Episodios

  • Topic Talk | The future of ESL

    Topic Talk | The future of ESL
    Jul 31 2024
    In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about what they think the future of ESL entails. 00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:48JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with.00:00:52JackMy co-host social.00:00:53JackAnd today, we're doing a topic talk episode and we're talking about the future of ESL or the future of EFL English as a second language or English as a foreign language.00:01:05JackAnd UM.00:01:06JackI've got a lot of opinions about this social because my job is here in Korea. I teach at the university and so I'm always listening and and trying to predict what the the future of the industry might be.00:01:25JackBecause it kind of greatly affects my my livelihood, my ability to have a job and earn an income.00:01:34JackAnd.00:01:36JackI've I've got my opinions about it. What do you what are your opinions about the future of ESL? What do you what do you think the the future might might bring?00:01:44XochitlUhm, you know, I haven't been in the industry nearly as long as you have, Jack. So like, I kind of, I feel like by the time that, you know, because of my age, I'm I'm younger and everything. By the time I graduated college and everything like.00:02:01XochitlThat that the industry was already taking the nosedive while I was, you know, in college, I would say. And, you know, the writing has been on the wall for a while, that there's especially during with the pandemic and a lot of people.00:02:11JackYeah.00:02:21XochitlI mean the no mad lifestyle and teaching classes online and then there were certain difficulties with getting visas and staying in different countries.00:02:31XochitlDuring the pandemic and there were, you know, a lot of complications because of COVID that created a ripple effect of a lot of systemic changes that were, I think, already kind of on the on the fringe before, but definitely.00:02:46XochitlKicked up uh during and after the pandemic and uh, how do I say this? I'm I'm not really sure about the future. I do know that.00:02:57XochitlIt's not as lucrative a business, you know, as it used to be. I would say definitely people who are in ESL now, it's kind of like a.00:03:06XochitlA labor of love and it used to be that, you know, 20 years ago, you're starting pay in in a job like what you would get paid in Korea was the same as what you get paid now. And of course it went a lot farther 20 years ago. Yeah.00:03:19발표자Right.00:03:22JackYeah, yeah, things are more expensive now. Inflation has basically cut that by 1/3.00:03:29JackYeah.00:03:30발표자Hmm.00:03:31JackYeah.00:03:32XochitlThe buying power of that same quantity, it's just not what it used to be.00:03:36JackThread.00:03:38XochitlSo I don't know and I think that also displayed some people from, you know taking the route of moving to another country because it takes a lot of money which a lot of people also aren't aware of to to move out to another country. Yet in Korea like you get an apartment provided.00:03:57XochitlAnd you get a lot of benefits, but just the visa process alone, plus they reimburse you for your flight ticket after like a year of contract, but you have to pay the money.00:04:06XochitlFront and and a bunch of those related charges. You know, we're talking about hundreds or over $1000 and then.00:04:15발표자MHM.00:04:19XochitlYou know your pay is just so. So I think it makes a lot of people question whether they want.00:04:24XochitlTo be like.00:04:26XochitlWork to the bone in some of these jobs. Yeah. Yeah. So I think it, I think on both ends, both for, you know, schools that are hiring teachers from outside of the country when they. I think it's also become a thing of why should I go through the hassle of.00:04:43XochitlHiring someone from outside of my country and paying for their health check and paying for their visa sponsorship and all. And you know, making sure they are who they say they are doing background check and receiving all these documents and processing them like why should I go through all this trouble when I can get someone in my own country with thanks to globalization and better education tools they might.00:05:03XochitlSpeak, you know perfect English and I can just get someone who already knows the culture as well and who I won't have to worry about like.00:05:11XochitlHolding their hand and walking them through the process of moving to a new country and from the teachers perspective, it's ...
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    25 m
  • Idiom Academy | Drop the ball and Fall off

    Idiom Academy | Drop the ball and Fall off
    Jul 26 2024

    Here are the meanings of the phrases "drop the ball" and "fall off":


    Drop the Ball

    "Drop the ball" is an idiom that means to make a mistake or fail to meet an obligation or responsibility. It suggests that someone has let something important slip through the cracks, leading to a failure or mishap. The phrase likely originates from sports, where dropping the ball can lead to a loss of possession or a missed opportunity.


    Example:

    "I really dropped the ball on that project. I forgot to submit the report on time."


    Fall Off

    "Fall off" can have a few different meanings depending on the context:


    Literal Meaning: To physically fall from a higher place to a lower place.

    Example: "Be careful on the ladder so you don't fall off."


    Decrease or Decline: To experience a reduction in amount, quality, or intensity.

    Example: "Sales have fallen off since the holiday season."


    Lose Focus or Consistency: To stop maintaining a certain level of performance, attention, or engagement.

    Example: "He was doing well in his studies, but his grades fell off after he started working part-time."


    Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation and writing, and their meanings can often be inferred from the context in which they are used.


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    8 m
  • Topic Talk | More Silly Questions

    Topic Talk | More Silly Questions
    Jul 25 2024
    In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack answer more silly questions.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:48JackWelcome to the Ados English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we have a fun topic talk.00:00:57JackAnd this one is. These are just silly questions, social and.00:01:02JackWe're going to do three of them, and if you join our English corner through the WeChat group, you can also discuss these. We we discussed these questions last week, but we will discuss questions like this in the future as well. And #1 is what are your most random pet peeves?00:01:22JackWe we talked.00:01:22JackAbout pet peeves before, but what's your like most random one? That probably no one else is annoyed by, but only you?00:01:30XochitlMy most random pet peeve.00:01:35XochitlThe leading the chair not pushing, as we discussed before.00:01:39발표자Mm-hmm.00:01:41XochitlWhat's another one?00:01:44XochitlI'm trying to think I'm not too much of A picky person, so it's kind of hard for me. I hate this is kind of a like a weird one. It's not really my business, but I just hate seeing like.00:01:57XochitlLike useless men like this sounds weird, but it's kind of a pet peeve of mine when there's, like, a a woman with like like this just happened in the airport. There's a woman was literally the she she and her husband were at the airport and she had like, seven kids. And I think she's pregnant with another kid and.00:02:17XochitlHe the man just like there's he was supposed to get like dinner for all the kids and the wife with his oldest son, and they just disappeared for like 2 hours and then came back with nothing.00:02:30XochitlAnd the kids were, like, running around and screaming, and the lady looked, like, devastated. And it was like, oh, my God, I just, you know what I mean? I hate seeing stuff like that every time I see a man, a useless partner. That's a huge piece. And it's funny because it's not really my business, but it just makes me angry.00:02:48JackYeah, it's kind of I'm. I'm just, I think.00:02:50JackIt's funny that you were.00:02:51JackJust watching that whole scenario play out and just seething, just so angry.00:02:57XochitlYes, I was sitting across from the waiting and I was just like, oh, my God, this poor lady. And this, like, older lady sitting next to her was like, helped ended up helping her with distract her kids for a while, which was really nice. Of the older lady to step in. But it was just.00:03:12XochitlCrazy that the woman has a whole husband. That's like doing nothing.00:03:17JackYeah.00:03:17XochitlJust absolutely insane.00:03:19JackI wonder, I wonder if my wife would have stories. And then I thought fortunately there might be some examples of me checking out for a moment, but I I try not to. I I try to, you know, we we try to divide and conquer. You know, the best that we can.00:03:34XochitlI don't think he would have been that useless like this guy was a a new level. You know what I mean? From what I've seen of you, I have a hard time believing you would have been that.00:03:39발표자Yeah.00:03:43XochitlBad.00:03:43XochitlYou know, so that's a.00:03:45XochitlBig Tip team of mine and I think.00:03:49XochitlThose are those are two big ones, I.00:03:53XochitlI don't think that I have another one. I guess another, maybe third one is like noise makes me irritated really fast. So like.00:04:04XochitlI like things to be pretty quiet, but if I have to hear like a bunch of noise.00:04:10XochitlI can just get so angry quickly for no reason kind of. So that peeve is like just really noisy environments can really grate on my nerves if I'm not expecting it. You know, if I'm at like a concert or something, obviously I don't really care. You expect it to be loud, but it's.00:04:25JackYeah, you can't really complain about the noise at a concert.00:04:28XochitlYeah, but it's just like sudden loudness or something out of nowhere. Like it just kind of grates on my nerves.00:04:36XochitlYeah. How about you, Jack? What are your pet peeves?00:04:39JackI've got a couple. Well, my the first one, I said this one was in another podcast too, but I it bothers me when people say, you know what I mean like that. It's like, yeah, because I'm. I'm always like, yeah, I I know exactly what you mean. You don't have to ask me. You know, I'm not stupid, but.00:04:49XochitlYes, I remember that.00:04:59JackBut it's not, that's just me ...
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    17 m
  • Topic Talk | What if I don't want children?

    Topic Talk | What if I don't want children?
    Jul 20 2024
    In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl explains why she may not want to have children.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and.00:00:52JackI'm here with my co-host social.00:00:54JackAnd today we have an interesting topic.00:00:56JackFor you and social, I'm going to.00:00:58JackLet you introduce the topic today.00:01:04XochitlToday, we're going to talk about.00:01:07XochitlSocietal pressures and expectations kind of in this upcoming generation, which includes, you know, people my age and younger, and we're going to talk about how I maybe don't want to have kids.00:01:22JackMHM.00:01:24XochitlYeah. So I don't know what to say about that, except I guess I've gotten to an age finally.00:01:29XochitlThere, you know one once people know like they ask me how old I am and once they know, you know, they they sometimes ask, you know, do I want to have kids or am I thinking about having kids? And the answer is kind of no. I mean whenever I hear screaming children, it just dries up, it dries.00:01:50XochitlThe uterus right up, Jack to the side.00:01:51XochitlOf.00:01:52XochitlSomething I just I hate. I I can't really stand the shrill shrieking of of joyous children. I'm just kidding. But it is it. It is really hard and and I just see there's so much responsibility. I admire people who are parents. Of course I know it's really hard.00:02:01JackYeah.00:02:10XochitlBut I do see there's so much responsibility and it kind of makes me feel like you just never know where things are gonna go. Like a lot of things are kind of out of your control when you have kids and.00:02:25XochitlIt's scary because I I I I guess I always go to the darkest, you know, recess of my mind and think you know what? If someone murdered my kids or you know what? What kid murdered someone you know and and not just that. It's like every decision that you make for the rest of your life will revolve around your kids and even when your kids are adult.00:02:36JackHmm.00:02:49XochitlYou're going to worry about them every single day, and you're gonna.00:02:54XochitlLike put your energy into that bill. Never stop being your kids, you know.00:03:00JackOh, I I know exactly what you mean. It's. But can I go back and back a little bit? Are you are you offended when people ask you that?00:03:05XochitlOh yeah, Jack, rewind.00:03:09XochitlI don't really care but, but I know some people. Some people do get offended and I think that's their right because it's kind of like it's not really anyone's business, you know, and if.00:03:19JackYeah, it's kind of an inappropriate question in some in some ways.00:03:22JackI feel like.00:03:23XochitlIt's kind of a crazy question because it's like if I wanted kids and could have kids, wouldn't I have them right now? And then it's like, and if I didn't want kids, then why are you asking me and like?00:03:29JackYou're right.00:03:35XochitlLike there's just or if I want kids and couldn't have them like, then we're just about to open a really uncomfortable can of worms, especially if you don't know me super well. Like, what if you asked me that and I have on my, like, fifth round of IVF and we know it's not gonna work anymore. And I'm like, I start sobbing my eyes out. And you just ask me, you know, if I want to have kids, you know what I mean? Like, it's just why.00:03:55XochitlI don't get why people ask that, and I and I can see like if I wanted kids and I had issues.00:04:00XochitlConceiving I would probably be really I could easily be hurt and I can see why people would be, you know, it's a.00:04:06XochitlWeird question to ask.00:04:07JackYeah, it seems like it kind of a dangerous area to to ask questions about, you know, because it's so personal and and also, you know, do you feel like you do, you feel obligated to explain yourself after when you say no like because I feel like just saying no is should be enough.00:04:27JackBut but I I feel like you feel like you have to qualify that with like an explanation and that that's I think the crux of today's topic, right is the.00:04:38JackThe this kind of idea that like you have to have kids like it's just and and I'm I'm I'm my we were talking about this before the the podcast before we started recording.00:04:43XochitlRight.00:04:53JackAnd uhm, I told you, I I mentioned to my daughter. I said, you know. Well, I think I told her don't have any kids or something like that...
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    20 m
  • Vocabulary Spotlight | play sports, do martial arts, and run track and cross country

    Vocabulary Spotlight | play sports, do martial arts, and run track and cross country
    Jul 15 2024
    In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack explain when to use play, do, and run with activities related to exercise.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we are doing a vocabulary builder and social. We're going to talk about sports and activities today and I think there there are some verb differences that we use when we're talking about.00:01:08JackCertain sports and then certain kind of.00:01:10JackSport like activities.00:01:13JackAnd so, like, what would we use to to describe like, basketball, tennis, baseball, soccer? Which verb do we use with with those sports?00:01:28XochitlUh, I would say we use play with those, right, with those sports.00:01:32JackExactly. We say I play basketball. He plays basketball, they play basketball, I play soccer. Do you?00:01:41JackDo you play any sports?00:01:44XochitlUM.00:01:46XochitlI used to.00:01:49XochitlBut I don't anymore.00:01:51JackWhat? What did you used to? I bet you used to be on the soccer team, right?00:01:54XochitlYeah, I used to.00:01:55XochitlPlay soccer I I did used to play soccer, but I have another one and and I realize it conflicts with R2 but I used to run track.00:01:56JackYeah.00:02:05JackOhh, nice. Well, there's a third one we could throw in there. Yeah. Run. Run track. Yes.00:02:06XochitlPress.00:02:10XochitlI ran track or you can go. I ran cross cross country as well.00:02:15JackOhh I ran cross country one year but I was I finished last every time I was the slowest.00:02:20XochitlI also finished last every time so I don't feel bad. I live in two last places and now it's podcast. Ohh, that's funny. Running a podcast. You also kind of run a podcast.00:02:26JackYeah.00:02:32JackYeah, right. We run an English corner. We run an English business.00:02:34XochitlYou can run. Yeah. You run a business as well, that's just.00:02:38JackRight, yeah.00:02:40XochitlThing.00:02:41JackOK. Yeah. So I used to, I used to play play basketball in in high school and college. That was my, my, my big sport was was basketball. But after graduating from university, I I stopped playing basketball and I, but I continued to play tennis.00:03:01JackSo when?00:03:01JackWhen I go home to America, I play tennis with my brother. I play with my dad and I play with my mom. They they all play tennis and my dad is 75. My mom is 74, but they still play tennis almost every day, so they're very into fitness and and well and health.00:03:22JackMHM.00:03:23JackWhat about do what? What kind of so do is the second one and what what do we use? What activities do we use do for?00:03:33XochitlDo hmm.00:03:37XochitlI.00:03:41XochitlI do Taekwondo. I used to do Taekwondo.00:03:44JackOh, did you do a little around self-defense? Yeah.00:03:45XochitlI did like.00:03:48XochitlA little martial arts, yeah.00:03:49JackYeah, watch out or social's going to spin kick you around the chin.00:03:55XochitlYeah, I actually kicked my dad once. He asked me to. So it's it was not my fault. And I told him I wouldn't do it. And then he said I would be grounded if I didn't kick him. So then I did kick him. I was a kid. I was like 13. I think I did kick him. And then he said I was grounded cause I kicked him and my mom said no, she's not.00:04:13XochitlGrow up.00:04:15JackSo you your dad's like this is not going to hurt. And then it hurt really bad.00:04:20XochitlYeah. And then he was like, you're grounded. And my mom, like, you literally forced her hand her her foot. Basically. You forced her foot so you can't play now. It was funny.00:04:22JackGrounded.00:04:32JackThat's so.00:04:33JackYour dad is hilarious. That's great.00:04:35XochitlThat's like crazy.00:04:36JackYeah. So yeah, I was like martial arts, like, like, karate, Taekwondo, jujitsu. We generally say, like, we do, I do karate, I do Taekwondo. I do jujitsu.00:04:49발표자Do.00:04:50JackWe do not say I play those things and I guess I don't know, because maybe like martial arts is a little different. It's not necessarily like a game. It is a competition or it can be a competition.00:05:02JackBut I just we just tend not to use the verb play with those because it's just, uh, it's it's a different kind of activity maybe because, like team sports, we tend to use play, although tennis can be a, a, an individual sport and we use play for tennis. So maybe if.00:05:21JackIt has a ball.00:05:...
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    9 m
  • Topic Talk | We ask each other funny questions

    Topic Talk | We ask each other funny questions
    Jul 10 2024
    In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack ask each other funny questions.Transcript:00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:49JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my.00:00:52JackCo-host.00:00:53JackSocial and today we're going to do some funny quiz questions. And so I'm going to ask social some questions. She's going to ask me. They're kind of silly, but I think it's it'll be fun to, you know, see what our answers are.00:01:08JackAnd so, uh, so. So the first one is.00:01:12JackIf you could teach a dog your dog duende to do 1 human thing, what would it be?00:01:21XochitlYeah.00:01:22XochitlUh, Jack. That one's hard because initially I want to say I want to teach him to speak, but I think I would get annoyed like I love him to death, but he's like he's a little puppy and he has a lot of energy, so he just be talking my ear off, like how little kids do you know?00:01:39JackWhat's this? What's this? What's this? What's this you're like?00:01:43XochitlYeah, constantly. Like, so you know.00:01:47XochitlBut you know it's between.00:01:49XochitlTeaching them how to talk and this is kind of a cheating answer, but I'd like to teach him to be self-sufficient. That way I could just like go on trips without having to worry about him. I feel like he can feed himself and get himself water and take himself out for a walk or whatever if that was possible I would.00:01:58JackYeah.00:02:08XochitlThat would be great if you could just be self-sufficient and that.00:02:10XochitlJust.00:02:10XochitlKind of that involves is kind of cheating because it involves a lot of human things under one umbrella.00:02:16JackYou know, but I I just picture him sitting on the sofa like a human with, like, the remote control in his paw.00:02:23JackIt's just kind of slipping through the channels looking for anything with dogs on TV.00:02:24XochitlYeah, he would definitely.00:02:30XochitlYeah, because there's some shoes he actually likes to watch. I think I was watching, like Sophia and the guard the other day. That's a YouTuber. And he was really intently watching the show. So he's very, yeah, there's some things he really likes. I think he likes Sophia and.00:02:41JackWow, that's weird.00:02:49XochitlI don't know. There. Yeah. There's some things to seem to like more than others. I still haven't figured out the pattern yet with my other dog. He like to with Mouse, which is a dog. But my family had before I had went to. He liked The Walking.00:03:01XochitlEd.00:03:03발표자Ohh.00:03:05JackWhat? What does that mean?00:03:05발표자 2And.00:03:07XochitlI don't know. You seem to like The Walking Dead and he like to watch the the show with like a a dog in it too. He would watch that, like, whenever we watched it, he would sit down.00:03:18XochitlAnd watch it.00:03:18XochitlThe other shows and before him really quickly. So yeah, I think if if I could teach him to be self-sufficient, that's kind of.00:03:25XochitlWhat I would do?00:03:26JackYeah. Yeah. Ohh.00:03:27XochitlJack, how for your dog. Oh, sorry. Go ahead.00:03:30JackOh, no. Yeah, Michael.00:03:31JackI was going to say the same thing that you said. I was going to say, like I wanted to teach my dog to speak, but actually I don't want.00:03:37JackMy.00:03:37JackDog to to talk because.00:03:41JackYou know.00:03:44JackYeah.00:03:45JackShe might never stop talking. You know, it's like it could be like a blessing and then it turns into a curse. You know, like you be careful what you wish for.00:03:57JackI would teach I.00:03:58JackWould love her to UM.00:04:01JackBe able to use the toilet.00:04:03XochitlI knew you were gonna say that. I was like, I knew you were going to say that because she has that issue. Like she kind of poops and.00:04:09XochitlPees all over the house, right?00:04:10JackYeah, yeah, yeah. I would just love for her to just, like, go in the bathroom and jump up on the toilet, use use the bathroom flush.00:04:20JackAnd yeah, that would be amazing. That would be amazing. So huge convenience for us.00:04:30XochitlYeah, yeah, that'd be great. That. Yeah, Blendy kind of already does that since he, like, just goes in the bathroom if he can't get outside.00:04:40XochitlWhich just makes it really easy to pick up, so I don't really have to worry about them.00:04:44JackYeah, yeah.00:04:48JackLet's let's do it. I got another one here.00:04:52JackThis one is kind of interesting. Like what's your silliest ...
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    22 m
  • IELTS | Xochitl and Jack take the IELTS

    IELTS | Xochitl and Jack take the IELTS
    Jul 8 2024
    In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack offer some tips for IELTS test takers and then each of them answer an IELTS speaking question.Transcript:IELTS Speaking Part 3 involves a two-way discussion with the examiner, typically lasting 4-5 minutes. This part requires you to express opinions, discuss abstract ideas, and provide detailed answers. Here are some effective strategies to excel in this section:1. Expand Your AnswersDevelop Ideas: Don't give one-sentence answers. Expand your response by explaining your points, providing examples, and considering multiple perspectives.Structure: Use a clear structure. For example, start with a main point, provide a reason, give an example, and conclude with a summary.2. Use a Range of Vocabulary and GrammarLexical Resource: Use varied and precise vocabulary. Avoid repeating the same words.Grammar: Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, passive voice, and conditionals.3. Linking Words and PhrasesCohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly. Examples include "however," "moreover," "on the other hand," "for instance," etc.Signposting: Indicate the direction of your thoughts with phrases like "to begin with," "another point to consider," "in conclusion," etc.4. Express Opinions and Justify ThemOpinion: Clearly state your opinion using phrases like "I believe," "In my view," "From my perspective."Justification: Justify your opinions with reasons and evidence. Use phrases like "because," "the reason is," "due to."5. Speculate and HypothesizeSpeculation: When discussing future scenarios or possibilities, use speculative language such as "might," "could," "it's possible that."Hypothesis: Use conditional sentences to talk about hypothetical situations. For example, "If I were in charge, I would..."6. Stay Calm and ConfidentCalmness: Stay calm and composed. Take a moment to think before you answer if needed.Confidence: Speak confidently, even if you're unsure. It's better to attempt an answer than to stay silent.7. Practice Common TopicsFamiliarity: Practice discussing common Part 3 topics such as education, technology, the environment, culture, and society.Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs as they can provide content for your answers.8. Engage in Real ConversationsPractice: Engage in conversations with fluent English speakers or join language exchange groups.Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.9. Time ManagementBalance: Ensure your answers are long enough to show your language skills but concise enough to stay relevant to the question.Pacing: Maintain a steady pace to avoid speaking too fast or too slow.10. Active ListeningUnderstanding: Listen carefully to the examiner's questions to ensure you fully understand before answering.Clarification: If you're unsure about a question, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.Question 1: "How has technology affected the way people communicate?"Answer:"Technology has profoundly transformed the way people communicate, making interactions more immediate and accessible. One major impact is the shift from face-to-face conversations to digital communications. Nowadays, people frequently use messaging apps, social media, and video calls to stay connected, even across vast distances. This immediacy allows for real-time communication, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining relationships with friends and family who live far away.Moreover, technology has democratized information sharing. Social media platforms enable individuals to share their thoughts, experiences, and news with a broad audience instantly. This has led to a more interconnected world where people are more aware of global events and diverse perspectives.However, there are downsides as well. The over-reliance on digital communication can lead to a decline in interpersonal skills. Many people, especially younger generations, may find it challenging to engage in face-to-face conversations and develop deep, meaningful relationships. Additionally, the prevalence of digital communication can contribute to a sense of isolation, as virtual interactions might not provide the same level of emotional connection as in-person interactions.In summary, while technology has revolutionized communication by making it faster and more widespread, it also presents challenges that society must address to ensure healthy and effective interpersonal interactions."Question 2: "What role do older people play in society today?"Answer:"Older people play a crucial role in society today, contributing in various significant ways. One important role is that of wisdom and experience. Older individuals often have a wealth of knowledge accumulated over their lifetimes, which they can share with younger generations. This can be particularly valuable in professional settings, where mentoring and guidance from experienced workers can enhance the skills and ...
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    15 m
  • Topic Talk | Funerals and the loss of a loved one

    Topic Talk | Funerals and the loss of a loved one
    Jul 7 2024
    In this emotional episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack talk about funerals and the loss of a loved one. Transcript: 00:00:00JackHey, A is the English podcast listeners. It's Jack here and we just want to announce that we are now on WeChat. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast that is A-Z English podcast, one word all lowercase.00:00:17JackAnd if you.00:00:18JackJoin the group. You will be able to talk with me. You'll be able to.00:00:22JackTalk with social.00:00:23JackAnd we can answer your questions. We can read your comments on the podcast. So we'd love for you to join us and be active in our we chat group. Our WeChat ID is A-Z English podcast. Thanks. See you on the app.00:00:48JackWelcome to the Ages English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And I'm going to let social introduce today's topic. So social, what would you like to talk about today?00:01:02XochitlJack, I kind of want to talk about funeral traditions in different cultures. So I was going.00:01:08XochitlTo talk about, you know.00:01:10XochitlMexican traditions because I just went through that with my grandfather passing, I guess he passed.00:01:17XochitlLet's like a week ago now, maybe or a little less than a week ago, so.00:01:24XochitlYeah, I don't know. And I've been, uh, I guess I can just get into it.00:01:30XochitlSure.00:01:34XochitlI don't know how to kick this off actually.00:01:36JackOhh no, that's alright. Maybe start with the just just the process is in. In American culture there's a I guess there's kind of two, two aspects to it, right. There's the funeral and the.00:01:52JackWake.00:01:54XochitlHmm.00:01:55JackAnd the wake is more like a.00:01:59JackA gathering where people get together and there's maybe some. Sometimes there's food, I think is if I'm not mistaken, yeah.00:02:07XochitlYeah, that's true.00:02:09JackYeah. So and I think the interesting thing about that in American culture and maybe this is true in, in every culture.00:02:18JackIt seems odd to be eating at that time. You know what, I.00:02:22XochitlBut yeah.00:02:22JackMean like no one?00:02:23JackHas an appetite that people are grieving, they're upset. But I feel like maybe the food preparation is a distraction.00:02:36JackIt's it's, it's focusing on our executive function of our brain, the the part that is just very analytical and just doing things. And I think that is a distraction from the pain and the grief would.00:02:52JackYou agree with that?00:02:54XochitlI think so I I think.00:02:59XochitlThat also it's because a lot of people who aren't, like, super close family come and so they're like, you know, they're they're kind of there to help in certain in a certain way or just to, you know, for emotional support. But they're they're probably going to be hungry because I don't think they're mourning.00:03:21XochitlAnd really like the same way you know on, I mean they're they're sad, I'm sure, but it's like a little different. So I think it's like it's kind of a way for the family to say thank you in Mexican tradition that happened.00:03:22JackRight, right.00:03:34JackYeah.00:03:37XochitlThat happens too, but it's like a two day.00:03:40XochitlAffair where you have to be like awake all night.00:03:45XochitlYou're like, up for 48 hours straight basically because you can't leave the body alone.00:03:49JackOh, OK, OK. Because that's different than American culture, where the the body is.00:03:58JackIs is in the caskets.00:04:02JackBut you don't have to stay up all night with with the body.00:04:08JackHmm.00:04:09XochitlYeah, this the body was in the casket. But we do have to stay with the body because.00:04:15발표자It's.00:04:16XochitlIt's like I don't know. I guess it's to prevent bad spirits, like in old, in old mythology or whatever, to prevent bad spirits from like latching on to the soul of the body. So you have to stay there like 48 hours.00:04:33XochitlAnd it's really hard. My sister and I kind of were with my mom.00:04:36XochitlAnd shift. So I would like stay up.00:04:39XochitlThe whole time and then I would go to sleep.00:04:41XochitlThen she would stay up.00:04:42JackOK.00:04:43XochitlUhm, so we didn't have to do the whole 48 hours thing. I did have to stay up.00:04:50XochitlMore than my sister because she traveled.00:04:53XochitlPlus, she's in that school. So she was like sleeping for a lot large portion of it.00:04:58XochitlBut when she finally woke up, she was she stayed with the body and then I went to sleep and I woke up and so.00:05:08XochitlAnd with the his like sisters and nieces and nephews, they kind of did shifts as well. So like, one day, I think my aunt was my great aunt was there. And the other day my.00:05:23XochitlCousin, I guess was there and it's like their family just kind of did shifts, I guess.00:05:29JackBut it sounds like.00:05:30JackYou didn't get much sleep, though. You. You sound exhausted. Yeah.00:05:32XochitlNo. Yeah, it was very tiring and very hard because you're, like, ...
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    37 m