An article about my country in the international press

China is well known as a success in exports. In recent years, the issue about how China maintain a steady and rapid economic growth has become a hot focus for Chinese government.

Here is a link to an article in the China Press. It is interesting to notice that" China's technology imports reached 17.95 billion U.S. dollars in the first nine months of this year, up 45.2% over last year". And The European Union and Japan and The United States are the main technology exporters to China. It is wonderful to know that China's entrepreneurs have started to concentrate on changed their economic structure and further development products with high add-on value,such as high-technology and high quality.

I like this sentence which is "Knowledge is power ".

Review for a book

Recently I have read a book named "Dolphin Music" , which was written by Antoinette Moses.It is a fiction which happens in 2051. This is a world where it is too hot to go out. The interesting thing is that it is a virtual world. You can imagine how people live in a virtual world. For example, people can make love without touching each other. CONTROL, the government of Europe, keeps everyone happy in a virtual reality. And the wonderful music are made by dolphins gives everyone pleasure.However, the world has been changed forever when music critic Saul Grant, who is energy and brave, discovers what makes the dolphins sing and sets out to free them.

I like to read this book. One of the reasons is the book can satisfy my curious.I am keen to know what the future world looks like and what will happen in the future world. Therefore, it extends my imagination. In addition, this book tell me a theory which is "No morality can be founded on authority, even if the authority were divine. "(A. J. Ayer. USA writer). And I believe this will not be changed even in the future.

Travel in Cape Reinga

I like this beautiful country, New Zealand. For me, the landscape at every corner in New Zealand is just like scenery in a postcard. And I have always been surprised in travelling.I can't tell you which place is my favour in New Zealand. However, travelling to Cape Reinga gave me an unforgettable experience.

Cape Reinga is located at the northernmost part of New Zealand. I got a shock by the the magnificent natural wonders, the grandeur of the mighty Kauri trees, the expanse of Ninety Mile Beach and the mystique of Cape Reinga,and I can't find a word to express the impression. When I was there, I felt myself reduced smaller and smaller,becoming a piece of dust in air.To be honest, I was suffering from homesickness before the trip.When I was back from Cape Reinga,however, iI was amazed that I was happy to settle down and want to get involved in this country.

Moreover,I would like to tell you an interesting thing that I met while travelling.An Australian, who is about 60 years old, politely asked me to write “Happy birthday” in Chinese on his postcard to send for his younger sister's birthday. I was pleased to do it and sent the postcard with him at the local post office. How wonderful to send a postcard at the northernmost part of New Zealand! It is a great idea to send a local postcard at a local post office.Thanks to the lovely 60-year-old gentleman.

I am looking forward to visiting the 100% pure natural place again.And I will try the Cape Reinga Adventures, for example, fishing, Kayaking, 4 Wheel Driving, Hiking, Snorkelling, Horse trekking and Dune Surfing.

Oral Skill Blog Entry Seven------Summary for lecture

This lecture by Rohan Stace was about "You and New Zealand Police". There are five areas. The first point he spoke about how to communicate with police. For example, in an emergency situation, the first thing to do is to dial 111 which is free for public. And if you have communication difficulties, you can use the language line for help or get a help from a friend or family member.

One of the key problems he mentioned was about domestic/family violence which is a crime and against the law. He gave some suggestions, such as ring 111 if you were in immediate danger or tell someone you trust about this. In addition, it is most important for looking after children to keep them safety in school and in a car and at home.

Moreover, another point he talked about how to deal with burglary. You and ring 111 or visit police station to report it, and do not touch or move anything because police need them as evidence. Another thing to do is to reduce the burglars opportunities. For instance, try to know your neighbour and don't make your property look easy entrance.

Consequently, Mr Stace gave us much useful information, it helps us to get know about police in New Zealand. However, in my opinion, he spoke too fast to understand, and it is not easy to catch them.

summary the news

I read the news which is "Minister to quiz police on high-speed chases after death" on Monday April 30,2007. It was about a high-powered driving BMW careered off the road and crashed because of the police Howard broad chasing. And the diver who is called Micheal James Ellicock,21, a yacht refurbisher, was dead at the scene. This accident happened in central New Plymouth about 12:30 AM yesterday. Police Minister Annette King will seek an assurance from the police trial . In my opinion, this is very sad news. Everybody gets only one life, so, living is valuable. I can imagine how sad his family are. And also I think police should do another thing to warn them to stop instead of chasing the high-speed car. The chasing makes the situation worse.

In the newspaper article, there are 17 verb forms in the active voice which are actions from the subjects of the sentences and 5 ones in the passive voice because the agent is unimportant.

For example:
simple past passive: Mr Ellicock's car was chased by...
before it was abandoned on St Aubyn st...
he was found dead...
The accident has been referred to the....

Oral skill Blog Entry Five-----Transcribe news headline

transcription:
And it reports the government quizzing police guidelines for high speed chasings following the death of a man in New Plymouth on Saturday.

Identify three pronunciation features:
consonant to vowel linking: and it, death of a man in
sounds disappear: government,speed, it
weak forms : the

Oral skill Blog Entry Six----Compare two pictures (Group B)

Well both of these pictures are related to the classroom. The first one is of learning by computers, the second one is of children who are reading books. I think that different types of students have different learning ways. For example young kids under 9 years old need and like to visualize things, so colorful pictures,images can grab their attention and also give them direct sense. It is just like the Picture One, the children seem to be interested in books, and get information as well. On the other hand, the students in Picture Two seem to be studying as a group through the computer. Computer can be used successfully to teach. For example, they provide an endless number of simple questions, and as the student answers these questions the facts are learned and reinforced.

Farewell for surgeon who saved twins

I came across this news in The New Zealand Herald which I subscribe to in my blog line account. It is about twin girls who were joined at the lower spine and pelvis and who are as healthy as normal 3-year-old children after a successful operation in separating them. David Clews, who performed a crucial part of the 22-hour operation at Waikato Hospital in 2004, died last week aged just 48. It is sad.

There are a lot of past simple verbs and present simple Verbs, but only few future verbs in the article.

For example:
past simple verbs: "who successfully separated conjoined twins... " It is a past action which has already finished.

present simple verb :"There are no words we can find that ..." it is an action which happens instantaneously at the moment of speaking.

future verbs: "they will still need some surgery ....." It is an action which plans to do in the future.

Oral Skill Blog Post Entry Four----Compare two pictures

Well both of these pictures are related to cites. The first one is of a rural life.And the second one is of a modern city night piece.The second picture shows clearly how globalisation affects the city. A plethora of commercial advertisements decorate the city ,it looks as if any different products you want can be found in this city. On the other hand, the rural life one shows a quiet and peaceful life, the outside world looks like do not affect the traditional life style except for vehicles.

For me, I would prefer to live in the modern city, which is more exciting and convenient, and I don't want to be out of fashion.

Good manners in China

Although some manners may have been effected by globalization , many conventional manners have never been changed, passed down from generation to generation . I will introduce three types here.

Firstly, China is known as a state of etiquette and ceremonies and people are always friendly and hospitable, so you would be invited to their home. Before you visit them, the first thing to do is to buy an appropriate gift. The gift could be a bottle of wine, or a basket of fruit , or some souvenirs from your country or colorful followers.

Secondly, Chinese avoid everything related to "die" and "separate" as superstitious, including the similar sound and colors. For example, the number "4" or white or black colour or bringing pears as a gift. On the other hand, the number "6" and "8" are lucky numbers. Red and yellow are welcomed. Apples and oranges are popular.

Lastly, Chinese usually sit around a big round table and all dishes are placed in the middle of the table and are shared. Nowadays, a pair of chopstick as a public one are used as well. So, don't be shy, help yourself, otherwise the host may put the food into your bowl as they think you are shy. And the host will be happy if the dishes are all eaten.

Finally, welcome to China where is known as a state of etiquette and ceremonies, people will forgive and forget your unintentional mistakes. I believe you will have a wonderful trip and will find a lot of surprises in China.

Oral Skill Blog Post Entry Two----About finance and budget for students in NewZealand

Last week we had a lecture about how students finance and budget during studying. The lecturer, who is from The Student Funding Centre that can help students with anything to do with money, gave some tips to increase students' income.

Firstly, to apply for student allowance and student loan. A good way is to go onto the website . And also she mentioned that only $180.00 gross you can earn from the part-time job if you are getting Student Allowance.

Secondly, to apply for awards, scholarships and/or grants. Find out what's out there and apply! If you are not sure whether you are eligible, just apply anyway. You need to access Breakout via a computer on campus or at a public library, otherwise there is a charge if you do it at home.

Thirdly, to apply for Unitec Study Awards. Applications available at Unitec web . Each award is worth $2,000.00 towards your student fees. How fantabulous! However, I was wandering if i can apply for it. Would I ask a question? " I am studying in Diploma in English which is one-year course, and this semester is my last term. Can i apply for the study awards as the lecturer said it has been closed for this semester?

Fourthly, to get a job and earn some money. Access Student Job Search ,and the office is located in Building 180.

Finally, she gave us some good suggestions on reducing your expenses. For example, get some discount on travel and telephone, and student banking packages.

Oral Skills Blog Post Entry Three---Review for music

Whitney Houston who has got an attraction with a deep and loud voice, whereas Mariah Carey who has a fascination with powerful voice and outstanding singing ability and Celine Dion who has got temptation with a silvery and beautiful voice as if listening to CDs are the all biggest pop and R&B singers. Although they all have different temptations, they are all prominent capabilities. Among them, one of the favourite musicians for me is Celine Dion. We can not compare them who the best is. However, in my case I prefer Celine Dion to the others. Because I think I have been quite impressed by her. She seems like an idol for women. Even though I am also a woman, I can not imitate exactly her voice and appealing singing abilities. Even when I am in the bad mood, her songs make sooth me. Besides, she has a great manner on stages. That must be one reason that she has been loved by public. As representative her songs are 'My heart will go on' ‘because you loved me’ 'the power of love'

GLOBALISATION IN FOOD

"Globalisation" has recently become a fashionable word , particularly in China. Since we joined "WTO", the ancient east country started to open her door to the world. Therefore, I could find the changes everyday from people's living to the view of cities. Let me tell you one thing, I can not find the way to my home after one-year away.

Globalisation has a great impact on the food service. A number of different styles of restaurants have appeared surprisingly and unexpected. It just like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, which makes me dizzy. Hamburgers, Pastas, Sushi, Barbecue, kim Chi, anything you want to eat, then you can find it in China, no need to go aboard. I am enjoyable, it is great , as I love food, love to taste all different food.

Finally, I will say, Chinese traditional food still is my favorite.

Orak Skills Blog Post Entry One----WHO I AM

Hi, everyone, welcome to my blog.

You may want to know who I am, don't worry, take a seat and have a cup of coffee( or tea), you will get to know about me through the website, I promise.

My name is Esther, (I think the name is well known by Christians, I am glad to tell you about Esther's story later if you are interested in it). I am from China, a sleeping Lion and an ancient civilization in East Asia. In order to learn about a different culture,I left China and came to New Zealand four years ago. "The Land of the Long White Cloud" attracted me deeply, so I chose here to be my second home.

I believe that I am always in the shade of the God's wing.Thank you, My Lord. I live in a warm family with love. There are my parents, my two sisters, my husband and my honey son and me.
As you see , the sunny boy is my son. I know"Every mother's child is handsome".

Finally, let me tell something about my dream, my dream is : have an excellent house, a well-paid job, being rich, a happy family, being healthy, ...." I know "Contentment is better than riches", however, "Nothing seek, nothing find", so, let us "JUST DO IT"!

Good luck to be!