25 More English Idioms
26. all of a sudden means "unexpectedly", used to describe something that happens very quickly
Example: He had just gone to bed when all of a sudden the phone rang.
27. be all ears means "eager and ready to listen"
Example: Go ahead and speak. I'm all ears!
28. be fed up with means "to hate something now, even though I may have liked it before"
Example: I'm fed up with my job! I think I should start looking for a new one.
29. to bug means "to bother someone". (American English)
Example: Hey, stop tapping your fingers. It's really bugging me!
30. a cinch means something that is very easy to do
Example: I didn't think I could run five kilometers, but with the right preparation, it was a cinch.
31. cost an arm and a leg means "very expensive"
Example: I'd really like a new car, but they all cost an arm and a leg.
32. to cram means "to study hard a few days before a test"
Example: If you had studied hard for the past four months, you wouldn't have to cram so much this weekend.
33. fresh out of something means "to have no more of something"
Example: I have to go buy some more milk. It seems we're fresh out now.
34. to get it (often negative) means "to understand"
Example: What did the teacher say? I didn't get it. Did you?
35. got a minute? means "Do you have time right now?"
Example: Hey, Joe, got a minute? I have something to show you.
36. give someone a hand means "help someone"
Example: Could you give me a hand moving this table? It's quite heavy.
37. grab a bite to eat means "quickly go get something to eat"
Example: I'm going to go grab a bite. I'll be back in a few minutes.
38. drive someone up a wall (or "drive someone crazy") means "to make someone very angry"
Example: My neighbor practices the piano every night, but he's terrible. It's driving me up the wall!
39. to hang on means "to wait"
Example: Hang on a few minutes. I have to make a phone call and then I'll be able to join you for lunch.
40. hard headed means "stubborn" or "unwilling to change an opinion or idea
Example: I can't work with Joe any more. He's so hard headed!
41. have a change of heart means "change a previous decision"
Example: I thought I would change jobs, but now that my boss is treating me with more respect, I've had a change of heart.
42. have mixed feelings about something means "to be uncertain"
Example: I have mixed feelings about Joe. He's a very good teacher, but he has a very strange sense of humor!
43. head out for means "to start on a long trip" (but it could be within a big city)
Example: We're heading out for the countryside to pick some apples. Would you like to join us?
44. How come? means "Why?"
Example: How come we don't go to the movies any more? I guess we're too busy to enjoy ourselves these days.
45. keep in touch (or "stay in touch") means "do not stop communicating - send letters or call sometimes"
Example: Don't forget to keep in touch. I want to know how you're doing while you're away.
46. be kidding means "to joke or tease someone in a playful way"
Example: No, I don't really have three wives - I was just kidding!
47. look down on means "think somone or something is not good enough"
Example: We shouldn't look down on people just because they don't have as much money as we do.
48. make ends meet (often used negatively) means "to have enough money to buy everything we need"
Example: Even though I make more money than last year, we just can't seem to make ends meet.
49. miss the boat means "to miss an opportunity"
Example: The sale ends today at noon. If we don't hurry, we're going to miss the boat!
50. next to nothing means "to cost very little"
Example: I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five dollars. That's next to nothing!
Showing posts with label learning english. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning english. Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Australian student visa
Australian gov't moves to change student visa program amid downturn
Amid falling numbers of international students and a turbulent past two years for the international education sector, the Australian government was urged to reform its international student visa program to curb the downturn of overseas students.
Indrajeet Chauhan, the international students' officer of the peak body representing Australia's university students -- the National Union of Students -- said on Monday it was time the federal government took some actions to reverse the trend of the fall of international students.
He blamed the frequent and unclear changes in immigration policies and tough permanent residency requirements for the reduction of the foreign students in Australia.
International students in Australia about to finish their studies and apply for permanent residency are often confused and dismayed due to the changeable immigration policies, he told Xinhua in an interview.
He said the foreign students who did not get permanent residency or whose applications have been delayed are considering or have already left Australia.
This experience has been shared through word-of-mouth in the home countries of these students, which has resulted in lower numbers of international students coming to Australia, he said.
International student visa applications dropped 18.9 percent between the 2008-09 and 2009-10 program years, according to official figures from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. In the six months to 31 December 2010, there were 129, 632 international student visa applications received, compared with 152,393 applications lodged in the corresponding period in 2009-10.
Glenn Withers, the Chief Executive Officer of the peak body representing Australia's universities, Universities Australia, echoed the view of Chauhan by saying the problems were largely of the government's own making.
Withers stressed the Immigration Department should not be scared of people being able to migrate to Australia and changing rules to prevent it.
"People have a right to the same rules for the entire duration of their study. Changing the rules midway is not Australian, it's just not fair. Change the rules for new applicants. For your basic original commitment for which your visa was awarded, it is only right to have the same conditions throughout the period of study for which the visa was awarded," he said.
Facing pressure from both foreign students and domestic educational institutions, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has promised to take actions to end potential abuse of student pathways leading to permanent residency in Australia.
"The government remains committed to recent reforms to improve the integrity of the student visa program and sharpen the focus of the skilled migration program on high value occupations," a spokesman from the department said the other day.
"The government agrees that it is now time to take a fundamental, whole-of-government look at the student visa program, " he said.
The government has appointed former Sydney Olympics Minister Michael Knight to undertake a review of the student visa program and make recommendations, he added, which is expected to be welcome by many overseas students who hope to apply for the permanent residence after completing their study in Australia.
There are more than 400,000 international students in Australia currently, generating about 18 billion U.S. dollars to the nation.
Amid falling numbers of international students and a turbulent past two years for the international education sector, the Australian government was urged to reform its international student visa program to curb the downturn of overseas students.
Indrajeet Chauhan, the international students' officer of the peak body representing Australia's university students -- the National Union of Students -- said on Monday it was time the federal government took some actions to reverse the trend of the fall of international students.
He blamed the frequent and unclear changes in immigration policies and tough permanent residency requirements for the reduction of the foreign students in Australia.
International students in Australia about to finish their studies and apply for permanent residency are often confused and dismayed due to the changeable immigration policies, he told Xinhua in an interview.
He said the foreign students who did not get permanent residency or whose applications have been delayed are considering or have already left Australia.
This experience has been shared through word-of-mouth in the home countries of these students, which has resulted in lower numbers of international students coming to Australia, he said.
International student visa applications dropped 18.9 percent between the 2008-09 and 2009-10 program years, according to official figures from the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. In the six months to 31 December 2010, there were 129, 632 international student visa applications received, compared with 152,393 applications lodged in the corresponding period in 2009-10.
Glenn Withers, the Chief Executive Officer of the peak body representing Australia's universities, Universities Australia, echoed the view of Chauhan by saying the problems were largely of the government's own making.
Withers stressed the Immigration Department should not be scared of people being able to migrate to Australia and changing rules to prevent it.
"People have a right to the same rules for the entire duration of their study. Changing the rules midway is not Australian, it's just not fair. Change the rules for new applicants. For your basic original commitment for which your visa was awarded, it is only right to have the same conditions throughout the period of study for which the visa was awarded," he said.
Facing pressure from both foreign students and domestic educational institutions, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has promised to take actions to end potential abuse of student pathways leading to permanent residency in Australia.
"The government remains committed to recent reforms to improve the integrity of the student visa program and sharpen the focus of the skilled migration program on high value occupations," a spokesman from the department said the other day.
"The government agrees that it is now time to take a fundamental, whole-of-government look at the student visa program, " he said.
The government has appointed former Sydney Olympics Minister Michael Knight to undertake a review of the student visa program and make recommendations, he added, which is expected to be welcome by many overseas students who hope to apply for the permanent residence after completing their study in Australia.
There are more than 400,000 international students in Australia currently, generating about 18 billion U.S. dollars to the nation.
IDP IELTS Malaysia
IDP IELTS Malaysia
IDP IELTS Malaysia has Test Centres in Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kuching.
More information:
* IDP IELTS Kuala Lumpur Test Centre
* IDP IELTS Subang Jaya Test Centre
* IDP IELTS Penang Test Centre
* IDP IELTS Johor Bahru Test Centre
* IDP IELTS Kuching Test Centre
IELTS English for International Opportunity
IELTS is a highly regarded international test of English language proficiency. It is co- owned by IDP IELTS Australia, the British Council and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. IELTS is recognized by professional bodies, academic institutions, immigration authorities and government agencies alike as a dependable and practical test of English. It is primarily used by people seeking an international education, professional development, or by those seeking to satisfy migration requirements.
IELTS is now accepted by every university in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand and by over 3000 universities, colleges and faculties in the United States as an alternative to TOEFL. IELTS is also accepted by organizations around the world, such as the Australian Medical Council, the UK's General Medical Council, the Veterinary Council of New Zealand, CGFNS, USA (for nurses), and many others. Many government departments have now made it mandatory for applicants to certain categories of visas to obtain the required score in IELTS to demonstrate their proficiency in English. These include Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in Australia, New Zealand Immigration Service, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
IELTS tests are administered at centres throughout the world - there are currently more than 500 centres in over 130 countries.
For more information, please feel free to contact your nearest IDP Office.
Kuala Lumpur : 03-21623755 or via email : my004.Administrator@idp.com
Subang Jaya : 03-56365548 or via email : my004.Administrator@idp.com
Penang : 04-2261811 or via email : my103.Administrator@idp.com
Johor Bahru : 07-3335041 or via email : my032.Administrator@idp.com
Kuching : 082-233645 or via email : my104.Administrator@idp.com
IDP IELTS Malaysia has Test Centres in Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kuching.
More information:
* IDP IELTS Kuala Lumpur Test Centre
* IDP IELTS Subang Jaya Test Centre
* IDP IELTS Penang Test Centre
* IDP IELTS Johor Bahru Test Centre
* IDP IELTS Kuching Test Centre
IELTS English for International Opportunity
IELTS is a highly regarded international test of English language proficiency. It is co- owned by IDP IELTS Australia, the British Council and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. IELTS is recognized by professional bodies, academic institutions, immigration authorities and government agencies alike as a dependable and practical test of English. It is primarily used by people seeking an international education, professional development, or by those seeking to satisfy migration requirements.
IELTS is now accepted by every university in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand and by over 3000 universities, colleges and faculties in the United States as an alternative to TOEFL. IELTS is also accepted by organizations around the world, such as the Australian Medical Council, the UK's General Medical Council, the Veterinary Council of New Zealand, CGFNS, USA (for nurses), and many others. Many government departments have now made it mandatory for applicants to certain categories of visas to obtain the required score in IELTS to demonstrate their proficiency in English. These include Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in Australia, New Zealand Immigration Service, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
IELTS tests are administered at centres throughout the world - there are currently more than 500 centres in over 130 countries.
For more information, please feel free to contact your nearest IDP Office.
Kuala Lumpur : 03-21623755 or via email : my004.Administrator@idp.com
Subang Jaya : 03-56365548 or via email : my004.Administrator@idp.com
Penang : 04-2261811 or via email : my103.Administrator@idp.com
Johor Bahru : 07-3335041 or via email : my032.Administrator@idp.com
Kuching : 082-233645 or via email : my104.Administrator@idp.com
Motivation for Learning English
Motivation for Learning English
Why we start learning english and how we can use it in our daily life? there are many questions behind it. Table blew shows what are our preferences while thinking about english.
Studentsʼ Motivation for Learning English
Motivations---------------------------------------> Percent
a. to find a good or better job -----------------------> 43
b. it is a compulsory subject at university/school-----> 25
c. to communicate with non-Vietnamese speakers---------> 12
d. to study overseas-----------------------------------> 12-------->n = 250
e. for entertainment-----------------------------------> 5
f. for personal satisfaction---------------------------> 2
g. other reason, please specify------------------------> 1
In focus interviews, many students tended to give general reasons for motivation to learn English such as “I learn English because English has become an international language for communication, and everyone is trying to learn English,” “English will give me a better future,” or “With English I can speak to anyone from overseas.” Some also said that they hoped to study abroad and thus English was important. Others had motivations such as getting a well-paid job.
However, while many students said that English would give them a better future as it would in finding a good job, some were doubtful about the benefit of English. For example, one student said:
Everyone says that English is important, but this may be a myth. It may be
important in the long run, but for many, it’s not important at all because in this town [Hue] many students end up working as shop assistant, receptionist for small hotels, post office clerks which requires a minimum of English skills, or no English at all.
Why we start learning english and how we can use it in our daily life? there are many questions behind it. Table blew shows what are our preferences while thinking about english.
Studentsʼ Motivation for Learning English
Motivations---------------------------------------> Percent
a. to find a good or better job -----------------------> 43
b. it is a compulsory subject at university/school-----> 25
c. to communicate with non-Vietnamese speakers---------> 12
d. to study overseas-----------------------------------> 12-------->n = 250
e. for entertainment-----------------------------------> 5
f. for personal satisfaction---------------------------> 2
g. other reason, please specify------------------------> 1
In focus interviews, many students tended to give general reasons for motivation to learn English such as “I learn English because English has become an international language for communication, and everyone is trying to learn English,” “English will give me a better future,” or “With English I can speak to anyone from overseas.” Some also said that they hoped to study abroad and thus English was important. Others had motivations such as getting a well-paid job.
However, while many students said that English would give them a better future as it would in finding a good job, some were doubtful about the benefit of English. For example, one student said:
Everyone says that English is important, but this may be a myth. It may be
important in the long run, but for many, it’s not important at all because in this town [Hue] many students end up working as shop assistant, receptionist for small hotels, post office clerks which requires a minimum of English skills, or no English at all.
IDP English Language Training
Overview of IDP in English Language Teaching (ELT)
IDP has been involved in the teaching and testing of English since 1988 when it opened the first Australian-initiated offshore ELT centre in Bangkok, known at that time as the English Language Centre of Australia (ELCA). Since then, IDP has been engaged in various activities to support the teaching and testing of English internationally. Today, there are around 8,000 students studying English with IDP.
IDP’s involvement in ELT is a natural fit with our focus on the “international student journey”. Students often begin their international education experience with study of English in an IDP English centre, then demonstrate their level of English on an international testing instrument such as IELTS, and then seek IDP’s professional placement service in finding the best course for their study abroad.
Apart from English Language Teaching, IDP also organises an international TESOL conference, the CamTESOL conference (www.camtesol.org). This conference attracts around 1,300 participants from approximately 30 countries. Around 300 papers and workshops are delivered annually at CamTESOL.
IDP also publishes the Language Education in Asia journal series (www.camtesol.org/language_education_in_asia.html). This is a peer-reviewed journal published online twice a year. It has a large and diverse international editorial board. Each issue of the journal contains papers on practical topics of teaching, papers based on research and a commentary on a contemporary subject.
IDP has been involved in the teaching and testing of English since 1988 when it opened the first Australian-initiated offshore ELT centre in Bangkok, known at that time as the English Language Centre of Australia (ELCA). Since then, IDP has been engaged in various activities to support the teaching and testing of English internationally. Today, there are around 8,000 students studying English with IDP.
IDP’s involvement in ELT is a natural fit with our focus on the “international student journey”. Students often begin their international education experience with study of English in an IDP English centre, then demonstrate their level of English on an international testing instrument such as IELTS, and then seek IDP’s professional placement service in finding the best course for their study abroad.
Apart from English Language Teaching, IDP also organises an international TESOL conference, the CamTESOL conference (www.camtesol.org). This conference attracts around 1,300 participants from approximately 30 countries. Around 300 papers and workshops are delivered annually at CamTESOL.
IDP also publishes the Language Education in Asia journal series (www.camtesol.org/language_education_in_asia.html). This is a peer-reviewed journal published online twice a year. It has a large and diverse international editorial board. Each issue of the journal contains papers on practical topics of teaching, papers based on research and a commentary on a contemporary subject.
ABOUT IDP EDUCATION
IDP Education, the world’s largest international student placement service, was established in 1969. It is jointly-owned by 38 Australian universities and SEEK Limited, the leading online employment and training company. In addition to the student placement division, IDP is a major sponsor of research into international education and pioneered forecasting of international student trends and growth.
IDP has developed a strong reputation across South East Asia, The Middle East, North Asia and South Asia. Working from 80 offices in more than 25 countries, IDP assists students navigate the entire process of application to placement.
IDP also is part-owner of IELTS – the world’s leading English language proficiency test – with the British Council and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. IELTS is recognised by more than 6,000 institutions around the world and more than 1.5 million tests are sat each year. IDP conducts IELTS tests at 100 test centres in 35 countries.
IDP has developed a strong reputation across South East Asia, The Middle East, North Asia and South Asia. Working from 80 offices in more than 25 countries, IDP assists students navigate the entire process of application to placement.
IDP also is part-owner of IELTS – the world’s leading English language proficiency test – with the British Council and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. IELTS is recognised by more than 6,000 institutions around the world and more than 1.5 million tests are sat each year. IDP conducts IELTS tests at 100 test centres in 35 countries.
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