International Students NZ

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
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