Essay on the Newspaper like the Most

by Tiya Sharma

The world newspaper sounds a bit obsolete in this era of information technology and electronic

media. With all its historical importance and important role played, print media was doomed to lose

its battle in the face of the fast popularizing electronic media and mass media with all its charm,

graphical illusions and visual effects.

The entire generation seems to be hypnotized with the more popular and easily accessible visual

media. People had thought that newspaper are doomed forever and will soon be listed in the

gloriously old and long list of the extinct special. It was thought it is already an endangered one with

no added incentive to compete with its big rival’s satellite TV, internet and other channel of mass

communication.

Yet all the doomsday predictions against the print media have fallen apart in due course of time as

we see that no matter where technology goes and to what height it reaches, newspapers and other

forms of print media are there to stay forever. Nothing can substitute the feel of paper in one’s

hands, its fresh ginger scent with the early morning tea and its rustic charm of a common man.

The newspaper I enjoy reading the most is Times of India. It seems to be a natural way of ‘bringing

India to world and the world to India’. The Times of India is synonymous is beings the ‘Masthead of

India ‘, an opining – forming instrument for India and Indians. The Times of India is not only India’s

largest selling English Language daily but also the leading English general daily broadsheet in the

world. It attracts a daily circulation level of about 22 lakh copies. It is the largest selling English daily

from Tokyo to Paris.

Its own history constitutes an authoritative slice of the history of journalism in India. Since its

inception in 1838, it has witnessed and reported the marking of the phenomenon called Modern

India. It has been moulded by the doyen of English journalism in India, In turn moulding public

opinion in India, re-inventing itself along with the time to remain the India’s favourite English

newspaper.

The Times of India, according to me, is a brilliants place of reading to any newspaper reader. It is a

daily masterpiece, in fact! No doubt it has had its phases-communal, secular, pro-India, pro-

fundamentalist over the year. But it always was, and is-and ever will be the one and only, the

greatest with a typical Indian flavour to it. The Times, is a high water mark in journalism in India. I

enjoy reading its well-rhymed headlines, which tickle the humorous bone of every individual and also

add a tinge of Indian spice even to the most boring and mundane piece of news. Everything sounds

like an interesting jingle or a couplet.

I enjoy reading every part of the newspaper right from the headline to the last page-sports page,

finance and business, world and the edit page. The first thing I go for after getting the newspaper in

my hand is the cover page cartoon of RK Laxman.

Moreover, the regular columns by jug Suraiya, Shobha De, Gurchharan Das, Swaminathan Aiyar

and Bachi Karkarin are all very interesting. All the columnists colour life with their pen and

imagination blending it with reality very exquisitely. The Sunday Times with its Review, Deep Force,

Mind over Matter, Open space and Special Report are all very vivid and interesting.

Any person who enjoys reading can spend a few houses with this faithful friend. Not only that – I like

to keep track of the movies to be telecast on the various channels and cracking my bring with the

crossword puzzle even though I always get stuck after the first few initials lucky strokes . The nice

input about lifestyle, fashion, Movies etc too make a good light reading after going through the

boiling news of the political and business world.

The newspaper is an excellent information provider and educator for young minds, especially for

those who are interested in the field of polity, economic and business. I like reading the editorial

every day and also the speaking tree. Every day, there is a lovely and thought inspiring massage

that makes a best kind of a reading to start your day with. The Times of India caters to the

intellectual need of all kinds of people and that bring about a versatile nature of the newspaper.

Every when I go to school, the first my friend and I do is rush to the school library to take a quick

look at the newspaper, especially the Times of India. The paper helps me to keep myself updated

with the latest events not only in the country but also around the globe. It helps in increasing my

general knowledge, improving my personalities. I can keep up with the fast moving pace of the

world, the change that take place every now and then and also enrich my spiritual side. I also enjoy

going through the columns on astrology, the tit-bits from the page-3 world and the event in Delhi.

I take, that everyone should develop a regular habit of reading newspapers. Just as we need to have

a good and nutritious breakfast to be, hale and hearty, similarly, we need to take a regular morning

dose of intellectual reflections in order to maintain a sound and a healthy mind .This habit should be

cultivated since childhood by the parents and also should be encouraged in the school through the

reading of news daily in the morning assembly, organizing regular quiz competition, based on the

knowledge of current events, sports, politics, and economy. Then only can the habit of reading

newspaper will be developing and inculcated among child, whom once cultivated will continue till the

rest of their lives. The habit of reading newspaper is extremely important in today’s world as it gives

us every tiny and minute detail about our surrounding-everything related to the present, past and

also helps us to predict or dream the future.

A newspaper help in developing the intellectual and mental faculties of a person and hence should

be read with great interest, zeal and fervor. One gets all the information about the stock exchange,

the various political activities, the strikes or bandhs and not only this, one gets to know about various

options available for one’s career, jobs, vacancies, admissions in various institutions, scholarships in

the country and even abroad, various walk-in interviews for jobs and further studies. The Times of

India provides every bit of such news and is therefore my favourite newspaper.

Delhi

Delhi is the traditional and present day capital of India. It is the third largest city of the

world. It is also the second largest metropolis after Mumbai with a population of over

13 million. Delhi is also one of the oldest continually inhabited cities of India.

Delhi stands in a triangle formed by the Yamuna river in the east and spurs from the

Aravalli range in the west and south. It is surrounded by Haryana on all sides except

east where it borders with Uttar Pradesh, Delhi has a semi-arid climate with high

variation between summer and winter temperature.

As evidenced by archaeological relics, human inhabitation was probably present in and

around Delhi during the second millennium B.C. This city is believed to be the site of

Indraprastha, legendary capital of the Pandavas in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It

has been ruled by many dynasties Prithvi Raj Chauhan was one of the last Rajput

rulers of Delhi.

In the early 13th century the city passed into the hands of five successive Turkish and

Afghans dynasties of Delhi. They built a sequence of forts and townships that are parts

of the seven cities of Delhi. in 1526, Zahiruddin Babur defeated the last Lodhi Sultan

and founded Mugal empire. Delhi came under the British control after the Indian

Rebellion of 1857. The British declared Calcutta as official capital. But in 1911 Delhi

was again made the capital of India. It was made a Union Territory in 1956.

After Independence on 15th August 1947, Delhi was officially declared as the Capital

of republic. The 69th constitutional amendment is a milestone in Delhi's history. In

1991, Delhi was declared as the National Capital Territory. The National Capital

Territory comprise nine districts, 158 villages and 62 towns.

Being the Capital of India, Delhi is the centre stage of all political activities. It is in

Delhi that political fortunes are made or marred and the nation's destiny is written.

Once it was the city of royal power. Later it was seat of colonial power. Then it was a

centre of bureaucratic power. Now it is emerging as important sector of corporate

power too.

The principal food crops of Delhi are wheat, bajra, jowar, gram and maize, however

emphasis has now shifted from food crops to vegetable and fruit crops, dairy and

poultry farming, floriculture etc. These are more remunerative than food crops in the

territory.

Delhi is not only the largest commercial centre in northern India, but also the largest

centre of small industries. These unites manufacture a wide variety of items like

television, tape recorders, light engineering machines and automobile parts, sports

goods, bicycles and PVC goods, softwares etc. Delhi is one of the main hubs of North

India's trading and service industry. The IT sector, handloom, fashion, textile and

electronic industry contributes a lot to Delhi's economy.

Each year Delhi draw a huge number of tourists. The sites of interest are categorized

in three areas. First, the British build New Delhi with all its government buildings.

Second, all the historical monuments which have been left by the dynasties, who ruled

Delhi. At third place, there are some great religious places. Some of the worth visiting

places are - India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb,

Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantra, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Birla Mandir, Lotus Temple etc.

Delhi Tourist and Transportation Development Corporation Limited conducts city

sightseeing and excursion tours. The corporation has also introduced adventure

tourism activities like Para-sailing, rock climbing and boating in Delhi. The corporation

has also developed 'Delhi Haat' where beverages and food items of different states are

available in one place. More such Haats are planned in different parts of Delhi. The

'Garden of Five Sense' in south Delhi also attracts a lot tourist.

Being a cosmopolitan city, all major festivals of India are celebrated here. Moreover

some tourism festivals have become regular annual events of Delhi. Delhi tourism and

Transportation Development Corporation organizes Roshanara Festival, Shalimar

Festival ,Jahan- e- Khusrao Festival and Mango Festival every year. The Republic Day

celebration, Independence day celebration, Surajkund Craft fair, Indian International

Trade Fair are also some occasions which draw attention of a huge number of tourists.

Delhi is well connected by roads, trains and air with all parts of India. It has three

airports, three major railway stations, and three inter state bus terminals. Delhi Metro

Service is also very important in connecting important places within the city.

Delhi's culture is diverse because of huge influx of migrants from different pars of the

country. The amalgamation of various companies, traditions and religion has painted

Delhi in colors which are brought all over India. People belonging to various castes and

cultures live in Delhi. As a result, all major festivals are celebrated with equal fervor

and gaiety.

Delhi has alluring charm, unique diverse culture and history to be proud of. The

geographical location, people, government industry, modernity and hospitality make

Delhi fascinating for any visitor. Important developments are taking place in every

field. Delhi is getting outstanding fame and recognition internationally also. Delhi is

always been a hub of activity, art, culture, fashion etc and will continue to be so.

Possible Answer:

I've got a small family with only 5 members and all of us are very close to each other and we love each other

very much. Among them I love my mother more than anyone else in the whole world. I adore my mother for her

caring, loving, adorable behaviors and wit. She is the person I can share everything with and that's the reason I

worship her so much.

Possibly she was the first human I saw when I opened my eyes in this world. A relationship with a mother is

divine and all of my childhood memories are either related to my mom or my school. I can still remember a day

I was late to come back home after school and that's because there was a ceremony at the school I did not

know about. All of a certain I found that my mother was entering through the school-gate to find me. I was so

frightened that my mother would rebuke me for being late unnoticed and she must be mad at me. But to my

best surprise, when my mother saw me  she had a warm smile in her face that I'll never forget till my last breath

in this earth. Then she hugged me and gave me a kiss. I felt then that I love my mother more than me. She

attended the program at the school and afterward we came back home together.

I spent my 19 years or so with my father and mother but I stay at a metropolitan city now for my education.

Whenever I get vacation I meet my mother at my village home. On an average I spend 2/3 months with my

mother each year but I talk to her over phone almost twice a day.

The reasons why I admire her are endless. She is caring, tender, she has got a big heart and she possesses

love for everyone. She had been an ideal mother to raise 3 kids and making sure our education and moral

values. She had made a lot of sacrifices all of her life and had never complained about anything to my best

knowledge. She is the person who reminds me the power of love and caring.

Alternative Answer:

I have got 6 family members and all of them are very dear and close to me. If I need to pick one family member

among them to talk about, that would be my father. My father’s name is (say your father’s name) and he is

around 50 years old. He is the kind of person I would want my offspring to be. He did his graduation in a time

when formal education was not people’s first choice. They would rather start earning from work rather than

going to school. My father fought to ensure his education with the people who thought working or doing some

sort of business has more value than education. But my father believed that education is the most important

part of a man’s life. He heartily held the idea that education shapes a man’s life and is the kind of power and

asset that would always accompany him.

I have lots of memories of my father and I see him every day. There exists a strong bonding between us that

only two of us feel. I still remember those days of my childhood when I used to wait in the evening for my father

to return from office. He would then play with me and help on completing my lessons. I vividly remember him

sometimes taking me to the market and buy me gifts. When I was an infant he moved to the city from the

village to ensure me better schooling and environment. That was a decision that has changed my life path. He

himself helped me finishing my home works and lessons, always allured me of gifts if I could complete my

study. Besides my education he taught me lots of moral values and important things of life.

He used to work in a Government organization and for his hard-working and kindness; he is revered by all of

our relatives, his friends and neighbors.

He believes in humanity, good behavior, our creator, and leads a life that can be exemplary. He still does most

of his own works and helps my mom on her house hold works. After retirement he has picked 2 new habits:

gardening and teaching neighbors’ kids. He is a quiet and intelligent man who has benevolent heart and that

what make him so admirable to me. He is still the pillar of our family and all of our family members love and

respect him very much.        

Tips for answering this Cue Card Sample:You already know a lot about your family members and this cue card should be an easy one to answer. Just

focus on the questions mentioned bellow the Cue card topic. Following questions may come for this cue card

and note the quick answers of these questions:

1. Who is he/she? : My mother / My father/ My bother/ My sister etc.

2. Your relationship to this family member:  She is my mother/ he is my father etc.

3. What you do together:  We walk out together/ cook together/ study together/ talk a lot about family issues

etc.

4. What is s/he like:  He/ She is kind, talented, energetic, works a lot, dedicated, caring, possess a great

personality, open minded etc. 

5. How long do you know him /her: From my childhood/ all of my life/ for more than 20 years etc.

6. How often do you see him/her: Everyday/ once in a month/ most of the time I stay at home/ in every three

months etc.

7. Why do you like him/ her or why do you admire him/ her?: S/he loves me a lot, very close to me, very caring,

have a good heart, talented, helpful, my best mentor etc.

While talking about what is s/he like or what qualities he /she has or even why do you like/ admire him/her you

can use some of the following points:

 

For father: He is honest, brave, had a good heart, talented, leads an ideal life. has sacrificed a lot to up-bring

us, is an exemplary person, everybody respects him, is the best person I have ever seen, Loves me very

much, hardworking, punctual, talented etc.

For mother: She is so caring, loving, hardworking and possesses a good heart, had done a lot to up-bring

us, very close to me, very understanding, one of my best friends, knows a lot of things and has so many

practical skills etc.

For brother: He is so brave, talented, well mannered, knows a lot about different things, had always been

supportive to you, loved by others, cooperative and have lots of memories together, like a mentor to me, is

my best buddy, taught me almost everything he knows, always protects me etc.

 

For sister: She is caring, a good friend, loving, a good mentor, helps you on study or on other tasks,

supportive, a very good friends, talented and well-mannered.

 

If you prepare for this cue card you should be able to answer the following cue cards as well with very little

changes:

1. Talk about someone who cares you a lot.

2. Describe a person who you like very much.

3. Describe the person whom you admire most.

4. Talk about a person you know for a long.

5. Talk about a senior person whom you like a lot.

6. Talk about a person who has a great influence in your life

Describe an interesting holiday destination.

You should say:

what the place is?

what you can see and do there?

what time of the year it is better to be there?

and explain why you like it.

Model Answer:

Dartmoor National Park in the South West of England is a really interesting holiday destination. I went there

couple of years ago with my friends and really enjoyed our visit there. This park is a beautiful place with around

368 square miles with magnificent wildlife, wooden valley, ancient ruins and beautiful moorland. This is a

popular and interesting destination for a wide range of tourists.

This are consist about 33,000 population which swells mostly during the pick period of tourists coming there.

There are lots to see and observe in this area even the military training. Sanding stone, which is really rare in

other areas can be found there. If you like history, this place would offer you a lot. Walk around the moor and

you will find stone circles, stone across the villages. United Kingdom's largest collection of Bronze Age

structure and several other stone tors are scattered across this area.

The wild life, incredible landscape, wide moorland is a perfect place to explore and get active. The apex point

on Dartmoor is on the northern moor which is a great place to be.

The rivers shaping the landscape is another attraction and to get involved in tourists activity like swimming,

catching fishes and to make camp beside.

This is not like other typical tourist destinations where you can either see the scenic beauty or go for surfing.

This place offers you all. Get there, enjoy the scenic beauty, villages, wild lives, history, military activity, rivers,

camp there, stay there, ride there and make all of these activities to refresh yourself and this place is bound to

attract you to revisit.

There is no strict time to go there. People visit this place almost around the year. But it is advisable to avoid the

snow, rain and extreme cold season. Other than that, you are free to come and visit the place whenever you

want.

Tips for Answering this Cue Card Sample:This cue card expects the candidate to talk about a holiday destination (a place where people visit and spend

their time during their holidays / more specifically tourist spots). Since this topic asks you to talk about an

interesting holiday destination, you should mention about a place which offers different interesting activities and

have things of interest to observe.

You can mention either a holiday destination in your own country (even in your own town/ city) or a place which

is in a foreign country. Though the topic does not ask to talk about a holiday destination that you have visited,

but the questions below the topic somehow relate to your experience about the holiday destination. So try to

talk about a tourist spot you know about and if this is a place you have visited would be better.

If the holiday destination is interesting or not would mainly depend on your description. With a good description

you can make an ordinary place to be very interesting. So to answer this cue card, pick a place where people

usually go to spend their holidays. Talk about things that people do there, what are the things people do there

etc. Then add your own experience what you did their and how you found it interesting.

Some of the ideas to describe an interesting holiday destination:

1. An amusement park.

2. A picnic spot.

3. A beach.

4. A mega shopping mall.

5. A famous historical place.

6. A big park or a place near open space.

7. A historical place.

8. A theatre. Etc.

All of the above mentioned place can be an interesting holiday destination. You can pick one of those places

and mention that lots of people visit this place in their holidays. Then mention how far it is and how to reach

their. Then give some details of this place and the type of people who often visit there.

Your ability to answer this cue card would help you answer the following cue cards:

1. Talk about a place worth visiting.

2. Describe a place where a lot of tourists visit.

3. Describe a famous tourist destination in your country.

4. Describe a place near lots of water or open space.

5. Talk about a place where you spent your holiday.

6. Describe a famous holiday destination in your town.

Describe a national festival in your country

You should say:

When it takes place

Why it takes place

What the people do during this festival

and explain why this festival is important to you.

Model answer:

New Year day is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in our country. This is the occasion that people

celebrates with great joy, hope, festivity and different cultural and other programs.

New Year is the time when a new calendar year begins and the year count is incremented. According to

Gregorian calendar, this festival falls on the first January each year.

People start the arrangement to celebrate this festival about one week prior to the 1st January. On the 31st

night, people gather together, eat western foods and sometimes the traditional foods, make prayer for the

prosperity of for the New Year and stay awake till late night to enjoy the night.

In my country, people groom well in the first January. To some extend people believe that the first January is

important to them as it the starting of a new year. They believe that, remaining happy, eating good foods and

wearing nice clothes would make them happy and prosperous for the whole year.

People greet others, give and receive gifts, visit the amusement parks and do many other activities. Some fares

held on for the occasion and a great gathering is observed there.  So of the big trade fares, book fares starts on

the 1st day of the year.

This is an important festival for us. We along with the whole world take this day as an important festival day. In

our tradition, we start the year with the hope of eliminating the bitterness and failure of the past year and start a

fresh year with the hope of fortune and happiness.

 

Tips for talking about this Cue Card Topic:The national festival depends on your country and you must talk about a famous national festival in your

country. The festival can be historical and related to the liberation war (if it’s applicable for your country) of your

country, can be major religious festival like Christmas, Puja, Eid, Vesak etc. Since the cue card has not

restricted you from talking about any nationally celebrated festival like New Year or any other celebration day,

you can talk about those festivals as well.

Pick the festival which is nationally and widely celebrated in your country and take note on the questions asked

with this cue card. Note the following points:

The name of the festival.

 

The historical/ religious/ cultural relevance and significance of the festival.

 

The month or time when this festival is celebrated. Since the big national festival is celebrated once in a year,

mention the exact date of the festival. Some festivals might lasts for more than a day and for such kind of

festival give the idea of its length.

 

Next mention the reason people in your country celebrates it. Mention the significance of this festival in

details at this part and give some reasons why it is important for the people to celebrate this occasion.

 

Now give details of the festival, how people prepare for this festival, what special items they prepare and

what they do. Add some of your own activities at the end of this part.

 

To answer the final question ‘why this festival is important to you’, you should remind that the historical/

religious or cultural importance of this festival and also mention how deeply you enjoy this festival.

\Keep in mind that, you should give enough information to the examiner so that answers of the cue card

questions are fully given and in addition, you answer some relevant questions that might have popped up in the

examiner’s mind.  

If you can answer this cue card topic you should also be able to answer the following cue cards also:

1.  Talk about a celebration in your country.

2.  Describe a national day that you celebrate each year.

3.  Describe a major festival in your country.

4.  Talk about a celebration you recently had.

5.   Describe a historically significant day in your country.

Diwali rituals Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the important and widely spread holidays celebrated in India. It is a celebration of lights, and for many, it is truly a sensory experience; some families decorate their houses with all sorts of lights and open up to the neighbors, sharing their love and their food. 

Those celebrating Diwali spend time with family and friends. They perform religious ceremonies to bring in wealth and prosperity for a new year, cook and eat delicious food, design rangolis, light up their lives by

lighting diyas (small earthen lamps), candles and sometimes, by lighting fireworks. 

Diwali is celebrated in honor of the lord Rama, who on this day returned from a forest exile. Diwali is actually the middle day in a five-day festival that rings in the Hindu New Year. For Diwali, I go to festivals and hold pooja at my house. 

...by Manish Chawla; Age 12

Send an essay on Diwali

The five days of DiwaliDiwali is the most important festival celebrated in India. Diwali or Deepawali means an array of lights. It is a festival of lights symbolizing victory of good over evil and the glory of light. Diwali is celebrated as the day that Lord Rama returned to Ayoda after defeating Ravana. Diwali also signifies Harvest Festival. 

Another legend is Naraksura, a monster who was a troublemaker to the gods. Lord Krishna and Satyabama killed the demon. Diwali is celebrated in five days. The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras. 

The second day is called Narak Chatardasi. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon and made the world free from fear. The third day is called Diwali. Lakshmi puja is performed on this day. All homes are decorated and lit up by Diyas. 

The fourth day is called New Year of Bestavarsh. The fifth day is called Bhai Dhooj. It is about brothers and sisters. Diwali is a time for fun and joy. On Diwali kids light firecrackers and everyone enjoys. 

...by Kedar Mahagaokar; Age 9

Send an essay on Diwali

Diwali in the Modern WorldA growing number of scholars and people debate the need and justification of using fire crackers to celebrate Diwali for a number of reasons. One is the amount of money that goes into flames every year in the name of celebrations towards the purchase of firecrackers . Secondly, many companies that are engaged in the manufacturing of these fire crackers said to employ child labor and hardly follow the safety rules or welfare measures. Thirdly, there is hardly any control on the quality of the fire crackers manufactured by these companies, which often results in injuries and deaths due to accidents or poor performance. Fourthly, it is not uncommon to see irresponsible youth in various parts of India using firecrackers to tease women and trouble helpless people in streets and public places. Fifthly, excessive use of fire crackers often lead to communal clashes and social tensions. It also exposes the children of poor families to a lot of despair and loss of self esteem when they see other children playing with them. Lastly the firecrackers are a source of pollution, although on the positive side people claim that the smoke and smell drive away the insects and clear the air. 

Some of the points mentioned above are worth examining because they are valid points and genuine concerns. For a moment if we can separate emotion and prejudice and take a closer look at this issue objectively, it makes sense to argue that by minimizing the money on firecrackers, or at least by avoiding the use of more dangerous, noisy and polluting ones, it is worth spending the amount so saved for some good cause that leads to some long term positive social or religious benefit to the community as a whole. For example, it may be a good idea to donate some money by every family during Diwali to some social

or religious institution, which is engaged in some philanthropic activity or helping the poor Hindu brethren. 

Readers are requested to note that these observations are in reference to the use of all or certain fire crackers and not to the observation of Diwali as a festival. By all means Diwali is a festival of lights and deserves full scale ceremonial observation and celebration. The question is whether we should use fire crackers on this occasion on such massive scale and invite trouble to ourselves and our environment. 

The true celebration of Diwali is when we light a lamp in the life of some poor brethren or bring some cheer into the heart of an innocent child through our kindness and generosity. Goddess Lakshmi would be truly pleased if we share our wealth and happiness in some meaningful and selfless way, something that sets us apart from the nature of demons who try to use wealth like Bali for their own selfish and evil ends. Wealth is truly divine and remains in its purest divine aspect only when it is spent for a good cause that promotes the spiritual well beings oneself and others. 

Those who know the goddess well know that she is mighty pleased when her energies are in circulation for a right and just cause. In this modern world, let us therefore celebrate Diwali as an auspicious and God sent opportunity to bring cheer and happiness in a world oppressed by the darkness of egoism, greed, vanity and selfishness.

An Essay on DiwaliMANISH RAJKOOMAR ARTICLES

India is a land of fairs and festivals. Many festivals are celebrated in India, regularly every year. Holi, Diwali, Dussehra and Raksha Bandhan are the four great Hindu festivals. Though Diwali is celebrated by all the Hindus, it has a special significance for the Vaish community.

The festival is celebrated at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the winter season. Sometimes, it takes place towards the end of October and at other times in the November. According to Hindu calendar, it falls every year in the month of Kartik. The season at this time is pleasant. It is neither hot not too cold.

The festival is celebrated in honour of the goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. It is believed that the goddess blesses those with prosperity, who keeps their houses neat and clean on this day. The goddess is supposed to visit the Hindu homes at midnight. The Jains also celebrated the festival with great enthusiasm because it was on this day that Lord Mahavira achieved Nirvan.

The day before the festival great preparations are made. Houses are white-washed and well-cleaned. Furniture, doors and windows are all polished and varnished. The walls are decorated with curtains and pictures. Buntings and festoons are specially prepared for the occasion and are hung at places. In every house sweets are prepared or purchased from the market. Sweets are exchanged among friends and relatives.

The day itself is marked with great rejoicing and merry-making. The work ‘Diwali’ is derived from the Sanskrit work “Deepawali” which means a “row of light”. The illumination at night is a sight to see. There are rows of light to be seen on the roof of every house building. Earthen lamps are lighted in large numbers. Many people now

use multicolored electric bulbs to illuminate their houses. The festival ends with the worship of goddess Lakshmi at about ten or eleven p.m. A picture or a small idol of the goddess is bathed in milk, prayers are offered, and sweets are distributed.The Hindu festival of light has many advantages. Houses are all cleaned and white-washed on this occasion. The burning of sarson (mustard) oil purifies the atmosphere and kills insects that breed during the rainy season. It provides an occasion for merry-making for all. The children specially enjoy it. They get toys, sweets and delicious dishes to eat. As sweets are exchanged on this occasion, the festival also serves to increase mutual love among friends and relatives.

The festival also has certain disadvantages. Sometimes, owing to neglect, or forgetfulness, fire breaks out and much damage is caused to life and property. It is also traditional to gamble on this occasion. Some people suffer heavy losses. In fact, gambling starts several days before the festival. Those who lose, especially among the poorer sections, try to make good their loss through thefts. Hence, there is a marked increase in crime.

In spite of these drawbacks, I like this festival the most of all. Foreigners, who have had occasion to enjoy it, have also praised it highly. There is nothing to equal it in any country or religion.

Part 1- Introduction

Q. Good Morning. Could you tell me your name and candidate number please?

A. Good Morning. I am Rahul Sharma and my candidate number is….

Q. And what would you like me to call you?

A. Please call me Rahul. That’s my nick name.

Q. Tell me a bit about your family.

A. Well, I live in a joint family and there are almost 20 family members in this family. My grandpa, grandma, my

parents, sisters, my uncles and their children are living in a joint family and that makes it a large family. My

grandpa was a teacher and he is now around 70 years old. My father owns a small business and two of my

uncle work there. My mother is a house wife and she takes care of me, my sisters and cousins. I have two

sisters who are younger than me are in school. My father mostly takes care of the financial part of our family

and he is the main earning member for our family. The house we live in quite big and it has more than 15

rooms in total.

That’s the summary of my family members. If there is anything particular you would like to know about my

family, I would be happy to answer.

Q. What do your brothers and sisters do?

A. I have not got any brother of my own. I have two sisters and both of them are students. The older one,

Radhika, reads in class ten while the younger one, Dina, reads in class seven. Besides study sometimes they

help my mother on her housework and often help my cousins to prepare their home work. My sisters are very

close to me and I like them so much. They are both very adorable.

Q. So, where are you from?

A. I am from … (tell the City/ Village/ Area name) of …. (District/ County/ Area/State name). I was born in this

city but for my university education I later on moved to …. (Area name). Currently I am living at …… (Your

present area) and I came here from my current living place.

Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living here?

A. The place where I am currently living is a busy and residential area.

Among advantages I would say:

It is a secured area as there are guards and police cars often roam in the streets. There are very few

incidences to bother about.

People are nice and amiable.

Internet, cyber café, library and other facilities are available.

Transportation facility is another advantage of this area. You do not need to wait for a long in the queue to

get a public car.

Amusement park, gardens, play grounds, shopping complex and other community facilities are nearby.

Finally, there is no industry or commercial building there to pollute the air or sound.

Overall, I enjoy living there and compared to my previous living place, this is many times better.

Now among the disadvantages, I would mention that:

The rent of the houses and apartments are comparatively higher and it is rising every year.

The entrance gate of my area closes at 11:00 pm and that’s why I have to worry about returning home before

11:00 pm even after I have important tasks outside.

The roads are busy during the school and office time.

The last problem I would like to mention is the scarcity of doctors in this area. There is no hospital or medical

center here so people have to go to the city center to avail this facility if required.

Q. I'm new here. Could you recommend a good restaurant?

A. That would depend on your taste of foods and budget. If you want to enjoy the natural views and taste the

local foods, I would recommend you to go to (Mark Polo Restaurant). It is near by- would not take more than 20

minutes in a car.

Now if you want to taste other menus like Chinese, Italian, Indian, Thai, or European foods, your best deal

would be the Dela Mono restaurant. They are bit expensive but their foods are delicious.

Finally if you want to enjoy you foods and have some refreshment like music, you should better go to WestInn

and as far as I know it is quite expensive.

To taste cheap fast foods you can visit the small restaurants nearby the New Market area. In fact I often go

there and I enjoy their foods.

Q. Why do you like it?

A. I like quick foods and they are delicious. They offer ready foods at a low budget and that’s why I like it very

much. Apart from that, New Market area is only 10 minutes distance from my university and having foods from

those restaurants is convenient for me.

Q. What types of foods does it serve?

A. It serves only fast foods and quick meals including: burger, sandwich, pizza, fried chicken, friend rice with

vegetables, all type of soft drinks and lassi. If you want to have lunch or dinner, you can order the set menu that

includes: fried rice, vegetable, chicken, curry and other local items. Lassi and pizza are my two favourite foods

of this restaurants and I often have these two items.

Q. What do you suggest I order?

A. I would suggest you to order a small California Pizza, one glass of Lassi and a mixed vegetable item. I am

quite fond of this menu and enjoy eating it a lot. I am quite sure if you are not a pizza hater, you would also like

it.

Q. Is it expensive?

A. Not at all. The whole menu would cost you only few dollars. If you compare the price of this restaurant to

other restaurants, you would find it quite cheap in fact.

Q. How do I get there?

A. The new market area is a well-known place so you don’t have to worry much. From here you can take a

public bus to reach the new market area. After reaching there you need to take turn to the north and you will

see the large banner ads of this restaurants. If you take your private car, you need to reach the City fountain

first and then you should turn left. After 5 minutes you will see a large auditorium and then you should turn to

your right. Go straight for couple of more minutes and you are bound to notice the New Market. In case you are

not sure about the route at any moment, you should ask any passerby about the location and anyone would be

able to tell you the direction.

Q. After you have taken the lELTS, what are you planning to study?

A. I have finished my graduation in Computer Science and I have planned to finish my post-graduation in the

same major. After getting my IELTS I would get myself admitted in any renowned university of the United

Kingdom.

Q. Why are you interested in this?

A. I have a passion in computer programming and web development. Before deciding to take my

undergraduate program in Computer Science, I talk with my teachers, parents and some relatives and they all

suggested me to take part in this study. Since I have already completed my B.Sc. degree in Computer Science,

I think it would be wise to continue my post-graduation courses in the same subject. Apart from that, the career

prospect in Information and Communication sector and more specifically in software engineering is very high in

my country. So I am interested in it from my passion, past educational background and because of the career

prospect.

Q. Why do you want to study overseas?

A. I always wanted to study in an oversea university as it would ensure a better educational environment and

quality education compared to the universities of my country. Apart from that, the opportunity to learn about the

diverse cultures and people in a foreign university is something I don’t want to miss. Finally, a foreign degree,

specially a degree from a reputed USA or UK university is helpful for better career prospect in our country.

Considering all of the above mentioned reasons, I have decided to continue my study in an overseas university.

Part 2- Cue Card

Topic:

 

Describe a course you took in your college or universityYou should say:

What it was

When you took it

What you learned from this course

And explain why you took this course.

Click here for the answer of this Cue Card Topic

Part 3 - Details Discussion 

OK, good. I would like to go back to you now.

Q. How do you think studying overseas will be different to studying in your own country?

A. T

Q. So what problems do you think you will have studying abroad?

A. T

Q. Do you think you will have many difficulties adapting to a new culture?

A. T

Q. Do you think that there will be any major changes in your field of study over the next few years?

A. T

Q. How do you think an overseas degree will improve your professional skills?

A. T

Q. What do you intend to do once you have finished your studies?

A. T

Q. What do you see yourself doing professionally in 10 years' time? And how do you see your personal life

changing?

A. T

OK I think that's is all I want to ask you today Thank you very much It was very interesting talking to you and I

wish you all the best with your future studies Goodbye now.

PART 1 -Introduction

The examiner asks the candidate about him/her, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics in the

introduction part. Some of the common questions of part one are as following:

• Are your friends mostly your age or different ages? Why?

• Do you usually see your friends during the week or at weekends?Why? 

• The last time you saw your friends, what did you do together?

• In what ways are your friends important to you?

PART 2 - Cue Card 

• Describe an interesting historic place.

You should say:

  -- What it is?

  -- Where it is located?

  -- What you can see there now?

and explain why this place is interesting?

[ You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you’re

going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

PART 3 - Follow up Questions

Discussion topics:

Looking after historic places......

• How do people in your country feel about protecting historic buildings?

• Do you think an area can benefit from having an interesting historic place locally? In what way?

• What do you think will happen to historic places or buildings in the future? Why?

The teaching of history at school.....

• How were you taught history when you were at school?

• Are there other ways people can learn about history, apart from at school? How?

• Do you think history will still be a school subject in the future? Why?

PART 1 - Introduction

The examiner asks the candidate about him/her, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.

Family

• Do you have a large family or a small family?

• Can you tell me something about them?

• How much time do you manage to spend with members of your family?

• What sorts of things do you like to do together?

• Did/ Do you get on well with your family?Why? 

PART 2 - Cue Card

Describe a teacher who has influenced you in your education.

You should say :

• where you met him/her.

• what subject he/she taught.

• what was special about him/her

and explain why this person influenced you so much.

[ You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going

to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish. ]

PART 3 - Follow up Questions

Discussion topics:

Developments in education

• How has education changed in your country in the last 10 years?

• What changes do you foresee in the next 50 years?

A national education system

• How do the expectations of today’s school leavers compare with those of the previous generation?

• What role do you think extracurricular activities play in education?

Different styles/methods of teaching and learning

• What method of learning works best for you?

• How beneficial do you think it is to group students according to their level of ability?

PART 1 - Introduction

The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.

Festivals--

• Tell me about the most important festival in your country.

• What special food and activities are connected with this festival? 

• What do you most enjoy about it?

• Do you think festivals are important for a country?Why?

PART 2 - Cue Card

Describe a film or a TV programme which has made a strong impression on you.

You should say:

- what kind of film or TV programme it was, e.g. comedy

- when you saw the film or TV programme

- what the film or TV programme was about

 

and explain why this film or TV programme made such an impression on you.

[ You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you’re going

to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish. ]

PART 3 - Detailed Discussion

Discussion topics:

People’s cinema-going habits nowadays

• Do you think the cinema has increased or decreased in popularity in recent years?

• In your opinion, will this trend continue into the future?

Making a film or TV drama of real/fictional events

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of making films of real-life events?

• How important do you think it is for a film-maker to remain true to the original story?

Censorship and the freedom of the film-maker/TV producer

• Should films and television be censored or should we be free to choose what we see?

• How do you think censorship laws will change in the next 20 years?