Selasa, 24 Januari 2017

Controlling the Discussion Text



Discussion text is a text describing the type of problem which is reviewed by at least two different viewpoints, and then come to a conclusion or recommendation

The Purpose Of Discussion Text
Communicative purposes of a text discussion is to present two perspectives on an issue. (To present two points of view of an issue)

Generic Structure Discussion Text
A discussion of text, usually has a structural pattern common text as follows:
  1.  Issue
    The first paragraph of the text contains a discussion exposure of issues to be addressed or discussed in the text.
  2. Arguments For or Against
    After presenting the issue, the author describes some views positively or negatively on the issues at stake. Authors can first expose pro opinion (arguments for) and then followed with the opinion of the counter (arguments against) in the next paragraph.
     
  3. Elaboration
    Authors must provide elaboration on some of the opinions that have been presented. Elaboration is an explanatory sentences about an opinion presented. An elaboration of this could have been written in a separate paragraph or written directly after the opinion pro or contra presented. 
  4. Conclusion or Recommendation 
    The final part of the discussion text typically contain conclusions or recommendations writer on the issue being discussed so that the reader can follow and agree with the opinion of the author.

Language Features Of Discussion Text
  1. Focus on matters relating to human and non-human. 
  2. Using words that mean the opposite circuited for example, but, however, in the other side and its consequences (cause) for example: so, then. 
  3. Using words that means thinking like: feel, hope, believe. 
  4. Using the Simple Present.

CONTOH DISCUSSION TEXT ABOUT SMOKING
                                                      Pros and Cons of Smoking Bans
 
Smoking ban policies are implemented in some American states and cities but the contentions on whether they are necessary and relevant are still heard from supporters and critics. Restrictions on cigarette smoking can be traced back as early the 16th century and up to now, this issue remains to be controversial. To get an idea on how people are taking smoking bans, here are some of the views expressed by proponents and opponents.
Advocates for smoking bans claim that passing a policy to prohibit smoking in public places can lessen the possibility of second-hand smoke being inhaled by non-smokers. The supporters also say that states and cities which have non-smoking policies and prohibited smoking in restaurants and public indoor spaces have better indoor air quality then the cities which still allow smoking public. With restricting smoking, supporters posit that it will decrease the waste since there will be lesser cigarette butts and lesser toxic garbage that can be stuck in water systems. It is also believed by the supporters that it can lessen the chance of influencing others to take on the habit.
For many smokers, smoking bans is one of the government’s ways of interfering in their lifestyle. They find this offensive because they believe that, since smoking is not a crime, the government nor anyone else should not have a say about what they do and limit their freedom. In principle, smoking bans aren’t effective since they will make people just avoid places with smoking bans and smoke elsewhere rather than to quit or at least to reduce their tobacco consumption. Implementing smoking bans also can be very difficult. There are many people and even establishments that don’t respect the ban mainly because the penalties aren’t so stiff and won’t get offenders into too much trouble.
These are just some of the pros and cons of smoking bans. Government officials, business owners, and ordinary citizens should weigh them carefully to decide if smoking bans are worth implementing or not.


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Making and Responding to Suggestions



Suggestions are abstract and can be in form of solution, advice, plan, and idea.

The following English phrases and expressions are all used to make suggestions and give advice to people.

Making suggestions:

  • Let’s revise our lessons.
  • What about going to the cinema tonight?
  • How about playing cards? 
  • Why don't we do our homework? 
  • Couldn't we invite your grandmother to our party? 
  • Shall we have a walk along the river? 
  • What would you say to a cup of coffee? 
  •  Don't you think it is a good idea to watch TV? 
  • Does it matter if we use your car?

    Accepting suggestions:

  • suggestionsOk. Yes, let's. 
  • Yes, I'd like to. 
  • Yes, I'd love to.
  • What a good idea! 
  • Why not? 
  • Yes, with pleasure.
  • Yes, I feel like taking a walk. 
  • That sounds like a good idea. 


    Refusing suggestions: 

  • No, let's not. 
  • No, I'd rather not. 
  • I don't feel like it. 
  • I dislike going for a walk.
  • What an awful / bad idea!


Things to remember about suggestions:

    1.The verb "suggest" can be followed by either:
        should + verb = I suggest (that) we should go to the theater.
        a verb (in the subjunctive form)= I suggest (that) we go to the movies.

    2."That" is optional:
        "I suggest that we should visit Paris."
        "I suggest we should visit Paris."



Dialogue:
Two friends talking about where to go this evening :
Alice                : You know Alan, why don't we go to the cinema to watch Titanic?
Alan                : No, let's not. We've seen the film many times before.  What about  going to the library? We have to finish our school  project!
Alice               : That sounds like a good idea. But when we finish let's go to the cafè.
Alan                : Yes, I'd love to.

Senin, 23 Januari 2017

Perbedaan TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and TEFL



There are various programs English language test to measure a person's ability to speak English. test program is known in Indonesia, TOEFL, IELTS, TEFL and TOEIC. These four types of tests that are used for various purposes such as to obtain a scholarship to study abroad, work abroad, one of the requirements for college admission. In fact, some companies and government agencies began to require applicants to have English language certified with a predetermined value. Well, what are the four types of test is it?

TOEFL
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language is a test of English as a foreign language. TOEFL is used to measure a person's ability in English. TOEFL is intended for those who want schools to countries English-American, like the United States for example. There are three kinds of selection tests :
1.      PBT (Paper Based Test), that you do the TOEFL test on paper. Test material usually includes listening, reading, and structure.
2.      CBT (Computer Based Test), that you were working directly in the computer TOEFL test. Test material usually includes listening, reading, structure and no additional writing.
3.      IBT (Internet Based Test), which you do the TOEFL test TOEFL test directly on a computer connected to the internet. Test material usually includes listening, reading, structure, writing and no additional speaking.

The TOEFL score range as follows :
    PBT TOEFL score: 310-677.
    CBT TOEFL score: 30-300.
    IBT TOEFL score: 8-120.

TOEFL score is valid for 2 years. If the past 2 years, you must take the TOEFL test again. To be able to apply for scholarships to study abroad, you must be a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (PBT).

TOEIC
TOEIC stands for Test of English for International Communication, Britain is a language test for international communication. Toeic is more specifically intended job orientation. If you wish to work abroad or foreign company in Indonesia, then you must have the Toeic certification.
TOEIC score indicates the extent to which a person is able to communicate with others in English in this era of globalization. This test does not require specialized knowledge or vocabulary. this test only measures the English language skills used in everyday activities.
Therefore, the TOEIC test is deemed suitable for employees or staff who use English in their environment such as businesses, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, international meetings, conferences and sporting events. Similarly, staff management, sales and technical employees in international business, trade and industry who need English in their work.\
Toeic test materials only listening and reading. Type Of Toeic questions usually leads to your business. The Toeic scores range is 10-990

TOEIC Listening & Reading test
TOEIC Listening and Reading test is a two-hour multiple-choice test that consists of 200 questions evenly divided into listening comprehension and reading comprehension. Each candidate receives independent scores for listening and reading comprehension on a scale of 5-495 points. The total score adds up to a scale of 10-990 points. TOEIC certificate exists in five colors, in accordance with the results achieved:
  orange (10–219)
  brown (220–469)
  green (470–729)
  blue (730–859)
  gold (860–990)


IELTS
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, the test program to test proficiency in Inggris.IELTS usually used for visa abroad, study / school to countries English-British (such as the UK and Australia, for example), moved citizenship, etc.
There are two versions of the IELTS: Academic Version (Versi Akademik) and the General Training Version (Pelatihan Umum) :
Their intended academic version that will go to college and professionals such as doctors or nurses to work in countries that use the British English. While General training version is intended they will work or immigration purposes (such as moving citizenship).
IELTS test materials there are four, namely:
1) listening (30 minutes),
2) reading (1 hour),
3) writing (1 hour), and
4) Speaking (12-15 minutes).


Overall, the IELTS test takes about 3 hours.
IELTS test score range is: 1 - 9. If it will be used for school purposes to UK Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the required IELTS score is 5.5 and above.

TEFL
TEFL is a Teaching English as a foreign language. TEFL acronym refers to the teaching of English as a foreign language. TEFL is most commonly used when talking about teaching English to students who live outside their country of origin in English. TEFL is sometimes used in place of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language).

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Sabtu, 14 Januari 2017

Introducing Yourself and Others

Introduction (Introduction) is a phrase / expression used for the introduction or introduce themselves in English. The phrase / expression introductions or introduce themselves in English (Introduction) very many variations. And each variety has different functions and roles, depending on the circumstances of the conversation. With the various examples I described, you should be more varied in speaking English. Here's an example - examples of phrases / expressions introduction or introduce them selves in English.

Introduction yourself :
1.      First of all I would like to introduce my self…… (Pertama-tama perkenankanlah saya memperkenalkan diri saya…)
2.      My name is …(Nama saya adalah …)
3.      my full name is … (nama lengkap saya adalah …)
4.      my nick name is ,,, (nama panggilan saya adalah….)
5.      Allow me to introduce my self … (Ijinkanlah saya memperkenalkan diri saya …)
6.      I am … (saya adalah ….)
7.      Excuse me, my name is … (Permisi nama saya adalah …)
8.      How do you do, my name is … (Senang berkenalan dengan anda, nama saya adalah …)
9.      Hello, my name is … (Hello nama saya adalah …)
10.  Good morning, my name is …(Selamat pagi, nama saya adalah…)

Example Introduction yourself :
Dialog 1
Nadin : Good morning, First of all I would like to introduce my self. my full name is Nadina Salsabillah Putri, and may I know your name? (Selamat pagi, Pertama-tama perkenankanlah saya memperkenalkan diri saya. Nama lengkap saya adalah Nadina Salsabillah Putri)
Fairuz  : Good morning too, I would like to introduce my self to you. My name is Fairuz Athallah Huda. (Selamat pagi juga, saya akan memperkenalkan diri saya. Nama lengkap saya Fairuz Athallah Huda)

Introduction Others :
1.      First of all I would like to introduce you to …… (Pertama-tama perkenankanlah saya memperkenalkan kamu kepada…)
2.      Allow me to introduce … (Ijinkanlah saya memperkenalkan …)
3.      Excuse me, her name is … (Permisi nama dia/perempuan adalah …)
4.      Hello, his name is … (Hello nama dia/laki-laki adalah …)

Example Introduction Others
Dialog 1
Rio               : Good morning, Rahel. (Selamat pagi Rahel)
Rahel           : Good morning, Rio. who is she?(Selamat pagi Rio, siapakah dia/perempuan?)

Useful responses when introducing yourself or other people:
1     1.      Nice to meet you.
2     2.      Pleased to meet you.
3     3.      Happy to meet you.
4     4 .    How do you do?

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