she has been set.

Despite some progress, the main objective remained frustratingly unaccomplished at the end of the second year.

During a long career, he accomplished several international awards for research, as well as for his humanitarian efforts.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which accomplishments are you most proud of?

What do you hope to accomplish during this year?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Autumn

the nights are drawing in / there’s a nip in the air / you have to wrap up / blustery weather / drizzle and downpours

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these New Zealand birds is NOT extinct? moa / kea / huia / piopio

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with Ken Cage, the manager of the Student Learning Centre at Massey University’s Albany campus.

Questions for the article:

1) How many people are in the team which Ken manages?

4          7          9

2) What is the basic goal of the centre?

help students develop the necessary study skills

develop an online learning environment

administer professional development training programmes

3) What does Ken regard as the most important form of study skills support offered by the centre?

online audiovisual resources

subject specific workshops at the beginning of the academic year

individualised face-to-face consultations

4) Support in statistics is available from ...

experienced students working through the centre

the CD-ROM ‘Get it Right’ produced by Ken at the SLC

Study Support presentations held at lunchtimes on Wednesdays

5) Ken has been particularly involved in..

producing video presentations on study skills

developing the OWLL (Online Writing and Learning Link) website

managing the assignment reading service for extramural students

6) In which programmes has there been a marked increase in international students?

bridging

extramural

postgraduate

7) For international students, Ken stresses the importance of ...

intercultural communication

awareness of resources

accurate grammar

8) One difference which Ken highlights between university now and in the past is the increased ...

cost of full-time study

availability of resources

diversity of students

Part 7: APA Referencing Tip

How can I cite an article from a website which doesn't have an author?

Use the name of the organisation - but make sure that it is a credible source!

[Example - in text] One in five New Zealanders holds a university degree (Statistics New Zealand, 2009)

[Example - end of text] Statistics New Zealand. (2009). Measuring New Zealand's progress using a sustainable development approach 2008: Topic 10 - work, knowledge and skills. Retrieved March 22, 2010 from: http://www.stats.govt.nz/Publications/NationalAccounts/sustainable-development/work-knowledge-and-skills.aspx

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Today’s online resource: Study Skills Videos produced by Ken Cage

Today’s Video suggestion: Fiji Time performed by Pacific Curls, who recently featured at the Womad Festival in New Plymouth

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deem

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:31:24 GMT

Today’s picture: Lion Rock at Piha

Part 1: Today's word

To deem is to make a judgement. The word is nearly always used in the passive and is quite formal. So, for instance, ‘the investigation will take as long as is deemed necessary’ means it will take as long as people think is necessary. If a policy is deemed to be in the national interest, it means that people think it’s in the national interest. The word ‘deem’ is quite often used in regulations – for instance, ‘Any students who fail to attend 80% of the course will be deemed to have excluded themselves from assessment’.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Unfortunately, the proposal was not positively deemed and failed to secure the necessary funding.

The building was deemed unfit for human habitation and soon after demolished and replaced by an apartment block.

The contract was deemed to have been made in New Zealand and therefore subject to local law.

Submission of assignments by electronic means is deemed acceptable for the purposes of assessment.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What level of English is deemed acceptable to study at a New Zealand university?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: power

balance of power / pulling power / more power to your elbow /purchasing power / staying power

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What proportion of New Zealand’s electricity is generated from rivers and lakes ?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Professor Ralph Sims from Massey University. He’s explaining about energy use

Questions for the article:

1) What proportion of the world’s energy use is devoted to heating?

25%

50%

75%

2) Which of these is given as an example of a renewable source of energy for heating buildings?

wood

natural gas

fossil fuels

3) What is the main concern described with traditional open fires?

efficiency

safety

expense

4) Heat pumps with horizontal pipes are ....... than the vertical model.

more efficient

longer-lasting

cheaper

5) Hot underground water is not used as much for heating houses in Rotorua because of concerns about its impact on ...

tourism

the environment

the indigenous culture

6) Why is Europe ahead of New Zealand in adopting renewable energy for heating homes?

legal commitments

technological advantages

greater population

7) What prediction does Ralph Sims make regarding future energy costs?

NZ costs will continue to be higher than those of Europe

Local energy production will become more competitive

Higher taxation will give users an increased incentive to switch to renewable sources

8) Which of these will be the subject of intense activity during the next few months?

oil and gas exploration off the New Zealand coast

negotiations regarding energy efficiency legislation

plans to diversify sources of energy in New Zealand

Part 7: Referencing tip of the day

What’s the most common way of writing in-text references?

Put the author’s SURNAME and the YEAR OF PUBLICATION of the book or article inside brackets at the end of the sentence or sentences where you referred to it

[EXAMPLE] .... is an essential component of academic writing (Emerson, 2009).

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Today’s online resource: APA interactive - an online tool helping you to format your end-of-text references

Today’s Video suggestion: The Power presented by Snap – still getting kinda heavy twenty years on!

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manifest

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:43:00 GMT

Today’s picture: A local tattoo parlour

Part 1: Today's word

‘Manifest’ can be used as a verb or an adjective. The adjective ‘manifest’ means really clear. You could say that the idea that a person can go back in time is manifestly absurd. The verb ‘manifest’ means to ‘show’. So, for example, if you avoid talking to someone and change your routine so that you don’t meet the person, you are manifesting an unwillingness to deal with them. In contract law, if an offer is made, it is important that there is a clear outward manifestation of acceptance – in other words, something is said or done that makes it clear that the offer has been accepted. And if something ‘manifests itself’ it means it becomes clear that it exists.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Genius usually manifests itself in early childhood.

The company manifested little interest in the proposal until late in the process.

The manifest brilliance of the presentation blinded the audience to certain key flaws in the underlying theory.

She didn’t manifest herself able to cope with the challenges of the new position.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are the most common outward manifestations of affection, impatience and boredom?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: stress

chill out / take a chill pill / unwind / put your feet up / laid-back

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which festival of world music takes place this weekend (March 12^th – 14^th) in the city of New Plymouth?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Australian ABC radio about stress and the brain. If features two leading scientists – the neuroscientist, Professor Bruce McEwen and the paediatrician, Professor Tom Boyce.

vocabulary

exhilarated / paradoxical / self-esteem / out of sync / pecking order / resilient

Questions for the article:

1) High stress levels can cause ill health because of increased...

calorie intake

inflammation

need for control

2) To explain the research done with children, Tom Boyce uses the analogy of ...

building

archaeology

neurology

3) Epigenetic changes influence the ......... of genes

expression

inheritance

combination

4) The way the body reacts to a challenging situation is known as ...

autonomia

metabolism

allostasis

5) Tom Boyce has found that children lower down the social scale are more ...

aggressive

reactive

depressed

6) These more subordinate children tend to develop problems with their ..

teeth

feet

stomachs

7) Researchers have found that stress is associated with lower efficiency in ...

the amygdala

the brain stem

the pre-frontal cortex

8) Women seem to be more resilient to stress because of the effects of ...

social conditioning

oestrogen

dendrites

9) Proper parenting allows children to ...

increase oestrogen levels

take controlled risks

climb the pecking order

10) People with a small hippocampus have been found to ...

speak less effectively in public

adjust less effectively to stressful situations

produce lower levels of cortisol

11) According to Professor McEwen, ‘brain-based’ public policy would put less emphasis on ...

competition

working schedules

family responsibilities

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Today’s online resource:

How to cope with stress - useful advice from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

Today’s Video suggestion:

the logical song performed by Supertramp

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dichotomy

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:45:52 GMT

Today’s picture: dragons in Albert Park, Auckland

Part 1: Today's word

If there is a dichotomy between two categories, it means there is a clear difference between them – like black and white. It means something can be in one category or in another – there is nothing in between. The word ‘dichotomy’ is often used to criticise this kind of thinking – for example, to challenge the dichotomy between two qualities. The opposite of dichotomy is a continuum. If you believe that there is a continuum between two qualities, it means that they gradually change, so that at any point, something may have a mixture of the two qualities.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Her work challenges the false dichotomy between abstract and representational art.

His philosophy is in the grey area between the dichotomies of Marxist and Post-structural thought.

Social work research needs to span the dichotomy between professional and academic knowledge.

She rejected the traditional qualitative-quantitative dichotomy in favour of an approach which incorporated elements of both perspectives.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do you know of any artists or writers who have challenged the dichotomy between

* materialism and idealism?

* the traditional and the modern?

* the arts and the sciences?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: dreams

a dream team / a pipe dream / dream on! / go like a dream / a dream come true!

today’s new word from MacMillan: fridge-googling

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Where could you study the subject of sleep and dreams in New Zealand ?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with an American professor, Dr. Yuval Nir, who discusses research about dreams

Questions for the article:

1) What kind of research method uses data from people’s memories of what they’ve dreamt about?

phenomenology

neurology

psychiatry

2) R.E.M sleep is also known as paradoxical sleep because ...

it happens early in the morning

the brain is very active

it’s more difficult to wake up

3) The deepest sleep tends to take place ...

in the middle of the night

just before REM sleep starts

early in the night

4) The dichotomy between R.E.M and Slow-wave sleep ...

is no longer accepted

is correct up to 70% of the time

is mainly restricted to the latter part of the sleep cycle

5) What evidence is there for the reliability of reports of dreams?

lie detectors

sleep disorders

body movements

6) Muscle atonia ...

allows us to act out our dreams

is characteristic of non-REM sleep

probably evolved as a defence mechanism

7) Dr Nir’s research correlates the emotional content of dreams with ...

the status of specific neurones

activity in different areas of the brain

unusual bodily movements

8) Recurring dreams provide an opportunity for researchers to ...

conduct non-invasive investigation of brain activity

relate the content of dreams to specific brain activity

develop therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder

9) The children who report the most dreams tend to be those ...

who experience the deepest emotions while in REM sleep

with the best mental imagery skills

who are most able to construct a verbal narrative

10) Lucid dreaming ...

is a useful tool in cognitive behavioural therapy

is not supported by clear research evidence

allows subjects to control their dreams through conscious eye movements

11) Dr Nir believes that dreaming ...

allows people to express their creativity

facilitates the sorting, deletion and storage of data files in the brain

is essentially a goal-oriented process

12) Research with people who’ve had brain injuries provides evidence for the link between dreams and ...

waking imagination

brain stem activity

low frontal cortex activation

13) Which of these areas of the brain is particularly active during dreams?

Broca’s area

the pre-frontal cortex

the limbic system

14) Dr Nir views the range of sleep behaviours as ..

a continuum

counter-intuitive

more prevalent than commonly believed

15) Dr Nir believes that dreams ...

are bottom-up responses to waking experience

have little relation to external stimuli

involve signal propogation from the eyes to the brain

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Today’s online resource:

spelling and pronunciation test for the academic words from January and February 2010

Today’s Video suggestion:

Nightswimming by R.E.M

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adhere

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:36:57 GMT

Today’s picture: Stained glass window, Auckland Town Hall

Part 1: Today's word

Adhere means to stick. So if something adheres to a surface, it sticks. It’s commonly used to talk about ideas and contracts too. So, if you adhere to a set of beliefs, it means you believe in these things and follow them in your everyday life. And in law, it’s important to adhere to the terms of a contract – otherwise, you will be in breach of contract and may be sued for damages by the other party.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The substance will adhere to most surfaces, making it an ideal constituent of glue.

My client adhered strictly to the terms of the contract until the breach occurred.

Courts will, in general, adhere to the principle of freedom of contract in interpreting restraint of trade cases.

She decided to adhere to her existing company, despite several attractive offers from rival firms.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do you adhere to any specific philosophy or set of beliefs?

Which kinds of surface does paint adhere well or poorly to?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: small

in the small hours

small-minded

it’s small wonder

thankful for small mercies

a big fish in a small pond

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which New Zealand sports team is in the semi-final of the A-league?

Auckland Blues / Waikato Chiefs / Wellington Phoenix / Waitakere City

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with a leading New Zealand scientist, Dr Shaun Hendy. He explains what nanotechnology is and how it is being used for practical applications.

Questions for the article:

1) Who is considered the founder of nanotechnology?

Richard Feynman

Ernest Rutherford

the ancient Greeks

2) Why is it not possible to use optical microscopes in nanotechnology?

light cannot be reliably manipulated

the wavelength of light is too large

light waves can damage individual electrons

3) X-rays can also be used in nanotechnology because of ...

their short wavelength

their ease of manipulation

their ability to pass through atoms

4) An American research institute has used a tunnelling microscope to ...

market their logo to millions of people

magnify their logo billions of times

write their logo in atoms

5) A major challenge for nanotechnology is ...

to be able to manipulate individual atoms

to increase its efficiency

produce clear images of atomic structures

6) How long will Moore’s law remain valid with the use of conventional technology?

five more years

ten more years

twenty more years

7) When does Dr Hendy estimate that we will start building computers that are more complex than the human brain?

by 2015

within ten years

before 2030

8) What effect is nanotechnology expected to have on DNA sequencing?

it will soon replace it

it will make it increasingly important

it will make it cheaper and faster

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Today’s online resource:

spelling and pronunciation test for the last 10 academic words

Today’s Video suggestion:

all the small things performed by Blink 182

merit

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:39:05 GMT

Today’s picture: Rangitoto Island

Part 1: Today's word

The merits of something are its positive attributes – in other words, its strengths. Sometimes, essay questions at university require you to discuss ‘the merits or otherwise’ of a proposal, which means you need to identify and explain the main strengths and weaknesses. If a proposal is without merit, it means it is no good at all!

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

There is a brief debate on the merits of the Bill before it is sent to the appropriate select committee for more detailed evaluation.

The minister had no comment to make on the merits or otherwise of the proposed supercity.

You are required to present a balanced evaluation of both the merits and the advantages of each company structure.

Frank Sargeson’s cultural importance for New Zealand should not be allowed to overshadow the pure literary merit of his writing.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are the merits or otherwise of the requirement to take elective papers outside your chosen discipline?

Would you say your own work has any literary or artistic merit?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: writing

put pen to paper / a good write-up / the pen is mightier than the sword / the writing’s on the wall / it’s nothing to write home about

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these was a famous twentieth-century New Zealand writer ?

Katherine Mansfield / Simone de Beauvoir / Virginia Woolf /Harper Lee

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a short extract from a documentary about a famous New Zealand writer, Frank Sargeson, who lived on the North Shore in Auckland.

Questions for the article:

1) Frank Sargeson is especially celebrated for ....

combining an artistic and literary career

bringing a New Zealand voice to the London and New York arts scene

expressing a New Zealand identity in his work

2) Frank Sargeson spent the last years of his life ...

living on a busy road in Takapuna

in a relatively quiet dairy farm near Takapuna

working in Takapuna Public Library

3) What was the influence of Frank’s uncle on his writing?

he encouraged Frank to start writing novels

he was a great storyteller

He was strict and old-fashioned

4) Frank Sargeson lived ...

in a small hippy commune in the 1970s

alone in a house piled high with books

a lonely life dependent on alcohol

5) Frank’s love for the young man in his bible class ...

led to him leaving home

was expressed in his first short stories

made it clear to him that he was homosexual

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Today’s Video suggestion:

language by the New Zealand singer, Dave Dobbyn

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reciprocal

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:06:20 GMT

Today’s picture: Chinese lantern festival, Auckland

Part 1: Today's word

A reciprocal arrangement is two-way – it means you do something for a person and that person does something in return for you. All legal contracts need to be reciprocal – the offeror must receive something in return for their offer – in New Zealand law, this is called ‘consideration’. This two-way quality is called reciprocity.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The countries have a reciprocal pension agreement, allowing residents of either country to transfer their pensions freely without any penalties.

The students insisted on a reciprocal opportunity to take the examination, which had been badly disrupted by building noise during the first sitting.

Massey students can borrow books from most university libraries in New Zealand and Australia under a wide-ranging reciprocal arrangement between universities in the region.

The Study Abroad scheme is a reciprocal arrangement which allows overseas students to spend a semester here, just as our students have the opportunity of studying at some of the best universities abroad.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do you know of any other reciprocal arrangements between universities?

What are the benefits of reciprocal arrangements between companies?

Apart from the reciprocal aspects of offer and acceptance supported by consideration, what is the other basic element of a simple contract?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: English words made in China

chop chop (from Cantonese ‘chuk chuk’)

gung ho (from Mandarin ‘gung he’)

kowtow (from Mandarin ‘kou tou’)

tea (from Amoy dialect) / cha(r) (from Mandarin)

yen (from Cantonese)

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which is the furthest east of all New Zealand’s cities?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Meng Foon, the ethnically-Chinese Mayor of the City of Gisborne

Questions for the article:

1) What is Meng Foon’s connection with the song ‘Tu Mai’?

He judged it

He wrote it

He funded its production

2) He became Mayor of the city of Gisborne ...

after visiting the homes of all the voters

after building up the city’s largest fruit business

on his second attempt

3) He first got the idea of becoming involved in local politics ..

because of the unfair taxes his businesses were forced to pay

from a friend who was already involved

in order to set up a local community police station

4) At his elementary school he ....

met Maori workers

learnt his first Maori words

learnt about Maori culture

5) His Maori language skills have improved over the last few years because ...

he’s presented a Maori language course on television

he’s had many different opportunities to practise

he has received instruction in the local dialects

6) He regards one of his main strengths as being his ...

involvement in the community

use of modern technologies

ability to promote his local area internationally

7) What struck him most on his first visit to China was ...

how much he felt at home

hearing Cantonese widely-spoken on the street

the relatively high standard of living

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Today’s online resource:Tu mai performed by the kids of Hiruharama School

Today’s musical suggestion:East of the sun, west of the moon performed by Billie Holliday

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encapsulate

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:45:26 GMT

Today’s picture: Rugby on Piha Beach, near Auckland - a scene which, for me, encapsulates New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

If something encapsulates a theory, a culture, a story etc it represents all of the key features in a clear and concise way. You might say, for instance, that The Beatles encapsulate 1960’s culture or that Richie McCaw encapsulates all that’s best about New Zealand rugby.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Can you encapsulate the proposal again for those who arrived late?

It’s difficult to encapsulate such a complex culture in a single work of art.

For many people, the concept of the geek is (perhaps unfairly) encapsulated by Bill Gates – small, white, wearing glasses and obsessed with technology.

Las Vegas encapsulates all that is best – and worst – about the American entertainment industry.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which image encapsulates New Zealand for you?

Who encapsulates all that’s best or worst about the modern male or female?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: words

mum’s the word / give your word / put the word out / take my word for it / I couldn’t get a word in edgewise or edgeways

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

How many indigenous languages are there in New Zealand?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Australian Radio with an American Professor, Paul Frommer, who invented the language used in the film Avatar. You can also read the text of the interview here

1) Professor Frommer works in ...

a Linguistics Department

a Faculty of Film Studies

a Business School

2) The director of Avatar gave Professor Frommer an interview because ...

he’d seen some of his previous work

he’d collaborated with him on another project

a friend had recommended Professor Frommer

3) Which aspect of the invented language did they start with?

word-building

the sounds

the grammar

4) The Nav’i language website was set up by ...

the film studio

fans of the language

linguistics professors

5) Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ could not be translated into Nav’i because ..

it has already been translated into Klingon

there are no native speakers of Nav’i

the Nav’i vocabulary is too small

6) Conlangers ...

invent languages

study made-up languages

develop networks for speakers of endangered languages

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Today’s online resource:

Online Maori dictionary

Today’s Video suggestion:

I see you from the movie ‘Avatar’

________________________________________________________________

transition

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:25:06 GMT

Today’s picture: Waterskiing in Albany

Part 1: Today's word

Transition is the process of changing from one situation to another – a process that typically involves familiarisation with the new situation and restructuring of existing skills and procedures. If students want to make a successful transition to postgraduate study, they’ll need to develop new reading and writing skills. In today’s interview, my colleague Vanessa talks about her role in helping students make this transition.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The film is a subtle portrayal of a society in transition.

The university is working towards a permanent transition to digital resources.

The transition between school and university is not always a smooth one.

Unfortunately, he failed to make the transition to the Premier League and spent a frustrating year without appearing once for the first team.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What support did you receive during your transition from primary to secondary school – or from school to university?

What aspects of society are in transition?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: journal articles

abstract / state-of-the-art review / appendices / glossary / IMRAD

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which of these well-known American singers will be performing in New Zealand in March 2010?

Beyonce Knowles / Mariah Carey / Whitney Houston

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with my colleague, Vanessa Van Der Ham, one of our postgraduate learning advisors. The questions and the interviews are included in my podcast, which you can listen to by clicking on ‘play’ above.

Vocabulary for the article:

to tailor a service

Questions for the article:

1) Which students does Vanessa especially work with?

international undergraduate students

researchers in the College of Business

students taking postgraduate papers

2) Which of these is one of the challenges of the transition to postgraduate study?

detailed internet search skills

critical analysis of theory

memorising large amounts of technical data

3) Which of these genres do postgraduate students have to become familiar with?

academic essays

business reports

literature reviews

4) Which of these services does Vanessa provide?

presentations on critical reading of research

proofreading of final drafts of research reports

instruction in research methods

5) Which of these subjects did Vanessa study at university herself?

nursing

management

psychology

6) In what way are the postgraduate workshops tailored for particular courses?

they are delivered by subject-specific tutors

they focus on timing and specifications of particular assignments

the content of the workshop is developed by the lecturer

7) What is Vanessa’s view of the academic support offered by the University where she studied?

she wasn’t aware of it at the time

it helped her to structure her assignments

it wasn’t available in those days

8) Which other source of one-to-one support for postgraduate students does Vanessa recommend?

the statistics department

the careers office

the library

9) What aspect of New Zealand life does Vanessa especially recommend international students to make the most of?

the natural environment

cultural activities

team sports

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Today’s media link:Massey library services for postgraduates

Today’s Video suggestion:Step by Step performed by Whitney Houston

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envisage

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:09:25 GMT

Today’s picture: Bethel’s Beach, 40 minutes away from Albany, on the West Coast

Part 1: Today's word

If you can envisage something, you can imagine how it might be. It’s used to talk about general plans for the future. For instance, in planning our new library at Albany, we envisaged students working in small study groups, so we designed special furniture and IT connections for this. For most young people, it’s difficult to envisage living without a mobile phone – that means they would find it hard to imagine.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

When they started building the campus in Albany, they could never have envisaged how quickly the area would develop.

How do you envisage using your qualification when you graduate from Massey?

Radical management thinkers envisage a future in which traditional organisations will be replaced by flexible, task-based structures.

It’s important to envisage your essay clearly in order to develop a logical structure that addresses the question.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

How do you envisage using your qualification when you graduate from Massey?

Would you find it hard to envisage life without a mobile phone, the internet or television?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: brain

a brainbox / brain-dead / rack your brains / have something on the brain / the brains behind something

Use the MacMillan Online Dictionary to check the meaning and use of new words and to develop your vocabulary

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which sports competition features the New Zealand teams the Blues, the Crusaders, the Highlanders and the Hurricanes?

the terrific ten / the dynamic dozen / the super fourteen / the sensational sixteen

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a Radio New Zealand interview with Professor Jean Fleming from the University of Otago – she talks about the biology of the brain.

Questions for the interview

1) What have scientists recently discovered about the brain?

it has some power to create new neurons

nerve cells begin to die from the age of 30

the brain is divided into right and left hemispheres

2) Compared to other types of cell, some neurons tend to be ...

more able to divide

longer

more delicate

3) The main function of neurons is to ...

transfer electrical signals

connect the body and the mind

respond to changes in the environment

4) A synapse is ...

a basic neurotransmitter

a chemical used to transmit electrical signals

a space between neurons

5) Neurotransmitters ...

stimulate activity in surrounding cells

cause an electrical change in another neuron

are chemicals which are only found in the brain

6) There are 100 000 000 000 000 .... in the brain

neurons

connections between neurons

electrical transmissions per second

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Today’s news story: Orientation Programme at Massey

Today’s Video suggestion: Comic sketch about brain surgery performed by Monty Python

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threshold

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:27:19 GMT

Today’s picture: Tongariro Crossing – a popular New Zealand walk

It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case, you fail by default.JK Rowling (2007)

Part 1: Today's word

A threshold is a point at which something important changes. For example, a tax threshold is the level of income at which you start to pay a particular tax rate. Your boredom threshold is the point at which you start to feel bored. So, students with a low boredom threshold find it hard to sit and listen to a lecture for two hours. And if you’re on the threshold of a new experience, a new discovery or a new phase in your life, it means you’re just on the point of reaching it – and making an important and lasting change.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Investors with a low risk threshold should probably avoid holding stocks in emerging economies, which tend to be more volatile.

Water quality was acceptable with levels of pathogens well below the accepted international threshold for intervention and control.

Despite over a hundred years of feminism, the threshold between the sexes remains stubbornly large, whether we consider social, economic or political indices.

The team was on the threshold of potentially ground-breaking discoveries when their funding was inexplicably cut.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Are you on the threshold of a new phase in your life?

What advice would you give to someone on the threshold of a teaching career?

What advice would you give to someone who says they have a low boredom threshold?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: failure

a flop

put your foot in it

a faux-pas

a fiasco

a fish out of water

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which successful rock band have recently toured New Zealand?

ACDC / REM / ELO / OMD

Part 6: Today’s online presentation

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

This is a video of a speech given at Harvard University by, JK Rowling the author of the Harry Potter books. She talks about what she has learnt from her own experiences of failure and of the importance of imagination.

Vocabulary for the article:

Here are some extracts from the speech. I’ve put some of the words in red and below each extract, I’ve put three possible definitions. Read carefully, without a dictionary and try to work out the correct definition. This is a very important skill for you to develop in your own reading.

This liberating discovery allows me to proceed without any fear of inadvertently influencing you to abandon promising careers ...

by accident

in theory

in practice

I have come up with two answers.

produced new answers

found answers in a book

been undecided between different answers

I want to extol the crucial importance of imagination.

positively highlight

critically examine

intellectually analyse

These may seem paradoxical choices, but please bear with me.

contradictory

essential

narrow

My overactive imagination was an amusing personal quirk ...

fundamental personal weakness

unusual aspect of a person’s character

unique talent

A compromise was reached that, in retrospect, satisfied nobody ...

inevitably

unfortunately

looking back

I had a knack for passing examinations ..

weakness

dislike

talent

You will never truly know yourself or the strength of your relationships until both have been tested by adversity.

misfortune

marketing

conflict

Life is difficult and complicated and beyond anyone’s total control and the humility to know that will help you survive its vicissitudes

challenges

changes

complexities

.. ex-political prisoners, people who had been displaced from their homes or fled into exile because they had the temerity to speak against their governments.

pride

carelessness

bravery

Questions for the article:

1) What lesson did JK Rowling draw from her own experience of attending a commencement address while she was at university?

the need to inspire students to follow their dreams

the fact that such events have little long-term impact

the risk of influencing students to follow uncertain career paths

2) Why might JK Rowling’s choice of topic seem paradoxical?

she is highlighting the positives of two phenomena that might seem out of place on such a day

she is encouraging people to study at university, even though she didn’t succeed at university herself

she is undermining the value of university study at the exact moment when she should be promoting it

3) What kind of degree did her parents want her to take?

one that would satisfy her intellectual curiosity

one that would lead directly to a good job

one that did not involve academic writing

4) During her years of failure ....

her parents blamed her for not having followed their advice

she was divorced, homeless and dependent on state benefits

she learnt to prioritise her activities

5) Which of these benefits did JK Rowling gain from failure?

greater self-knowledge

more friends

more realistic expectations

6) During her early working experience she learnt...

the strength of the human imagination

practical therapy techniques for victims of torture

how to organise political campaigns against undemocratic governments

7) JK Rowling believes that those who do not exercise their imaginations in order to understand how other people live ...

avoid discomfort, though at the expense of reducing their pleasure

actively support totalitarian regimes

are responsible for allowing injustices to take place

8) J K Rowling argues that the graduates she is addressing have a special opportunity to make the world a better place because ..

they are highly-educated Americans

they have more knowledge about politics and economics

they come from the higher social classes and have influential jobs

9) Which of these do we need to do better in order to address important global problems?

organise

study

imagine

10) Her final message is inspired by ...

a writer she studied at university

a good friend she graduated with

her own experience of success and failure

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Grammar Focus:

Here is an example from JK Rowling’s speech of the grammar structure we looked at the other day

Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena where I felt I truly belonged.

It's a variation of the third conditional - she could equally have said: 'If I had really succeeded at anything else, .....'

................................................................................................................................

Today’s news story: From a Calcutta brothel to a New York university

Today’s Video suggestion:

Mi ultimo fracaso performed by Trio los Panchos

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cluster

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:29:43 GMT

Today’s picture: Underwater clusters

Part 1: Today's word

A cluster is a group of similar items which are found together. In statistics, it’s important to recognise clusters in charts and interpret them. In business, Michael Porter is famous for recognising the importance of clusters of businesses as part of international competitiveness.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

She suggested that clusters of incidences of leukemia and other cancers suggested environmental causes which needed investigation.

Each mountain valley had a cluster of pretty white cottages, once inhabited by local shepherds, but now used as holiday homes for wealthy city-dwellers.

The defences comprised a single, widely-separated cluster of brick, wooden and concrete structures.

Albany is home to a small but significant cluster of hi-tech industries.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Are there any business clusters in your neighbourhood?

When large groups of students are waiting to go into lectures, what clusters do they tend to form?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: social

social engineering

anti-social

social climber

social conscience

social enterprise

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which well-known Massey University sociologist received the Royal Society New Zealand Science and Technology medal for 2009?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview with a sociologist, Dr. Prudence Stone

Questions for the article:

1) In the 1970’s, which group of people were particularly attracted to sociology?

women

politicians

academics

2) Nowadays, sociology focuses especially on ....

controlled experiment

social relationships

environmental sustainability

3) Sociologists view society as ...

a theoretical concept that has to be imagined

a concrete structure comprising independent variables

a historical fiction that reduces individual responsibility

4) Which of these other disciplines involves the application of sociological theory and methods?

psychoanalysis

economics

criminology

5) The sociological imagination is necessary for ..

academics to write creatively about society

individuals to create and sustain their identity

politicians to exploit social issues

6) How does Dr Stone feel we need to treat the concept of ‘free will’?

optimistically

critically

politically

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Today’s media link: What is sociology

Today’s Video suggestion: Another award-winning social thinker, Beyonce delivering a message about gender and relationships

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refute

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:57:57 GMT

Today’s picture: Marine life in Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

If you refute a claim, you reject it – in other words you either say or prove that it’s false. For example, it’s quite common to read in the newspaper that a public figure has refuted reports that he or she has been involved in some scandal or crime.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Paula MacDonald’s lawyer immediately issued a statement refuting these claims in the strongest terms: ‘They are absolutely without foundation’.

Unfortunately, the two theories refute each other – particularly on the issue of the age of the universe.

The evidence refutes the common belief that vitamin supplements are necessary for general health.

The board of directors refuted the suggestion that the changes were simply a cost-cutting method.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Have you had to refute any claims that people have made about your country?

Which arguments or theories have been refuted in the lectures you’ve attended?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: criticism

a critique / to critique an article

constructive criticism

to slag someone off

thick-skinned

a hatchet job

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which public holiday is celebrated next Monday (1^st February) in Auckland?

Auckland anniversary

Waitangi Day

Anzac Day

The Queen’s Birthday

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from the BBC with the Management thinker, Russell Ackoff.

Vocabulary for the article:

snippet / enthralled / in the mind of the beholder / a soundbite

Questions for the article:

1) Russell Ackoff believes that management courses need to include more ..

professional criticism

technological know-how

practical experience

2) Russell Ackoff’s main criticism of operational research was that ...

it didn’t view organisations as an interactive system

it was too old-fashioned for the modern business world

it didn’t allow managers to make mistakes

3) How did his training as an architect influence his management thinking?

it gave him a great visual intelligence in management

It helped him to focus on the organisation as a whole

it helped him to develop a great attention to detail

4) How does Russell Ackoff feel that business schools are contributing to the development of management practice?

They are creating innovative new ideas

They are working in partnership with corporations

They are making progress more difficult

5) Which kinds of error are the most serious ones a manager can make?

errors of commission

errors of omission

errors of admission

6) In order to learn effectively from experience, managers need to keep records of ...

every decision they made not to do something

every mistake which they observed among their colleagues

every example of good practice which they encountered

7) Which of these factors makes problems seem more complex?

inter-relatedness

familiarity

relativity

8) Which kind of thinking is harder for managers?

logical

analytical

synthetic

9) Which of these models of a corporation is Charles Taylor most associated with?

biological

mechanistic

social

.....................................................................................................................

Grammar Focus: third conditional with sentence inversion

Had those assumptions been correct, they would have acquired the company.

(from the lecture by Russell Ackoff)

It’s quite common in academic writing to speculate about things that might have happened in the past and what the consequences might have been. The most common sentence structure for this is the third conditional:

If + past perfect + would/ could/ might have done

If the French had colonised New Zealand, rugby probably would not have become the national game.

However, it’s also quite common to use sentence inversion instead of the ‘if- clause’. For instance:

Had the French colonised New Zealand, rugby probably would not probably have become the national game.

Here are some factual sentences about the past. Use the ‘Had ....’ structure to speculate about what might have been. Listen to my examples on the recording (there could be different possible answers)

1) Auckland University turned down the offer to build a campus in Albany, so Massey University did so.

2) The city of Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1930’s. As a result, it was rebuilt in the art deco style.

3) Trade with China has grown substantially since New Zealand signed the Free Trade agreement.

4) The Labour Party offended many Maoris by signing the Foreshore and Seabed Act. As a result, some members left to form the Maori Party.

5) Huia feathers became popular fashion accessories in the early twentieth century. As a result, the bird soon became extinct.

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Today’s online link: Russell Ackoff explaining systems thinking

Today’s musical suggestion: How to save a life performed by The Frays .... I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life

________________________________________________________________

phenomenon

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:24:22 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from Tongariro Crossing, a well-known walking track in the middle of the North Island, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

A phenomenon is a thing or activity which is interesting or unusual in some way. It’s often used for the topic which is being researched and if there’s more than one topic, the plural form ‘phenomena’ is used. Today’s online listening is about the phenomenon of globalisation and its wide-ranging impacts on everyday life around the world.

The custom of young New Zealanders travelling round the world is not a recent phenomenon.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The practice of fathers of migrant families staying at home while their families start a new life in New Zealand is a relatively recent phenomenon.

It’s possible to purchase a wide range of interesting phenomena online.

This research project aims to analyse the phenomenon of identity theft in the pre- and post- internet age.

Newton’s real achievement was to explain a number of apparently unconnected phenomena through one unified theory.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Apart from blogging, what other global phenomena have been in the news recently?

Are there any phenomena in your field that are still unexplained?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: world

it’s not the end of the world

think the world revolves around you

without a care in the world

think the world owes you a living

think the world of someone

to be worlds apart

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which was the top Asian country for New Zealand exports?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a lecture about globalisation by the famous British academic, Anthony Giddens, who was the director of the London School of Economics at the time.

Vocabulary for the article:

Very often it is possible to guess the meaning of new vocabulary if you use the clues in the context. Here are some examples of unfamiliar vocabulary from Giddens’ lecture. See if you can guess the correct meaning of the words in red. I will explain the word on the recording.

It isn't just a matter of people adding modern paraphernalia - videos, TVs, personal computers and so forth - to their traditional ways of life.

Globalisation has something to do with the thesis that we now all live in one world

Authors like Ohmae see the economic difficulties of last year as demonstrating the reality of globalisation, albeit seen from its disruptive side.

Yet the advent of satellite communications marks every bit as dramatic a break with the past

Local nationalisms spring up as a response to globalising tendencies, as the hold of older nation-states weakens.

Globalisation, of course, isn't developing in an even-handed way, and is by no means wholly benign in its consequences

We should and we can look to achieve greater control over our runaway world. We shan't be able to do so if we shirk the challenges

Questions for the article:

1) The first example about the African village shows ...

      the global popularity of American television

      the widespread reach of Western culture

      the survival of traditional customs in a globalised world

2) Sceptics believe that globalisation is ...

      a myth

      a mistake

      an accident

3) Radicals believe that ...

      globalisation is a negative influence on society

      politicians need to regulate globalisation

      the power of Governments has declined

4) What is the biggest indication of globalisation, according to Anthony Giddens?

      high levels of world trade

      the global reach of Western culture

      global money flows

5) How much faster has the spread of the internet been compared to the spread of radio?

      ten times

      forty times

      one hundred times

5) According to Daniel Bell, the nation state is too ....

      slow to respond to global changes

      big to deal with small problems

      weak to challenge multinational companies

6) The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 ...

      created the modern form of globalisation

      was one result of globalisation

      led to criticisms of globalisation

7) Globalisation has been accompanied by ...

      a growing gap between rich and poor

      increased environmental awareness

      an accelerated process of centralisation

8) What is Giddens’ view of protectionism?

      it is an inherently flawed strategy

      it is frequently necessary for developing countries

      It should only be used with great care

9) Which of these does Giddens present as an example of a ‘shell institution’?

      the family

      national banks

      oil companies

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Today’s news story:

Ellen, 104, still working out at the wheel

Today’s Video suggestion:

The world that we live in performed by The Killers

________________________________________________________________

stereotype

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:16:06 GMT

Today’s picture: Underwater scenes at Matauri, New Zealand (thanks to Heather O’Brien)

Part 1: Today's word

A stereotype is an image or opinion about a group of people, which is very common but is too simple and limited for the real world. A stereotypical Englishman, for instance, would be organised, punctual and find it hard to express his feelings. Of course, this is a very simple idea which doesn’t represent the diversity of real English people. Sometimes stereotypes may have a ‘grain of truth’, but the problem is that many stereotypes embody negative and unfair views of people and can lead to discrimination.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The organisation shared the stereotypical assumptions of the period about male and female genders.

Coverage of immigrants in the media remains negative and stereotypical.

The guitarist was accompanied by the stereotypical rock-star girlfriend: tall, blonde and young enough to be his daughter.

Research has found that this behavior is stereotypical of the species, with 84% of animals exhibiting the behavior at least once during the period of observation.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What is a stereotypical person from your country supposed to be like?

Is there a grain of truth in the stereotype?

How closely do you conform to this stereotype?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: learning in the real world

learn the hard way

you live and learn

the school of hard knocks

the university of life

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Between 2004 and 2009 did more people leave or come to New Zealand?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a programme from BBC Radio about how a project to teach English on television in China thirty years ago and how things have changed since then.

Vocabulary for the article:

turmoil / austerity / aspirations / fizzle out

Questions for the article:

1) The content of ‘Follow Me’ was ....

light-hearted

political

academic

2) Most viewers watched the programme ...

during their lunchtimes

in groups

at home

3) ‘Follow Me’ was ....

an adaptation of an existing programme

an original Chinese production

a programme imported from the UK

4) The studio in which ‘Follow Me’ was produced was ....

very basic

always too hot

based on BBC technology

5) Which of these was given as an example of an English stereotype in the programme?

an item of clothing

a historical character

a food item

6) While she was in China 30 years ago, Kathy became used to being greeted by ...

foreigners living in China

political and cultural leaders

people from all walks of life

7) What impact did ‘Follow Me’ have on the teaching of English in China?

it encouraged a return to an earlier approach

It introduced a new approach

it highlighted the importance of grammar

8) On Kathy’s return to China in 2008, she noticed how ..

no longer use TV to learn English

pay more attention to foreigners they meet on the street

people now wear more brightly-coloured clothes

9) An important part of the target audience for the Chinese edition of ‘Time Out’ is ...

young Chinese employees of multinational companies

Chinese high school and university students

Chinese students living overseas

10) The slogan for the ‘Beijing Speaks English’ campaign ..

emphasises its long-term objectives

highlights the importance of English for employment

is linked to the Olympic ideal

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Today’s news story:

China edges out Germany to become the world’s largest exporter

Today’s Video suggestion:

Follow Me performed by Uncle Kracker

________________________________________________________________

microcosm

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:41:04 GMT

Today’s picture: Signpost from Driving Creek Railway Coromandel, NZ

Part 1: Today's word

A microcosm is a small system that includes all of the features of a larger system. So, for instance, you could say that South Auckland is a microcosm of the Pacific, since it includes all of the communities from the different Pacific islands all in one place. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing and use MacMillan’s online dictionary to check up those tricky words!

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

She argued that the family was a microcosm for society as a whole, particularly in the way it represented power relations between genders.

The town represents New Zealand in microcosm.

A well-developed soap opera, such as ‘Coronation Street’ or ‘Shortland Street’ is (or at least aspires to be) a microcosm of wider society.

The research team developed a carefully-balanced microcosm in order to study the creatures in their natural habitat.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Is your school or university a microcosm of society as a whole?

Which town or city in your country could best be considered a microcosm of the country as a whole?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: culture

multicultural / cross-cultural / culture shock / culture vulture

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

By which date are you supposed to remove Christmas decorations?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a short piece by a successful Australian businessman, Josef Assaf, who has become an expert on multicultural marketing. He describes his early days as an immigrant in Australia, working and learning the language before finally making it to university, while working in a factory at night. You can read and listen at the same time by clicking the link above to the ABC website.

Vocabulary for the article: bewildering / barter / decipher

Questions for the article:

1) Why did he get confused when he heard a woman say ‘hurry up’?

2) Why was he inappropriately dressed for his first job?

3) How was he treated by his bosses and co-workers?

4) What useful piece of advice had he received from his English teacher in his home country?

5) What did he feel that Australia is a microcosm of?

...................................................................................................................................

Today’s news story:Josef Assaf’s website

Today’s Video suggestion: Every kind of people performed by Robert Palmer

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synthesis

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:30:42 GMT

Today’s picture: Father Christmas in Central Auckland

Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind For those that here we see no more; Ring out the feud of rich and poor, Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out false pride in place and blood, The civic slander and the spite; Ring in the love of truth and right, Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease; Ring out the narrowing lust of gold; Ring out the thousand wars of old, Ring in the thousand years of peace.

from: In Memoriam (1850) by Alfred Tennyson

Part 1: Today's word

Synthesis is when different elements are combined together to produce a single product or when different ideas are combined together to produce a single, coherent argument. Most university assignments require students to synthesise ideas from different sources into a logical argument. In science, synthesis normally refers to the production of a new substance (such as proteins) by a chemical process.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Her music was a perfect synthesis of classical European and traditional West African influences.

His political philosophy developed from a synthesis of Keynesian economics and Marxist social theories.

The theory of Scientific Management will be synthesized into its four underlying principles, which will then be critically evaluated in relation to their contemporary relevance to global business.

This conceptual paper aims to critically evaluate existing theories in order to construct a synthetic model which could be used as the basis for empirical research.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Which Christmas or New Year customs represent a synthesis of different traditions (eg pagan and Christian, Western and Eastern, traditional and modern etc)

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Year

see/ring in the new year

see/ring out the old year

a gap year

a leap year

since the year dot

a New Year’s Resolution

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which is the first town in the world to see in the New Year?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a brief introduction to the European Emissions Trading Scheme.

Questions for the article:

1) If Centrica produces less CO2 than its allowance, it can ...

buy permits on the open market

sell permits to other companies

receive additional permits from governments in the scheme

2) The main purpose of the ETS is to create incentives for

companies to reduce their carbon emissions

European countries to buy carbon credits from developing countries

small businesses to compete technologically with multinational corporations

3) Free carbon credits are allocated in order to address concerns about ...

the possibility of profiting from pollution

the sustainability of traditional industries

competition with industries outside the European Union

4) Centrica is likely to buy carbon credits during periods of ...

economic growth

climate change

cold weather

5) During the interview, Centrica’s senior carbon trader ...

invested in the electricity futures market

bought and sold carbon credits at a small profit

finalised a deal with a power company

6) Climate Change Capital is a company which uses the ETS to ...

develop projects in China which reduce carbon emissions

campaign against methane emissions in China

replace harmful methane emissions with less harmful CO2

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Today’s media link:The Chinese art of face-changing

Today’s Video suggestion:The Perfect Year performed by Dina Carroll

________________________________________________________________

inextricable

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:32:53 GMT

Today’s picture: The Way Ahead? Coromandel, November 2009

Part 1: Today's word

If something is inextricable, it means you can’t separate it or escape from it. So, for example, it’s often argued that there’s an inextricable link between economic and environmental sustainability – you can’t have one without the other. It could also be argued that women’s education and children’s health are inextricably linked, since more educated women will tend to have better opportunities as well as practical knowledge that will lead to better health outcomes for their children.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The two issues need to be inextricably separated in order to avoid any confusion in relation to cause and effect.

Historians note that economic difficulties are inextricably linked to political unrest.

The economy of Panama continues to be inextricably tied to the volume of international shipping going through its canal.

The drug trade is, of course, inextricably linked to organized crime.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

They say that motivation is inextricably linked to academic success. Can you think of any other similar factors?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Out- verbs

outstrip/ outperform / outclass / outsmart / outweigh

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Which New Zealander directed the film ‘The Lovely Bones’?

Click here for photos of Coca Cola Christmas in the Park in Auckland on Saturday 12^th December.

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a report by a well-known British environmentalist, Jonathan Porritt, about moves towards the use of more ‘Green’ technology in China.

Questions for the article:

1) How many homes will be powered by the new wind farm?

2 000

20 000

200 000

2) One sign of China’s economic development is that it is now the world’s largest ...

consumer of energy

producer of steel

emitter of carbon dioxide

3) China has the same ................ as Europe.

number of solar panels

target for renewable energy

environmental regulations

4) BYD is China’s ..... company

fastest-growing

richest

most modern

5) How is the Chinese Government supporting the sale of electric vehicles?

technological assistance

regulatory assistance

financial assistance

6) In two or three years’ time, electric vehicles are expected to comprise approximately ....... of new car sales in China.

4%

12%

25%

7) Which major international event is scheduled for Shanghai in 2010?

An environmental conference

Asian-Pacific Games

An expo

8) How does the cost of a new electric car compare with a locally-made petrol-driven car in China?

with a Government subsidy, it’s the same cost

it’s nearly twice as expensive

it’s nearly seven times more expensive

9) In which area is Chinese motoring less environmentally-friendly than the West?

the quality of the fuel

the emissions standards

the high cost of car licences

10) The owner of Suntec believes that within the next five years, solar energy will be competitive with ...

coal-fired energy

nuclear energy

wind energy

11) Jonathan Porritt claims that China’s ability to live more sustainably is inextricably linked to ...

green technology

population growth

energy efficiency

12) If the Chinese population had continued to grow at the same rate as during the 1950’s, carbon emissions would be more than ...... tons a year higher.

1bn

10bn

400bn

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Today’s media resource:

The Climate Connection: Reports from cities around the world

Today’s Musical suggestion:

Return of the Fishing Boat

________________________________________________________________

premise

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:27:53 GMT

Today’s picture: Through the window of a beach hut, Coromandel, November 2009

Can I see another's woe, and not be in sorrow too?

Can I see another's grief, and not seek for kind relief?

Can I see a falling tear, and not feel my sorrow's share?

Can a father see his child weep nor be with sorrow filled?

Can a mother sit and hear an infant groan, an infant fear?

No, no! Never can it be! Never, never can it be!

From a poem by William Blake (1789) - 'woe' means 'unhappiness'

Part 1: Today's word

A premise is a basic idea which you believe is true and you use as a basis to develop your other ideas. So, it is the building block of theory.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

Her conclusions were based on the false premise that economic growth inevitably leads to social progress.

The basic utilitarian idea that our actions should aim to create the greatest good for the greatest number of people leads to unfortunate practical premises.

Medical ethics starts from the premise that a doctor must avoid doing any harm to his or her patients.

She contributed to the project on the premise that her involvement would remain confidential.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

On what premise do most students enter into university study?

In your experience, is this a false premise?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Lending

lend someone an ear

lend credence to something

a loan shark

collateral

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

Why does Franklin Street in Auckland attract a lot of visitors at this time of year?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is a video interview from the ABC Television, Australia with the Nobel-Prize winning economist Muhammad Yunus.

Vocabulary for the article:

eradicate

cornerstone

Questions for the article:

1) Muhammad Yunus’ first premise is that ...

poverty is not an essential feature of human society

poor people need to create structures to raise themselves out of poverty

poverty has been an inevitable consequence of social and economic development

2) Muhammad’s father was ....

an educated goldsmith

a religious family man

a conservative businessman

3) Muhammad’s idea of micro-credit came from ...

his deep studies of economics and finance

his collaboration with Latin-American academics

his conversations with poor people in Bangladesh

4) What is Muhammad’s opinion of conventional banks?

they need to be prepared to take greater lending risks

they are useful guarantors of the loans he makes to poor people

they are failing most people in the world

5) What are the ‘sixteen decisions’?

a set of legal principles to determine credit-worthiness

a set of social and environmental commitments

a contract between Muhammad’s bank and social agencies in developing countries

6) What is distinctive about a social business, such as Muhammad’s yoghurt company in Bangladesh?

the business avoids making any profit

there are no costs because all labour and materials are freely donated

investors don’t receive any profit on their capital

7) Muhammad attributes much of his success to his ability..

to learn from mistakes

to communicate his vision to a global audience

to conserve his energy for personal challenges

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Today’s musical suggestion: How can a poor man stand such times and live? performed by Bruce Springsteen

Today’s Video suggestion:South Pacific Business Development - a microfinance organisation based in Samoa

________________________________________________________________

scrutiny

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:40:17 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from Driving Creek, Coromandel, New Zealand

Part 1: Today's word

Scrutiny is close and careful examination. So, new scientific claims are subject to close scrutiny in order to check that the evidence and interpretation are accurate. If the claims stand up to scrutiny, it means that they are accepted even after detailed examination. Politicians can expect to have their accounts scrutinised, to make sure they are not wasting public money.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

The management’s record has come under increasingly intense scrutiny as news of losses has emerged.

The organisation set up a scrutiny of their accounts which revealed a number of irregularities.

The cultural limitations of the model have come under increased scrutiny as more qualitative research methods have been developed.

The impact of the new policy on staff morale will require careful scrutiny.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

Do you scrutinise your bank statements or supermarket receipts?

Has your work come under close scrutiny by your managers?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Hot

a hot potato

in the hot seat

blow hot and cold

hot under the collar

strike while the iron is hot

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

How many glaciers are there in the North Island of New Zealand?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand about global warming with the New Zealand meteorologist Eric Brenstrem.

Vocabulary for the article:

buck the trend

precipitation

fraudulent

ellipse

Questions for the article:

1) What is the biggest greenhouse gas?

h₂O

CO₂

H₂Cl₄

2) Without the greenhouse effect, the average sea level temperature in the world would be ............ degrees celsius

- 50

-15

30

3) The biggest rises in global temperatures have been found in ..... areas

urban

tropical

uninhabited

4) Satellite temperature readings which seemed to indicate some cooling were inaccurate due to errors with ...

faulty equipment

data gathering and analysis

critical scrutiny

5) Two major New Zealand glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef, advanced during the 1990’s as a result of ..

falling global temperatures

the end of the El Nino effect

temporary increases in snowfall

6) The data from South American mountains showed that ...

glaciers which had existed for 5000 years had melted away

H bombs had once been tested on these glaciers

glacier advance was dependent on the steepness of the mountains

7) During recent years, the rate of retreat of glaciers has ...

increased

remained steady

decreased

8) The hockey stick graph...

is based on thermometer readings made over one thousand years

indicates a rapid increase in temperature during the 20^th century

has been greeted with widespread scepticism by the scientific community

9) What is the main effect of CO2 on global warming?

It reverses a natural process

It causes a natural process

It enhances a natural process

10) Whether 1999 or 2005 was the hottest year ever depends on ...

the way global temperatures are measured

The El Nino effect

whether or not the Antarctic is included

11) 125 000 years ago, when the global temperature was slightly warmer than now, there was a big difference in ....

sea levels

volcanic activities

the earth’s orbit

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Today’s news story:

Icebergs and High Temperatures in New Zealand

Today’s Video suggestion:

Too darn hot performed by Cast of the London 2002 stage production of Cole Porter’s musical ‘Kiss Me Kate’ (which is based on Shakespeare’s play ‘The Taming of the Shrew’)

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mitigation

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:13:55 GMT

Today’s picture: bottle brush in bloom, Auckland, November 2009

Part 1: Today's word

Mitigate means to reduce the harm caused by something. So, for example, planting new trees can mitigate the damage caused by pollution. It is important to mitigate the effects of tourism on delicate natural environments in New Zealand – for instance, before going to TiriTiri Island , near Auckland, visitors are asked to clean their boots, to mitigate the risk of introducing seeds of alien plants. In law, the defence often presents mitigating evidence, which makes the crime seem less bad and may mean the judge gives a lighter sentence.

Click here

for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

All he could say, in mitigation, was that he had no regrets for any of his behaviour.

In mitigation, his lawyer explained that he had been suffering from depression at the time the offending took place.

The team developed a sophisticated computer model for the mitigation of earthquake damage.

The new owners offered generous compensation in mitigation for the costs and inconvenience of the relocation.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are typical mitigating factors that are used in court?

How can students mitigate the stress of examinations?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus: Law

common law

statute law

law-abiding people

Murphy’s law

take the law into your own hands

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

When was the death penalty last used in New Zealand?

Part 6: Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with a leading lawyer, Robert Lithgow. He talks about the system of giving discounts to people accused of crimes who plead guilty at the earliest reasonable opportunity.

Vocabulary for the article:

plea

incentivise

the food chain

discretion

remorse

Questions for the article:

1) Where is sentencing less flexible than in New Zealand?

California

Canada

the UK

2) One reason for the discount given for an early guilty plea is because ...

it makes the people feel bad

it saves money

it shows they didn’t intend to commit the crime

3) What is the standard ‘discount’ for an early guilty plea?

10 – 25%

25 – 33%

33 – 50%

4) The problem with the discount system is the lack of good advice in relation to the...

timing of the guilty plea

amount of the discount

impact on the victim

5) If the accused wants to receive the maximum discount, how long do they have to make a guilty plea after being charged with an offence?

24 hours

15 days

3 weeks

6) How much extra discount does someone get for expressing remorse?

there is no extra discount at all

up to 33% if they express remorse as early as possible

the additional discount is limited to 10%, except in cases of violence

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Today’s news story:

People want entertainer named

Today’s Video suggestion:

I fought the law performed by Bobby Fuller

________________________________________________________________

inherent

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:31:14 GMT

Today’s picture: Harbour scene from Christchurch

Part 1: Today's word

An inherent part of something is an essential feature that can’t be separated from it. You could say that politics is an inherently risky career, because the risk is an essential part of being a politician. However, you could argue that it isn’t inherently wrong for a politician to accept gifts, if you believe that it depends on the context.

Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

There are one or two inherent flaws in the system which means it needs careful monitoring.

He argued that one inherent weakness of the Free Trade agreement was the unequal size of the two economies.

The inherent problems in the policy will need to be solved in order to implement it effectively in the marketplace.

The solution was far from perfect, given the inherent difficulties of trying to satisfy the opposing sides.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are the inherent weaknesses of the New Zealand economy?

What are the inherent difficulties or challenges of studying at university in another country?

Part 4: Vocabulary Focus

this horse is out of the barn

it’s like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted

a head start

put the cart before the horse

a one-horse race

a Trojan horse

don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

flogging a dead horse

from the horse’s mouth

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

What is the name of the most famous horse in New Zealand and Australian history?

More details here

Part 6:Today’s online listening

This is an interview from Australian radio with American linguist, John McWhorter. It is about the topic of language loss. You can read an article on the same topic here

Questions for the article:

1) Eyak is an example of a language which

is full of beautiful words

has an extremely complex grammar

has recently become extinct

2) What percentage of the world’s languages are expected to survive the next 100 years?

6 %

10%

60 %

3) Generally how many generations does it take for language to die out when their speakers migrate?

one

two

three

4) New languages develop mainly through ..

geographical separation

development of new cultures

social and technological developments

5) What is John McWhorter’s general view of the link between culture and language?

the link is restricted to gender

evidence is very limited

vocabulary is more cultural than grammar

6) John McWhorter uses the analogy of Toyota cars to highlight how..

complex and yet effective languages can be

language diversity is not interesting to most people

important it is to preserve unique languages

7) People are uncomfortable about the role of English as a global language because ...

it is associated with British and American imperialism

it is a relatively difficult language to learn

it exists in a number of different dialects

8) John McWhorter refers to Japanese as a language which ...

has a simple grammar

has a complex writing system

is unlikely to die out

9) John McWhorter points out that language death is a sign of ...

globalisation

repression

apartheid

10) John McWhorter asks us to consider whether having only one language left in the world would be inherently ...

evil

good

possible

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Today’s news story:

Police say welcome in 14 languages

Today’s Video suggestion:

Marie Smith Jones, the last speaker of Eyak language

________________________________________________________________

anticipate

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:37:39 GMT

Today’s picture: Hunting Lodge, Kumeu Part 1: Today's word If you anticipate something, it means you think that something’s going to happen and prepare yourself for it. A more formal way of saying that you are looking forward to something is that you are ‘eagerly anticipating’ it – eager means the same as enthusiastic. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The university hadn’t anticipated the enormous interest there would be in their new part-time courses. Fortunately, the organisation had anticipated the increase in interest rates and reduced their exposure to debt. How many people are you anticipating to have at the conference dinner? The meeting will need to be anticipated to the previous Tuesday as several managers will be away at a regional conference on the original date. Part 3: Practice Questions: When do you anticipate finishing your course? What political, economic or social changes can be anticipated over the next few years? Part 4: Vocabulary focus: Future expressions in the near future (not) in the foreseeable future future-proofed for future reference what the future holds Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What proportion of New Zealanders do voluntary work? Click here for up-to-date information on the Kiwi lifestyle Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a short interview with one of the scientists who first developed the internet 40 years ago. First press ‘pause’ on your podomatic player and then click on ‘today’s online listening’ above and, when the new page opens, click on the play button. Vocabulary for the article: ubiquitous primacy urban myth on the verge of ... Questions for the article: 1) The word ‘Lo!’ was the first message sent on the internet because ...... of a technical error it was so concise it was an appropriate word 2) Which aspect of the internet was not anticipated by the first developers? accessibility universality social 3) The project that produced the first internet was a result of America’s need .. to develop more modern weapons to be number one in science and technology for protection against nuclear attack 4) The designers of the internet failed to pay enough attention to .... democratisation commercialisation security 5) According to Leonard Kleinrock, in future, the internet is likely to become increasingly ... mobile and visual secure and open sustainable and efficient 6) Internet-linked devices will be embedded into ... biological organisms everyday spaces social networking Grammar Focus: The Future Perfect The future perfect tense (will have done) is used to talk about actions we anticipate to have finished before a particular date in the future – so it can be useful when you are planning something. Which of these actions will you have / won’t you have done by the end of this year? completed your university course enrolled on my papers for next semester learnt a new skill sold my old textbooks found accommodation for next year organised my finances for next year -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s news story: $22 000 found in an old lamp Today’s Video suggestion: history of the internet ________________________________________________________________

deter

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:53:04 GMT

Today’s picture: A podcaster reaches the end of the Auckland half-marathon, undeterred by aching legs! Part 1: Today's word If you deter someone from doing something, you make them less likely to do it because they know that they’ll suffer. For instance, prison is supposed to have a deterrent effect because people should be less likely to commit crimes if they think they might go to prison. Deterrence is only an effective strategy of course if people are able to control their behaviour and know about its possible consequences. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The possibility of completing their degree courses several months early acts as a major deterrent for students to continue studying during summer school. High taxation and uncertainties about government policy act as a deterrent to foreign investors. A highly visible burglar alarm box should act as an effective deterrent to any potential intruders. Such an insignificant penalty acts as no real deterrent to those youngsters attracted by the excitement of wrongdoing. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you believe that longer prison sentences are necessary to act as a deterrent to criminals? What kinds of deterrents exist to control cheating in university exams? Part 4: Vocabulary Focus Collocation is a very important part of vocabulary. It means which words go together. Here is some practice based on the vocabulary in today’s listening. Match the verbs with the nouns the go with. collocations infringe deplete act as raise commit a question your rights a crime resources a deterrent Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question How many glasses of wine are recommended as the safe weekly limit for women in New Zealand? For more information see National Addiction Centre Report Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a very interesting discussion from ABC Radio (Australia) about addiction. It features a High Court judge, a neuroscientist and a moral philosopher. Vocabulary for the article: a double-edged sword retribution autonomy abstinence impaired robust rehabilitate Questions for the listening: 1) What proportion of cannabis users will become addicted? just under one in ten over a quarter one in twenty-five 2) Dan Lubman describes addiction as ... a frightening social disease a preoccupation with a failure to change a self-destructive pattern behaviour 3) David Hodgson believes the view of addiction as a brain disease can be taken into account by judges when deciding if a crime has been committed if a person is responsible for the crime if a criminal is to be punished 4) David Hodgson believes that punishment should be given to those who deserve it is a dangerous idea must be used only to achieve good ends 5) Jeanette Kennett points out that people’s autonomy is limited by .. criminal responsibility social contingencies individual achievement 6) Dan Lubman explains that drug addiction reduces the brain’s response to .. everyday pleasures dopamine overdrive long-term abstinence 7) One serious psychological consequence for drug users is .. complete loss of self-control failure to focus on short-term goals damage to the front part of the brain 8) David Hodgson believes that .. people still have a free will despite all contingencies criminal actions should be viewed only in terms of their consequences the ability to act rationally is not affected by drug use 9) Dan Lubman refers to research which shows that addicts .. are unable to regulate their behaviour can only operate under stress-free conditions need to use more brainpower to perform tasks 10) Jeanette Kennett argues that deterrence is ineffective in controlling drug addiction because drug addicts are unable to think rationally believe they will never get caught already know the negative consequences of their actions 11) Dan Lubman argues that an effective treatment for drug addiction depends on putting addicts in ... an environment with limited stimulation an environment where access to drugs is strictly controlled an environment where they experience other rewards -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s news story: heroin supply clinic cuts crime Today’s Video suggestion: I get a kick out of you by Cole Porter (performed by Frank Sinatra) ________________________________________________________________

nurture

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:05:03 GMT

Today’s picture: Fog in Christchurch For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives In the valley of its making where executives Would never want to tamper, flows on south From ranches of isolation and the busy griefs, Raw towns that we believe and die in; it survives, A way of happening, a mouth. From In Memory of W.B. Yeats by W.H. Auden Part 1: Today's word If you nurture a person, a plant or a project, you give it/them the care and support, needed to develop. It’s important that an organisation has a culture which nurtures young talent, so that new members feel encouraged to learn, to be creative and to contribute to the organisation. The ‘nature versus nurture’ debate is an important one in philosophy and sociology. It is about what is more responsible for the way people are – is it their nature or is it the way they have been ‘nurtured’ by their parents and society? Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The young tomato plants are carefully nurtured in a greenhouse before being transported to the garden centre. The club has a reputation for nurturing young players, but lacks the resources to keep them once they become successful. He was remarkably gifted as a young pianist, but failed to nurture into a professional musician, due perhaps to a lack of motivation and encouragement. As a teacher, I try to nurture a sense of self-esteem, respect for others and intellectual curiosity in my pupils. Part 3: Practice Questions: In relation to criminals, which side of the nature-nurture debate do you tend to take? Did your teachers nurture your sense of self-esteem and curiosity? Part 4: Vocabulary focus there’s nothing to it nothing ventured, nothing gained it’s nothing to write home about have nothing to show for ... have nothing to lose Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question How are people raising money for Men’s health as part of Movember this month? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the philosopher Anne Kirwin, from AUT University, Auckland. She’s talking about the idea of ‘nothing’ in past and present day thinking. Vocabulary for the article: void analogy phenomenon martyr habituated Questions for the article: 1) Which of these does Anne Kirwin use as an analogy to explain the importance of intervals? music sports study 2) What is it called when there are a few seconds of silence on the radio? frozen sound information gap dead air 3) Which of these systems of belief focuses on the importance of emptying the mind? Nihilism Taoism Confucianism 4) In Zen Buddhism, the ability to experience nothing is considered ... a significant challenge an impossible goal a common phenomenon 5) Cognitive psychologists have shown that people have a natural tendency to notice ... additions more than deletions missing people rather than new people inferences more than deductions 6) The Christian view of the value of worldly experience is shaped by a belief in .. martyrs work an afterlife 7) Having less to do as a result of the recession has made people more anxious content depressed 8) Modern life has relatively little ... extra time play time down time 9) Situational habitualisation explains how people adjust their rate of speaking to their conversation partner wish they could move to a more tranquil location feel pressured because they don’t have enough to do 10) The example of conversations in hospitals illustrates .. the postponement of people-rich times the inability of people to communicate sincerely the stories people tell to avoid thinking about death 11) One practical application of Anne Kirwin’s philosophy is .. sharing her most profound thoughts with her students paying more attention to small things talking more slowly to friends and family ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grammar Focus: Two different ways to use ‘would’ In a previous podcast, we looked at the most common meaning of ‘would’ – for imaginary or unreal situations. Here is an example from today’s listening: If it wasn’t for the recession, most people would be getting busier and busier. In fact, there is a recession and people are not so busy – so this sentence is about imagining a different situation. However, ‘would’ can be used in a completely different way, to talk about past habits. Here is another example from today’s listening: Harold Pinter would make his lines so that the pause between the words was the most significant. Here, ‘would make’ means that he normally did this in the past. This use of ‘would’ is quite common when we talk about our childhood, but it can only be used with actions. So, you can say, ‘When I was a child, my granddad would take me fishing every weekend’ but you can’t say, ‘When I was a child, I would have a toy car’ – ‘take me fishing’ is an action, but ‘have a toy car’ is not. Which of these uses of ‘would’ are correct? 1) When I was at University in the 1980’s, I would grow a beard just to see what it was like. 2) For my first job, I would cycle about 10km to work every morning and evening, whatever the weather. 3) When I first came to New Zealand, I would drive from Auckland to Invercargill, so that I could see the whole country before deciding where to settle down. 4) My favourite teacher, Mr Paul, would start nearly every lesson with some kind of game based on what we had studied in the previous lesson. 5) I used to spend a lot of time with my grandmother because she would like to tell me funny stories about the old days. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s Video suggestion 1: A mindfulness session given to staff at Google by Jon Kabat Zinn Today’s Video suggestion 2: Seinfeld: a show about nothing ________________________________________________________________

stable

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:49:22 GMT

Today’s picture: Early summer scene from Christchurch What Skill is in the frame of Insects shown? How fine the Threds, in their small Textures spun? How close those Instruments and Engines knit, Which Motion, and their slender Sense transmit? Like living Watches, each of these conceals A thousand Springs of Life, and moving wheels. Each ligature a Lab'rynth seems, each part All wonder is, all Workmanship and Art. Rather let me this little Greatness know, Then all the Mighty Acts of Great Ones do. These Engines understand, rather than prove An Archimedes, and the Earth remove. These Atom-Worlds found out, I would despise Colombus, and his vast Discoveries. Greatness in Little - Richard Leigh (1675) Part 1: Today's word If a situation is stable it means it is not changing much and, in particular, isn’t becoming worse. So, for instance, it’s important to have a stable currency so that people can be confident about planning for the future. If a person has a stable temperament, it means they are not moody and tend to stay calm. In chemistry, if elements are stable, it means they don’t react very much, so that their state tends to stay the same. If a situation is very unstable, it may be necessary to do something to stabilise it. For example, when a patient is admitted to hospital, it may be necessary to wait until their condition becomes stabilised before the surgeons can think of operating. And, of course, there has been a focus on the stabilisation of the world economy over the last year or so. interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The main attraction of a fixed-rate mortgage is the opportunity to stabilize personal outgoings over an extended period. The value of the Brazilian currency was stabilized against the dollar for several years in the 1990s in order to control inflation. The plants play a major role in stabilizing river banks and preventing them being washed away by the current. The political and security situation will need to be stabilized in order for free and fair elections to be held in the country. Part 3: Practice Questions: What chemical elements are particularly unstable? Do any of your friends (or teachers!) have an unstable temperament? What measures have been taken to stabilise the banking sector? Part 4: Vocabulary Focus Divide these words into two groups: words which mean ‘very small’ and words that mean ‘very big’ tiny miniscule vast minute enormous gigantic microscopic infinitesimal huge giant Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What has just become illegal to do while driving in New Zealand? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Professor Peter Schwerdtfeger from here at Massey University, Albany. He talks about what we know about the world of atoms and subatomic particles. Vocabulary for the article: the holy grail Questions for the article: 1) Which particle helps to stabilise atoms? electron neutron proton 2) Which of these is a component of a proton? a quark a nucleus a quantum 3) Which of these is an example of an element existing in its ‘pure’ form in nature? quartz carbon dioxide coal 4) Nitrogen atoms are unstable on their own because ... they have undergone chemical bonding there is an uneven number of electrons in the shell there is an odd number of protons in the nucleus 5) Chemical reactions ... involve a rearrangement of the shell involve a rearrangement of the nucleus involve a rearrangement of neutrons 6) Which of these is NOT one of the four fundamental forces of nature? gravity radiation electromagnetism 7) Which of these scientists was one of the pioneers of quantum theory? Heisenberg Einstein Rutherford 8) Which of these aspects of an electron cannot be determined? its charge its size its mass 9) Which of these scientific ideas is especially strongly demonstrated in relation to gold? the special theory of relativity the uncertainty principle The second law of thermodynamics 10) Electrons in the inner shell of a gold atom are travelling at great speed and therefore .. are unstable have a greater mass are more reactive 11) Peter Schwerdtfeger is critical of .... the focus on practical applications of research the search for answers to fundamental scientific questions the artificial separation between different disciplines in the sciences 12) Which force is particularly responsible for the solid quality of materials? gravitational electromagnetic nuclear Today’s media link: Running the length of New Zealand Today’s Video suggestion: Fun Theory : a wonderful site with examples of ‘fun’ technologies to encourage better living _____________________________________________________________

stimulus

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:43:07 GMT

Today’s picture: Spring bluebells Part 1: Today's word A stimulus is something that is designed to make something else happen as a response. So, for instance, an interesting research report will act as a stimulus for more research in the same area. Like many other Latin words ending in –us, the plural is irregular – it is stimuli. Many governments have announced fiscal stimuli to encourage more consumer spending – for instance, by giving people a discount if they exchange their old car for a new one. In psychology, the study of stimuli and responses is especially associated with behaviourism, for example, the famous experiment of Pavlov, where dogs were conditioned to respond to the stimulus of a bell ringing (because it was associated with food). Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? I was rather surprised by her negative stimulus to my proposal, since she had encouraged me to develop it. It is hoped that the new prize will be a stimulus to research in this important field. The students were advised to treat the questions as a stimulus for exploration of their own ideas on the subject. The new Free Trade Agreement is expected to provide a stimulus for growth in educational exchanges. Part 3: Practice Questions: What fiscal stimuli have been used by governments to encourage economic growth? Part 4: Vocabulary focus get your money’s worth hush money a money-spinner put your money where your mouth is Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question With which Asian country has New Zealand signed a new Free Trade deal ? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview with Dr Neville Bennett about the implications of the weak US dollar for the world economy Vocabulary for the article: bail out stockpile Questions for the article: 1) What evidence is there that the US dollar is in decline? Fewer dollars are being bought by major central banks A new gold-based currency has been launched International banks are stockpiling Chinese currency 2) Which of these is a reason for the low value of the US dollar? higher personal savings in the US a growing national debt a 10% rise in US taxation 3) Which of these currencies is pegged to the US dollar? Chinese Yuan / RMB Japanese Yen UK pound sterling 4) How long does the effect of a recession output last on average? 7 years 4 years 3 years 5) What advantage does Dr Bennett believe that New Zealand has compared to the US? Better public services More advanced agriculture A more multicultural workforce Today’s news story: Australia coastal living at risk Today’s Video suggestion: Shake your moneymaker by Fleetwood Mac

configuration

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:34:41 GMT

Today’s picture: Mountains near Marlborough, taken through an airplane window, October 2009 I saw Eternity the other night, Like a great ring of pure and endless light, All calm, as it was bright; And round beneath it, Time in hours, days, years, Driv'n by the spheres Like a vast shadow mov'd; in which the world And all her train were hurl'd. from ‘The World’ by Henry Vaughan Part 1: Today's word The configuration of a system is the particular order or pattern in which it has been designed to work. It’s used in computing to talk about the way the system has been set up. It’s also used in art to talk about the way different shapes and patterns have been put together. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? By analysing the particular configuration of rocks, it was possible to determine the sequence of volcanic events in the region. This particular bone configuration is nowadays only found in birds. The project requires close configuration in order to organise its various components in a common purpose. By mapping the current configuration of the universe and applying physical laws it is possible to determine its approximate age. Part 3: Practice Questions: What is the configuration of your desk? What is the typical configuration of a large supermarket? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five a shooting star once in a blue moon over the moon pie in the sky the sky’s the limit Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question How many visitors does Auckland’s Stardome Observatory receive every year? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a major public lecture by the Scottish astronomer, Brian Boyle, director of a project in Australia to build the world’s largest radio telescope (the Square Kilometre Array). Vocabulary for the article: feeble resolution scatter faint optical extra-terrestrial Questions for the article: 1) Why is Galileo such a famous scientist? He was the first to use a telescope to view the stars He was a great communicator He was the first person to make a map of the moon 2) The new radio telescope will pick up in one day the same amount of information as ... spoken in the history of the world all the telescopes in the rest of the world all the information uploaded onto the internet in one year 3) Brian believes that astronomy will move into ... a knowledge age a wisdom age an information age 4) Radio telescopes are able to detect ... gas nearby stars far away planets 5) Pulsars are so dense that one teaspoon of matter from a pulsar would have .. five times the mass of every person on earth ten times the mass of an elephant three times the mass of the moon 6) Compared to normal light, radio waves are much .. stronger and sharper more regular and energetic larger and weaker 7) The new radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), will comprise .... several thousand radio antennas 100 antennas several antennas scattered over one kilometre 8) Apart from a strong scientific community, what other key factors make Australia and New Zealand good locations for this project? climate and political stability geography and population economic growth and government support 9) How much of the universe is made up of normal matter? 25% 4% 75% 10) The SKA may provide evidence of which prediction by Einstein? gravity waves relativity cosmic magnetism 11) The SKA could also be used to detect .... the number of planets in the solar system sunspots life on other planets 12) How long is the SKA predicted to last? 50 years 500 years 10 000 years 13) Moore’s law predicts that computing power will double every decade year 18 months 14) How will the SKA be powered? solar or geothermal energy generation diesel fuel electricity from the grid 15) Recently, Australian schoolchildren have used the existing radio telescope to ... film a supernova analyse a gas cloud record a pulsar switching off 16) The new radio telescope, the SKA Pathfinder due to be ready in 2012, will be _______ times more powerful than existing other radio telescope? 100 1000 10 000 Grammar Focus: Unreal present / future Quite often we imagine a different – unreal – present or future. Here is an example from the lecture: If you had radio eyes and looked up at the heavens, you would see a very different picture to the one we see with our own eyes. Really we don’t have radio eyes and we don’t see a different picture. Brian is asking us to imagine an unreal present. The grammar is: If + past tense (in one half of the sentence) would / might / could do (in the other half of the sentence) One other thing to remember is that in these sentences, it’s more common to use ‘were’ instead of ‘was’, especially in the common expression ‘if I were you’. Complete these example sentences, using the unreal present or future (it’s also called ‘the second conditional’) 1) If it (not be) Labour Day next Monday, we (have) lectures. 2) I (not wear) that shirt, even if you (give) me a thousand dollars. 3) I (not do) that if I (be) you. 4) If I (not have) to finish this assignment I (be) able to travel this weekend. 5) I (probably join) you for a bungee jump if I (not be) so scared of heights. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Today’s news story: Cosmos and Culture Today’s Video suggestion: Faraway So Close by U2 ________________________________________________________________

inspiration

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:06:05 GMT

Today’s picture: South Island scene When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes I all alone beweep my outcast state, And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself, and curse my fate, Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope, With what I most enjoy contented least; Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on thee, and then my state, Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate; For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings. William Shakespeare Sonnet 29 Part 1: Today's word If you inspire someone, it means you give them great confidence, belief and motivation to do something. The ability to inspire your team is an important component of leadership – inspirational leaders are especially important in hard times or when changes are needed. If you feel inspired, you’re able to do things well without worry or tiredness. Let’s hope you feel inspired in your exams! Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Inspired by her example, many other scientists have begun using a similar methodology. I hadn’t studied much, but fortunately I inspired myself on the day of the exam. He has a wonderful gift of inspiring students to do their own research. After hearing the music, I felt inspired to take up the guitar again. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you had any inspiring teachers? Have you ever listened to any inspirational speeches? What inspired you to study at university? Part 4: Phrasal Verb Review Here are five extracts from today’s listening. Fill in the missing words – the meaning of the phrasal verbs is given at the end to help you. 1) T.H. Huxley was turned ______ for a Professorship at Sydney. (refused) 2) Charles Darwin was too shy to stand ____ _____ himself. (defend) 3) An email arrived with the names of students who had dropped ____ ____ our course. (withdrew) 4) The boy who complained got ______ it, I think. (recovered) 5) As Huxley, I did not hold _______. I wrote it how I saw it. (control myself) Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What public holiday is celebrated in New Zealand next Monday (26th October)? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview with an inspiring science teacher from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. Questions for the article: Who was Thomas Huxley? What attitudes do science students generally have towards academic writing? What assignment do Dr Lawlor’s students have to do? How does she give them feedback on the assignment? How do the students know what grade they have got? Why does Dr Lawlor believe good writing is so important for scientists? Grammar Review: Unreal Past Look at this example from the listening: It is possible that if he had not defended and supported Charles Darwin in London during the last half of the 1800s, I would not be teaching evolution and genetics at all. I would certainly be teaching it in a different way. In fact, Huxley defended Darwin. So Dr Lawlor is imagining a different past – an unreal one. In the second half of the sentence, she imagines a different present. In fact, she is teaching evolution, but she imagines, as a result of that change in the past, she wouldn’t be teaching evolution now. The grammar is: If + past perfect tense (had done) in one half of the sentence and then ‘would’ / ‘might’ or ‘could’ (followed by ‘do’ ‘have done’ or ‘be doing’) in the other half. Complete these other sentences – all of which include the unreal past. 1) If I (not come) to New Zealand, I (not see) a haka. 2) I (probably speak) American English if my parents (emigrate) to the United States. 3) Leeman Brothers (not go) bankrupt if their senior managers (behave) more ethically. 4) I (not start) working for Massey University if I (not see) an advertisement in The North Shore Times. 5) General Motors (close down) if the American Government (not step) in with a bail-out package. Today’s online site: Engage in Science – a great writing site for writing in biosciences Today’s Video suggestion: You raise me up performed by Celtic Woman ________________________________________________________________

transparent

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:28:36 GMT

Today’s picture: Transparent wave – Christchurch Art Gallery Part 1: Today's word Transparent means ‘see-through’. So for example, some elevators have transparent walls so that people don’t feel too claustrophobic inside them and it’s common to wrap food in transparent plastic film so that you can see what is inside. We also use transparent for processes which are completely open and public. So, it’s important that promotion is a transparent process, so that everyone can see that it’s fair. Transparency has become one of the major objectives of democratic systems. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The new rules, though transparent, were rather vague and difficult to interpret. The new material is as transparent as glass, but warmer to the touch and with greater strength and flexibility. The new system provides for efficient and transparent access to the decision-making process. Her dress was certainly eye-catching, particularly as it became virtually transparent in the light of the sun. Part 3: Practice Questions: How transparent is the grading of your university assignments and exams? Do you believe Government has become more transparent as a result of new technology? Part 4: Phrasal Verb Review Is this theme catching ___ ? Kraft developed a competition where people had to come ___ with a name for their new snack. The company chose the best four flavours and then had to work ____ how to manufacture them. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which team does New Zealand need to beat in Wellington on November 14th in order to reach the Soccer World Cup finals for the first time in over 25 years? More information here Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Australian radio with Professor Angelina Rousseau from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne. She discusses the new phenomenon of crowd-sourcing and its implications for the field of design Vocabulary for the article: backlash Questions for the article: 1) What mistake did Kraft make in the launch of their new product i-snack 2.0? Failure to use crowd-sourcing to elicit feedback before launching the product Their use of crowd-sourcing to select the original name Lack of promotion of the new product 2) How did Kraft deal with the negative feedback after the launch? They withdrew the product from the market They used traditional methods to produce the new name They used crowd-sourcing again to select a new name 3) Smiths use of crowd-sourcing was more ... short-term logical transparent 4) These two examples support which approach to design? participatory traditional post-modern 5) What is new about crowd-sourcing in design? It includes audience participation It provides a public forum for the development of new design It uses media in the creative process 6) Professor Rousseau argues that designers need greater knowledge management skills to respond to a more ... technologically-advanced customer base creative solution to technological problems demand-driven market 7) What is the response of the design community to crowd-sourcing? suspicious enthusiastic mixed Today’s news story: Hunger to Learn: Girls going back to school in the Swat Valley, Pakistan Today’s Video suggestion: I’m looking through you by The Beatles ________________________________________________________________

diagnosis

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:39:05 GMT

Today’s Picture: Scene from Christchurch Art Gallery Part1: Today’s Word: If you diagnose an illness or disorder, you find out what exactly is wrong with someone. Diagnosis is usually carried out by a doctor – or sometimes by a specialist consultant. You can also diagnose faults in machines, software etc – by finding out what the fault is and what caused it. Like ‘crisis’, ‘analysis’ and ‘thesis’, ‘diagnosis’ also has an irregular plural – the ‘sis’ changes to ‘ses’. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Earlier diagnosis of breast cancer has boosted survival rates over the last two decades. More than ten percent of the participants were diagnosed with depression and there was no significant correlation between this diagnosis and ethnicity. The doctor diagnosed a course of antibiotics to be taken twice daily after meals for fourteen days. When these symptoms present, before diagnosing depression or dementia, it is wise to find out more about social and behavioural factors, such as alcohol intake. Part 3: Practice Questions How do doctors gather evidence on which to base their diagnoses? Part 4: Vocabulary Review Expressions with ‘mind’ have a lot on your mind a one-track mind (in the right) frame of mind at the back of your mind cross your mind Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What percentage of the population of Auckland have Asian ethnicity? Part 6: Today’s online listening Click on ‘Today’s Online Listening’ to open the page and then you can click on the play button or on ‘Mp3 download’ This is a short interview and text from Australian Radio about a revolutionary way of diagnosing mental illness. Questions for the listening: 1) Which of these is a key advantage of the new probe? greater accuracy savings in time and spending more personalised treatment 2) The new probe can be used to diagnose .. a range of psychiatric illnesses hearing loss in children and adults personality type 3) The locus coeruleus is part of the inner ear a type of delusional thinking an area of the brain 4) The probe could be especially useful in diagnosing types of .. depression psychosis anxiety Today’s news story: Facebook same name couple to wed Today’s Video suggestion: Mar Azul by Cesaria Evora (with Marisa Monte) ________________________________________________________________

deteriorate

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:42:59 GMT

Today’s Picture: Spring Flowers in Christchurch Part 1: Today's word ‘Deteriorate’ is a more formal way of saying ‘get worse’. It’s the opposite of ‘improve’. If conditions on the road are deteriorating, you probably ought to stay at home. And deteriorating relations between countries may lead to conflict, if nothing is done about it. The noun is ‘deterioration’. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The situation in the city centre has deteriorated, with gunfire reported from several areas. Changes take place in the sensory area too, with noticeable deterioration in sight, hearing and taste from the middle years on. The firm deteriorated its market position through an ill-conceived promotional campaign and poor distribution. Relations between the Church and State deteriorated as the educational reforms were implemented. Part 3: Practice Questions: In what ways has the economy deteriorated over the last year? Is your local environment deteriorating? If so, what can be done to arrest or reverse this deterioration? Part 4: Vocabulary Review a skeleton in the cupboard I’ve got a bone to pick with you break a leg! a bone of contention to cut the budget to the bone work your fingers to the bone she doesn’t have a bad bone in her body Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which Indian cultural festival took place in Central Auckland last weekend? More information here Part 6: More information Today’s online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Professor Jean Fleming from Otago University. She gives some fascinating information about our bones. Questions for the listening: 1) Which of these is mentioned as a benefit of bones? improvement of blood supply protection of vital organs ability to survive in water 2) Which of these is a common misconception about bones? they are not living tissues they are only found in land mammals they tend to deteriorate as we grow older 3) Which of these is found in long strings which reinforce bone? calcium collagen salt 4) Osteoblasts and osteoclasts work together to control the level of .. calcium collagen salt 5) How many years does it take for your whole skeleton to be renewed? 40 25 10 6) Which of these groups of people would benefit most from a high calcium diet? young female marathon runners people in their twenties middle-aged women Today’s media link: a visual guide to the skeleton, from the BBC Today’s Video suggestion: Dry Bones performed by the Delta Rhythm Boys ________________________________________________________________

derive

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:49:51 GMT

Today’s Picture: Cherry Blossom in Christchurch, September 2009 Part 1: Today’s Word: ‘Derive’ means to get something from something else – especially ‘energy’, ‘income’ ‘satisfaction’. It’s also used when we talk about the original meaning or source of a word or custom. So the word ‘science’ is derived from the Latin verb ‘to know’. The company derives most of its profits from intellectual property. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Students wishing to derive high marks on this paper need to pay attention to the presentation as well as the content of their assignments. These cells derive their energy from the break-down of simple carbohydrates. The custom of putting a tree inside the home at Christmas is said to derive from ancient beliefs in the special powers of evergreen plants. It has been estimated that more than 50% of the local population derive their income from financial services. Part 3: Practice Questions Do you derive much satisfaction from writing assignments? Where does New Zealand derive most of its income from? Part 4: Vocabulary Review extra time double time lead time quality time small-time running time a whale of a time high time Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question David Tua and Shane Cameron will soon be involved in one of New Zealand’s biggest sporting occasions. In which sport? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Professor Dennis MacCaughn of Otago University. He talks about the different ways of counting time and distance used in different cultures. Questions for the listening: 1) Where does the tradition of measuring time in units of 60 derive from? China Mesopotamia / Babylonia Greece 2) What is the derivation of the seven-day week? phases of the moon the number of Gods in Ancient Egypt a lucky number 3) Approximately how long did it take the 360 day calendar to become right again? 12 years 120 years 1200 years 4) The Egyptians were so concerned with time-keeping because of the need to predict ... eclipses floods monsoons 5) Which of these cultures was more positive about numbers like 13? the Greeks the Egyptians the Mesopotamians/Babylonians 6) What is the derivation of Imperial Measures, like inches, feet, pounds, stones and fathoms? astrology sailing everyday use 7) What number is ‘three score and ten’ in old English measurements? 70 13 310 8) Which of these measurements is different in Ireland? a furlong a mile a league Today’s news story: African windmill boy Today’s Video suggestion: All the time in the world by Louis Armstrong ________________________________________________________________

oscillate

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:45:39 GMT

Today’s picture: Stream in Tongariro National Park, September 2009 Part 1: Today's word If something oscillates, it moves back and forward between two positions again and again. So, if a person oscillates between two choices, it means they keep changing their mind. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The fuel gauge was clearly unreliable, as the needle oscillated between ‘full’ and ‘empty’ If the system becomes blocked, it may be necessary to oscillate the parameters manually until normal functionality returns. As the examinations approached, her mood oscillated wildly between the extremes of hope and despair. Minor fluctuations in voltage will cause the signal to oscillate, which will trigger the alarm sensor. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do your moods oscillate between hope and despair as exams approach? Which devices do you know which depend on oscillation? Part 4: The Vocabulary Review: Complete the words in these five sentences using words covered in recent podcasts. 1) The PenFriend is an optical device allowing people with _____aired vision to read audio labels. 2) In the public sector, ______teeism , whether due to sickness, low motivation or other causes, is a significant cost to the public purse. 3) In our society, there is still a sti_______ associated with people wearing hearing aids. 4) They were discussing the unforeseen complexities and ram_________ of medical care for elderly people. 5) In her novel, she doesn’t deviate from plain English nor use many met______ Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question New Zealand was struck by a minor Tsunami today after a major earthquake near which Pacific Nation? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with a researcher Leigh Signal, from Massey University’s Sleep/Wake Centre. The programme covers the science of sleep and the different kinds of sleep a person typically experiences. Vocabulary for the article: predominant synchronised Questions for the article: 1) The researcher places an electrode behind the participant’s ear because this area of the brain... is not very active plays an important role in sleep management dictates changes in muscle tone during sleep 2) Rapid Eye Movement [REM] sleep is associated with ... higher levels of physical activity dreaming near-paralysis of the cerebral cortex 3) High-quality sleep mainly depends on ... extended periods of REM frequent alternations between REM and non-REM sleep a balance of different types of sleep 4) Disturbed sleep frequently comprises ... too much stage 1 and stage 2 type non-REM sleep extensive and tiring periods of deep sleep inability to dream 5) Neurone activity when someone has their eyes closed is ... at a lower level more disorganised more under control 6) When neurones fire between four and eight times a second, this is an indication that the person is .. awake but with their eyes closed asleep awake and with their eyes open 7) What sort of process is falling asleep? relatively sudden, like an on-off switch gradual and cyclical slow but one-way 8) Synchronised waves with large amplitude are associated with .. Stage 3 and 4 non-REM sleep Deep REM sleep Disturbances in Stage 2 non-REM sleep 9) REM sleep occurs predominantly in .. the mid-period of sleep the second half of sleep the early stages of sleep 10) The relationship between body and brain in REM sleep is described as .. paradoxical embedded differentiated 11) Sleepwalking is associated with .. REM sleep growth youth Today’s news story: School stars enjoy good health Today’s Video suggestion: Nightswimming by REM ________________________________________________________________

metaphor

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:56:46 GMT

Today’s picture: Rocks and Moss on Mount Ruapehu, September 2009 When you’re down and troubled And you need a helping hand And nothing, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me And soon I will be there To brighten up even your darkest nights. You just call out my name, And you know wherever I am Ill come running, oh yeah baby To see you again. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, All you have to do is call And Ill be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. Youve got a friend. If the sky above you Should turn dark and full of clouds And that old north wind should begin to blow Keep your head together and call my name out loud And soon I will be knocking upon your door. You just call out my name and you know where ever I am Ill come running to see you again. Winter, spring, summer or fall All you got to do is call And Ill be there, yeah, yeah, yeah. Song by James Taylor and Carole King Massey Albany health and counselling centre Part 1: Today's word A metaphor is a way of explaining an unfamiliar thing by using a much more familiar thing. So, for example, organisations are often described using the metaphor of the human body – management is the head, workers are the hands etc. Abstract topics like time, arguments, feelings are very often explained through concrete metaphors. Arguments are often expressed through the metaphor of fighting - We talk about winning an argument, taking a position. Time is can be explained through the metaphor of a river and strong feelings through the metaphor of fire. Some of these metaphors are very common in many cultures, but others are different, so it’s important to try to notice those in English. And if you use them, be careful not to mix metaphors. Someone who says ‘The test going to be a real battle but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it’ doesn’t make sense because he’s using a mixed metaphor – if someone starts by using the metaphor of fighting, they should continue by saying, for instance, ‘I won’t settle for anything less than victory’ instead of changing to the metaphor of a journey. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The desert island in Robinson Crusoe is often seen as a metaphor for the condition of man, cut off from civilization. The lecturer used the metaphor of the nuclear and extended family to explain the relationship between the internal and external environment of business. The verbs we use to talk about time – spend, save and waste – show how much we depend on the metaphor of money to make such an abstract concept meaningful in our culture. One of the most effective parts of the presentation was when the lecturer showed a wonderful metaphor of a building. Part 3: Practice Questions: Does your language use the metaphor of money to talk about time – for instance, by using the same verbs - ‘save, waste and spend’ – for both? Do the metaphors used for people in English – for example, beaver, pig, workhorse, rat – have the same meaning in your culture? Part 4: The VocabularyTest 1) It was hoped that saving the heritage building would set a _________ that would lead to better conservation of other threatened buildings. pretext pretence precedent precondition 2) The new way children are taught to read will be successful if teachers' commitment doesn’t w _________. waft wade wane waste 3) Migrant workers can even get free Kiwi slang classes where they learn that “hunky-________” means “everything is fine”. monkey dory dumpty hefty 4) The fruit suppliers need fast delivery times because their goods are ___________ perishable sensible volatile vulnerable Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Nearly 2000 people have attended the tangi for Sir Howard Morrison. What is a tangi? More information here Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a programme from Australian radio which discusses depression and features an interview with Phillip Mitchell, the Professor of Psychiatry from the University of New South Wales. Vocabulary for the article: lethargy impaired absenteeism diagnose stigma ramifications Questions for the article: 1) What proportion of Australians are depressed? 5% 20% 25% 2) What metaphor did the MP, Andrew Robb, use to describe his depression? a black dog a black cat a black cloud 3) Andrew Robb’s depression was described as one of ‘diurnal variation’ because .. it was stronger at certain times of the day it was more intense when he was with family members it was associated with a lack of daylight 4) What metaphor does the presenter use for people who like to stay up late at night? an owl a moon a star 5) Depression is ... a combination of several different feelings mainly characterised by extreme lethargy mostly associated with mornings 6) In the workplace, depression is associated with ... low performance absenteeism employees turning up late 7) Professor Mitchell believes that Andrew Robb’s treatment could include .. prozac aspirin neurofen 8) Apart from medication, Andrew Robb’s treatment may include .. CBT ECT DDT 9) What proportion of Australians with clinical depression are receiving treatment? 60% 20% 40% 10) Professor Phillips believes that Andrew Robb’s case will contribute to the ........... of depression awareness stigma reduction 11) People with depression may be afraid of ramifications from ... insurance companies public figures friends and family 12) The reaction of fellow politicians to news of Andrew Robb’s condition has been .. sympathetic combative aggressive Today’s news story: Depression – causes, symptoms, treatment and support from the BBC Today’s Video suggestion: Black Dog performed by Led Zeppelin ________________________________________________________________

precedent

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:08:52 GMT

Today’s picture: Farm Preserves (from Christchurch) Part 1: Today's word A precedent is a similar event that has happened in the past. So, if something is without precedent, it means that it’s completely new and nothing similar has happened before. You can also say it is unprecedented. In British law – and systems like New Zealand which follow the same principles, precedent is very important. This means that important decisions in past cases are used as the basis for decisions in new cases. This is an important way of maintaining consistency of application of law over time. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Many critics felt that allowing the Minister to escape punishment was setting a very dangerous precedent, not only for other politicians but for society in general. Apple has been responsible for a series of important technical precedents in the fields of personal computing and mobile entertainment. The unprecedented success of the Far Right in the European elections has caused a good deal of soul-searching among traditional parties across the political spectrum. The status of English as a global language of academic research and business is not, of course, entirely without precedent; Latin once served similar purposes across the Western world at least. Part 3: Practice Questions: What areas of the economy have been experiencing unprecedented growth over the last few years? What kinds of things do lecturers avoid doing because they don’t want to set a precedent? Part 4: Vocabulary Review Here are some more sentences including academic vocabulary from September’s podcasts. I’ve given you some of the letters in the missing words – see how many you can complete. 1) Their research takes a hol _________ view of the vacuum cleaner, including its acquisition, functions and social significance. 2) Broks neatly summarised the par________that his area of supposed expertise, neuropsychology, was at the same time the subject about which he felt the most profound ignorance. 3) Her novel was an intro___________ narrative where every event is reflected in the mirror of the main character’s mind. 4) Rather than taking mineral supplements and vitamins, she recommended a balanced diet including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables – after all, the whole is greater than the s_________ of its p_________ 5) Evidence of the Big Bang has acc ___________ to the extent that no serious astronomer doubts it. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What is regarded as the most important technological innovation in New Zealand’s history? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the economic historian, Dr Neville Bennett. He explains very clearly New Zealand’s worst recession and what lessons we can learn from it for the challenges we face today. Vocabulary for the article: wane hunky-dory perishable Questions for the article: 1) The boom between the 1850s and 1880’s was mainly due to ... industrialisation in New Zealand wool exports the Maori Land Wars 2) What was the main cause of the New Zealand depression between 1873 and 1895? Britain’s comparative advantage Britain’s financial problems Britain’s high public spending 3) Why does Dr Bennett view railway-building in the 1880’s as a precedent for the bank rescues in 2009? they both benefitted private individuals they both stimulated the economy they both led to a property boom 4) Which of these had a terrible effect on the whole New Zealand economy during the 1880s? immigration lack of competition deflation 5) Which of these factors meant that the benefits of refrigeration were slow to emerge? low profit-margins unreliable technology competition from Northern Europe and Canada 6) How does Dr Bennett feel about the long-term prospects for economic growth in New Zealand? cautious highly optimistic confused Today’s news story: Reasons not to live in Australia – part 213 Today’s Video suggestion: History repeating by the Propellerheads featuring Dame Shirley Bassey ________________________________________________________________

paradox

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:39:42 GMT

Today’s picture: Sculpture at Lake House, Takapuna I am: yet what I am none cares or knows, My friends forsake me like a memory lost; I am the self-consumer of my woes, They rise and vanish in oblivious host, Like shades in love and death's oblivion lost; And yet I am! and live with shadows tost Into the nothingness of scorn and noise, Into the living sea of waking dreams, Where there is neither sense of life nor joys, But the vast shipwreck of my life's esteems; And e'en the dearest--that I loved the best-- Are strange--nay, rather stranger than the rest. I long for scenes where man has never trod; A place where woman never smil'd or wept; There to abide with my creator, God, And sleep as I in childhood sweetly slept: Untroubling and untroubled where I lie; The grass below--above the vaulted sky. Part 1: Today's word A paradox is an idea or situation that seems impossible because it includes two ideas or elements that contradict each other. A very old example of a paradox states that you can never close a door because each centimetre of distance the door travels can be divided infinitely and it is impossible to travel an infinite distance in a finite time. Although of course, we all know that we can close a door, it makes you think and question your assumptions. And that is the main purpose of paradoxes. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The idea that drinking hot tea can cool you down seems kind of paradoxical. I’ve often wondered about the apparent paradox of people watching sad films when they want to cheer up. I found statistics totally paradoxical until I had a really good teacher at university who helped me make sense of the whole thing. It’s something of a paradox that comedians, who seem to possess the gift of making others happy, often seem to lead such miserable lives themselves. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you know any everyday paradoxes, like the one about drinking hot drinks in order to cool down? Some people find it paradoxical that governments are pumping money into banks, while at the same time trying to create better financial discipline in the sector. Do you agree? Part 4: Focus on idioms Here are some examples of idiomatic language in the interview with the neurologist from part 6. Which is the correct word needed to complete each sentence? 1) There’s no central control system in the brain. It’s all over the _________ town shop house 2) Although that’s true, I can’t really get my ________ around it. head brain mind 3) You need that biological machinery to make you ________ over beep switch tick 4) Neuroscience and neuropsychology has come on in___________ leaps and bounds swings and roundabouts ups and downs 5) My __________ is that some time in the future we’ll find ways to repair damaged brain. clue hunch sense 6) I think that the ethical issues are the ________ of the whole matter. root branch trunk 7) Mostly, clinicians are pragmatic folk and they _________ through step wade muddle 8) I’d put my ____________ on it that’s what they will find. money hand life Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Today, the New Zealand geographic board has ruled that the spelling of one of New Zealand’s towns must be changed. Which town is it? More information here Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the British neurologist, Paul Broks, author of ‘'Into the Silent Land: Travels in Neuropsychology' (Atlantic Monthly Press). They talk about the brain and the self. Vocabulary for the article: enlightening benign tumour tumour recalibrate introspective the whole is greater than the sum of the parts Questions for the article: 1) Paul Broks believes the main challenge for neuroscience in the 21st century is to determine the relationship between the brain and .. the world the body the self 2) What does Paul Broks believe makes us the same person today as we were yesterday? stories ego neurones 3) Those psychologists and neurologists that reject the notion of an inner essence are .............. theorists? body bundle biological 4) What effect has this rejection had on scientists who believe in it? confusing disturbing liberating 5) Francis Crick’s theory is that feelings, emotions and thoughts... are no more than the behaviour of neurones are simply a consequence of the behaviour of neurones are given concrete form by neurone behaviour 6) Robert’s change of personality had .............. causes psychological biological cultural 7) The true cause of his change of personality was found when he ... developed epilepsy left his family changed jobs 8) Robert wasn’t given the choice of whether or not to have his condition treated for ... ethical reasons cultural reasons medical reasons 9) Paul Broks points out the difficulty of translating ........... back into neurone activity? perception and cognition social and cultural concepts grammar and logic 10) The more optimistic element of his book is evidence of .. humanity scientific progress successful treatments 11) What is Paul Brok’s view of the ability of psychotherapy to change people? sceptical accepting cynical Today’s poem: I am by John Clare Today’s Video suggestion: close and open by Sliimy ________________________________________________________________

holistic

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:03:31 GMT

Today’s picture: Cape Brett, Bay of Islands, New Zealand Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star, Has had elsewhere its setting, And comes from afar: Not in entire forgetfulness And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come .... At length the Man perceives it die away, And fade into the light of common day. ...Those shadowy recollections, Which, be they what they may, Are yet the fountain light of all our day, Are yet a master light of all our seeing; Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make Our noisy years seem moments in the being Of the eternal Silence: Hence in a season of calm weather, Though inland far we be, Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea Which brought us hither, Can in a moment travel thither, And see the Children sport upon the shore, And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore. William Wordsworth Part 1: Today's word A holistic approach considers the whole of an issue, including the context, and not only one particular part. A holistic approach to health, in particular, considers both the mind and the body. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? He called for a more holistic view of dentistry, as an integral part of overall health, rather than seeing people as walking sets of teeth. The holistic course comprises 8 core papers, 10 papers connected with the chosen major and 2 elective papers chosen from outside the discipline. The course aims to develop a holistic understanding of design within its social, historical and cultural context. Her more holistic concept of the issue fitted well with the qualitative research methods she employed. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you take a holistic view of your own health? Do you feel you’ve developed a holistic understanding of your field (eg business studies, history etc) during your studies? Part 4: Language Focus Spoken English is full of ‘filler’ phrases used to make information less sharp and to create a relationship with the listener. Here are some examples from today’s listening – I’ve put in some gaps below. See if you can choose the correct ‘filler’ from the alternatives given for each sentence below: 1) Generally, everyone does ________ fit in. a) sort of b) right c) like 2) We’ve been here ___________ 28 years. a) quite b) sort of c) like 3) Different agencies know about us. __________, we’re quite unique .. a) Yet b) Yeah, no c) I mean 4) The question is, _______, what do you want to eat? a) you know b) I say c) I see 5) Anecdotally, people have been saying for centuries how therapeutic it is getting outside, ________ vitamin D a) a heap of b) a bit of c) a lot of 6) You can grow it and eat it yourself, ________ a) I mean b) you know c) it figures 7) People are becoming more aware of environmental problems and they’re ____ “What can I do about it?”, you know. a) so b) as c) like 8) And people are finally starting, _______, to do something about it. a) you know b) I see c) yet Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question The Undie 500 car rally from Christchurch to Dunedin led to rioting and arrests, mostly of students from the University of Otago. What kinds of cars participate in the rally? cheap fast solar-powered New Zealand made Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a programme about an interesting community gardening project for people who’ve experienced mental illness Questions for the article: 1) Long-term depression is said to be linked to deficiency of which vitamin? B3 E A 2) A British study found that one family-sized pizza contained 18 tablespoons of ... sugar salt oil 3) What skills are the participants in the project expected to learn? independent working taking instructions using chemicals safely 4) Many visitors to the farm describe it as .......? an oasis a village a step back in time 5) Which condition is linked to a lack of vitamin D? SAD CBT ECT 6) Which Government Ministry funds the project? Social Development Education Agriculture 7) The involvement of local community members, as well as people who’ve been mentally ill, is described as a ___________ situation win-win quid pro quo swings and roundabouts 8) Which of these objectives is given as an explanation for the boom in community gardening? greater control of food the greying of the population rising price of land Today’s news story: Maori legend of man-eating bird is true Today’s Video suggestion: drao Gilberto Gil ________________________________________________________________

accumulate

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:01:43 GMT

Today’s picture: Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand Thought for the weekend "Everything that's already in the world when you're born is just normal; anything that gets invented between then and before you turn thirty is incredibly exciting and creative and with any luck you can make a career out of it; anything that gets invented after you're thirty is against the natural order of things and the beginning of the end of civilisation as we know it until it's been around for about ten years when it gradually turns out to be alright really. Apply this list to movies, rock music, word processors and mobile phones to work out how old you are." Douglas Adams Part 1: Today's word When something accumulates, it slowly builds up. It’s often used to talk about evidence, as in the first example below, so it’s a useful word to talk about research. In finance, it’s often used with words like ‘wealth’ ‘capital’ and ‘debt’ to talk about gradual growth. Evidence has accumulated that passive smoking is a serious risk to public health. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Over the next century, the city traders accumulated considerable wealth, mostly in the form of gold. I’m impressed at how quickly the library building has accumulated over the last six months. Over millions of years, these deposits accumulated and, under pressure, formed the fossil fuels we are now dependent on for much of our energy. Gamblers, perhaps, believe too absolutely in the old saying: speculate to accumulate. Part 3: Practice Questions: What possessions have you accumulated during your time in this country? In which areas have you accumulated most useful knowledge or expertise? Part 4: Grammar Focus Verbs followed by gerund and/or infinitive Delete the form which is not possible. If both forms are possible, leave them both. Examples Do you ever threaten walking / to walk out of your job? (correct answer: to walk) Do you like lying / to lie in on Sunday mornings? (correct answer: both lying and to lie) 1) Do you really miss sleeping / to sleep in your own bed? 2) Do you mind living / to live in someone else’s home? 3) Would you mind staying / to stay in New Zealand for more than a year? 4) Is there anything in your room that needs repairing / to repair? 5) Do you need buying / to buy any new clothes during the next month? Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Where can you visit the Stardome Observatory (Planetarium) in Auckland? One Tree Hill Mount Eden Auckland Domain Mt Victoria More information here Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview with an astronomer, Alan Gilmour, from Mt St John observatory in the South Island of New Zealand Vocabulary for the article: Questions for the article: How old is the sun? Where did the sun come from? How many elements existed at the beginning of the universe? How long is the Sun expected to continue shining? What’s the temperature in the middle of the Sun? Which elements can only be created by a supernova? What are we made of? How much stronger is the sunshine now than when the Earth first formed? How long has there been life on earth? Which will be the best planet for human life in a billion years time? How big will the Sun grow in 7bn years’ time? Today’s news story: China rush on lucky wedding day Today’s Video suggestion: Here comes the Sun performed by Nina Simone ________________________________________________________________

fallible

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:05:09 GMT

Today’s picture: Parc de la Boverie, Belgium Part 1: Today's word If people or systems are fallible, it means that they are not perfect and make mistakes. It’s important to back-up your data because no system is infallible – in other words, no system is perfect. The fallibility of the world’s financial system was shown during the recent credit crunch and this led to calls for greater regulation and government intervention. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The underlying themes of her novel are the fallibility of human nature and the redeeming power of love. No one checked the accuracy of the figures because we regarded the programme as infallible. Unfortunately, I lost marks for my assignment because the grammar was fallible in several places. I still prefer the warm fallibility of human operators to the cold reliability of a machine. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do your lecturers come across as fallible human beings? Have you suffered because of the fallibility of a system? Part 4: Vocabulary Test Complete the sentences with words that appeared in the last few podcasts. 1) Of course the politician was friendly – he needs your vote! Honestly, sometimes you are so na _ _ _ 2) Customer service is the corner _ _ _ _ _ of our business. 3) You aren’t automatically included in the health insurance scheme when you join the company. You have to _ _ _ in. 4) The crisis in the Middle East led to a sp _ _ _ in the oil price. 5) I decided to go on an organised tour of Vietnam, because booking all those hotels and buses on my own was too much has _ _ _ . Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question According to a recent survey, a quarter of New Zealanders drove last year after ... drinking alcohol smoking cannabis sniffing cocaine Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Australian Radio with the famous behavioural economist Dan Ariely. Vocabulary for the article: mind-boggling efficacy arousal pawn Questions for the article: 1) Dan Ariely argues that people are fundamentally and predictably .... irrational emotional selfish 2) Dan Ariely uses the example of house-buying to illustrate ... the need for professional advice the difficulty of rational decision making the need for greater financial training 3) Dan Ariely’s original research was into ... pain healthcare burn prevention 4) The auction exercise was used to illustrate ... the influence of your first decision the positive effects of competition the randomness of bidding 5) The beer experiment shows the strong influence of ... taste expectations ingredients 6) What effect did the price reduction have on the placebo effect of a treatment? in increased it it reduced it it replaced it 7) His research with college students showed that ... young men have less respect for women than they say they do people’s attitudes vary sharply between different emotional states sexual behaviour is strongly influenced by pornography 8) Which of these theories accepts the fallibility of human nature? behavioural economics classical economics scientific management Click here and then on ‘show transcript’ to read the interview. Today’s news story: Samoa switches to driving on the left Today’s Video suggestion: my mistake by Split Enz ________________________________________________________________

naive

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:31:04 GMT

Today’s picture: Chalet at Whakapapa Skifield, August 2009 Part 1: Today's word If you are naive, it means that you don’t have much experience of life in general, or of some aspect of life, and so you are easily influenced or tricked. If someone, for instance, seems to believe everything they see in an advertisement, you might say to them, “Don’t be so naive!”. Of course, one of the major aims of university study is to develop critical thinking, which is the opposite of naivety. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? This misconception is based on the naive belief that observation does not change the nature of what is being observed. I was surprised at how naive she was in auditing, considering that she had a degree in the subject. That seems to be a pretty naive view of what is clearly a complex issue with many potential causes. She gave a rather naive account of the incident, which suggested a complete lack of understanding of its implications. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you feel you’ve been naive in any of the decisions you’ve taken this year? Have you felt like telling any of your friends, “Don’t be so naive?” Part 4: Test of Academic and Colloquial language 1) You can reveal more about your likes and dislikes by taking the various quizzes that p___ up [on Facebook]. 2) [People will get] greater control over who can acc____ and use their personal details 3) Anyone on Facebook can det___________ their privacy level 4) If I’m seeing an ad that you’ve honed and ref________ so it’s perfect for me, then you’ve caught me with my defences down 5) These tougher rules on personal data .. Facebook is pha______ them in over the next year or so 6) .. being able to absolute tar_____ advertising to an individual ... 7) Are we still rather na_____ about how we use these things? 8) Young people seem to be supremely untroubled by this pros_____ (of giving away their personal data) Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What percentage of New Zealanders use the social networking site, Twitter? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Australian Radio (ABC) about Facebook and especially, privacy and advertising. Vocabulary for the article: cornerstone opt in adjunct quid pro quo Questions for the article: 1) What is the cornerstone of Facebook’s business model? 2) What was the value of their business deal with Microsoft? 3) What’s the real ‘bone of contention’ regarding Facebook? 4) How can you ensure that your data on Facebook is relatively private? 5) What did the Privacy Commissioner in Canada insist that Facebook does when people delete their accounts? 6) How many Facebook users are there? 7) How does the company People Browser get their information? 8) What might Facebook users see as a quid pro quo of having a profile? 9) What major demographic difference is there between Twitter and Facebook? Grammar: Double Comparison This grammar is used to show that one change causes another change. Here is an example from the listening. The older you get, the more concerned about this you become. See if you can complete these other examples. The younger you are, ..... The earlier you go to bed, ..... The more exercise you do, .... The more interest you have in a subject, ... The more practice you get, ... Today’s news story: New Zealand is voted the world’s second best travel destination (after Italy) Today’s Video suggestion: The Facebook song “I used to hang out with girls at the mall / Now I just wait till they write on my wall! ________________________________________________________________

residue

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:01:58 GMT

Today’s picture: Historical village, Howick, Auckland (thanks to Satareh for the photo) Part 1: Today's word A residue is the part of something which is left after the rest has been used. So, for example, pesticides are chemicals which are used to kill insects which could harm crops like potatoes and corn. However, residues of pesticides may be left on the crops themselves and could harm people if the levels are too high. One major reason people might choose organic food is to avoid such residues. The adjective is residual – so residual income is what is left after the main spending has been done. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Please remove any food residue from cooking utensils before placing them in the dishwasher. A good skin cleanser is recommended in order to remove make-up residue as well as dirt and sweat. Used batteries must be carefully placed in the residue for safe disposal. After deductions for death duties and expenses, the residue of the estate was divided among his living relatives. Part 3: Practice Questions: Are you concerned about the residue of pesticides in your food? Part 4: The Idiomatic Test Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. You must use between three and eight words, including the word given. Here is an example: She made a spontaneous decision to leave home. (spur) She decided to leave home on the spur of the moment. 1) Where to hold the conference remained an obstacle between the parties. (block) The __________________________________________ between the parties. 2) I wasn’t able to say anything during the meeting. (edgeways) I _____________________________________ during the meeting) 3) My sister told me that the film is worse than people have been saying. (up) My sister told me the new film isn’t ____________________________ be. 4) It’s a well-known fact that a glass of water leads to a reduction in appetite. (edge) It’s a well-known fact that a glass of water __________________________ your appetite. 5) She was taken aback by the news of her redundancy. (hit) She didn’t _________________________ when she was told about her redundancy. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What do New Zealanders rate as the best smell to have in a home? freshly-baked bread French perfume cut flowers More information here Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview with the Massey University Professor Ralph Sims on the topic of biofuels and energy efficiency Vocabulary for the article: spike (example: Remember when the price of food spiked before the recession) Questions for the article: 1) Which of these organisations does Ralph Sims belong to? Auckland University the IPCC the Nobel Committee 2) What proportion of global fuel demand is currently met by liquid biofuels? 10 % 5.0% 1.5% 3) What was the relationship of biofuel production and the higher food prices in 2008? biofuel prices rose as a result of higher food prices biofuel prices and food prices both rose as a result of higher fuel prices biofuel production was one of the factors causing higher food prices 4) Ethanol from sugar cane is considered relatively ethical because ... it has little impact on the labour market it comprises nearly a quarter of gasoline for cars in Brazil its production doesn’t threaten biodiversity 5) Why isn’t forest residue being converted into biofuel? technical issues ethical concerns cost-effectiveness 6) Ralph Sims sees a lot of potential for New Zealand to export ... pellets made from forest residues ethanol made from sugar cane animal feed which is a by-product of biofuel production 7) Burning biofuels is better for the environment than burning fossil fuels because ... C02 emissions are reduced by 90% compared to natural decay it produces no more C02 emissions than would occur naturally it has negligible production and transportation costs 8) Why is New Zealand not phasing out traditional light bulbs? public opposition environmental impact fuel efficiency Today’s news story: Mohammed Ali's warm Irish welcome Today’s Video suggestion: Clown doctors bring good cheer to wards ________________________________________________________________

connotation

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:01:26 GMT

Today’s picture: Sunset at Mt Ruapehu, August 2009 Part 1: Today's word A connotation is a feeling or idea that is suggested by a word. Words can have negative or positive connotations. So, for example, the word ‘home’ will carry positive connotations of comfort and security for most people. Connotations vary between people. So, for example, the word ‘feminist’ may have negative connotations for some people and neutral or positive connotations for others. It is important to know if the words you’re using in your writing have positive or negative connotations, so that you can ensure that you’re conveying the right message. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? He disliked the word ‘amateur’ because he felt it had connotations of lack of discipline or expertise. The organisation preferred to use the word ‘appropriate’ in order to avoid the moral connotations of ‘correct’. The replacement of the word ‘passenger’ with ‘customer’, with its more commercial connotations, signified a cultural shift in public transport. Business communication needs to be based on clear messages without any connotations. Part 3: Practice Questions: What connotations does the word ‘Kiwi’ have for you? Does your name have any positive or negative connotations? Part 4: Vocabulary Review Complete the words to fill the gaps in these sentences. All of these words have been covered in recent podcasts. The owners designed a new logo to diff ____________ their shop from its regional counterparts. Our two cherry trees are in flower at the same time and we hope the bees will pol __________ them effectively. She should have kept t __________ of her blood pressure before going to see the general practitioner. If those gardeners want to be hired, they should be prepared to p _______ their weight. He was a good looking man, a successful banker, and he wanted to marry her but she knew nothing of his m _________past. He was tempted by the job but it was in the g ______ area between public and private spending. The dairy farmers, opposed to the new production q _____, were seeking compensation from the Government. According to a general agreement and except for olive oil, there was a low t ________ on vegetal oils. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Why are New Zealanders behaving altruistically today (September 1st )? More information here Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a short interview with an Australian writer, Mem Fox, who talks about why she changed her name. Vocabulary for the article: hassle discard ponderous Questions for the article: 1) Apart from writing, what other job does Mem Fox have? 2) Why did people think it was funny when she got married? 3) How old was she when she changed her first name? 4) Is her ‘real’ name an ordinary one or an unusual one? 5) What connotations would her name have for Dutch people? 6) When does she have to use her ‘real’ name? You can also read a transcript of the interview here Today’s news story: Teenage lottery winner blows prize money Today’s Video suggestion: Say My Name by Destiny’s Child ________________________________________________________________

detriment

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:15:34 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from Mt Ruapehu, August 2009 Part 1: Today's word Detriment is a more formal word for harm caused as a direct result of something, especially in the expression ‘to the detriment of xxxx’. To suffer a detriment is the opposite of to gain a benefit. So, for example, exercise is beneficial, whereas smoking is detrimental to your health. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The methods used in the factory emphasised speed and volume to the detriment of safety and hygiene. Her behaviour caused a good deal of detriment to her family and friends over a long period. More students are working during their studies to the detriment of their academic achievement and engagement in university life. An entertainment licence was rejected on the grounds that the noise and traffic would be to the detriment of neighbouring residents. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you know anyone who is working or doing other activities to the detriment of their studies? Do you have any habits which are detrimental to your health? Part 4: The Idiomatic Test Write one word only which can be used appropriately in all three sentences. Here is an example: The question of who flew the first airplane is a _______ of contention between the USA and Brazil. Hey, I’ve got a ______ to pick with you. She had to have her leg put in plaster to allow the ______ to heal. The correct word is ‘bone’. The first two are idioms; the third is the basic meaning of the word. 1 I’m afraid the ________ has fallen out of the housing market. I have a sneaking feeling that we’ll never get to the ______ of this. I’d like to thank you from the ______ of my heart. 2 I think this is a ______ for Scotland Yard. I’m afraid that is simply not the ______ . Don’t worry. I’m on the _______ . 3 I think we should ______ for port and sit out the storm. The problem came to a ______ during the annual meeting. She ended her career at the ______ of an international firm. 4 This simply isn’t the ______ or time to be having this discussion. I felt so out of ______ in that formal atmosphere. Everything fell into _____ when he confessed to the crime. 5 You’ll need a wide-angle lens for that ______. He gulped down a _____ of whisky before striding out of the bar. It’s not really my field, but I’m willing to take a ______ at it. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which well-known Hollywood celebrity is reported to be visiting New Zealand this week? Tom Cruise Brad Pitt Leonardo di Caprio Jim Carrey Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Australian Radio with a leading Canadian graphic designer, David Berman, who talks about why graphic design matters and why ethics is important in this field. Vocabulary for the article: clientele culpable throw the book at someone to applaud psyche Questions for the article: 1) What is David’s main argument for the importance of graphic design in the 21st century? its influence is much greater due to technological developments it is crucial to the effectiveness of the marketing concept the internet has had a huge impact on the level of expertise in the field 2) What does David describe as the cause of the biggest problem in the world today? climate change over-consumption the credit crunch 3) How are graphic designers involved in making the problem worse? arguing against policies of sustainability promoting weapons of mass destruction encouraging unnecessary spending through visual associations 4) Why is the Coca-Cola logo so effective? it’s innovative it’s colourful it’s familiar 5) The greatest effect of good graphic design is on people’s .. memories enjoyment understanding 6) What objection does David have to the use of sexual images in advertising? immorality inappropriateness ineffectiveness 7) David believes that graphic designers should be certified in the same way as architects because ... their work has the potential to cause great harm complex design tools like Adobe software require professional users this will allow their profession to have the same status as architecture 8) If David’s idea is implemented, over 5m hours a week will be spent by graphic designers worldwide working ... on charitable projects on socially useful projects on certified projects Today’s news story: Shanghai seeks an end to Chinglish and some examples from various countries Today’s Video suggestion: What is design? by the very French Philippe Starck ________________________________________________________________

fragile

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:16:23 GMT

Today’s picture: Fragile flowers in Russell, August 2009 Part 1: Today's word If something is fragile, it’s easy to break. So, for example, delicate computer equipment or objects made of glass are often fragile. You can also talk about the fragility of other things that can be broken. For example, a fragile agreement may easily be broken. And if someone has a fragile ego, it means they lack self-confidence. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Unfortunately, many of the best vases of the Ming period can only be seen in China as they are too fragile to be sent overseas for exhibitions. The company lacked investment capital and was fragile to takeover from larger overseas firms. The collapse of Leeman Brothers and its huge global impact was a graphic illustration of the fragility of the world’s economic system. The fragile coalition between the two parties appears to be holding, despite the unease of some party members. Part 3: Practice Questions: What is your most fragile possession? Do you know anyone with a fragile ego? Do you know of any fragile agreements or treaties between countries? Part 4: The Idiomatic Test I was hoping to talk to the boss about my new project, but the meeting was so busy that I never got a look. I think you’ve really hit the nail on the head there. That’s exactly what we need to do. I wasn’t really sure I was doing the right thing, but looking back, I’m happy I put my doubts behind me and took the dive. I had reached a dead end in my research and had to start the whole thing over again from scratch. He may not be the most charming man, but at least you know where you stay with him. I stood like a sore thumb in my jeans and sweater among all those bankers. I’m sorry to say, you’re not pushing your weight and we’re going to have to let you go. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of the following is NOT one of the research interests of the staff in the Information Technology Group at Massey University? virtual communities digital TV online security electronic music Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a short programme from the BBC about computer security and hacking. Vocabulary for the article: hacker geek surreptitious malicious chill out Questions for the article: 1) The US Government is seeking 10, 000 people to work in ... cyber-security email surveillance computer hacking 2) Recent cyber-attacks against the US resulted in ... bodily harm corruption of data denial of service 3) One underlying problem for the US is ... the low numbers of IT students the high cost of internet security the lack of investment in military defence 4) What example was given of the fragility of web services we rely on? Twitter being for political purposes Twitter being forced offline the programming flaws in Twitter 5) What does ‘hacking’ consist of’ according to Mitt Altman, the founder of the hacker space, Noisebridge? securing, destroying and replacing systems developing, testing and distributing viruses analysing, improving and sharing technology 6) Mitt Altman’s most successful hacking invention allows people to ... replace their confusing remote controls turn off TVs in public places add a security key to their remote control 7) Why does Mitt argue that users should be able to hack into the Apple i-phone? they own the product they can improve the product they need to understand the product 8) According to Bill Thompson, what features do hacking groups share with artists’ studios? they are illegal and misunderstood they are collaborative and creative they are long-established and common Today’s news story: India’s water use is unsustainable Today’s Video suggestion: Fragile by Sting ________________________________________________________________

embedded

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:29:36 GMT

Today’s picture: Huka Falls, near Lake Taupo, New Zealand Part 1: Today's word If something is embedded, it means it’s fixed firmly in something else so that it becomes a part of the larger object. Sometimes after an accident, people have pieces of glass embedded in their skull that can be very difficult to remove. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Five distinct processes are embedded within the project management life cycle: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Vygotsky viewed the mind, not as a self-contained organism, but one that was deeply embedded in the social environment. The crystals are generally found embedded in metamorphic rock formations. His main critique of SWOT analysis is that it is embedded within a backward-looking culture of conservatism, inappropriate in a fast-moving globalised business world. Part 3: Practice Questions: What different applications are embedded within Microsoft products? Part 4: The Idiomatic Test I had to hit him. He was a ___ for it! We'll cross that b __ when we come to it I hope the deal's above b ___ We were talking at c ___ purposes She doesn't take a b ___ bit of notice. We've been fighting a losing b ___ It was just a f ___ of her imagination Actually, that's a bone of c ___ She was at the end of her t ___ Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question How many lakes are there in New Zealand? between 100 and 1000 between 1000 and 25 000 more than 50 000 More information here Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a 15-minute interview on Australian Radio with an English writer, Wendy Barnaby. She discusses the idea of water wars and explains the role of water in international trade. The interview contains useful ideas about globalisation, economics and history. Vocabulary for the article: self-sufficiency net exporter outweigh Questions for the article: 1) What did the World Bank vice-President forecast in the 1990’s? water wars water trading virtual water 2) What do most people assume you need in order to have water security? economic diversification embedded water plentiful supplies of water in your land 3) Embedded water means the water ... in deep basins used to produce crops which are traded contained within fruit and vegetables 4) How many tonnes of water are embedded in one tonne of grain? 10 100 1000 5) Embedded water is also known as . ...... water. virtual renewable commercial 6) According to Wendy, how did Singapore solve its water shortage? desalination of sea water economic diversification producing embedded water 7) What has the role of water been in past wars? a primary cause of conflict a tool of war a symbol of peace 8) How does Wendy feel in general about the future of water? cynical anxious optimistic Language focus: collocation Collocation means words which go together. It’s a very important part of fluency in a language. When you learn new words, pay attention to the words they naturally go together with. For instance, we say ‘heavy traffic’, not ‘big’ or ‘intense’. Here are some collocations from today’s interview. I’ve given you the first letter of the missing word – see if you can complete them. They're using some other country's water to m ______ their own needs. And for some countries, the difference is really d ___________. On balance, Jordan imports a volume of embedded water which is five times greater than its own annual renewable resources. As poor countries diversify their economies, they turn away from agriculture and c ___________ wealth from industries that use less water. The water supply that used to sustain Singapore is now only enough to s ____________ 5% of its rich-country needs But it's h _____________ surprising that the rest of us should h _____ warnings from sources that seem to be authoritative. [Politicians] f ___________ the illusion that their economy has been doing well; ... when relationships are good ...... countries co-operate o ________ water. Egypt is now co-operating w ______ other countries in the Nile basin. Today’s news story: Water policies suffer a sinking feeling which presents a less optimistic view of the issue Today’s musical suggestion: Cool Water performed by Nellie Lutcher ________________________________________________________________

dimension

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:22:41 GMT

Today’s picture: Sullivan’s Bay, Mahurangi (thanks to Satareh for this one!) Part 1: Today's word A dimension is an aspect of a situation, especially one which has an important impact on your attitude. So, for instance, you could say that distance education took on a whole new dimension with the invention of the internet. In other words, an important aspect was added which changed the basic character of the internet. When you are researching or analysing a social or business issue, you could look at the cultural, psychological, or ethical dimension in order to gain a more complete understanding of the issue. You may also come across the word dimension in mathematics, where it just means the length, width and height of an object. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Learning a bit of the Maori language added a whole new dimension to her experience of New Zealand culture. Her research focused on the effects on family life of a specific social dimension: the increased use of online networking. The vast dimensions of the scheme made it necessary to employ a specialist project management team. The researchers could have considered the sociological dimension of the issue. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have any of your assignments asked you to consider the cultural, ethical or social dimensions of a specific issue? Have any of your university studies added a whole new dimension to your way of thinking? Part 4: The Idiomatic Test It's like water off a duck's b ___ The experience was a real eye- o____ She didn't lift a f ___ to help At least you've got your f ___ in the door An early election is on the c ___ I was totally out of my d ___ Everyone's getting in on the a ___ The copier's given up the g ____ Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of these is a well-known New Zealand fashion designer? Trelise Cooper Coco Chanel Stella McCartney Issey Mijake More information here Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview on Australian Radio with a PhD researcher Bianca Price, who has researched the impact of how good-looking a sales assistant is perceived to be on purchase decisions. Vocabulary for the article: intimidated flaw flawless metrosexual Questions for the article: What was the research question? Are women less likely to purchase clothing when they perceive the sales assistant as being more attractive than they are? Where did the researcher get the idea from? Where was the research published? What were the research methods? What were the findings? What theory did she use to explain her findings? What practical implications may the research have? --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Young women) are more p __________ to eating disorders. Women are con ___________ with a number of images from the media. The emphasis on attractiveness for these young women can det____________ their social network, it can det__________ whether they find a relationship You’re dealing with two dim ______________ here ... Women asp ______ to be a celebrity. Firms will want to ass__________ those images with their particular brand or product The v ______ majority of (clothing) stores are targeted towards young women. Women who don’t per________ themselves as attractive may be det__________ (from shopping in stores with attractive sales assistants) A lot of men would enc__________ difficulties (with a similar situation) Grammar Focus: Expressing tendencies ‘will’ doesn’t only refer to the future in English. It is often used to express a general tendency – it has a similar meaning to ‘tend to’ and is often used as an alternative. Both ‘tend to’ and ‘will’ are also used with adverbs like ‘generally’ and ‘typically’ to make the tendency a little weaker. This is an important grammar point if you are describing trends or habits – and when we are talking about people and society, we need this grammar a lot, since the real world is not black and white, but many shades of grey. Here are a few examples from today’s listening: Men tend to like buying things off better looking women. In fact, they’ll go out of their way to buy things they don’t need. Women and women will generally be more competitive with each other. Women tend to value their attractiveness. Women will generally focus on their appearance first and foremost. Today’s news story: Internet cry for help finds answer across the world Today’s Video suggestion: Kath and Kim explore the various dimensions of swimwear purchase decisions ________________________________________________________________

vulnerable

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:12:45 GMT

Today’s picture: Magnolia in bloom behind the Study Centre, Massey University Albany Part 1: Today's word Vulnerable people or things are easily hurt or attacked and therefore need protection. So, for example, if your computer may be vulnerable to viruses if you don’t have the correct software installed to protect it. Young children and the elderly tend to have a higher vulnerability to infection, so need special care. And at times, everyone is emotionally vulnerable – for example, if you’ve had some bad experiences, you may feel vulnerable because your confidence is low. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Despite their superior firepower, Western troops were vulnerable to attacks from roadside bombs. The system is vulnerable to frequent attempts by hackers to obtain our customers’ details, which has required significant investment in the most powerful protection available. Self-help and community groups can help vulnerable people to develop the social networks they need to survive and prosper. Companies that depend on single products or services will always be vulnerable to threats from the external environment, such as copycat brands or changes in regulation. Part 3: Practice Questions: Which kinds of people have been most vulnerable to the effects of the HN1N (swine flu) virus? Which businesses have been most vulnerable during the current credit crunch? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five (not) get a word in edgeways / edgewise not given the opportunity to say anything She talks so much, I can’t get a word in edgeways. have your work cut out have a challenge Things are going more slowly than expected and we’re going to have our work cut out to finish this project on time. a can of worms a complicated or corrupt situation which has been hidden He really opened up a can of worms when he tried to renogotiate the commission rates. rub (sb) up the wrong way make a bad impression on Unfortunately, she managed to rub him up the wrong way on their first meeting. from / since the year dot / one for a very long time This bakery has been here since the year dot. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Valerie Vili won a gold medal for New Zealand in the World Athletics Championship today – in which event? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Australian Radio (ABC) about empathy in animals with the leading biologist Franz de Waal. To listen to the programme, just click on ‘Today’s online listening’ above and then click on ‘download audio’. The interview is the second item in the programme, so you can go forward five minutes or just click on the line about 2 cm from the left. If you click on ‘show transcript’, you can also read the interview. Vocabulary for the article: altruism empathy contagion blush offspring Questions for the article: 1) In what way was Charles Darwin different from many modern biologists? He believed animals evolve through natural selection He believed animals also had empathy He believed only humans were altruistic 2) What does Franz de Waal believe is the main evolutionary advantage of empathy? it helps us care for vulnerable infants it helps us find a suitable mate it helps us identify weak points in our enemies 3) What kind of neurones seem to be involved in empathy? motor mirror sensory 4) What research methods did Franz de Waal use in his work on apes? observation and grounded theory observation and experimentation survey and experimentation 5) What comparison does Franz de Waal make between apes and politicians? playing tricks fighting over nothing being nice to babies 6) What appears to be the evolutionary advantage of blushing? it warns others not to trust the person who is blushing it makes the person who is blushing seem more trustworthy it discourages people from behaving dishonestly 7) The cruel way apes treat non-group members shows that empathy is .. not consistent weaker in males only applied to family members Today’s news story: Dog eater needed education, not punishment Today’s Video suggestion: reading and empathy by Barack Obama Today’s Musical suggestion: Everybody Hurts by REM ________________________________________________________________

prosperity

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:04:48 GMT

Today’s picture: Sunset in Russell, Bay of Islands, August 2009 Part 1: Today's word If a person or society is prosperous, it means that they have a good income, based on successful business. One important aim of governments, therefore, is to increase overall prosperity. The meaning of prosperous is similar to affluent. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Increasing traffic congestion and pollution is one of the unfortunate side-effects of increasing prosperity. High levels of debt may threaten the long-term prosperity of the economy. It is important to evaluate the prosperity and conditions of any new post before entering into contract negotiations. New Zealand’s prosperity has always been based on strong agricultural exports. Part 3: Practice Questions: What is the prosperity of your country or city based on? What are the main ways in which governments aim to increase the prosperity of their people? Part 4: The Idiomatic Test Here are some sentences using some of the idioms we’ve covered over the last few months. Which ones are correct? And how can you change the other ones to make them correct? I’m not sorry I broke his nose. He was asking me for it. I may be going to Europe on business but it’s still up in the air. I’m happy to hear that staff morale has improved, but I have to remind you that the bottom line is sales, which are still low. The award took me completely by surprise and I had to come up with an off-the-cuff thank-you speech. Nowadays people hardly bat an eyelash when they hear scandals about the Royal Family. I think that allowing only 30 minutes to get from the airport to the city centre cuts it a bit fine. Actually, an hour is more realistic. It took over a year until our hard work really began to pick fruit. I’ve been pulling my hair out over this new software. I just can’t work out what the problem could be. If you’re so fed up with your colleague’s punctuality, you’ll just have to get it out with her. There’s no point letting it go on like this. I was never really able to talk to my dad about leaving home, but I’m so glad I managed to have a face-to-face with him before he died. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which is the main region in which New Zealand’s aid agency NZAID works? Africa Asia The Pacific Latin America Part 6: Today’s online listening This is a short programme about the success and limitations of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (ACOA) in increasing prosperity in Africa. Vocabulary for the article: tap the potential untapped potential Questions for the article: Esther Betts, an African farmer 1) She would like help in ... importing American seeds understanding the American market competing against American products 2) She feels that the American Government could help African farmers.. to meet international quality standards to produce genetically-modified crops to satisfy the local demand for fruits and vegetables Brian Kaguro: International Aid worker 3) His main criticism of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) is that ... its scope is too limited it focuses too much on oil-importing countries it completely excludes food and textiles 4) He feels that in order to succeed, there needs to be an adjustment to ... financial aid quality control sustainability Rosa Whitaker: Former US Trade representative 5) Her main defence of AGOA is that oil exports aren’t a dominant part of the scheme it has had a positive effect on employment in Africa it has increased American exports to Africa 6) What is her main belief about quality standards for agricultural imports from Africa? they are likely to be relaxed in the long-term African farmers are capable of meeting them America is willing to invest in quality improvement Today’s news story: Optimistic women live longer Today’s Video suggestion: doni doni by Africando ... petit a petit! ________________________________________________________________

compromise

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:27:42 GMT

Today’s picture: Bay of Islands, August 2009 No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. Meditation 17 by the English poet John Donne (1624) Part 1: Today's word A compromise is a kind of agreement where both sides accept that they can’t have everything they want. When the sides finally agree, they reach, come to or arrive at a compromise. You can also use compromise as a verb. So, for example, Trade Unions may need to compromise on the timing of a pay increase in order to secure the amount they were looking for. But it’s important to avoid compromising your principles or beliefs. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The Unions and Management have agreed to a last-minute compromise to avert costly industrial action. A compromise was reached where the sign was written in both languages, with the English and Maori versions given equal prominence. Foreign policy has to strike a delicate compromise between national interest and political principles. Both sides were willing to sign the compromise after days of difficult negotiations. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you had to make any compromises in your studies? For example, your subject, your university, your timing? Have you ever reached a compromise with your parents? For example, about the use of the car, your social life or appearance? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five keep sb on their toes not allow sb to become complacent The army holds regular simulations in order to keep the soldiers on their toes. on top of (a situation) in control We had a few difficulties, but we’re getting on top of the situation now. keep track keeping an up-to-date record Is anyone keeping track of the score? put two and two together draw an obvious conclusion She didn’t tell anyone she’d lost her job, but after seeing her around during the day, I just put two and two together. (not) pull your weight be lazy There’s a lot of work to do, but if everyone pulls their weight, it won’t take too long. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What is the name of the team from Wellington which competes in the Australian A-League soccer competition (which started its new season last weekend)? Knights Kingz Phoenix Kiwis Part 6: today’s online listening This is a short interview from the BBC about free trade and the growing number of disputes. It features leading international trade lawyer, Gary Horlick. The interview runs from 1.44 – 7.22, as part of a general business programme. Vocabulary for the article: to blow hot and cold murky grey area procurement quota tariffs Questions for the article 1) One reason there are more trade disputes during a recession is ... it’s easier to show you have been harmed lawyers are forced to reduce their fees courts are more favourable towards struggling businesses 2) The ‘Buy America’ clause is a compromise between ... National and local government President Obama and his party The United States and Mexico 3) Gary Horlick argues that the ‘Buy National’ concept is ... expensive illegal outdated 4) President Obama has a difficult decision about whether to impose a quota on Chinese ... tyres steel electrical appliances 5) Gary Horlick is sceptical about the argument that .... Reducing emissions needs global co-operation Chinese imports to the US are damaging the environment Free trade benefits the American economy 6) How does Gary Horlick feel about the completion of the Doha Round of Free Trade negotiations? optimistic sceptical disappointed Today’s news story: from India Street theatre brings hope for women Today’s Video suggestion: from the USA Rocking in the Free World by Neil Young ___________________________________________________________

differentiate

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:11:55 GMT

Today’s picture: Hot-Rod Differentiation in Russell, New Zealand Part 1: Today's word Differentiation means making things different. So, for example, differentiated instruction means that different students receive different information according to their needs and interests. In marketing, it’s important that brands are clearly differentiated in the minds of the consumers. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? He argued that societies were no longer differentiated so much by traditional social class, as by education and participation. The organisation evolved from a highly-differentiated workforce to one where each highly-skilled member was expected to multi-task as required. Market segmentation involves analysis of the total market demand into particular segments, so that consumers can be differentiated and therefore targeted more effectively. The course differentiated from my expectations in several respects, particularly in its extensive use of online learning. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you feel the criteria for distinction, pass and fail are clearly differentiated? How do restaurants differentiate their brands? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five in the teeth of in spite of The Government managed to pass the legislation in the teeth of fierce opposition. to wear thin to run out We’ve been waiting three weeks for this package and our patience is beginning to wear a bit thin. ram it down sb’s throat force it on sb He’s welcome to his own opinions as long as he doesn’t try and ram them down my throat. to be at eachother’s throats to argue all the time We used to get on well, but since we started living together we’ve been at each other’s throats. tit-for-tat in retaliation There was a series of tit-for-tat murders among drug dealers in the city. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Last weekend’s telethon raised money for the Kidscan charity. Who do they support? Part 6: today’s online listening This is a short interview with two scientists, Peter Dearden and Rosanna McCartney, from the University of Otago. They’ve been researching how honey bees are able to produce two distinct kinds of females. Vocabulary for the article: pollinate in tandem Questions for the article: 1) The evidence shows that the type of female bee produced (Queen or worker) depends on ... nutrition in-breeding genetics 2) Rosanna’s research looks at .. the early differentiation the effects of hormone differences the role of Queen bees 3) What’s the total development time of a worker bee? just over a week about two weeks nearly three weeks 4) What is the effect of royal jelly on the developing bees? switching on and off specific genes providing RNA messages to cells protecting the developing Queen 5) The researchers have differentiated the RNA from the two types of bee by ... colour weight location 6) The newer technology of high-throughput sequencing provides them with ... more data more accurate sampling more rapid interpretation 7) The next stage of the research will involve .. completing the genome of the honey bee controlling gene expression through RNA manipulating the role of the worker bees 8) The active ingredient of royal jelly which leads to the development of Queen Bees is ... a specific molecule a set of proteins currently unknown 9) Developmental plasticity is ... their broader research topic their underlying methodology their system for data gathering and analysis 10) Geneticists are becoming more interested in the role of ... the genome the environment RNA Today’s news story: from the Pacific Easter Island’s first ever soccer match Today’s Video suggestion: from the USA Queen Bee by Taj Mahal ________________________________________________________________

alignment

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:12:12 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from the Study Centre Building, Massey University, Albany, August 2009 Part 1: Today's word If two things are aligned, it means that they are organised so that they are both in a straight line or, more generally, that they match well together. So, for example, it is important that a company’s policies and strategies are closely aligned with their mission statement. In research, it is important that your methods are aligned with your research questions. If things are not aligned, there is a danger that they will contradict each other and the whole organisation or project will not work effectively towards a common goal. So, it is important that goals, methods and actions are in alignment. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The company was faced with the challenge of aligning its production methods with its philosophy of sustainability. The organization underwent a process of close alignment in order to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in its environment. An integrated strategy is required so that information systems are closely aligned with the needs and goals of the business as a whole. An effective supply chain depends on close alignment of the systems of the supplier and the customer. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you feel that the aims of your courses are closely aligned with the teaching methods and assessments? How closely are you studies aligned with your future plans? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five a stumbling block an obstacle (especially in negotiations) The merger is nearly completed. The only remaining stumbling block is the location of the Head Office of the new company. to follow suit copy If our competitors cut their prices, we’ll be forced to follow suit. red tape bureaucracy I was hoping to open my own language school in Australia, but unfortunately there was so much government red tape, it didn’t seem worth the trouble. stand / stick out like a sore thumb be obviously different I was a bit nervous about going on the beach because I thought I’d stick out like a sore thumb among all those tanned bodies. have a sweet tooth enjoy sugar etc I always get my mum chocolates for her birthday. I know she’ll like them because she’s always had a sweet tooth. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What is the unemployment rate in New Zealand? Part 6: Today’s online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the leading economist Sir Howard Davies. He is the director of the London School of Economics and a board member of Morgan Stanley bank. He talks about how he believes the world can move out of the current economic crisis Vocabulary for the listening: poacher turned gamekeeper to curb doesn’t cut the mustard mop up bail out pre-emptive detrimental Questions for the listening: 1) When targeting inflation, governments need to take account of the costs of credit and ... commodities assets labour 2) Howard Davies criticises the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England for having ignored ... The CPI (Consumer Price Index) The asset bubble Interest rates 3) Alan Greenspan argued that ... asset prices would contract gradually it is impossible to know if assets are overvalued asset prices need to be more strictly regulated 4) Howard Davies believes that asset prices need to be ... scientifically determined integrated into inflation targeting aligned with interest rates 5) Howard Davies admits that he was mistaken about ... banks’ need for large amounts of capital the sharp increases in mortgage debt the inevitability of government intervention 6) Howard Davies argues that increasing bank reserves will lead to .. a reduction in interest rates a slower economic recovery an increase in bank lending 7) How much of a bank’s assets should be held as equity capital? 8% 12% 88% 8) Setting higher reserves for banks should also make them more .. competitive risk-averse speculative 9) Howard Davies believes interest rate rises do have a significant effect on the economy because ... most people do not have fixed rate mortgages they affect all mortgages equally they affect people’s expectations 10) Howard Davies believes that pre-emptive action by Governments will be .. normal unnecessary unpopular 11) His main criticism of monetary policy over recent years is that it has been too ... speculative unclear narrow 12) What does Howard Davies believe will be a major factor in slowing down economic recovery in countries like Britain? a high balance of payments deficit over-regulation of the banking industry high levels of personal debt ----------------------------------------------------------- Grammar focus: is / are to do In formal English, you can use is / are to do to talk about future possibilities. It’s used to talk about situations where a person can influence their future – not to talk about the weather etc, which are out of our hands. Here is an example from the recording. More soul-searching is necessary about the causes of the financial crisis if the world is to stage a convincing recovery. Questions: What will you need to do over the next year if you are to pass all your papers? If New Zealand is to reduce its high unemployment rate, what does it need to do? Today’s news story: from New Zealand trends in the Auckland region - comprehensive facts and figures from Statistics New Zealand Today’s Video suggestion: from the UK Bankrobber by The Clash ________________________________________________________

criterion

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:10:17 GMT

Today’s picture: Latin American dance champions, performing in Devonport, NZ last Saturday Part 1: Today's word A criterion is a standard which is used for assessing something. So, for example, customer service is an important criterion for the retail sector. Criterion is a Greek word and it has an irregular plural, criteria. Because there are normally several criteria which are used when assessing something, the word is usually found in the plural. For instance, safety, fuel-economy, comfort and performance are important criteria when choosing a car. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The interviewers seemed to like me but unfortunately I didn’t pass the company criteria. What criteria are we going to use for our selection procedure? All applications which meet the criteria listed above will be considered by the selection panel. The route of the new road was decided by carefully applying three basic criteria to the four proposals: operational effectiveness, environmental impact and cost-effectiveness. Part 3: Practice Questions: What criteria did you apply when choosing your course? What criteria are used by your lecturers in assessing your assignments? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five on the spur of the moment spontaneous I wasn’t really intending to buy anything at the auction, but I started bidding on the spur of the moment and came away with an oil painting. back to square one start again from zero Well, the company have rejected our original plans for the advertising campaign, so now it’s back to square one. know where you stand not be under any illusion The old teachers were pretty strict, but at least you knew where you stood with them. These new ones leave you confused. state-of-the-art up-to-date / cutting-edge She installed a state-of-the-art sound system with all the latest features. It must have cost thousands. (not by any/ by no) stretch of the imagination not at all This can’t be called a double room by any stretch of the imagination. There’s only room for a single bed ! Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question How many visitors arrived in New Zealand during the last 12 months just over half a million one and a half million nearly two and a half million over four million Statistics NZ Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short programme on micro-finance, questioning to what extent it really helps the poor Vocabulary for the article: counter-intuitive a panacea Questions for the article: Mohamed Younus interview 1) Who are the typical clients who borrow from Grameen Bank? 97% women women investors farmers 2) What evidence does Mohammed Younus use to show that microfinance works? poverty-reduction business sustainability falling interest rates Report from Zambia 3) Why are the interest rates so high in Zambia? costs of infrastructure high exchange rates hyper-inflation 4) Which of these may lead to lower interest rates in Zambia? reduction in the number of borrowers introduction of a credit rating system government intervention in the sector Critical research into microfinance 5) What ‘counter-intuitive’ finding came out of the research in the Phillipines? the number of businesses owned by borrowers reduced the loans mainly went to overseas borrowers loans were used to invest in infrastructure 6) What factor seemed to determine the outcome of lending? gender ethnicity age 7) Which form of micro-finance does Dean Karlan recommend? micro-credit micro-savings micro-investment 8) What does Dean Karlan think is the main criterion by which micro-finance should be judged? sustainability cost impact Today’s news story: from New Zealand rock-jumping to catch Northland waves Today’s Video suggestion: from the UK money’s too tight to mention by Simply Red ________________________________________________________________

dispute

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:06:59 GMT

Today’s picture: Mosaic on a kindergarten wall in Bayswater, Auckland Part 1: Today's word If you dispute something, you argue about it. So, for instance, you might dispute someone’s authority or rights to do something. You might also dispute any claims they make. This is very common in academic argument. If an issue is in dispute, it means that negotiations are still going on and the issue has not yet been resolved. If something has been proved beyond dispute, it means that the evidence is so strong that everyone would have to accept it. Likewise, if something is so clear that no one could argue about it, then it is indisputable. Her commitment to the company is indisputable. Ownership of the site is disputed, which has made development impossible. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? I do not dispute the fact that the project has faced a number of difficulties; what I do dispute, however, is the claim that it is fatally flawed. I agree with your general findings but strongly dispute that the problem was deliberately caused. Residents of the village do not pay taxes since it is located in the no-man’s land of the disputed border between Chile and Argentina. She disputed the manager’s account of events on the grounds that the manager wasn’t actually in the room when the incident took place. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you ever disputed grades awarded for your academic work? Are there any long-running border disputes in your region? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five lull sb into a false sense of security / give sb a false sense of security make someone complacent The good years of the early nineties lulled investors into a false sense of security leaving them totally unprepared for the crash that was to come. to be in sb’s shoes be in someone’s position I wouldn’t like to be in Alex’s shoes when the boss finds out how much money he lost on that deal. have / take a shot at/ give sth a shot try I haven’t tried surfing before but I’m willing to take a shot at it if you give me a few tips. be snowed under very busy Last month was fairly quiet, but since we launched our new promotion last week, we’ve been snowed under. (especially with paperwork) on the spot at the time and place If you’re caught speeding, the police can give you an on-the-spot fine. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What is New Zealand’s position on the Happy Planet Index? 10th 45th 79th 103rd For more details, click here Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview with Nic Marks of the New Economic Foundation. He criticises the use of GDP as a way of measuring the performance of different countries and explains a new measure, the HPI, which he feels is more suitable for this purpose. Vocabulary for the article: think-tank ivory tower Questions for the article: 1) Which of these is one of the three principles of the New Economic Foundation? sustained growth social justice corporate social responsibility 2) GDP became significant during and after the Second World War as part of a move to ... reduce expenditure maximise production protect the domestic economy 3) Marks criticises the use of GDP because of its lack of attention to sustainable development and ... invisible earnings competitive advantage distribution of wealth 4) He feels that the reporting of GDP in general news programmes is .. inappropriate inaccurate incomplete 5) The HPI .... has been adopted globally combines three independent measures is an objective measure of human development 6) The global footprint measure indicates that New Zealanders ... have significantly more living space per capita than the world average use three to four times as much fossil fuels as developing countries are consuming an unfair share of the world’s resources 7) The data on happiness... was based on detailed interview and observation had already been collected by another agency was sampled from every country in the world 8) The main reason why New Zealand has a relatively low HPI is ... the high consumption of resources the high rate of obesity the high rate of military spending 9) Marks’ feels that low consumption of resources and a high level of happiness are ... highly compatible goals fundamentally inconsistent typical of developing countries like Costa Rica 10) What is Marks’ defence against the charge that measurements of happiness are subjective? qualitative measurements can be objective subjectivity is inevitable in this field he is working on more objective measures Today’s news story: from New Zealand Middlemarch singles Today’s Video suggestion: from the USA Happy Together by The Turtles _____________________________________________________________

heritage

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:58:00 GMT

Today’s picture: Sculpture from Lake House, Takapuna Part 1: Today's word cultural heritage means the art, places, buildings, customs and traditions which are valuable for a particular society. So, for example, New Zealand’s cultural heritage includes elements of Western culture, as well as the indigenous culture of the Maori and the other communities which have come to New Zealand, such as Pacific Islanders and Chinese. Cultural treasures are the most valuable part of this cultural heritage. So, for England, for instance, the cultural treasures include the Alfred Jewel, the magna carta, the works of Shakespeare etc. The Maori word for cultural treasure is taonga. In the Treaty of Waitangi , Maori were promised ‘full and undisturbed possession of their land, forests, fisheries and all their treasures. Taonga in New Zealand include waiata [songs], places of special cultural significance, such as the Waikato River , designs, such as the Koru and the Maori language , called Te Reo. Maori language week celebrates the key role which Te Reo, Maori language, plays in the cultural heritage of New Zealand. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The Government needs to do more to preserve the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples before it is too late. Although his parents had left him several million dollars, he had managed to spend his entire heritage by the age of 25. The rich history of samba is a key element in the cultural heritage of Brazil. The network of villages forms a valuable part of the heritage of the region, which is under increasing threat from urbanization. Part 3: July’s words Here’s a short test to see how many words from the last month you’ve remembered! First see if you can complete the missing words – then check below and find the correct word (I’ve given you the first letter, which will make that part much easier!). If you can’t remember, take a look back at the podcasts over the last month – all the words are there! She loved to mim _ _ her friend's accent. [copy - especially to make people laugh] We travelled to see her mother, whom we found less rob _ _ _ than before. They studied the to _ _ _properties of many chemicals. Conditions had worsened in the rural hin _ _ _ _ _ _ The Government is full of tec _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _recruited from the top universities but lacking in practical experience. They wanted their clients to keep up with the expo _ _ _ _ _ _ _ growth of market data. She failed to include an att _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _to her original source, which led to accusations of plagiarism. The decision to transfer a patient to an area of less intense care is often a col_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ one, involving the full range of medical staff. The new drug can significantly inh _ _ _ _ the growth of cancer cells. The advertisers were accused of including sub _ _ _ _ _ _ _ messages in their campaign in order to influence the consumers without them even being aware. Clayton Weatherston was said to be suffering from nar _ _ _ _ _ _ _ because he had an exaggerated sense of his own importance, but the jury still found him guilty of murder. He tried stopping suddenly, but found no tan _ _ _ _ _ evidence of people following him. Mimic Robust Toxic Hinterland Technocrats Exponential Attribution collaborative Inhibit Subliminal Narcissism Tangible Discrepancy Blip Embed Manipulate docile hunch captivity aesthetics impeachment replicate Part 4: The Idiomatic Five run-of-the-mill mundane / very ordinary Most of the buildings on Hobson Street are run-of-the-mill office and apartment buildings with no outstanding features. to play (it) safe not take a risk I was tempted to invest in some technology shares, but in the end I decided to play it safe and put my money in a balanced investment fund. it’s (not all) plain sailing not easy There are many advantages in running your own business. Mind you, it’s not all plain sailing, by any means. behind the scenes not in public Ministers have been working behind the scenes to restore confidence in the currency. from scratch from zero We lost everything when the firm went bankrupt and had to start over again from scratch. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question The Maori population of New Zealand is approximately half a million. How many of them are fluent in Maori language [Te Reo]? Part 6: Today's online listening and speaking This is a set of short and fun, interactive exercises on the basics of Maori language (Te Reo) in honour of Maori Language week. And if you click on the left of the page, you can also find out more about Maori culture, listen to some Maori songs etc. Today’s news story: from New Zealand Maori language week Today’s Video suggestion: from New Zealand waiata performed by Ritana Kapa Haka group from Lytton High School, Gisborne, New Zealand ____________________________________________________________

allusion

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:49:41 GMT

Today’s picture: Strange creature (a friendly dragon, maybe?) encountered at Lake House, Takapuna Part 1: Today's word If you allude to someone or something, you mention them in an indirect way. It’s common for films, books and pictures to contain allusions to other works of art. This means, for instance, the writer, director or artist has deliberately included some features that make reference to a famous scene from an earlier film etc. Of course, because they are indirect, allusions can be very difficult to notice if you are not experienced or are not a member of the culture. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? She alluded to our earlier disagreement, but fortunately she seems to have accepted the outcome. He mentioned some technical problems with the project; I assumed he was alluding to the new software. The scene where the boy calls up to the girl on a balcony is an obvious allusion to Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’. She alluded to me about the problem rather than explain the issue openly. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you noticed any allusions to earlier famous films when you’ve been watching a movie? Do you find it hard to follow some of the cultural allusions in your lectures or course books? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five to be on the right track going in the right direction We made our mistakes in the past, but now I’m sure we’re back on the right track. put / set the record straight correct an error Listen everyone. I’d like to set the record straight. I don’t actually have a degree. I dropped out after the first year at college. a rip-off / to rip sb off exploitation $100 for a theatre ticket ! What a rip-off. to rub it in continue criticizing I know I was stupid to walk around with all that money in my pocket. There’s no need to rub it in. to be on the run to be a fugitive (from justice) The criminals are believed to be two escaped prisoners who have been on the run from Mount Eden Jail for the last two months. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which part of New Zealand has reached the finalists of the new seven wonders of the world? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short presentation from the BBC about the unique lizards known as Komodo Dragons by the famous British biologist and television presenter David Attenborough. Vocabulary for the article: docile captivity prey Questions for the article: 1) The 16th century book describing dragons was published in .... China Japan Italy France 2) These descriptions of dragons can’t have been based on lizards or crocodiles because ... they were unknown to the writer the writer included descriptions of them in other parts of the book they were too small they were not described by travellers 3) The Komodo lizards were called dragons by ... medieval travellers 20th century western media indigenous people in Indonesia 19th century romantic poets 4) David Attenborough first came across a Komodo dragon ... early on in his career in London zoo after being shipwrecked on the island in a remote part of Java 5) There were once even larger lizards in ... Indonesia Australia New Zealand Komodo 6) When David Attenborough first heard local people’s claims that dragons attack people, he was ... suspicious impressed afraid sceptical 7) What did adult komodo dragons eat before people arrived on the island? buffalo goats young komodo dragons small lizards 8) Female Komodo dragons are parthenogenetic, which means they ... don’t need males to reproduce lay fertile eggs eat their young cannot reproduce in captivity 9) Parthenogenesis is associated with ... slow takeover of new territory great size lack of adaptability a single egg per female Grammar check: Sentence inversion Sentence inversion means that the subject and verb are inverted, so that the subject comes after the verb instead of in its normal place before. Sentence inversion is a common way of making questions – for example: Are you sure? But there is one other time we need to use sentence inversion in English. That is, when the first clause of the sentence begins with a negative word or phrase like ‘no’ ‘not’ ‘hardly’ and ‘only’. Here is an example from today’s listening, followed by some other examples I’ve made up: Only if a male contributes to the genetic make-up of the young, will there be variation. Not only was he rude, he didn’t even pay his bill. No sooner had she left the room than they started talking about her. Hardly had I opened my mouth when he interrupted me again. .......................................................... Here is a short grammar exercise on sentence inversion for you. Transform these sentences, beginning with the given word and using sentence inversion. The room was cold and the shower didn’t work. Not only ... I left the house and it started raining. Hardly .... She left university and started her own business. No sooner ... You can only see such a wealth of unspoilt nature here in New Zealand. Only ... She was a talented artist and a successful businesswoman. Not only .... Today’s news suggestion: A cute animal story from Japan snake befriends snack hamster Today’s Video suggestion: from New Zealand Albi - the racist dragon performed by Flight of the Conchords. The song makes an ironic allusion to this ________________________________________________________

discrepancy

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:52:59 GMT

Today’s picture: Presentation on Vocabulary Teaching Part 1: Today's word A discrepancy is a difference between things that should be the same. So, for example, it’s a problem if there is a discrepancy in the company books when the accountants check them or if there is a discrepancy between statements given by witnesses of a crime. In New Zealand, the discrepancies between the Maori and English versions of the Treaty of Waitangi caused a lot of misunderstanding and conflict. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? There are a few key discrepancies between the Harvard and the APA referencing systems. If there is any discrepancy between the payments recorded and the supporting documentation, this must be noted and discussed with the client. Although the country has seen impressive economic growth, there is a growing discrepancy between the regions. The discrepancy between job titles and actual responsibilities in the organization meant that the survey method produced invalid results. Part 3: Practice Questions: Is there any discrepancy between the numbers of students enrolled on your course and the numbers who actually attend lectures? What do researchers need to do if there’s a discrepancy between the predicted and the actual results of an experiment? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five it’s in the pipeline going to happen We don’t have much work at the moment, but there are various projects in the pipeline. all over the place everywhere or disorganised I tell you, your keys are not in the house. I’ve looked all over the place and I didn’t see them. What’s wrong with me? I’m all over the place today! fall into place seem logical I was really confused about how the thieves managed to get into the building, but everything fell into place when I realised that someone had let them in. take the plunge Finally make a move (after hesitating) I’d thought about working abroad for years, but it wasn’t until last summer that I finally took the plunge. to blow sth out of (all) proportion exaggerate The company’s had a bad quarter, but I think the market has blown it out of all proportion, by talking about possible bankruptcy. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question In which part of New Zealand is Waitangi, where the Treaty between the Crown (British Government) and the Maori Tribes was signed in 1840? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a set of six interviews with children around the world talking about how the economic crisis is affecting them, their families and their communities. If you click on the link above it will open up the page and then you need to press play under each photo of the children. Each interview is about 5 minutes long. Match the sentences below to the country the children come from. One of her favourite shops has closed down He’s worried he might have to leave school She feels she has to do better at school Her dad is busier because of the increase in crime He has to wait longer to get nice things from shops Her parents won’t discuss their financial problems with her He describes the vicious circle of crime She notices more homeless people on the subway Her uncle gives them less pocket money Do you know enough about swine flu? Try this interactive quiz from the BBC Today’s Video suggestion: from New Zealand The Leading Edge a classic film about skiing in New Zealand ________________________________________________________________

empirical

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:29:02 GMT

Today’s picture: Postgraduate students preparing a poster presentation for Organisations and Management Part 1: Today's word Empirical research is based on evidence. So that means that it focuses on gathering data and then analysing the data in order to support its conclusions. Empirical methods include experiments (especially in the natural sciences and in psychology) and surveys, interviews, focus groups and discourse analysis (widely-used in the social sciences). Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The claims were interesting but have not been supported by reliable empirical evidence. Empirical studies have provided some support for the ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ approach to dementia. It is important to review existing empirical literature before conducting one’s own research studies. Data-first approaches, such as Grounded Theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) might be considered the most empirical of all social science research methods. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you conducted any empirical research yourself? What kind of empirical research do you think the university could use to improve its services? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five put / stick your oar in interfere Things were going fine till Sam went and stuck his oar in - I wish he’d mind his own business for a change! open-ended flexible We decided to have an open-ended meeting to discuss whatever issues were on people’s minds. out-and-out absolute Don’t believe a word he says - he’s an out-and-out liar. be par for the course normal Pay varies a lot, but I’d say that $ 15 per hour is about par for the course over there. I wouldn’t put it past him I wouldn’t be surprised ‘Surely you’re not saying that Chris crashed his car deliberately just to claim the insurance money?’ ‘Well, I wouldn’t put it past him - he’s done similar things before.’ Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of these is a well-known New Zealand economist? Tony Alexander Milton Friedman Adam Smith John Maynard Keynes Click here to see his regular reports on the NZ economy Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a 3 minute presentation from the BBC by the Nobel-Prize-winning economist George Ackerlof. He explains his suggestion for dealing with the current economic crisis. Vocabulary for the article: a blip green shoots of recovery aversion grasping in the dark Questions for the article: 1) Ackerlof starts out by stating that one objective of economic and fiscal policy should be ... comparative advantage demand and supply full employment 2) The second major objective should be ... more accessible credit better product development value for money 3) What does Ackerlof mean by a ‘cat-in-the-hat’ approach to the current crisis? We need to be ready to try a number of solutions until one works We need to listen to a wider range of expert opinions We need to communicate in more simple, everyday language 4) Ackerlof believes economists need to pay more attention to .. ideological debate long-term sustainability empirical data Today’s online grammar exercise: still, yet and already Today’s musical suggestion: from those dim and distant days of my youth The Cat in the Hat song by Dr Seuss (who else?) ___________________________________________________________

inhibit

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:07:19 GMT

Today’s picture: My niece Mary at SnowPlanet [indoor ski centre] – 20 minutes from Massey Albany I’d love some feedback on the Podcast. So I’ve made up this short online survey. It should only take you five minutes or so to complete. If you give your name and email at the end, I will enter your name in a draw for a $25 New Zealand book token. Part 1: Today's word To inhibit a process is to limit something or slow it down to make it weaker. If a person feels inhibited, they’re embarrassed to do something, especially in public. So, sometimes people give the excuse of wanting to drink in order to ‘lose their inhibitions’ – in other words, to be less embarrassed or shy. The drug doesn’t cure cancer but it inhibits its spread. As the course progressed people lost their inhibitions and began to discuss the issues more freely. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The chemical is thought to inhibit the ability of viral enzymes to reproduce. It was argued that the current telecommunications monopoly inhibits innovation in the sector. Lack of this hormone may inhibit growth in the crucial early stages of human development. My boss inhibited me from participating in the project. Part 3: Practice Questions: What factors might inhibit the growth of this country’s economy? What advantages or disadvantages might there be in losing your inhibitions? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five breathe down sb’s neck interfering / fault-finding It’s no wonder I can’t get anything done, with my boss breathing down my neck the whole time. get / grate on sb’s nerves irritate That noise is really getting on my nerves - can’t you turn it down? get up sb’s nose irritate I can understand people trying to sell stuff at traffic lights, but when they tap on my window, it really gets up my nose. poke / stick your nose in interfere Just because she’s my neighbour doesn’t give her the right to stick her nose in my business. turn your nose up regard sth with disdain Her dog’s so spoilt - he turns his nose up at anything that comes out of a tin. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question The tri-nations rugby tournament started in Auckland this weekend with a victory by New Zealand over Australia. Which other country takes part in the competition? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a 15 minute interview from Radio New Zealand with Dr Jean Fleming from the University of Otago. She explains the difference between viruses and bacteria and how the body can fight infection. Vocabulary for the article: replicate host toxic toxin Questions for the article: 1) What interesting event do they chat about at the beginning of the interview? an earthquake a storm a traffic accident 2) Which of these is NOT true about viruses? they are 100 times smaller than bacteria they can only replicate inside a host the male is smaller than the female 3) Bacteria can spread very quickly because of their ... exponential growth rapid mutation relatively large size 4) We are likely to contract bacterial infection from water which has ... a high coloform count a high mineral content low levels of chlorine 5) Your ‘bacterial fingerprint’ means ... the unique combination of bacteria in or on your body the particular bacteria which is only found on one person the bacteria which is passed between people by social contact 6) The harmfulness of bacteria in your gut partially depends on ... your mood your diet your age 7) Stomach problems associated with bacteria are caused by .. cholera toxins white blood cells 8) Why does she think the new cholera vaccine may not be available in New Zealand? it’s genetically modified it’s too expensive it’s unnecessary 9) A vaccine works by ..... protecting the body against bacteria training the body to fight bacteria containing antibodies which will kill specific bacteria 10) Antibiotics work by .... resisting infection by bacteria stimulating the growth of antibodies inhibiting growth of the cell wall of bacteria Today’s Video suggestion: from the USA I feel like a woman from the uninhibited Shania Twain ________________________________________________________________

defining

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:44:40 GMT

Today’s picture: Bella, the mysterious, manipulator of Sunset Road! I’d love some feedback on the Podcast. So I’ve made up this short online survey. It should only take you five minutes or so to complete. If you give your name and email at the end, I will enter your name in a draw for a $25 New Zealand book token. Part 1: Today's word When you define something, you say exactly what it is or what it means. It’s important to define your terms early in an essay or report. In order to do this well, you need to analyse your assignment question and identify the topic word or expression. This should be defined in the opening paragraph. You can normally find a definition of this topic word in your textbook or recommended reading – don’t use a normal dictionary or Wikipedia! You can find out more about analysing assignment questions in my online presentation. Defining features are those qualities that make a person or thing special and different from the others. So, if you say that originality is what defines a good essay, you mean that originality is the most important quality that makes a good essay different from an ordinary one. By the way, to find out more about the defining qualities of a good essay, have a look at Ken's presentation. And if you are looking for a good online dictionary to find definitions and examples of new words, try this one. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? One reason many people found the referendum question ambiguous was that ‘smack’ was not clearly defined. One of her less significant defining features was her ability to keep calm under stress. The team needs clearly-defined roles if it is to function effectively. The defining elements of scientific management are precise analysis and measurement of job functions by external experts. Part 3: Practice Questions: What are the defining features of a good lecture? How would you define the words ‘work’, ‘friendship’ and ‘intelligence’? Part 4: Review of Common Idioms Here’s a short review test of some of the idioms we’ve covered over the past weeks. Choose the best alternative to complete the gaps in the sentences below. Each of them contains a common idiom. 1) We opened the first cybercafe here, but several other people have got in on the __________ in the last year. bandwagon trend wave act 2) I think the parents of these young criminals have a lot to answer __________. for about to back 3) The practice may seem a little unethical, but let me assure you, it’s totally above _________ table board desk shelf 4) Hey, I’ve got a __________ to pick with you. Is it you who keeps leaving the door of the building wide open? nose scab row bone 5) I wish I could persuade him to stop smoking dope, but it’s like I’m hitting my head against a __________. brick wall iron bar oak door goal post 6) ‘Is anyone dealing with these faxes?’ ‘Don’t worry. I’m on the __________.’ case job head hot seat 7) She was so used to her son bringing strange guests home that she didn’t __________ when he arrived back with a couple of transvestites one night. bat an eyelid shrug her shoulders put her nose out of joint pull her hair out 8) I think that old photocopier is about to give up the __________. spirit angel ghost soul 9) We may not like the takeover deal, but in these economic times, we’ll just have to __________ and bear it smile grin laugh frown 10) Did you hear that Andy’s been laid off? It was a real __________ after all the work he put into that company. poke in the eye pat on the back kick in the teeth punch in the mouth Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which university seeks to become New Zealand’s defining University? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a five-minute interview from Radio New Zealand with a researcher from the UK who has investigated the effect of cat’s purring on their owners. I’ve provided a short task for you on the meaning, followed by a review of some of the academic vocabulary you’ve heard in previous podcasts. If you click on the ____________ in those questions, it will take you to the original podcast or page in the Academic English Generator. It’s important for you to review this common academic vocabulary, so that you can use it with more confidence in your own writing. Vocabulary for the listening: subtle solicitation embed taps into stimuli subliminal Questions for the listening: 1) What was the purpose of the study? to investigate a correlation between the sound of a cat’s purr and its effects on humans to evaluate two different forms of animal training to compare the effects of the sounds of cats and babies on human emotions 2) How many participants were there in the study? 10 20 50 2) What was their main finding? their hypothesis was confirmed their hypothesis was rejected results were inconclusive ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Academic Vocabulary Review Researchers have xxxxxxxxxx what cat-lovers have long suspected known determined confirmed clarified Your moggy [cat] is deliberately xxxxxxxx you to gain attention and food. attracting constraining manipulating devoting Researchers ... identified a cat purr which xxxxxxxxxxxxx a cry similar to a human baby’s. resembles incorporates embeds modifies That solicitation purr has turned out to have a small cry ____________ in it. embedded perceived offset possessed .. the thing that xxxxxxxxx these solicitation purrs ... defined differed comprised appealed .. the thing that xxxxxxxxxx .... the pleasantness/urgency rating of the cry interpreted differed determined obtained .. whether the cry was xxxxxxxx as ‘urgent’ classified featured embedded manipulated When you run this through one of them wave-form xxxxxxxxx things ... attribution accrual analysis application Today’s Video suggestion: from the UK Love Cats by The Cure ________________________________________________________________

tangible

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:03:58 GMT

Today’s picture: Signpost in Westport, New Zealand I’d love some feedback on the Podcast. So I’ve made up this short online survey – It should only take you five minutes or so to complete. If you give your name and email at the end, I will enter your name in a draw for a $25 New Zealand book token. Part 1: Today's word If something is tangible, it’s real and important, especially when we talk of ‘tangible benefits’ or ‘tangible improvements’, which are real, important and noticeable. In accounting, ‘tangible assets’ are those physical things which have value in a business, such as equipment, stock etc. The opposite is ‘intangible’ Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The stimulus package is already bringing about tangible improvements in the local economy. This organisation needs tangible leadership if it is to survive the current downturn. There is tangible evidence of a shift in attitudes towards ageing. What are the tangible benefits of switching to online banking? Part 3: Practice Questions: What are the tangible benefits of studying at university? Have there been any tangible improvements in your neighbourhood over the last few years? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five be at loggerheads be in a bitter dispute The State Government and the City Council are at loggerheads over who should pay for road improvements. not get a look in not get an opportunity I don’t like group interviews. The other candidates are always so confident that I never get a look in. be wide of the mark completely wrong Everyone tried to guess how old I was, but they were all wide of the mark. take the mickey / mick / piss out of someone make fun of They used to take the mickey out of me at school because I was the only one in the class with glasses. hit the nail on the head identify a problem or issue precisely She really hit the nail on the head when she said our real problem was a lack of belief in ourselves. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What was the New Zealand currency before the dollar was introduced in 1967? The New Zealand Pound The British Pound The Australasian Shilling The Commonwealth Guinea Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short interview from Radio New Zealand about an Australian town which is launching its own currency, the Baroon Dollar Vocabulary for the article: hinterland intensify resilient pilot Questions for the listening: 1) Baroon is the name of the local ... lake city indigenous people 2) The scheme is especially designed to support local banks government small businesses 3) Which word does Dr Crawford use for money or business which is not kept local? sewage leakage wastage 4) The local area is seeing a growth in ... the dairy industry organic vegetable production agritourism 5) The baroon dollar is described as a local .. credit crunch stimulus package get rich quick scheme 6) There was some opposition in the town to the involvement of ... a major national retailer an international rock star a foreign-owned petrol station Today’s Video suggestion: from the USA Mind your own business by Hank Williams and performed by Willie Nelson ________________________________________________________________

aesthetics

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:45:09 GMT
Today’s picture: Michael Savage Memorial, Kohimarama, Auckland I’d love some feedback on the Podcast. So I’ve made up this short online survey – http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=8z2tWq5snRuqjl1wfBtcTw_3d_3d It should only take you five minutes or so to complete. If you give your name and email at the end, I will enter your name in a draw for a $25 New Zealand book token. Part 1: Today's word Aesthetics is the study and enjoyment of beauty. So, if something is aesthetically pleasing, it means it’s beautiful. Normally, aesthetically pleasing objects also have harmony and balance. Designers have to consider the aesthetics of products like cars, home electronics, furniture etc as well as their functional efficiency. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The products are also aesthetically packaged for maximum customer appeal. The clean, functional lines of the furniture make it aesthetically suited to modern environments. The new design is attractive but, unfortunately, too aesthetically impractical for mass production. Preserving native bush produces not only an ecologically sustainable environment but actually a more aesthetically pleasing landscape. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you find Massey’s buildings aesthetically pleasing? Do you think you were strongly influenced by aesthetic considerations when you bought your car or media player? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five a kick in the teeth very unfair treatment Did you hear that Andy’s been laid off? It was a real kick in the teeth after all the work he put into that company. laid-back easy-going He’s a pretty laid-back kind of guy, but he can get angry when he wants to. not have a leg to stand on have no defence We both know the radio was broken before you left the shop, but unless you can find the receipt, you haven’t got a leg to stand on. along the lines of in the area of or with the same ideas We’re looking for something along the lines of a ten-minute speech with a few jokes. I’m glad to see we’re thinking along the same lines about the project. sleep like a log sleep very well After such a hard week’s work, I slept like a log on Friday night. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which city was voted New Zealand’s most beautiful in 2008? Dunedin Christchurch Hamilton Wellington Part 6: Today's online listening: This is 15 minute presentation by the Professor of Mathematics at Otago University, Dennis McCaughan. He talks about the Golden Ratio. Vocabulary for the article: ratio the jury is still out on that Questions for the article: 1) In which of these areas is the Golden Ratio important? statistics art physics 2) The pentagon was especially valued by ... the American government gardeners Ancient Greeks 3) You can produce a pentagon from a pentagram by ... joining up the ends of the points multiplying each side by the Golden Ratio joining two pentagrams together 4) Why is it thought that temples, such as the Parthenon, were built according to the Golden Ratio ? aesthetic reasons engineering reasons economic reasons 5) The Golden Ratio is similar to Pi because .. it is close to 22 divided by 7 it not a rational number you need a calculator to determine its absolute value 6) The sides of a Golden Rectangle ... conform to the Golden Ratio are equal to their diameters are irrational numbers Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Magic Number performed by Blind Lemon ________________________________________________________________

manipulate

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:58:39 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from Lake House, Takapuna I’d love some feedback on the Podcast. So I’ve made up this short online survey – http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=8z2tWq5snRuqjl1wfBtcTw_3d_3d It should only take you five minutes or so to complete. If you give your name and email at the end, I will enter your name in a draw for a $25 New Zealand book token. Part 1: Today's word When you manipulate people, it means you influence or control them in a clever (and usually) dishonest way in order to gain an advantage. So, politicians are often accused of being manipulative – in other words, that they manipulate the public in order to gain support for their own ‘agendas’. The media is also often accused of manipulation – usually because they have ‘twisted’ the facts to support their own position, or maybe asked unfair questions to try to make someone say something that will help the sell the newspaper sell more copies. Manipulation can be positive but only when you’re talking about the skilful use of equipment etc. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The company was accused of manipulating the figures in order to hide the financial problems from investors. The evolution of opposable thumbs allowed our ancestors to manipulate objects and increase their control over their environment. Your first draft is basically fine, but you’ll need to manipulate the conclusion, as it doesn’t flow well from the preceding argument. She used her charm to manipulate her friends – only to abandon them as soon when they no longer served her needs. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you know any manipulative people? Do you know any cases where governments have manipulated the economy in order to win an election? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five hold your own be as good as the others My English may not be perfect, but I think I can just about hold my own in a business meeting. put sb/sth on hold delay We’ll have to put the launch on hold till we have some more money to spend on promotion. dig yourself into a hole make the situation worse by your reaction The minister just dug himself into a deeper hole by refusing to answer questions. get / let sb off the hook. give an opportunity to escape I didn’t have the presentation ready, but lucky for me, they postponed the meeting, which let me off the hook. it’s no joke it’s hard Think carefully before you buy a bike. Cycling up that hill in the morning is no joke, believe me ! Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which song by Irish group U2 has a New Zealand connection? City of Blinding Lights One Tree Hill Electrical Storm Van Diemen’s Land Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short presentation from the moral philosopher, Susan Nieman, on the value of giving people compliments Vocabulary for the article: pinpoint narcissism Questions for the article: 1) Susan Nieman believes that people don’t give enough compliments because of ... ignorance embarrassment education 2) One negative use of compliments is to ... people threaten manipulate abuse 3) Susan argues that there’s nothing wrong in feeling that your best efforts are ... successful impressive recognised 4) Susan concludes with the argument that compliments are a way of valuing what’s .... in the world. good superior rare 5) Arundhati, from India, feels that she wants ... from her friends more compliments more criticism both criticism and compliments 6) Frank, from the USA, pointed out how ..... Bill Clinton was at giving compliments. creative insincere repetitive 7) Susan concedes that her habit of giving compliments ..... comes from her American upbringing tends to be misunderstood is something she has learnt through travelling Can you complete these everyday expressions used in the programme Are you ready? Tell us what you’ve come ___ with Thanks for standing up ____ that pompous ass at the meeting There’s nothing wrong with .. standing up ____ a timid colleague Generosity and gratitude: two major moral virtues that are in very short _____ wake up on a dreary morning and resolve to put the best _____ on the world My closest friends are those who will tell me ____ it is Today’s Video suggestion: from Ireland One Tree Hill performed by U2 ________________________________________________________________

robust

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:22:40 GMT

Today’s picture: Common spaces in Auckland: Takapuna Beach, June 2009 Click here to complete a five-minute survey on how you use and what you think about this podcast. You could also win a NZ book token for your efforts! Part 1: Today's word If something is robust, it means it’s strong and unlikely to break. So, if you are sending electrical equipment through the post, it’s important that the packaging is robust. If a person has a robust constitution, it means they are tough and don’t get ill often. Robust attitudes are also strong and show determination. And if researchers produce robust findings, it means that they’ve been very careful in their methods and there are no obvious weaknesses. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The Minister presented a robust defence of his Government’s handling of the economy. It’s a robust paper, probably more suitable for advanced students with a good basic grounding in the subject. She argued that the economy was sufficiently robust to withstand the current downturn. The shed will have to be of robust construction as it will be in an exposed position. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you have a robust constitution? Are your own research methods sufficiently robust? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five come to a head reach a crisis point The problems really came to a head when the annual report showed a 50 % drop in profits. lose your head lose control / get very angry I know you’re mad at her for what she did, but try not to lose your head. There’s no point getting into a shouting match with her. a heart-to-heart an intimate conversation Things had been pretty tense between us, so I decided to have a heart-to-heart with her and see if we could sort things out. be heavy going dense, hard to read or watch I’m finding the Applied Linguistics course heavy-going. I think it’s all the jargon they use that makes it so hard. not know what hit you be shocked and unprepared Our rivals won’t know what hit them when we launch our new range of candies. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What’s the average distance people travel to work in Auckland? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is the last in the series of lectures by the American Professor Michael Sandel. Here he argues the need for a new politics of the Common Good. Click above to listen to the lecture while you answer the questions below. The actual lecture is just under 25 minutes long – it runs from 4.50 till 28.25 – the rest of the recording is an introduction and a question and answer session. Vocabulary for the article: impeachment mimic obstacle hunch technocrat outweigh discredited Questions for the article: 1) Sandel’s main criticism of cost-benefit analysis is its .... ineffective implementation inappropriate use complex outcomes 2) Sandel also criticises the cost-benefit analysis of cell phone use while driving because it is too ... scientific inaccurate ambiguous 3) Sandel disagrees with the view that the main aim of governments is to correct ... market failure social inequality historical injustices 4) Sandel concedes that at its best, what he calls ‘market-mimicking governance’ can satisfy us as ... citizens workers consumers 5) Sandel believes that one basic reason for the rise of market-dominated politics is that economics was seen as ... value-neutral socially responsible intellectually stimulating 6) In a Politics of the Common Good, Sandel believes that consumer preferences should be ... widely respected critically evaluated increasingly equal 7) Sandel argues that a robust democracy needs more ... common spaces personal security law reforms 8) Sandel argues that ethics and altruism are like .. precious resources that need to be conserved rare jewels that need to be admired muscles that need to be used Today’s Video suggestion: from Canada Big Yellow Taxi performed by Joni Mitchell ________________________________________________________________

exponential

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:27:53 GMT

Today’s photo: Me recording my podcast Part 1: Today's word If something grows exponentially, it means that it keeps growing faster and faster. Social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, have experienced exponential growth rates, though the growth tends to tail off after a few months. Click here for more practice. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? After the Big Bang, the universe is thought to have experienced a sustained period of exponential growth. Digital music has been an exponential field over the past few years, with high levels of innovation and market penetration. The exponential increase in global travel over the last few decades has heightened the risk of pandemics. Unfortunately, the exponential growth in the company’s sales was not accompanied by the necessary restructuring and staff development. Part 3: Practice Questions: Apart from social networking, which other fields have experienced exponential growth over the last few years? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five get out of hand become chaotic We decided to call in the police before the situation got completely out of hand. change hands be bought and sold I wouldn’t buy this car if I were you - it’s changed hands five times in the last five years. to have the upper hand have an advantage The war is not over yet, but we’re beginning to get the upper hand. have it in for sb look for opportunities to criticize or harm sb I’m convinced my boss has it in for me. He checks up on me all the time looking for the slightest mistake. have it out with sb have an open argument I was fed up of the way she kept using the company phones for personal calls. It was time to have it out with her. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which controversial 2004 Act of Parliament about ownership of New Zealand’s coastline is expected to be repealed by the new Government? Part 6: Click here for more practice. Today's online listening This is an interview from the BBC about freeconomics – the business model used by many online companies Vocabulary for the article: attribution buck a trend open source collaborative abridged springs to mind monetise Questions for the article: 1) Which of these versions of the book will be offered free? the paperback the full-length audio version the hardcover version 2) Google uses a ‘max’ strategy to ... increase distribution cut the workforce diversify its product range 3) Which mistakes did Chris make when writing the book? research referencing marketing 4) What economic principle is Wikipedia [and this podcast!] based on? psychic non-monetary comparative advantage 5) Which of these products follows the freemium approach? Apple iPhone applications Wikipedia Google search engine 6) Moore’s Law refers to the exponential growth in ... state control of the media affordability of technology use of the internet 7) The younger generation is accustomed to ... receiving products and services for free looking on free services with suspicion making money by providing free services 8) Chris’s own company uses a freemium approach to market its ... intellectual property mobile phones model aircraft Today’s musical suggestion: From the UK / Zambia Everybody's Free by Rozalla

contingent

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:35:01 GMT

Today’s picture: My niece Olivia, celebrating her first Holy Communion in Madrid last month I'd love some feedback on these podcasts! Click here if you can spare 10 minutes to complete a brief online survey. Part 1: Today's word If something is contingent, it means it’s not absolute – it depends on the situation. So, for example, acceptance onto a university course could be contingent on results obtained in an examination. And any plans for outdoor events are likely to be contingent on weather conditions. A contingency is something (normally bad) that may happen in the future – so planning needs to take into account contingencies. Sometimes organisations keep a contingency fund so that they have enough money if things go wrong. The noun ‘contingent’ can also mean a large group of people. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Given the tight economic situation, any salary raise will be contingent on increased market share. The company built up a substantial contingency fund to cover the fixed costs of the venture. Government approval of the grant was contingent on the organization meeting a number of conditions. Socially responsible citizens accept that the privilege of owning a car is contingent on limiting its impact on the environment. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you have any contingency plans? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five go against the grain seem unnatural British men find it hard to express their feelings in public - it goes against the grain. grin and bear it put up with it We may not like the takeover deal, but in these economic times, we’ll just have to grin and bear it. a guinea pig someone used to test a product etc I think the company was just using us as guinea-pigs for their new training programme. stick to your guns / stand by your guns not give in I admire the way she stuck to her guns despite all the pressure on her to sign the new contract. pull/tear your hair out get very frustrated We’ve been pulling our hair out wondering where you were. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What is the celebration that marks the Maori New Year? Click here for more information Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a 25 minute lecture about genetics and morality from the famous American professor, Michael Sandel. Vocabulary for the lecture: a dissenter a predicament to alleviate cognition dementia unbidden hubris humility eugenics coercive a blessing Questions for the article: 1) Why were the parents in Michael Sandel’s first case criticised? they aborted their baby because it was deaf they chose to have a deaf baby they prevented their child from hearing their baby was born deaf 2) Which new medical advance may be marketed for people in their sixties and seventies? cognition-enhancers sperm-sorting designer children human growth hormone 3) Which social problem does Michael Sandel highlight in China and some parts of India? in-vitro fertilisation dementia drug addiction gender imbalance 4) Michael Sandel argues that parental love should not be contingent on ... giftedness attributes humility fairness 5) Michael Sandel cites Singapore as a country which has implemented some ...... policies eugenics coercive fertilisation sex education 6) Michael Sandel describes parenthood as a school for ... responsibility humility ambition multi-tasking 7) Michael Sandel argues that our awareness of the contingency of our gifts makes us more willing to ... work hard to succeed help the less fortunate admire the successful replace chance with choice 8) Michael Sandel’s underlying message is that societies should become more ... accepting complex gifted imperfect Today’s Video suggestion: from the UK Every kinda people performed by Robert Palmer ________________________________________________________________

correlation

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:50:32 GMT

Today’s picture: Watch your speed on the luge track in Queenstown, NZ Part 1: Today's word A correlation between two sets of data means that there is an association between them. For example, there is a strong positive correlation between motivation and academic performance. This means the higher the motivation, the higher the results. On the other hand there is a negative correlation between hours of part time work and academic performance. This means that the more hours a student works in a part-time job, the lower their academic performance tends to be. If the sets of data are weakly correlated, it means that the correlation is still significant (because it’s not simply a matter of chance), but the effect is not very strong. If you are conducting quantitative research, you’ll need to show both the strength and the significance levels of any correlation you investigate. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The researchers found a strong negative correlation between offending and the number of friends a person has. This comprehensive research project confirmed the strong correlation between diet and life expectancy. Research into the correlation of the disaster and its long-term effects is continuing. Previous studies have found only a weak correlation between English language proficiency and performance at university. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you see a clear correlation between the amount of effort you put into your studies and the grades you achieve? Do you believe that income and satisfaction are strongly correlated? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five put your foot in it/ your mouth make a blunder I really put my foot in it when I started making fun of him. I didn’t know your mum was his biggest fan ! bear fruit show tangible results I hope that our research will begin to bear fruit before the end of the year. give up the ghost stop working I think that old photocopier is about to give up the ghost. give it a shot / a whirl try I’m not really a singer, but everyone wanted me to sing a traditional English song, so I decided to give it a shot. give as good as you get not be easily beaten She looks pretty timid, but believe me, when the going gets tough, she can give as good as she gets. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question How many bolts of lightning hit the north of New Zealand in last night’s storm? Read more about the storm here Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short report about a study into the effects of having such a low driving age in New Zealand. Vocabulary for the listening: shed light information overload Questions for the listening: 1) How many participants are there in this Otago University study? 2) Is it a longitudinal study? 3) What particular correlation are they investigating? d age and crash 4) What takes place when the researchers find out one of the participants has been involved in a crash? 5) Is there anywhere in North America where the driving age is lower than in New Zealand? 6) How much more likely are teenage drivers to be involved in a crash than middle aged drivers? up to 7 7) What two changes are going to be considered by Parliament later this year? Today’s Video suggestion: from the USA Fun Fun Fun by the Beach Boys ________________________________________________________________

eliminate

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:36 GMT

Today’s picture: The Reader – a statue in a garden next to Takapuna Beach Part 1: Today's word Eliminate is a more formal way of saying ‘get rid of’. So it’s used to talk about ending all kinds of problems. It’s often used with words like ‘risk’, ‘danger’ and social problems which people generally don’t want. If you want to say 'get rid of gradually', then you might also be able to use 'phase out'. This government will do all it can to eliminate homelessness. Since the elimination of human error is impossible, it’s essential that all work must be subject to careful review. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The development of online services has eliminated the need for much time-consuming and expensive paperwork and meetings. We’ll need to eliminate the old photocopier to make space for the new one. It’s hoped that a more complete testing programme will eliminate – or at least greatly reduce - drug-taking within the sport. With the complete automation of the process, the risk of human error has been effectively eliminated. Part 3: Practice Questions: Has the government actually succeeded in eliminating any significant social problems? Could your university or department do more to eliminate waste? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five not lift a finger be very lazy My husband doesn’t lift a finger around the house, despite the fact he’s been unemployed for ages. put your finger on sth identify I just can’t put my finger on what exactly is wrong with me. first come, first served no booking in advance There was no way to book tickets over the phone - it was strictly ‘first come, first served’. go with the flow be flexible – fit in with the others I don’t have any strong opinions on the matter - I tend to just go with the flow. (be) a fly on the wall be present I’d love to have been a fly on the wall when the boss gave Phil the sack. / British television viewers love fly-on-the-wall documentaries, especially ones set in hospitals. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which sea creatures have been visiting Auckland Harbour today? check the story here Part 6: Today's online listening: This is short programme from the BBC about useful suggestions for academic reading skills Which of the following sentences were included on the programme as suggestions for effective academic reading: Make sure you read everything on your reading list Start by skimming through the titles and sub-titles Ask other students for suggestions on which books to read Sometimes read slowly and other times read fast Always check new words in the dictionary Read the introduction and conclusion before the middle Reduce the number of fixations when you read Today’s Video suggestion: from Norway Medieval HelpDesk ________________________________________________________________

sceptical

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:09:56 GMT

Today’s picture: Lake House, Takapuna, June 2009 Part 1: Today's word If you are sceptical [skeptical in American English], it means that you are unwilling to believe something because you don’t find the evidence very convincing. It’s quite common that new ideas are greeted or treated with scepticism, which means that the community isn’t immediately convinced that they are true or valuable. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? I’m sceptical about the chances of the team gaining promotion this year. These claims need to be treated with scepticism until more convincing evidence is put forward in their defence. It was an innovative, sceptical theory which challenged accepted scientific understanding of the issue. She remained sceptical about the effectiveness of military intervention in such circumstances. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you feel sceptical about: the reality of global warming? the usefulness of prison? the policy of rescuing banks? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five an eye-opener an experience that teaches you a lot My experience of living in Auckland was a real eye-opener for me after growing up in a village. face to face direct (communication) – not over the phone I think we need to talk about this face to face. make / pull a face show your disapproval in a gesture The kids pulled a face when I told them it was bedtime. a figment of your imagination a fantasy I don’t believe anyone ever made threatening phone calls to him. If you ask me, it was all a figment of his imagination. cut it fine / cut things fine not allow much flexibility – risk being late I think allowing 30 minutes to get to the airport is cutting it a bit fine. I’d allow an hour to be on the safe side. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Yesterday, June 21st was the Winter Solstice in New Zealand. How many hours of daylight were there? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a 10 minute talk about one of the world’s most interesting animals, the platypus, by the famous British biologist and TV presenter, David Attenborough. [The talk starts on 00.59!] Vocabulary for the article: gullible duplication conspicuous anomaly malfunction webbed feet a bill / a beak a burrow captivity breed / bred hatch Questions for the article: 1) Why does David Attenborough start his talk with the topic of mermaids? early explorers thought the platypus was a mermaid to explain the scepticism of early scientists both the mermaid and the platypus are very rare both the mermaid and the platypus come from the Far East 2) Why was the platypus given another scientific name? flat feet were not its most distinctive feature the name had already been used in order to make the name more appropriate the first name hadn’t been correctly recorded 3) Why does David Attenborough compare the platypus’s bill to a metal detector? it has a similar shape it is equally accurate it has a similar objective both detect electromagnetism 4) Anatomically, the platypus seems to be a link between ... birds and reptiles reptiles and mammals marsupials and mammals mammals and ducks 5) David Attenborough became interested in the platypus thirty years ago as part of ... A TV programme about evolution a captive breeding programme a scientific study of Australian mammals an ecological project focusing on endangered wildlife 6) The film of the platypus hatching was incomplete because of ... human error a technical malfunction an unexpected event poor picture quality 7) His recent project succeeded in filming a platypus .. hatching from an egg in captivity feeding its young making a burrow Click here to see a short film of the platypus and its cousin, the echidna (thanks to Monique for sending me this link) Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA What a fool believes performed by the Doobie Brothers ________________________________________________________________

accustomed

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:29:26 GMT

Today’s picture: Another autumn scene from my friends Glenys and Denise in Christchurch Part 1: Today's word To become or to grow accustomed to a new situation is a more formal way of saying ‘to get used to it’. So, for instance, it takes time to become accustomed to university life. If you have a verb after ‘accustomed to’, it needs to be in the –ing form (just like ‘get used to doing something’). So, since living in New Zealand, I’ve become accustomed to having late night phone calls with my family back home in Europe. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? He spoke with the authority of someone accustomed to giving instructions. In the old days, the department accustomed to receive several applications for each place on the course. Unemployment meant giving up those everyday luxuries we had grown accustomed to. One eventually becomes so accustomed to hearing church bells that one barely notices the noise after a few months. Part 3: Practice Questions: What changes in lifestyle have you grown accustomed to over the last year? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five take the edge off (your appetite etc) I won’t have anything to eat now thanks. It would take the edge off my appetite. reduce at the end of your tether (UK/Aus) rope (US) I’m at the end of my tether with all this work going on at the office. If my boss asks me to do one more thing, I’m going to quit. at your limit put sth down to experience / chalk sth up to experience ‘I paid so much money for this computer and now it doesn’t even work.’ ‘Try not to worry about it - put it down to experience.’ put it behind you / learn from your mistakes (not) see eye to eye Me and my father see eye to eye on most things, but we can’t agree about one thing : He supports the Blues! not agree not bat an eyelid She was so used to her son bringing strange guests home that she didn’t bat an eyelid when he arrived back with a couple of transvestites one night. not be shocked Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which kinds of people are celebrated across the world and in New Zealand on June 20th? Click here to see a short announcement about this by the American actress, Angelina Jolie Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an episode of 'Asian Report' from Radio New Zealand which focuses on the refugee resettlement programme and the role of volunteers. Vocabulary for the article: asylum settlement luck of the draw back off Questions for the article: 1) How many refugees and their family members are accepted by New Zealand each year? about 50 approximately 750 just over 1000 nearly 5 000 2) What is John Parker’s involvement with refugees? voluntary settlement assistance professional health care language teaching financial aid 3) Which of these forms of support does John mention providing to the Burmese refugees in Nelson? translation travel education religion 4) How does John describe the attitude to the refugees towards talking about their past experiences? enthusiastic reluctant anxious irritated 5) What does John describe as being ‘luck-of-the-draw’? employment opportunities family reunions settlement support skilled migration 6) How did Noulien, the 14 year-old girl feel when she first attended school in New Zealand? relieved excited frustrated lonely 7) How did John first hear about the possibility of helping refugees? personal invitation committee meetings a training weekend an internet advertisement 8) John understands the importance of support for settlement in a new country because of his ... extensive reading wide social contacts religious beliefs personal experience 9) How does John describe the general attitude of the community towards the refugees? accepting hostile jealous curious Click here for more information on volunteering for refugee services in New Zealand Today’s musical suggestion: from New Zealand Welcome Home performed by Dave Dobbyn ________________________________________________________________

predominant

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:19:09 GMT

Today’s picture: Tree with berries, Christchurch, June 2009 (thanks to Glenys for the photo) Click on 'play' above to hear today's programme Part 1: Today's word Predominant means the most common, most noticeable or most powerful one of a number of different varieties or factors. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Interaction is the predominant feature of the so-called ‘web 2.0’ sites. Taxation is, of course, the predominant means of raising finance for Government spending. The project began as a rather weak response to market pressures, but became increasingly predominant as the months passed. Research in psychology is still predominantly quantitative, despite the growing awareness of its limitations. Part 3: Practice Questions: What are the predominant features of your work or study? What’s your predominant feeling about the current economic downturn? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five make all the difference is important It’s easy enough to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ but, believe me, it makes all the difference. get your foot in the door take a first step in business / career etc I know it’s not the best job in the world, but at least you’ll get your foot in the door. They’ll train you up and who knows? on your doorstep local It’s great living here in Ponsonby. All the shops, cinemas and restaurants are on your doorstep. down-to-earth realistic I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer, but my wife is much more down-to-earth. it’s like water off a duck’s back it doesn’t bother me They can say what they like about me in the Press. It’s like water off a duck’s back. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What is the current New Zealand strategy for dealing with the outbreak of the new form of influenza? prevention containment management treatment Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short programme about the new influenza – the H1N1 virus (often called ‘swine flu’). The programme includes two interviews: one with a New Zealander who is recovering from the flu and the other with someone responsible for the national health strategy. Vocabulary for the article: to contract (an illness) influenza flu epidemic pandemic outbreak onset contagious stockpile a dose Questions for the article: 1) Susie contracted ‘swine’ flu while travelling in ... Mexico the USA Australia Europe 2) Which of these symptoms did Susie experience from ‘swine flu’ that she hadn’t experienced with flu previously? a runny nose dry mouth sore knees and elbows coughing 3) What gave Susie most relief from her symptoms? special flu medicine common non-prescription painkillers phone support from the hospital A & E staying in quarantine 4) During her period of isolation ... she had to stay alone in her own flat she wasn’t permitted to leave her room she depended on family support she had to give up work 5) Susie’s main complaint concerns .. the necessity of her isolation the lack of information the effectiveness of the medication the media coverage of the outbreak 6) According to Fran MacGrath, H1N1 cases in New Zealand are predominantly .. associated with overseas travel failures of local containment community based spread through family contacts 7) The underlying aim of the containment strategy is reversing the current upward trend of cases preventing person-to-person transmission in New Zealand stopping overseas travellers from bringing the virus into New Zealand reducing the overall impact of the outbreak 8) A move to a management strategy will mean ... an end to the policy of school or class closures a focus on letting people know which kind of flu they have more emphasis on the wearing of masks by the general public people with flu being encouraged to continue working and studying 9) Based on historical records, it’s likely that this first outbreak of H1N1 flu ... will spread slowly will not be too severe will respond to antibiotics will most severely affect the elderly 10) According to Fran MacGrath, tamiflu is an effective treatment .. for the H1N1 flu if taken early enough for reducing symptoms of all types of flu for those sufferers who are not resistant for anyone concerned about health risks from flu Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Love is contagious performed by Taja Seville ________________________________________________________________

altruism

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:26:31 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from Berinzenne, Belgium (kindly supplied by Monique Sauvage) Part 1: Today's word Altruism is the opposite of self-interest. Altruistic behaviour aims to help other people or to contribute towards the common good, without receiving any direct benefit yourself. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Business sponsorship is not merely altruistic, but may fulfil important commercial objectives. He argued that a moral foreign policy needs a strong element of altruism, rather than focusing exclusively on national interest. The organisation provide strong financial incentives for altruistic projects that would benefit the community. Voluntary organisations are hopeful that altruistic behaviour will be strengthened rather than weakened as a result of the credit crunch. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you engaged in any altruistic activities this week? It has been argued that businesses work more efficiently if they are motivated only by self-interest? Do you agree? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five be in the dark uninformed Sorry, I can’t tell you more. We’re as much in the dark about the takeover as you are. it’s early days yet there’s still time to improve Manchester United are one down against Barcelona, but it’s early days yet. be in deep water in big trouble I think that politician is in deep water, now that the tax authorities have opened his bank accounts. throw sb in at the deep end give sb a lot of responsibility after minimal preparation It’s a really practical teaching course. After a few hours preparation, they just throw you in the deep end with your first class. be out of your depth unable to cope I don’t know why I agreed to help design the college’s homepage. I had no experience and was completely out of my depth. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question How did Australian Rugby League players show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness last weekend? Click here for images Part 6: Today's online listening: Vocabulary for the article: spurious triumphalism rein in vice virtue benevolence crowd out Questions for the lecture: 1) A character in which TV series is said to have been based on Professor Sandel? Bro’ Town The Simpsons South Park Family Guy 2) Why does Professor Sandel describe economics as a spurious science? It has no theoretical foundation It can be used inappropriately It is basically unimportant It is uninformative 3) The underlying argument of this series of lectures is for a public discourse based on ... individual self-interest the common good moral relativism public accountability 4) What does Professor Sandel identify as the underlying view of morality held by Western Governments over the last thirty years? economic growth is inevitable globalisation is a major threat public good is determined by market forces human rights are fundamental 5) What is the basic flaw with the ‘greed critique’? markets depend on self-interest business people are not greedy there is no evidence of irresponsible risk-taking greed is not a personal vice 6) What is the main focus of Professor’s Sandel’s critique of markets over the last 30 years? their inefficiency their sustainability their scope their self-interest 7) Professor Sandel uses the proposal for a market in refugees as an example of how markets... act as an unfair mechanism put personal profit before public good are becoming increasingly globalised change the way we value people and things 8) What is the main point underlying Professor Sandel’s examples of the Israeli pre-school, the tourist in the Grand Canyon and polluting companies? the ambiguity of financial penalties the decline in public morality the globalisation of morality the need for better education 9) The relative success of blood donation in the UK is attributed to .. commercialisation altruism market norms efficiency of collection 10) How does Professor Sandel summarise the main mistake made during the last 30 years? market economy market society market mechanisms free markets Today’s musical suggestion: from the UK Money performed by The Beatles ________________________________________________________________

hindsight

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:42:45 GMT

Today’s picture: Auckland seen from Michael Savage memorial, June 12 2009 Part 1: Today's word Hindsight means looking back, knowing now what you did not know then. We usually use it to express regrets, for instance, ‘In hindsight, I would never have sold my home’. In other words, looking back and knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t have done it. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? With the benefit of hindsight, it seems obvious that the plan would never work. Her hindsight into the problem was much appreciated. With the wisdom of hindsight, I realise my excessive coffee drinking must have contributed to my anxiety. In hindsight I probably shouldn’t have chosen that particular combination of papers. Part 3: Practice Questions: In hindsight, would you change any of the subjects you chose at university? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five be on the case dealing with it ‘Is anyone dealing with these faxes ?’ ‘Don’t worry. I’m on the case.’ in cold blood without mercy The journalist was shot down in cold blood outside her London home. not all (or what) it’s cracked up to be not as good as they say Yes, I went to that disco last weekend. Believe me, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. to be at cross purposes to be misunderstanding each other I think we’re talking at cross purposes here. When I wrote 1 / 4, I meant the first of April, not the fourth of January. off the cuff improvised I told him I’d let him know in the next lesson, because I hate having to come up with off-the-cuff explanations. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question The American duo Simon & Garfunkel are playing in Auckland this weekend. Which of these is one of their hits? Bridge over Waitemata Harbour Sound of Violence Cecilia Mrs Morrison Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with the famous British psychologist and writer, Edward de Bono. He is one of the best-known experts on creative thinking. Vocabulary for the article: pioneer coin a phrase tackle a problem out of the box hype assets toxic Questions for the article: 1) What form of thinking does Edward de Bono define as ‘the habitual route to an obvious solution’? vertical narrow lateral straight 2) Edward de Bono believes that creative thinking has not been a part of .. Eastern philosophy Western culture Entrepreneurship inventions 3) Edward de Bono’s idea of taking bugs from the stomachs of kangaroos and transferring them to cows is presented as a creative solution to ... diseases greenhouse emissions drug resistance immune-deficiency 4) Edward de Bono’s idea of a new kind of house purchase contract is designed to ... increase personal responsibility stimulate the housing market encourage accountability introduce greater fairness 5) Edward de Bono thinks that governments should have a Minister of .... sustainability education management thinking 6) Edward de Bono argues that creativity in businesses is limited by the desire for ... sustainability continuity change profits 7) What is the major component of the current global financial crisis according to Edward de Bono? real economic conditions hype and panic game-playing speculation 8) Edward de Bono believes that one solution to the credit crisis would be to treat ‘toxic assets’ as .. debts money real estate penalties 9) Edward de Bono argues that the current financial downturn is an opportunity for .. umbrella-makers innovators debt-collectors speculators 10) Edward de Bono was impressed by the Indian man’s idea that parents should have an extra ... tax vote room child 11) Which of these countries was NOT mentioned by Edward de Bono as having introduced his ideas in schools? New Zealand the United Kingdom China Greece 12) Which of the six hats in Edward de Bono’s model is concerned with the emotions? black red white green 13) What is Edward de Bono’s attitude towards computers? positive negative mixed cynical 14) Edward de Bono points out that, in hindsight, any great idea is .. strange necessary obvious complex Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Think etc performed by Aretha Franklin and Sammy Davis Jr. ________________________________________________________________

perspective

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:21:11 GMT

Today’s picture: Auckland seen from an unusual perspective – the top of Mount Eden Part 1: Today's word A perspective is a way of looking at something – your point of view. An economist, a sociologist and a psychologist will tend to have a different perspective on social issues. It’s similar to the words ‘standpoint’ and ‘viewpoint’. A less formal word is ‘angle’. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Sky Tower is the highest perspective in Auckland, offering uninterrupted views of the whole city and nearby mountains. From a New Zealand perspective, Britain’s entry into the European Community was widely seen as a potential disaster for the local economy. You need to try and view your company from the perspective of existing and potential customers. Their research offers a new and unique perspective on the value of different forms of advertising. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you see things from a different perspective now that you are a university student? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five the best / greatest thing since sliced bread best thing ever / often an ironic way of saying ‘arrogant’ She thinks she’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. be banging/hitting your head against a brick wall making no progress I wish I could persuade him to stop smoking, but it’s like I’m hitting my head against a brick wall. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it deal with a problem only when it arises It’s true that money is going to be an issue at some point, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. be on the brink of sth very near We were on the brink of bankruptcy when we were bought out by an American multinational. be on (or in) the cards Very likely to happen An early election is on the cards, given the weakness of the ruling coalition. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Next week, New Zealand’s soccer team, The All Whites, will be playing in a major tournament in South Africa. What is it called? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is another programme in the BBC series on academic listening. This short programme focuses on some useful marker phrases that are important to hear and understand in lectures. There are some questions on the recording. Here is one extra question for you. Which of these marker phrases is not mentioned in the programme? although / nevertheless / furthermore / on the other hand / in conclusion Today’s musical suggestion: from New Zealand / Scotland the little cascade by Ben the Hoose ________________________________________________________________

daunting

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:37:13 GMT

Today’s picture: The daunting project to construct a new library in the middle of the academic year nears completion! Part 1: Today's word If a task is daunting, it makes you feel anxious because you know it will be a big challenge. Examinations can be daunting, but if you find out what you need to do in the test and revise the key information step-by-step, they should become manageable. Massey students who find they are suffering from a lot of stress at this time of year will find sympathy and practical support at the Health and Counselling Centre. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Giving my first public presentation of my research was a daunting prospect, but good preparation and encouragement from my supervisor helped me through it. Although problems are daunting to their highest level in years, we remain confident in our ability to meet our targets. Meeting the daunting challenge of launching a new business in the midst of a deep recession will require 100% commitment from everyone in the team. Statistical analysis and interpretation of this huge amount of data is undoubtedly a daunting task for an inexperienced researcher. Part 3: Practice Questions: What is the most daunting personal or professional challenge facing you this year? Do you find public speaking a daunting prospect? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five push the boat out make an effort to celebrate They really pushed the boat out on their 25th anniversary. a bone of contention a sensitive and controversial issue Actually, the question of who flew the first airplane is a bit of a bone of contention between the United States and Brazil. have a bone to pick with you tell someone you have a complaint Hey, I’ve got a bone to pick with you. Is it you who keeps leaving the door of the building wide open? the bottom line the basic consideration The company can talk all they like about their mission in society, when everyone knows the bottom line is sales. get to the bottom of find out the truth about Everyone has given up the search for the lost money, but I’m going to get to the bottom of it if it kills me. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question When did people first settle in New Zealand (according to most evidence)? 3200 years ago 1500 years ago 700 years ago 150 years ago For a summary of the evidence on this click here Part 6: Today's online listening: This is the fourth programme in the BBC series on how to listen to lectures. It contains useful advice about what to listen for in the introductions to lectures. Complete the missing words in these selections from the programme. We argued that the first section, the introduction, is c __________ because this is where the speaker s __________ the scene and o ____________ the content of their talk The first part of a lecture has a number of functions. Speakers use the introduction to set the lecture in c ___________: in terms of what’s gone before and what’s coming later in the series. They may also i ____________ the relative importance of today’s topic within the subject area as a whole. Now, we’ve said before that students can prepare for a lecture by reading through the course outline and r _____________ on the title of the lecture. The introduction is a good opportunity to start matching your p ___________ with reality. The sort of ingredients you might find in the introduction – apart from the lecturer giving an idea of the organisation so the student knows when different sections are finishing and starting – perhaps the d ___________ of key terms, the scope of the lecture, how much work students will have to do by themselves after the lecture is over. And perhaps why the lecturer is interested – it's often s _____________ to know why people are enthusiastic about a subject, and what personal relationship they’ve got with it; Even though lectures play a key role in university teaching, many students find that they’re the most d ___________ aspect of university life. This is often because they find it difficult to listen and take effective notes at the same time. Good note-taking technique is a matter of confidence. It's no good trying to write down everything because you won’t then understand what’s important and what can be l _____ o _________. What is important is to understand how things fit together. So it’s trying to keep a balance between understanding and having detail – in other words, knowing what the general ideas are and having concrete examples to b ________ u _______ those ideas. Today’s musical suggestion: Somewhere over the Rainbow performed by an undaunted young lady called Connie Talbot ________________________________________________________________

acknowledge

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:04:07 GMT

Today’s picture: My colleague Cathy planting a tree at Massey University, Albany, June 5th 2009 Part 1: Today's word When you acknowledge something, it means you are completely open about it, with no attempt to hide or ignore it – especially when you show that you accept the existence or importance of a person, thing or idea. So, for example, if you acknowledge that there is a problem, you let people know that you accept there is a problem. If you acknowledge the receipt of a letter, it means that you show or tell people that you have received it – nowadays, many email servers send this acknowledgement automatically. In academic writing, it’s important to acknowledge your sources by referencing them appropriately. And if someone has helped you in writing a long report or thesis, you can include their name in the acknowledgements section at the front, which is a kind of ‘thank-you’. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Ferdinand de Saussure is generally acknowledged as the founder of modern linguistics. Frankly, I opted for qualitative research mainly because I didn’t acknowledge statistics at the time. Please accept this small gift as an acknowledgement of our appreciation for your hard work over many years. It is important to acknowledge the inherent limitations of surveys as a research tool. Part 3: Practice Questions: Which researchers or writers are acknowledged as the founding figures in other disciplines, such as management and sociology? What weaknesses or limitations would you acknowledge in your study skills? Part 4: The Idiomatic Five give sb a bell phone I’ll give you a bell later and let you know if I’m coming or not. not take a blind bit of notice totally ignore She doesn’t take a blind bit of notice what I say to her. She always goes her own way. turn a blind eye (to something) not enforce a rule We’re not supposed to have food in the office, but the boss turns a blind eye to it if he knows we’re busy. blow-by-blow detailed She gave me a blow-by-blow account of her marriage break-up. It was pretty astonishing. to be above board legal and proper The practice may seem a little unethical, but let me assure you, it’s totally above board. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Today, June 5th is Arbor Day in New Zealand. What do people do on Arbor Day? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview with a leading New Zealand ecologist, Matt McGlone. He talks about the relationship between biodiversity and climate change. Vocabulary for the article: ecosystem biodiversity consensus flora fauna Questions for the article: 1) Which of these is an aspect of climate change that could have a negative impact on vulnerable species? biodiversity changes in tissues changes in seasons 2) Why does Matt McGlone think the tuatara should be able to adapt to warmer temperatures? it has begun laying deeper eggs it can eat warmer vegetation it has done so before it is well-managed on offshore islands 3) It is hard to know how the rock wren could adapt because .. they cannot be observed directly they are nocturnal birds there is a lack of historical records they have many predators 4) Why do most scientists think the tree lines in the New Zealand study haven’t changed as much as expected as a result of global warming? winters have been too cold to sustain summer growth global warming is subject to seasonal variations there is no relationship between global warming and tree lines New Zealand tree lines are more resistant to climate change than in other countries 5) Which of these is NOT one of the other threats to biodiversity in New Zealand mentioned by Matt McGlone? imported garden plants leisure activities diseases non-native animals 6) What is Matt McGlone’s overall view about the most appropriate policy on climate change and biodiversity in New Zealand? A clear and separate policy is needed on the impacts of climate change on biodiversity There is an urgent need for extra funding into the effects of climate change A focus on climate change should be integrated into existing policy Scientists need to acknowledge the relatively minor impact of climate change in this area 7) What does Matt McGlone believe is the most appropriate metaphor for understanding biodiversity? a mechanism a watch a game a book of rules Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA it may be winter outside but in my heart it’s spring by Love Unlimited ________________________________________________________________

viable

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:58:17 GMT

Today’s picture: Nuclear-free Hobbiton Part 1: Today's word If a project or business is viable, it means that it has everything necessary to survive. Changes in the external environment can threaten the viability of businesses or even whole industries, as has been the case with the American automotive industry over the last year. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The government is actively seeking viable transport options to improve access to the city. Based on a careful evaluation of the pilot project, it was decided that full-scale production was not commercially viable. The team needs to raise its viability if it is to convince the university to provide increased funding. Falling enrolments are threatening the viability of less popular courses. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you believe that solar and wind power are viable alternatives to fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas)? Do you think that completing a university degree in New Zealand will continue to be a viable option for international students? Part 4: The idiomatic five have a lot to answer for are responsible (for a problem) I think the parents of these young criminals have a lot to answer for. asking for it deserve (something bad to happen) I’m not sorry I broke his nose. He was asking for it. be in a bad way in poor health or condition I’m afraid your aunt is in a bad way and may not survive the operation. fight a losing battle struggling Workers are fighting a losing battle to keep their mine open. get (or leap or jump) on the bandwagon follow a trend with enthusiasm We were the first to include DVDs with our language courses but the other publishers were quick to leap on the bandwagon. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question How much of New Zealand’s electricity is produced from nuclear energy? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview about nuclear power from Radio New Zealand with Professor Ralph Sims from Massey University Vocabulary for the article: a prototype fission fusion isotype ore stockpile worst-case scenario Questions for the article: 1) In what way is France unique in nuclear power generation? It is the country which is most heavily dependent on nuclear power It has the largest number of power stations It exports the highest proportion of nuclear power It was responsible for the world’s first nuclear power station 2) The basic fuel for nuclear power stations is ... relatively cheap mined near Alice Springs, Australia found in the form of radioactive rods dug up as ‘yellow cake’ ore 3) In what form is the energy produced by a nuclear reaction? heat steam coal electricity 4) Ralph Sims believes that nuclear power ... results in up to 5000 fatalities per year in China is essentially risk-free in modern plants is relatively safe when compared to other energy sources has to make significant improvements in safety systems 5) Stockpiles of nuclear waste ... are being maintained in Finland, France and Nevada, USA will accumulate until storage facilities are completed total up to 50 000 tonnes worldwide have been used as a source for ‘dirty bombs’ 6) Nuclear fusion is produced from readily-available supplies of helium is only currently producing power in the South of France produces a mix of uranium and plutonium is not yet a practical form of energy generation 7) Ralph Sims believes that nuclear power plants ... are not a viable alternative in small countries require unacceptably high levels of initial investment are more cost-effective than coal or gas power stations are likely to account for up to 15% of world energy production Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Atomic by Blondie ________________________________________________________________

credible

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:47:18 GMT

Today’s picture: Chocolate brownie (with banana) - home-made by my niece, Mary Part 1: Today's word If something is credible, it is convincing and so, easy to believe and respect. Credibility is important in many areas of life, including law, business and research. For instance, a credible witness needs to give clear answers to questions, showing a good recall of the key events. And in business, it’s important that any offers or bids that you make are credible, since potential partners will not want to take unnecessary risks. In academic writing, it’s important to use credible sources to support the claims you make in your essays and reports. Generally, journal articles have greater credibility than internet sources because they are normally produced by experts, they are based on research, they include a critical review of previous research and they are peer-reviewed. That means that before publication, each article is sent to three other experts, whose evaluation and detailed comments are then sent back to the original author who then revises the article. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The quantitative research course will help students to analyse and interpret numerical data in order to draw credible conclusions. Despite his relative youth, he gave a credible performance as King Lear in the recent award-winning London production. The ANOVA results indicated a weak correlation between the variables (p = 0.078) but this did not reach statistical credibility. He argued that prison sentences were necessary as a credible deterrent to hardened criminals. Part 3: Practice Questions: How could you improve the credibility of the sources you use in your academic writing? Do you think you could be a credible witness in a court of law? How do advertisers seek to enhance their credibility in the eyes of consumers? Part 4: Really useful idioms take XXXX into account and take account of XXXX consider When they report crime figures they ought to take account of the fact that most crimes are not even reported. get in on the act follow a trend We opened the first cybercafe here, but several other people have got in on the act in the last year. be out of action unavailable I’m afraid the elevator’s going to be out of action for a few days. be up in the air undecided / unresolved I may be going to Europe on business but it’s still up in the air. all in all All things considered All in all, I think we can say Sao Paulo has a rich cultural life. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of these well-known international chocolate manufacturers has a large factory and visitors’ centre in Dunedin, New Zealand? Hershey Kraft Cadbury Nestle Click here and here for more information about New Zealand chocolate manufacturers Part 6: Today's online listening: This is in interview from Radio New Zealand with Paul Martin, the author of a book about the pleasures of chocolate Vocabulary for the article: malnutrition savoury predisposition hooked cultivate abundance ceremonial take off catch on frown upon Questions for the article: 1) Why do we have a predisposition to like chocolate? it’s high in calories it was associated with religious ceremonies it has a bitter taste it contains pheromones 2) This predisposition is problematic because ... it is associated with pleasure there has been a change in food supply chocolate has become less beneficial it has become a luxury product 3) Addiction is fundamentally a case of uncontrolled ... pleasure desire consumption sensation 4) Premium quality chocolate tends to... have a higher sugar content be made in vineyards be more bitter be more addictive 5) Consumption of chocolate during periods of sadness is likely to lead to .. self-medication deepening depression relief of symptoms addiction 6) What is the main point of the analogy Paul Martin makes between chocolate and wine? they shouldn’t be too sweet they should be sucked they should be enjoyed at room temperature they shouldn’t be rushed 7) When chocolate was first exported to Europe it was used for what purposes? medicinal religious ceremonial financial 8) Why was chocolate mainly commercialised by companies belonging to religious groups such as the Quakers? they were granted a monopoly over its production it was seen as a way of reducing alcohol consumption the Catholic Church had decided that chocolate was not sinful these groups were excluded from other areas of business 9) Studies conducted into the Cuna Indians, who consume large quantities of chocolate, support the claims that chocolate ... reduces cardio-vascular disease contains high concentrations of flavenoids contributes positively to dental health has complex sociocultural associations 10) What attitude does Paul Martin have towards the idea that some people are ‘chocoholics’? sympathetic concerned sceptical hopeful Today’s musical suggestion: from Canada Ice Cream by Sarah McLachlan ________________________________________________________________

appeal

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:20:11 GMT

Today’s picture: Autumn Leaves – outside the Study Centre, Massey Albany Part 1: Today's word If something appeals to (verb) you, it means you like it or want to have it. So, for example, extramural or distance education appeals to students who have busy lives or those who live a long way from a college. An appealing (adjective) argument is one which seems attractive and makes you want to agree with it. You can also say that the argument has a good deal of appeal (noun). Appeal has other meanings, especially in Law – you can check these in a good dictionary, like the MacMillan or the Cambridge online dictionaries Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The new course is expected to have a widespread appeal among international students. Despite his parents’ objections, his strong appeal to music led him to give up his business studies and concentrate on becoming a composer. Country and Western music has a broad popular appeal which transcends national and social boundaries. The study set out to explain the continuing appeal of smoking, despite its cost and negative effects on health. Part 3: Practice Questions: What is New Zealand’s main appeal for people considering emigrating here? Which performers have a broad popular appeal in New Zealand (or in another country you know well)? Which kinds of music do you find most appealing – and why? Part 4: The Phrasal Test – part 10 1) (you realise) it ………. to you 2) (die) …….. away 3) (visit briefly) ……….. in 4) (stop at the side of the road) _______ over 5) (cheat someone) ………... someone off 6) (say goodbye at the airport etc) ______ someone off 7) (cause someone to fall behind schedule) _______someone back 8) (read quickly) ______through 9) (increase pressure etc) ______ up 10) (dismantle) _______ something apart Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which form of creativity is being celebrated in New Zealand during the month of May? music painting film sculpture Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview from the BBC with the Chinese pianist Lang Lang Vocabulary for the article: a prodigy a tyrant / tyrannical an excerpt to thwart somebody to be reconciled with someone / a process of reconciliation Your career took off big time a household name Questions for the article: 1) What first introduced Lang Lang to the appeal of playing the piano? The Cultural Revolution A Chinese cartoon A television programme The chance to win competitions 2) What kind of challenge did he have to overcome in order to win his first piano competition? psychological cultural physical political 3) How many hours did he use to practise piano on a school day at the age of seven? just under three hours three hours forty-five minutes nearly six hours seven hours forty-five minutes 4) Which of these difficulties did he face during his early months in Beijing? his father was unable to live with him his neighbours were noisy his fellow pupils made fun of him the police prevented him from practising piano 5) For what reasons did he stop playing the piano for a while when he was in Beijing? psychological cultural physical political 6) He attributes his success in interpreting Chopin at the age of thirteen especially to ... technical ability personal suffering family ambition romantic feelings 7) What did his American teacher suggest would be a good way to become famous? Winning a number of international competitions Substituting for a well-known pianist Marrying an international celebrity Becoming a household name 8) When Lang Lang plays Chinese music he ... uses elements of Western classical piano playing uses an adapted instrument adapts folk tunes to the piano imitates Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Debussy 9) Lang Lang has set up a foundation in order to .. inspire classical pianists improve the quality of popular music help young classical musicians enhance the image of classical music Lang Lang’s autobiography is called Lang Lang - Journey of a Thousand Miles and his most recent CD is a collection of Chopin Piano Concertos Today’s musical suggestion: from China Horse Race performed by Lang Lang and his father ________________________________________________________________

emerge

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:35:38 GMT

Today’s picture: Student at the Massey Albany Cultural Fair, 2009 Part 1: Today's word Emerge (verb) means to come out or become known. So, for example, you can talk about problems or issues emerging from a situation. The emergence (noun) is when something first comes to public attention. 2009, for instance, has seen the emergence of Twitter as a major form of social networking – Twitter has existed for a few years already, but only came to the general attention of the media around the world in 2009. If something is just beginning to be noticed, then it is emergent (adjective). Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Having coded the interview data and then grouped it into categories, three major issues emerged. It later emerged that the company had, in fact, been losing money for years, despite the apparently healthy balance sheets presented to shareholders. If we consider the full range of sociocultural factors, a more complex picture of literacy begins to emerge. The team failed to emerge the data to a wider audience, which meant that their important findings were largely overlooked. Part 3: Practice Question: Apart from Twitter, what other social networking innovations have emerged over the last few years? Part 4: The Phrasal Test – part 9 Complete these phrasal verbs – the meaning is given in brackets 1) call __________ (return someone’s call) 2) __________ something out (have a look at) 3) __________ across (find by chance) 4) cut it __________ (stop) 5) drop __________ (fall asleep) 6) __________ out (go crazy) 7) get __________ (meet) 8) go __________sth (review) 9) __________ on (wait) 10) __________ up to (respect) Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question The Glenn Schaeffer Prize is New Zealand’s richest award for emerging writers. How much does the winner receive? $15, 000 $ 65, 000 $ 125, 000 $ 225, 000 For information on all New Zealand writing prizes, including those especially for university students, click here Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview from the BBC with the emerging Chinese writer and film-maker, Xiaolu Guo Questions for the article: What made Xiaolu Guo’s experience in Beijing a challenging one? What style did she write her English novel in – and why? There are many other programmes in this series, with questions, vocabulary and explanations here Today’s musical suggestion: from Canada / Mexico De cara a la pared – face against the wall by Lhasa de Sela Click here for more details of this emergent international star ________________________________________________________________

chronological

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 25 May 2009 04:46:26 GMT

Today’s picture: Jubilee Tower, Christchurch Part 1: Today's word Chronological means in the order in which things happened. Normally, stories are told in chronological order, starting at the beginning and going through the actions step by step until the end. Of course, sometimes in films, they start in the middle and then go back to an earlier time – this is called a flashback. Apart from stories, chronological order is normally followed in giving directions and instructions and when writing the procedure section of a research report. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Please refer to the time line (appendix A) for a chronological overview of the project as a whole. The team comprises (in chronological order): Paul Matthews (60 years old – Senior Consultant), Mika Watanabe (46 – Research Officer), Bob Manahere (42 – Public Relations) and Sue Reynolds (27 – Administrative Assistant). Careful forensic analysis allowed the police to reconstruct the chronological sequence of the day’s complex events. The exhibition will follow the traditional chronological format, beginning with the artist’s earliest known works, even before she left her home town for art school. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you structured any of your reports in chronological order? What are the potential drawbacks of following chronological order in an essay? Part 4: The Phrasal Test – part 8 Some of these sentences are correct, but others contain errors. Identify the ones which are correct and change the ones which are wrong Why did you have to go and mess things up? It took me ages to make it look neat. No one owned up to having poured paint over the teacher’s car. You ought to put in for a pay rise. Bill Gates set off to produce personal computers at a price anyone could afford. It’s time we all stood up for the new boss. He’s just a big bully! I was completely taken in by his lies. I think you ought to tone down your complaint, if you want it to be taken seriously. I’ve worn off three pairs of trainers preparing for the Auckland Marathon. She wrote off her car in an accident, which she fortunately survived. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Can you put these events in chronological order? Massey University’s Albany campus opened The Auckland Harbour Bridge opened Auckland Sky Tower was completed Smoking was banned in public buildings in New Zealand The New Zealand dollar was first launched New Zealand’s current Head of State took office Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short programme from the BBC on how lectures are organised. Task for the listening: Complete this summary of lecture organisation, based on the listening. You’ve been given the first three letters of the missing words: Typically, things are in three parts .. there’s a kind of introduction, giving the pur________ and bac __________ to the topic and the plan of the lecture. The bod _____ of the lecture, in which exa _________ are given, perhaps ideas out _________ and con ___________ and then a conclusion in which the various ideas are eva ___________ and perhaps the lecturer gives their own opinion .... Most lecturers approach their material in one of three ways: in the first, the lecturer presents a seq ______ of events in the order of happening .. we intuitively recognise that when we’re reading or listening and it’s rea ____________ , we know what to expect, we can ant_________ what’s going to come next .... there might be a division of ideas, a kind of mat_________ ... Another very common way of organising texts, both spoken or written, is the situation – problem – solution – evaluation for________ .... the next step is to offer a more refined solution and so on, in a cyc _________ process Click here for useful listening practice (with vocabulary) from the BBC Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Time after Time by Cyndi Lauper ________________________________________________________________

liaise

Martin McMorrow — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:38:56 GMT

Today’s picture: Korean students at the Massey Albany Cultural Fair, May 2009 Part 1: Today's word ‘Liaise’ is to work together – especially in the planning stage of a project. It’s often used with the word ‘closely’ if the partnership is a very good one. It can also be written 'liase'. It’s important that marketing managers liaise with a full range of colleagues to ensure everyone is aware of the company’s policies. Effective child protection requires close liaison between schools, social services and, in some cases, the police and community groups. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? They decided to liaise on their own instead of wasting time waiting to hear from all the other interest groups. The researchers hope to liaise with European and American teams on a new generation of software. We will liaise with our colleagues in Sydney to make sure that everybody is involved in the new developments. The police are liaising closely with local community groups to deal with the problems of rising crime in the area. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you enjoy liaising with other students on projects? Do you feel there’s effective liaison between the different teachers and administrators involved in your course? Part 4: The Phrasal Test – Part 7 Some of these sentences are wrong? Can you identify and correct them? 1) At first they threatened to call in the police, but they backed up when they realised they were in the wrong. 2) I don’t care much for your attitude. You won’t get anywhere by being rude! 3) I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to go on about my holiday. I just got carried off! 4) It was a sunny morning, but it clouded up later on. 5) He tried a long shot, but it didn’t come off. 6) I’m dying of a rest. Can we sit down here for a bit? 7) She never really got along her brother. 8) I kept meaning to get in touch but I just didn’t get around to phone you. Sorry! 9) I never really hit off with my new boss. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of these is a popular – and very generous - bank in New Zealand? NatWest Westpac Western Union Westminster Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interesting news report about two people who received millions of dollars in their Westpac account Vocabulary for the listening: put into receivership overdraft proceeds flee jurisdiction misappropriated in the vicinity of Questions about the listening How much did the bank customers ask for? How much did the bank put into their account? What excuse might they have used to transfer the money overseas? Which kind of police officer is thought to have been sent to China? Has any of the money been recovered? How has the public responded to the news? What would you do if it happened to you? Today’s musical suggestion: from the UK The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde by Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames ________________________________________________________________

intrinsic

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:49:36 GMT

Today’s picture: Intrinsically good hospitality from Saudi students, Massey University Albany, International Cultural Fair, May 2009 Part 1: Today's word An intrinsic part or quality of something is an essential feature – it belongs to the thing itself . It cannot be added or taken away. So, if something is intrinsically good, it means that it’s good in itself, not just because it has good effects on something else. For instance, according to one view of ethics (the universalist or deontological view ),actions are intrinsically good or bad. Another view (a consequentialist or teleological view), goodness isn’t intrinsic to actions themselves, so you can only evaluate actions in context and their goodness or badness depends on the consequences they have on other people. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? It has been argued that a commitment to sustainability is intrinsic to organizational success. It is unsurprising that participation in the training programme was limited, as the employees viewed it as having little intrinsic value. Our research focused mainly on the intrinsic environment of the club, since our resources were not sufficient to investigate the wider social setting. The firm wrongly believed that by focusing on the intrinsic quality of the product itself, a market would somehow emerge of its own accord. Part 3: Practice Questions: What intrinsic qualities do you bring to your subject? Is it possible to say that any actions are intrinsically wrong? Part 4: The Phrasal Test - Part 6 1) The scientists had to s _______ a _______ their personal interests in order to work effectively as a team. 2) Though the course was difficult, I was determined to s ______ it t ______ in order to qualify. 3) The loss of data s ______ the project b ______ by several months. 4) In ‘The Origin of Species’, Charles Darwin s _______ o _______ to explain how evolution is the result of natural selection. 5) I s _______ t _______ several articles on the subject to get a general idea about current thinking. 6) The university has s ______ o _______ their profitable English language teaching division, which from now on will have a separate management and marketing structure. 7) What really s ______ o _____ from her research was the thoroughness with which she checked every detail. 8) Physicists were t _______ a _______ to discover that, according to their research, the rocks were older than the supposed age of the universe. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question “English Language Partners” is an organisation which offers migrants to New Zealand individual help with English language in their own homes. How much do migrants pay for this service? For more information, click here Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with Philippe Legrain, a British expert on migration, who is visiting New Zealand and has given presentations at the English Partners National Conference and here at Massey University Vocabulary for the article: a prerequisite hostile to mediate homogenous a fallacy xenophobia a backlash a misconception a zero-sum game Questions for the article: 1) Philippe Legrain argues that his own ethnic diversity .... is a prerequisite for understanding other cultures is not immediately obvious gives him a deeper insight into the refugee experience was the basis for his academic success 2) Philippe Legrain argues that higher productivity is associated with ... economies in developing countries with uniform cultures developing countries with separate ethnic groups knowledge-based and culturally-diverse economies technological innovation by highly-educated experts 3) Philippe Legrain argues that diversity is essential for teams to produce .. consensus groupthink innovation interaction 4) Philippe Legrain argues that increasing diversity in the workforce is particularly important for New Zealand companies now because of ... legal requirements Treaty principles economic recession globalisation 5) Philippe Legrain concedes that societies which are not diverse can achieve economic progress if ... their economies are based on well-established technological industries their governments invest in precision engineering their climate discourages emigration their legislative framework protects the interests of minority groups 6) Philippe Legrain uses the examples of Barack Obama and Sergei Brin to argue that ... a more effective points based system is needed it’s impossible to predict immigrants’ future contributions to society the United States has much to learn from New Zealand and Australian practices immigrants are needed to fill gaps in key technological skills 7) Philippe Legrain points out that one major economic benefit to developing countries (such as Samoa) from migration of their citizens to developed countries (such as New Zealand) is ... overseas aid remittances liberalisation trade 8) Philippe Legrain cites the case of Polish migration to the UK in support of ... less control of migration tighter visa regulation spread of technology cross-cultural training 9) Philippe Legrain believes that demographic changes in developed economies will lead to ... the growth in environmental refugees increasing incentives to migrate the need to protect domestic industries more positive attitudes to immigration Today’s musical suggestion: from Scotland Letter from America by The Proclaimers ________________________________________________________________

insight

Martin McMorrow — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:55:01 GMT

Today’s picture: kiwi clock at Christchurch Tram Station Part 1: Today's word Insight is a clear understanding of a complicated issue. We say that someone has insight if they often show this kind of clear, deep understanding. One of the main purposes of a lecture is to give you an insight into a particular problem or theory. If you show a clear and original understanding of a problem in your writing, your lecturer may well comment you’ve produced insightful work. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Her work provides a valuable insight into the minds of criminals. Can you give me a quick insight into the subject, so I can look into it in more depth later? The documentary focused on rather trivial issues in his private life and provided little insight into his artistic achievement. Her profound insight into the culture informed both her critical writing and her popular fiction. Part 3: Practice Questions: Which lectures do you recall that provided you with a real insight into a problem or theory? What’s the most insightful comment that you’ve ever received on your writing? Part 4: The Phrasal Test – part 5 1) The new professor’s dynamic style w ______ d ______ very well with the new students. 2) Before I present my own views, I’d like to g _______ o ______ what other writers have said on the subject. 3) History shows that economies tend to g ______ t _______ cycles of boom and bust rather than steady long-term growth. 4) He felt his colleagues always l _______ d _______ o _______ him because he had never completed his doctorate. 5) The lecturer spoke so quickly that I only just managed to n ______ d ______ the main points of her presentation. 6) I wonder why it never o _______ t _______ anyone until the nineteenth century that simple hygiene could save lives. 7) Researchers have been unable to p _______ d _______ the exact cause of the explosion. 8) Sir William Jones p _______ o _______ that similarities between European and Indian languages could only be explained by the fact that they shared a common ancestor. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which New Zealand film director, who won an Oscar for ‘The Piano’, has launched her new film (about the poet John Keats) at the Cannes Film Festival? Jane Campion Dame Tiri de Kanawa Dame Malvina Major Sue Kedgeley Part 6: Part 6: Today's online listening: This is part 2 of a short series from the BBC on how to listen better in university lectures and classes transcript for the listening This is part 2 of a short series from the BBC on how to listen better in university lectures and classes Vocabulary for the article: daunting autonomous cast doubt on something Questions for the article: 1) Which of these is NOT one of the reasons given for attending lectures? you can get an overview of the main points you get an insight into how your department views a subject you’re able to meet other students on your course you find out what’s in the exam 2) Which of these is described by Christine as the main challenge for students in lectures? the echo of the building the speaker’s accent taking notes on the main points difficult vocabulary 3) Which of these is a marker phrase used by lecturers to signal the structure of the lecture? ‘turning now to ... ‘Right’ ‘You know what I mean’ ‘have you got that?’ 4) How does a lecturer signal that he/she’s starting a new topic? falling intonation rising pitch stressing each syllable a long pause 5) Which of these is NOT recommended as a listening strategy during lectures? preparing in advance focusing on purpose paying attention to intonation reducing your level of stress Today’s musical suggestion: from Poland (composer) and China (pianist) Chopin nocturne opus 27 performed by Lang Lang ___________________________________________________________

assumption

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:24:50 GMT

Today’s picture: Massey University Albany Library – old and new 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.’ I wrongly assumed she was American because of her accent. Actually, she’d only been to college there. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE 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 of difficulty of the course? how well you would do? How many of these assumptions were correct? Part 4: The Phrasal Test – part 4 Academic research c _______ f ______a good deal of patience and hard work as well as interest in the subject. Have you ever c ______ a ______ a book called ‘How to make friends and influence people’? This college could d _____ w ______ some new computers. When we insisted that the government provide us with more information, they f ______ b _______ o ______ the old excuses about national security. Unfortunately, our research project f ______ t ______ due to a lack of funding. I'm trying to f _______ o ______ why the results vary so much each time I run the experiment. Unfortunately, her report was f _______ a _______ and never looked at again. He was so busy in the laboratory that he didn’t g ______ a ______ t ______ attending faculty meetings and e _______ u _______ losing his research funding. Conferences are important opportunities for researchers to g ______ t ______ and discuss their findings. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Who are we hoping will open the new library building at Massey University, Albany? Helen Clark John Key David Rudd Don Brash Part 6: Interview with our own campus librarian, Valerie Cohen, here at Massey University, Albany Vocabulary for the article: a steep learning curve Questions for the article: 1) What happened in 1993? Valerie started working as a librarian Massey University’s Albany campus was founded 500 students moved from Palmerston North 2000 books were bought for the first library in Albany 2) What incorrect assumption is often made about library work? It is demanding It is straightforward It is old-fashioned It is systematic 3) What arrives by truck five times a week? up to twenty-five new books book requests from other libraries both returned and requested books boxes of 10 to 25 books 4) How do extramural students obtain library books? they can be requested from their nearest library they are sent to their home address they are reserved for collection at their convenience they are available for free download in electronic format 5) Why is the beginning of the first semester a special time for the library? They offer one-to-one support New books need to be distributed Usage of library services is at a peak there are excessive demands on staff resources 6) Which of these innovations will be incorporated into the new library building? audio-visual facilities an information desk a cafe self-study space Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA You can’t judge a book by its cover by Bo Diddley ________________________________________________________________

legitimacy

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 12 May 2009 07:31:40 GMT

Today’s picture: Scene from the United States Museum (photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute and Flickr Commons) Part 1: Today's word Legitimate has a narrow meaning which is when something is right and proper according to laws or customs. So, for instance, ‘legitimate business expenses’ are those expenses which can be claimed according to the rules. A wider meaning of ‘legitimate’ is when some behaviour is considered fair and reasonable. So, for instance, you could say that illness is a perfectly legitimate reason to ask for extra time to complete an assignment. A government may need to defend its legitimacy if it is challenged. They can do this in various ways – for instance, by showing that they have popular support or that they have gained power in the normal way. In fact, all claims can be challenged and so it is often necessary, to defend the legitimacy of the claim – even in academic writing. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The legitimacy of their claim to customary ownership of the land has been challenged by other tribes. Post-modern approaches to sociological research call into question the legitimacy of the scientific method. Regardless of her good intentions, the excessive legitimacy of her spending was severely criticized. The legitimacy of this restraint of trade is likely to be challenged in the courts. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you know any examples of governments whose legitimacy has been called into question? Do you know of any cases of illegitimate expenses claims? Part 4: The Phrasal Test – part 3 19) Do you know anyone who’s been stood ______ on a date? 20) How late do you tend to stay ______ over here? 21) Have you ever been taken ______ by some false story? 22) Would you be happy to be tied ______ to one employer on a long-term contract? 23) What aspects of the opposite sex really turn you ______? 24) What really winds you ______ about the English language? 25) Do you know anyone who’s written ______ their car in an accident? Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which famous Maori leader challenged the legitimacy of the early British rule in New Zealand by cutting down the flagpole? More information about this can be found here Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with James Cuno, an American academic who has interesting views about the role of museums with the regard to national and global history and culture Vocabulary for the article: antiquity descent nationhood entity encyclopedic legacy enlightenment Questions for the article: 1) Cuno argues that descent is one way in which governments seek to increase their ... legitimacy antiquity nationhood income 2) Cuno argues that national claims on culture have the negative impact of ... weakening distortion confusion limitation 3) Cuno argues that modern states such as Afghanistan and Turkey cannot claim ownership of the historical culture of their geographical regions, because culture is ... temporary fluid universal democratic 4) Cuno feels that the most negative aspect of national cultures is their effect on ... globalisation minorities history education 5) What kind of national culture does Cuno believe to be legitimate? inclusive transformational democratic ecological 6) Cuno believes the original purpose of the British Museum was linked to .. imperialism nationhood enlightenment colonialism 7) Cuno argues that museums have a right to keep artefacts from far-away cultures in order to ...... protect national identities raise cultural awareness increase their self-esteem restore antiquities 8) Cuno uses the analogy of advanced healthcare to argue that ... all nations should have access to encyclopaedic museums specialisation is the only means of achieving progress advances in technology will increase access to culture a public-private partnership model is appropriate to cultural policy 9) Cuno believes that visitors to museums... are given an interpretation by the museum are unfairly influenced by the surrounding culture are able to develop their own understandings of the artefacts need to form a physical connection to the artefacts 10) Cuno believes that individuals .... need to reject their own national culture have a considerable degree of freedom of identity are inevitably influenced by the market place need to form cross-cultural relationships Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Harvest for the World by the Isley Brothers ________________________________________________________________

optimisation

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:09:03 GMT

Today’s picture: Massey University Coat of Arms – ‘May Learning Flourish’! Part 1: Today's word If a process is optimized, it means it’s improved so that it works as well as possible. An optimal (or optimum) solution is the best one that can be found. Optimisation of a process involves a careful evaluation of the current methods and a careful consideration of the effects of modifications and alternative strategies until the best solution is found. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The recession means that funds for new equipment are simply unavailable, making it even more important to improve the optimization of current technology. An automatic optimization feature matches system response to the varying demands of the end-user, reducing energy costs by up to 50% during its life cycle. The so-called ‘intelligent management’ system focuses on the optimization of resources and is therefore particularly appropriate in conditions of scarcity. Optimisation of the VX Video Driver achieves higher levels of graphic performance through reallocation of memory from other systems. Part 3: Practice Questions: What time of day do you reach your optimal level of performance as a student? How can students optimise their limited study time? Part 4: The Phrasal Test – part 2 11) Where do teenagers normally hang ______ in your town? 12) Which family members do you most look ______ ______? 13) Did you use to mess ______ in some of your lessons at school? 14) Were you named ______ any of your relatives? 15) Were you ever picked ______ by bullies at school? 16) Have you ever been pulled ______ while driving? 17) Would you rule ______ becoming a housewife or househusband? 18) What kind of things do you most like to splash ______ ______? Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Sunday May 10th was Mothers’ Day in New Zealand. What percentage of New Zealand women in their forties have at least one child? 38% 52% 71% 86% More statistics about New Zealand mothers here Part 6: Today's online listening This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with mathematics professor Andy Philpott from Auckland University. He talks about the important practical applications of operations research, a form of mathematical modelling, Vocabulary for the article: algorithm a knapsack Questions for the article: 1) Which organisation has the team of Philpott and Everett saved millions of dollars? an airline a paper manufacturer a news corporation a mapping service 2) Which of these is mentioned as an application of operations research? staffing of airlines planning routes of airlines predicting passenger numbers airline investment decisions 3) Which of these is a true description of operations research? it produces optimistic solutions to problems it has always had a low public profile it is becoming more popular as a result of the credit crunch it produces the best possible representation of reality 4) Developments in which area led to extensions of their model? commercial environmental technological mathematical 5) Interest in the University of Auckland’s operations research work has ... exceeded expectations been somewhat disappointing declined as a result of the recession come mainly from North America Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Simply The Best by Tina Turner ________________________________________________________________

pitfalls

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 07 May 2009 03:11:46 GMT

Today’s picture: Support desk for international students at Massey University, Albany Part 1: Today's word A pitfall is a mistake or trap that is common in a particular situation. The word comes from ‘pit’, which is a hole which you can dig in the ground. In traditional societies, one use of pits was to trap animals. What you would do is dig a pit where you think animals were likely to pass and then cover the pit with branches. When the animal stepped on the branches, it would fall and be trapped. So pitfalls in modern life have both these elements – they are very basic and simple, and so, it’s rather embarrassing if we are caught by them. But at the same time, they are hidden, so if you don’t pay any attention, you are almost certain to make the mistake. Common pitfalls of essay-writing, for instance include not answering the question, not following a clear structure, not producing a step-by-step argument, not referring to sources. Our job at the Student Learning Centre is to help you avoid these common pitfalls – you can see some of our advice in our presentations on YouTube Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? I am well aware of the potential pitfalls of going into a business partnership with my best friend. Critiquing research methodology is one of the major pitfalls of postgraduate writing. The Flying Start programme basically covered all the major pitfalls to avoid in your first year at uni. Unfortunately she stumbled right into the number one pitfall for beginning researchers – collecting meaningless data! Part 3: Practice Question: What do you think are the major pitfalls which students need to avoid? Part 4: The Phrasal Test 1 Complete these questions with a suitable adverb or preposition. 1) Did you ever use to answer your parents ______ when you were a teenager? 2) Do you tend to get carried ______ at the gym? 3) Do you ever get chatted ______ when you’re in a bar or café? 4) What was the most ridiculous excuse you came ______ ______ for not doing your homework? 5) Do you enjoy dressing ______ for parties? 6) Have you ever dropped ______ during a lesson? 7) Do you sometimes freak ______ or do you take everything in your stride? 8) Does it really get you ______ when it’s cloudy or rainy for days on end? 9) How would you set ______ finding a job in your country? 10) Did you go ______ ______ your parents’ suggestions for your school, career and love life? Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What have just been banned in the New Zealand city of Wanganui in order to combat crime? patches weapons alcohol drugs Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short introduction to English for Academic Purposes from the BBC. It includes opinions of experts as well as a range of international students. Vocabulary for the article: tips grapple recurring discipline Questions for the article: 1) Which of these issues was NOT mentioned by students as a challenge in academic English? the different accents of the lecturers the speed of delivery of fluent speakers strategies needed to pass the IELTS exam the vocabulary needed to express ideas 2) Which of these is NOT likely to feature within an EAP course? vocabulary social English research methods written English 3) According to Simon Williams from London University, many international students suffer from overload, which affects their ability to focus on .. language content vehicles decoding 4) Which of these strategies is NOT recommended by Simon Williams? memorising texts from the internet using an English-English dictionary using a subject-specific dictionary collecting words and structures which are typical within a discipline 5) Which of these strategies is NOT recommended by the international students themselves? re-reading familiar books in an English version watching television with sub-titles translating from the internet noticing differences between your own language and English 6) What was the main point highlighted by the two stories about ‘Rocky’? the importance of dictionary use the need for content knowledge the impact of prior knowledge on interpretation the need for familiarity with a range of accents Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Wonderful World by Sam Cooke (with some clever visuals of world leaders etc from the 1950’s and 1960’s) ________________________________________________________________

rational

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:11:10 GMT

Today’s picture: Tram Tracks in Christchurch – which way to go? Part 1: Today's word If you are rational, you make decisions based on reason, not emotions. A rational person carefully analyses the causes and effects, the advantages and disadvantages and makes a logical choice based on their values or objectives. Many traditional models of human behaviour, including economic theories, assume that people are basically rational. However, these models don’t explain decision-making very well, because most people do not actually make fully rational decisions. Many modern behavioural theories are based on the concept of bounded rationality which looks at the more limited role that rationality plays in decision-making and at the cognitive biases (such as ‘impact bias’ and ‘halo effect’),which make decisions less rational. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? It’s hard to see any rational explanation for his decision to resign. Given the information and technology available at the time, their beliefs in the causes and treatment of illness can be seen as perfectly rational. Let’s all calm down and look at this problem rationally. The problem turned out to be not physical at all and presumably had rational origins. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you generally make rational decisions about what to study or buy? Part 4: The Phrasal Three work on something be involved in a project or in solving a problem We haven’t solved the problem yet, but we’re working on it. wrap something up cover or finish Wrap up warm - it’s cold out there ! This book is a present - can you wrap it up for me ? Let’s wrap up the meeting now and discuss the budget next time around. write sth off accept a loss / destroy a car Given the failure of the technological trials, the company has written off the investment. He wrote off his Jaguar in an accident on the motorway.. From tomorrow, I’ll be giving you some quizzes and questions on phrasal verbs covered during the last few weeks. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What is the average pay per hour in New Zealand? $ 14.56 $ 18.22 $ 22.35 $ 29.36 For an overview of the key facts about New Zealand society, economy and culture in 2009, click on New Zealand in Profile Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short interview, from the BBC, with a well-known behavioural economist, Dan Ariely, who talks about the irrational way most of us make money decisions. Vocabulary for the article: heuristics rule-of-thumb discretionary the odds are Questions for the article: 1) Why was 2008 ‘a good year for behavioural economics’? 2) What’s the basic reason people make mistakes with money? 3) What rules of thumb do we use to make decisions about money? 4) What two major mistakes do people make in trying to reduce spending? 5) How do supermarkets take advantage of shoppers’ irrationality? 6) What is Dan Ariely’s main advice about improving the way we spend our money? Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA and Europe Mind-blowing decisions by Heatwave ________________________________________________________________

originate

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 04 May 2009 06:45:02 GMT

Today’s picture: Pizza Preparation at the Ferguson Bar, Massey University, Albany Part 1: Today's word If a custom, product or idea originates somewhere it means that it came from there. Its origins can be found there. So, for example, it is believed that chocolate originated in Mexico. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The company originated the concept of just-in time production, but was unable to fully implement it for complex socio-cultural reasons. The majority of plants seen as having potential medical uses originate in the rainforests of the world. Many of the customs of the modern university, such as its academic dress, originated in the monasteries of medieval Europe. Chess is thought to have originated in India, though it may have been refined in Persia before being transmitted to the West by Arabs. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you know where your favourite sports or games originated? Part 4: The Phrasal Four take off become popular Pizzas only really took off in the United States after the Second World War. be worn out be exhausted I’m worn out - can’t we sit down for a few minutes? wind up tighten a spring / irritate / make fun of You don’t have to wind up this watch - it’s kinetic ! I don’t want to work with Paul - he really winds me up. Don’t take it so seriously - we were only winding you up. wipe out destroy 100’s of species have been wiped out over the last 100 years. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question What colour shirts will the New Zealand All Blacks be wearing for their match against France in Marseille this November? white silver blue orange Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview from Radio New Zealand with an American professor who has written a book about the history of the Pizza! Vocabulary for the article: pungent unheard of as legend has it commemorate meagre a blank canvas Questions for the article: 1) The pizza originated in ... Rome Naples Milan Sicily 2) One of the original basic pizza toppings was .. tomatoes cheese fish eggs chicken 3) Why was the tomato used as a pizza topping at a time when it wasn’t popular in the rest of Europe? local growing conditions were more favourable it was less poisonous than in other parts of Europe it was used as an ornamental topping pizza toppings were the only available use for tomatoes at the time 4) In 1889, Queen Margarita decided to try a pizza because .. it was commonly praised by travellers it had been named in her honour she was curious about local dishes she was tired of the plain foods she had been eating 5) Pizza was typical of much nineteenth-century Italian food in that .. it provided a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fibre it consisted of carbohydrate supplemented by flavoured additives it was popular among working people across Southern Europe It required a simple wood-fired oven and basic cooking utensils 6) The average American eats about how many slices of pizza a week? one three and a half fifteen fifty 7) Pizza was often eaten on Fridays ... because workers had the afternoon off for religious reasons because it was limited to ethnic communities because it was too expensive for everyday consumption 8) The 1960’s in the USA saw the beginning of ... experimentation with different ingredients commercialisation through pizza franchises home-baking through newspaper recipes differences between American and Italian pizzas 9) There are so many different versions of pizza in the United States because .. the Italian-American community is widespread there there is a lack of other local food options the simplicity of the pizza allows for ease of customisation national chains have pursued a market segmentation strategy 10) Which pizza-related product has grown into a $1bn business in the United States? pizza delivery frozen pizzas pizza sauces pizza toppings 11) Dominos Pizzas targeted particular towns for their delivery business mainly because of their potential customers’ ..... nutritional needs personality traits ethnic diversity low socio-economic status ______________________________________________________________ Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA / Italy That’s Amore sung by Dean Martin ________________________________________________________________

volatility

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:58:56 GMT

Today’s picture: New Zealand’s volatile landscape – Craters of the Moon, near Taupo Part 1: Today's word If a situation is volatile, it means it is very unstable and so tends to change quickly and without warning. In chemistry, substances that are volatile can be dangerous – for example, they might suddenly explode. When there is a crisis in the world, it tends to cause volatility in oil prices and on the financial markets. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Unfortunately, the manager had a rather volatile personality, which made life in the office exciting but very unpredictable. Manchester United defeated Tottenham in a volatile encounter earlier today, during which the lead changed hands three times. Although sales fluctuated from month to month, there was, nonetheless, an underlying volatility, which was a basis for long-term growth. In a volatile market, companies may seek to have their share offers underwritten in order to guarantee a sale. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do any of your friends have volatile tempers? How volatile is the New Zealand society and economy? Part 4: The Phrasal Five turn up arrive (for a meeting etc) I was disappointed that only 10 people turned up. walk out leave in protest / go on strike Ship workers have walked out in a dispute over pay. warm up do exercises to make your muscles warm and flexible You need to warm up before playing a game if you don’t want to pull a muscle. wear off gradually become less strong / go away It was terrible at first, but the pain soon wore off. wear out use something until it can’t be used any more I’ve worn out three pairs of shoes delivering these leaflets. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which position does Auckland hold in the list of the world’s best cities to live in? Part 6: Today's online listening This is an interview from the BBC World Service with the leading Indian-born Management thinker, C. K. Prahalad (sorry for my mispronunciation of his name!) Vocabulary for the article: parsimonious procrastination inexorable to fold mindset leverage status quo periphery Questions for the article: 1) C. K. Prahalad believes that managers need strategic __________ clarity ability flexibility volatility 2) Which of the following is NOT one of the strategies C. K. Prahalad recommends managers in the auto-industry to adopt in order to survive the current crisis? move core skills to other tasks declare war on waste negotiate a new deal with the Trade Unions manufacture to order 3) Which of these is the main source from which C. K. Prahalad synthesised his management theories? economic principles secondary research practical experience socio-economic trends 4) C. K. Prahalad believes that managers in developing countries tend to be more ... risk-averse conservative hierarchical aspirational 5) For what reasons was Prahalad’s advice initially rejected by the CEO? operational personal strategic financial 6) Why did he sell off his own company? to guarantee a healthy return for his investors to protect the interests of the workforce to address the problem of lack of innovation to reduce salary costs in the engineering department 7) The current situation in the world has led to ... unstable markets stronger leadership consistent strategy operational agility 8) “Velcro organisations” ... need constant restructuring have task-based teams are disengaged from society have a limit of 25 employees 9) One positive effect C. K. Prahalad sees coming out of the recession is .. learning volatility disengagement redundancy 10) C. K. Prahalad believes that in order to work effectively, market forces require .. individual greed oversight opaque solutions innovation 11) What point does C. K. Prahalad make by referring to Cambridge? the decline of Western capitalism the West’s continuing intellectual vitality the lack of moral leadership in the West the global involvement of the UK and the USA Today’s musical suggestion: from the USA Waiting on the World to change by John Mayer ________________________________________________________________

nutrition

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:37:14 GMT

Today’s picture: Hot dog on a stick – not the most nutritious Kiwi foodstuff Part 1: Today's word Nutrition is the process of taking in food etc in order to make your body work effectively. If a particular food item is good for you, you can say it is nutritious. Important nutrients which we derive from food include proteins and vitamins. Of course, the problem with our diet is that often food items are delicious but far from nutritious! Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Not only is the fruit known to be nutritious, but it is believed by the local people to possess special protective powers. Not only are there fewer plants available during the winter months, but those that can be found are less nutritious. Canned baked beans, though a convenient and nutritious foodstuff, provide little benefit to the body. Unfortunately, the children tended to go for junk food items, high in cholesterol, sugar and additives to the more nutritious alternatives provided by the event organisers. Part 3: Practice Questions: Is nutrition an important part of the curriculum in primary or secondary schools? How nutritious is your daily diet? Part 4: The Phrasal Five treat someone to something give someone a special gift or experience The firm treated all the employees to a free trip to Paris to celebrate the opening of their French branch. trip someone up make someone fall or make a mistake He stuck out his leg and tripped me up. turn into something become It’s a pity all frogs don’t turn into princes. turn someone on / off stimulate desire or disgust That perfume is really turning me on. Dirty fingernails are a real turn-off. turn out have an outcome The day turned out really nice. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Why has a group of pupils from our local secondary school, Rangitoto College been put in quarantine? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview with Professor Jean Fleming from the University of Otago Medical School. She’s discussing the role of the small intestine Vocabulary for the article: depiction coil Questions for the article: 1) The main role of the stomach is ... preparation for digestion removing acids from food extracting nutrients from food processing waste products 2) How long does food – or its waste products - normally stay in the body? a few hours more than a day less than six hours several hours 3) Where does the signal come from to let the processed food pass into the intestine? the duodenum the sphincter the brain the chyme 4) The small intestine is called ‘small’ because .. it’s relatively narrow it’s less than 2 metres long its role in digestion is rather limited it’s only six metres long 5) The main role of the small intestine is to ... crush food and filter out bugs mix food to produce chyme move food into the stomach absorb nutrients into the bloodstream 6) The main role of bile is to ... help the body break down fats break down complex carbohydrates produce amino acids help the functioning of the gall bladder 7) Which of these components of food is NOT broken down by the small intestine? fats carbohydrates proteins fibre Today’s musical suggestion: from the UK Food, glorious food from the musical ‘Oliver!’ ________________________________________________________________

significant

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:33:26 GMT

Today’s picture: an Anzac soldier (from the Australian War Memorial Collection – accessed from Flickr Commons) Part 1: Today's word ‘Significant’ is a more formal way of saying ‘important’ and special. But take care using this word when you write your reports because when you talk about statistics, the word ‘significant’ has a more exact meaning (above a certain level of probability)or instance, it is quite common for research articles to report significance at the 0.05 level. There has been a significant improvement in productivity in the agricultural sector. Media commentators are still trying to assess the significance of the President’s statement. Click here for interactive exercises on academic vocabulary and writing. Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? A significant amount of research has been done in this area, but results so far have been inconclusive. The price rises are expected to have a significant impact on demand in the short term. It’s highly significant for all staff members to lock their offices when they leave, as there have been a number of thefts from the office recently. Her research revealed statistically significant variations between motivational levels of staff in the two groups. Part 3: Practice Questions: Anzac Day, next Saturday, has a special significance for Australians and New Zealanders. Do you know of any such days in other cultures? Do you feel you’ve made significant progress in your English this year? Part 4: The Phrasal Five throw up vomit He must have drunk at least 10 pints on the ferry. Is it any wonder he threw up? tidy up organise Can you tidy up before you go home? be tied up be busy Sorry, I can’t make our meeting on Friday. We’ve got some visitors over and I’m going to be tied up all day. be tied down be restricted / not free I prefer working on short-term contracts. I don’t like being tied down. tone down make something less extreme I know it’s a letter of complaint, but I think you ought to tone it down a bit or they won’t take it seriously. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Saturday April 25 is a National Holiday in New Zealand and Australia. The day commemorates the landings at Anzac Cove in 1915? Where is Anzac Cove? Here is a short film showing scenes from the Anzac Campaign Part 6: Today's online reading This is an article which explains the background and significance of Anzac Day. Vocabulary for the article: commemoration tenacity mateship ingenuity Questions for the article: What was the main strategic aim of the Anzac landings in 1915? How long did the campaign last? How successful was the campaign? Which nation lost the greatest number of soldiers? Which campaign saw the greatest loss of New Zealand lives? What kinds of attitudes are associated with the Anzac campaign? What are the symbols of Anzac Day? Where and when do Anzac Day commemorations take place? When can shops open on Anzac Day? * sorry, on the recording, I said April 26th - I got confused! Today’s musical suggestion: from New Zealand The Last Post ________________________________________________________________

liaise

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:42:13 GMT

Today’s picture: Students from Hong Kong at the Massey University Cultural Fair, 2008 Part 1: Today's word ‘Liaise’ is to work together – especially in the planning stage of a project. It’s often used with the word ‘closely’ if the partnership is a very good one. It can also be written 'liase'. It’s important that marketing managers liaise with a full range of colleagues to ensure everyone is aware of the company’s policies. Effective child protection requires close liaison between schools, social services and, in some cases, the police and community groups. Click here for interactive exercises Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? They decided to liaise on their own instead of wasting time waiting to hear from all the other interest groups. The researchers hope to liaise with European and American teams on a new generation of software. We will liaise with our colleagues in Sydney to make sure that everybody is involved in the new developments. The police are liaising closely with local community groups to deal with the problems of rising crime in the area. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you enjoy liaising with other students on projects? Do you feel there’s effective liaison between the different teachers and administrators involved in your course? Part 4: The Phrasal Five take apart dismantle / take to pieces It was an expensive repair. They had to take the engine apart to replace the broken valve be taken in be deceived I was completely taken in by his story about how he’d been robbed. How was I to know that he’d actually spent the money gambling? take something in assimilate He explained all about the accounts but I couldn’t take it all in. think ahead plan for the future It’s important to think ahead in business in order to be prepared for challenges and changes in the market. think something over consider (before making a decision) I appreciate your offer, but can you give me a couple of days to think it over? Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Australia is the number one trading partner of New Zealand. In which position is China? For more information about China-New Zealand trade click here Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short programme about a New Zealand University Professor, Bill Wilmott, who is taking his family back to visit his birthplace in Sechuan Province, China Vocabulary for the article: impetus flora fauna slaughter eerie Questions for the article: 1) How many distinct ethnic nationalities are there in China? 2) Which kind of organisation does Eric (from Beijing) work for? 3) When Bill was a child, what was it like to live in Sechuan province? 4) What was the diet like for Chinese peasants back then? 5) What scandal did his father discover? 6) What disease is associated with a traditional farming practice in China? 7) Why couldn’t the family go on to visit his home town of Chengdu? 8) Why did Bill visit Kunming for the first time when he was 11? 9) What does Bill recall when he visits the market in Kunming? 10) Why did Bill have to drink castor oil when he was a child? 11) Why has China contributed so much to gardens around the world? 12) What did Bill’s grandson especially enjoy? 13) What shocked his daughter most? 14) Why was Bill Wilmott especially honoured during his visit? 15) What particular Chinese fruit does Bill mention? For more information about the New Zealand-China Friendship Society, click here Today’s musical suggestion: from China Traditional music from Tianjin ________________________________________________________________

reconciliation

Martin McMorrow — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 05:58:14 GMT

Today’s picture: Duck and sculpture in New Plymouth Part 1: Today's word When two people, or two sides of an argument are reconciled, they found common ground between them so that they are no longer in dispute or conflict. If there has been a long dispute, the two sides may enter a reconciliation process, where they discuss their differences, as well as areas they can agree on and they find a way of living together without conflict. Reconciliation doesn’t necessarily mean complete agreement – sometimes even when the two sides can’t agree on everything, they can still dbe reconciled if they ‘agree to disagree’ and end their conflict. Click <here for interactive exercises Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? It is difficult to reconcile these two opposing interpretations of the event. It was hard to reconcile his calm and easy-going personality with the hard-headed business strategy he had developed. The negotiations were long and sometimes bitter, but in the end both sides reconciled and agree to stop the fighting. In setting interest rates, the central bank attempts to reconcile the needs of borrowers and those of lenders. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you know of any successful cases where two bitter enemies have achieved reconciliation and resolved a long-standing conflict? Part 4: The Phrasal Five stand someone up not arrive for a date He arranged to meet her outside the station, but she got cold feet and stood him up. Of course, she felt guilty about it afterwards. start up begin in business They only started up last year, but already have a customer base of thousands. step up (the pressure etc) increase The Government is stepping up the pressure on the oil companies to cut their prices. be taken aback by something be astonished I was taken aback by the news ! He seemed such an ordinary man. How could he have been a spy? take after someone look or behave like your parents, grandparents etc Our older son takes after his dad, but the baby takes after me. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which of these approaches to offending is related to reconciliation? Restorative justice Deterrence Three-strikes-and-you’re-out Capital punishment Part 6: Today's online listening or reading This is another episode in Charles Handy’s series on Management Gurus. In today’s presentation, he discusses the theories of the European partnership of Trompenaars and Hampden Turner. Vocabulary for the presentation: dilemma testify under oath perjury culminate paradox legacy Questions for the article: How did Trompenaars and Hampden Turner research cultural differences? What’s the difference between universalist and particularist cultures? How does management differ in these two kinds of culture? Which mistake did Handy make with the Chinese dealer? How many different dimensions does their cultural model have? What are the main strengths and weaknesses of individualistic cultures? What are the main strengths and weaknesses of communitarian cultures? How did IBM manage to reconcile the two cultures in their reward scheme for salespeople? Today’s musical suggestion: from the UK Hello Goodbye by The Beatles ________________________________________________________________

anecdote

Martin McMorrow — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:58:02 GMT

Today’s picture: Being fleeced Part 1: Today's word An anecdote is a story people tell about something interesting that happened to them. So anecdotal evidence means information that a researcher has obtained informally, by listening to people’s stories. But it hasn’t been checked for reliability or validity. Click <here for interactive exercises Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The researchers used random sampling and a double-blind research design to produce convincing anecdotal evidence on the health risks associated with kite-surfing. There is a growing amount of anecdotal evidence to suggest that business confidence is beginning to rise. Little is known about the reproductive habits of the species except for anecdotal evidence gleaned from hunters. Anecdotal evidence suggests that working while ill actually has a counter-productive impact on the organization. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you told your family any anecdotes about your travels? Can anecdotal evidence ever be relied upon? Part 4: The Phrasal Five spin off separate and make something independent They’re thinking of spinning off their internet division and focusing on their core business. splash out (on something) spend in an uncontrolled way That’s an expensive piece of jewellery. It’s not like you to splash out on things like that! split up not stay together It came as a bit of a shock when they split up. They seemed like the perfect couple. spread out separate and cover a large area The police spread out in the hope of catching the escaped convicts. stand by (someone or a statement) support What most impressed the public was the way his wife stood by him throughout the scandal. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Which United Nations conference has been boycotted by New Zealand (as well as the United States, Canada, Germany and some other countries)? Part 6: Today's online listening: This is a short report from Radio New Zealand about the growth of pyramid selling schemes in China Vocabulary for the article: swindle scammer prey (on somebody) brainwash proliferation crack down on Questions for the article: Why does the anti-Pyramid scheme activist know so much about them? How do the operators persuade people to invest? What is the reaction of the authorities towards pyramid schemes? Who are the main targets of pyramid schemes? How many victims are there now – and could there be in future – in China? Today’s musical suggestion: from Mexico (writer), Spain (performer) Perfidia [in English = treachery] performed by Xavier Cugat and his orchestra ________________________________________________________________

seize

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:03:05 GMT

Today’s picture: Cafe in Lyttleton, near Christchurch, New Zealand Part 1: Today's word When you seize something, you take control of it suddenly or without hesitation. It’s important to seize opportunities, for instance. During armed conflicts, it’s common for one side to seize control of a town or strategic target. When the army seizes control of the government, this is known as a military coup. A famous Latin phrase ‘Carpe Diem’ is translated into English as ‘Seize the day’ – and this means that it’s important to seize opportunities when they come up rather than delaying until it’s too late. Click here for interactive exercises Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? Military officers have tried to seize power three times during the last decade, but on each occasion their attempt has been thwarted. Over the course of the last two decades, the company has steadily seized a dominant position in the mining industry. After the interval, Arsenal seized the initiative with a more attacking line-up, which swiftly turned the game in their favour. During the police raid on the gang headquarters, more than 10 kilos of Class 1 drugs were seized and several arrests were made. Part 3: Practice Questions: Have you seized any opportunities over the last year? In which countries has the army seized control of the government, the court or the media over the last year? Part 4: The Phrasal Five shop around compare prices in different shops or on different websites It’s worth shopping around for a new computer. There are quite a few special offers on the market. show someone round / around take somebody on a tour There are some visitors in reception. Can you show them around while I get the meeting room ready? show up (turn up) arrive At last! I was beginning to think you’d never show up ! show somebody up make somebody look silly I didn’t realise he’d been a champion tennis player. He really showed me up on the court. skim through read quickly I didn’t have time to read the report properly, but I did skim through it on the plane. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Two motorcyclists were recently stopped by New Zealand police for exceeding 200 kph. What excuse did they give? they needed a coffee they were late for their wedding there were no other vehicles on the road they had to test the engine Part 6: Today's online listening and reading This is a presentation from the BBC about Bill Gates by the well-known Management writer and thinker, Charles Handy. If you click above, you will open up the webpage. Then you can click on ‘Listen to the radio programme in full’. You will need a suitable media player installed on your computer – for example, the free basic player from www.real.com Vocabulary for the article: preach hooked in hindsight fledgling Questions for the article: 1) According to Charles Handy, the first lesson we can learn from Bill Gates is that good managers are good .... teachers engineers salespeople politicians 2) Bill Gates has been successful because ... he’s a technological genius he produced the first microcomputer he defeated his main competitors he communicates a vision of change 3) What major development did Gates misunderstand in his first book? globalisation social networking the internet mobile technologies 4) Which strategy did Bill Gates follow in his deal with IBM? Aim for a high gross margin Get in early Protect that position in every way possible Make the customers an offer they can’t refuse 5) DNS is a key component of .. the knowledge organisation the proprietary software the marketing philosophy product development 6) Gates’ reorganisation of Microsoft was inspired by .. traditional management theory a personal vision groupthink competitive advantage 7) Which of these is NOT one of the five E’s of Microsoft organisational culture? Enrichment E-mail Egalitarianism Ecology Today’s musical suggestion: from the UK Seize the day by The Avenged ________________________________________________________________

transcend

Martin McMorrow — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:06:14 GMT

Today’s picture: Satchmo’s Cafe, Lyttleton (port of Christchurch) Part 1: Today's word If you transcend borders, barriers etc, it means that you are not limited by them. So, for instance, it is said that the works of great writers like Shakespeare and Dickens transcend their own culture because they are appreciated by people in many different times and places. Click <here for interactive exercises Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The beauty of the design was that it seems to transcend its function as a piece of furniture and make a statement about harmony and sustainability. The modern corporation transcends national borders, of course, and is the foundation of a global, rather than merely American, Japanese or European culture. The focus of the research was transcended in order to encompass a wider range of emerging issues in the global marketplace. Though clearly a romantic comedy, the film transcends its genre in embodying deeper themes of life and death. Part 3: Practice Question: Do you think it’s possible for works of art to transcend their culture? Part 4: The Phrasal Five see to something make sure / deal with something Can you see to it that this doesn’t happen again? There’s something wrong with the heating. Can you see to it? set about doing something start doing something in an organised and committed way He set about looking for a new job. set something aside not spend / not focus on The company has set aside $1m to cover any outstanding debts. We need to set aside our differences and work together. set back damage / delay The technical problems we’ve been suffering have set us back / have been a serious setback. set out begin a journey or define a purpose He set out from New York on a round-the-world trip. He set out to become the world’s best chess player. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Massey University, Albany and Victoria University, Wellington are home(s) to the New Zealand .......? Symphony Orchestra Jazz Ensemble School of Music String Quartet Part 6: Today's online listening: This is an interview Lucinda Barlow, the spokesperson for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra Vocabulary for the article: audition symphony keep it under wraps Questions for the article: What is unique about the way this new orchestra has recruited its members? What is the name of the symphony by the Chinese composer, Tan Dun, which will be performed tomorrow? How many different countries do the members come from? What is a mash-up? How many people auditioned for the orchestra? How was the final selection made? Who are the oldest and youngest members of the orchestra? Are there any orchestra members from New Zealand? How long has the orchestra been together? Will the performance be available online? Today’s musical suggestion: You Tube Symphony Orchestra ________________________________________________________________

pragmatic

Martin McMorrow — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:19:30 GMT

Today’s picture: Auckland Harbour Part 1: Today's word When you’re pragmatic, you try to address problems in a practical, realistic and flexible way, instead of sticking too closely to rules. This way of dealing with problems is known as pragmatism and a person who follows it is a pragmatist, rather than an idealist. A pragmatist is always ready to compromise. A famous pragmatic view of politics, for example, called it ‘the art of the possible’. The management followed a pragmatic approach in their dealings with their business partners, Click here for interactive exercises and Part 2: Test Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out? The legislation certainly looks good in theory, but we will have to wait and see what its pragmatic effect might be. One disadvantage of the highly pragmatic ethos within the organizational culture was that underlying principles were never really debated and policy development was uneven. We are not especially interested in the academic qualifications of the candidate, but feel their problem-solving experience will make them more capable of rigorous and pragmatic decision-making. She added that hers was an essentially pragmatic view of the issue and we might be wise to seek further research on the issue. Part 3: Practice Questions: Do you tend to follow fixed principles or take a pragmatic view towards life, relationships and work? Would you regard New Zealand culture as essentially a pragmatic one? Part 4: The Phrasal Five rip off cheat I was quite happy to get a few dollars for the painting. It was only later that I found I’d been ripped off. rule out say it’s not going to happen Former President Clinton has ruled out a return to politics. run into meet by chance You know who I ran into in Victoria Market last weekend? see off say goodbye at an airport etc It was really nice of you to come to the airport and see me off. see through not give up I’m not really enjoying the course, but I’ve decided to see it through. Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question Michael Cullen, the Minister in charge of the New Zealand economy in the last Parliament is to leave and join which organisation? The United Nations New Zealand Post The World Bank The International Monetary Fund Part 6: Today's online listening and reading The above link will open up the BBC page. To listen to the presentation, click on ‘Listen to the radio programme in full’. You will need to have a suitable media player installed on your computer. If you don’t have, you can download the basic player from real.com You can also read the transcript of this presentation here This is a presentation by the management guru Charles Handy about the work and ideas of Michael Porter – famous for his theories of competitive advantage and his ‘Five Forces’ model Vocabulary for the article: fad pool resources redistribute grapple Questions for the article: 1) Michael Porter’s academic success is underlined by .... the worldwide influence of his publications his distinctive academic dress the true-life stories that he uses to illustrate his theories his unique position at Harvard University 2) Porter’s career has been characterised by ... increasingly complex theories a steady broadening of perspective a move towards increasing specialisation a consistent preoccupation with the bottom line 3) Which of these is NOT one of the three generic strategies described by Porter? cost reduction sustainability unique product or service specialisation 4) Porter’s model of strategies, industries and forces .. was considered to be over-complex for practical use was simpler than a traditional SWOT analysis went down well with practitioners focuses mainly on financial management 5) Charles Handy argues that Porter ... prioritises one generic strategy oversimplifies human resource management neglects the importance of operational effectiveness recommends that managers always aim for general consensus 6) Porter argues that clusters ... depend on fierce domestic competition allow for a balance of competition and collaboration are a product of globalisation are important in niche industries 7) Which aspect of Porter’s theories has been both criticised and seen as a major reason for their appeal? complexity conciseness research memorability Today’s musical suggestion: from the UK Can you feel the force? by The Real Thing ________________________________________________________________