WEATHER AND CLIMATE

1.      Let’s talk about weather and climate. What’s happening to the climate nowadays?

Weather is very important for people, because it influences their health and well-being, the way of life and food supplies that they have. When the weather is cold and rainy, people might feel upset or even depressed. And vice versa, when it is sunny and people can eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, they are happy and cheerful. Changes in climate can affect people in a good or a bad way. This is why many scientists worry/are alarmed that average temperature in the world is rising.

This process is called global warming. But it doesn’t only mean warmer climate. Together with global warming come floods, landslides, hurricanes, droughts and heat waves. Ice caps in the Arctic and the Antarctic are melting, flooding coastal areas. Plants and animals do not have periods of rest in winter or are not protected by snow when it is -20⁰.

Global warming is caused by pollution. It is closely connected to the greenhouse effect and deforestation. Let me describe what the greenhouse effect is. The sun warms our planet. Some of the heat from the sun goes back to space. But because of air pollution carbon dioxide and other harmful gases work like a glass in a greenhouse and don’t allow the heat to leave our planet. As a result the climate becomes warmer. But some scientists believe that climate change is caused by natural processes on our planet and we don’t have to worry about it.

Global warming can be very dangerous. Scientists predict that by 2050 some species of animals will have died out, coastal areas such as New York will have been covered with water and millions of environmental refugees will have appeared. To stop it each of us should use cars less often, not burn grass and participate in campaigns for more filters in factories. Factories should use more filters and large industrial countries must take some action to reduce the level of pollution.

2.      How can you describe the climate of Belarus?

They say that our climate is continental, which means that we have warm or hot summers and cold snowy winters with lots of snow. The autumns and springs are usually rainy. But nowadays winters have become milder. It is not unusual to have no snow and see green grass all the year round. People are very excited if they have white holidays. Summers can be very hot and dry and almost unbearable. There are also a lot of gloomy rainy days in each season. People say that this is happening because of global warming. I hope next year weather will be back to normal, because I have always loved to have four seasons with some wonderful things to do: playing snowballs in winter, taking pictures of amazing leaves in autumn, sunbathing in summer and going for a walk in spring!

3.      Do you have a favourite season?

Different people like different seasons. Some people enjoy summer, because it is hot and they can relax on the beach. Others love spring, because it is the time when nature awakens. Some people are fond of winter, because they can go skiing or enjoy a sunny day with blue sky and sparking white snow. Some more people prefer autumn, because it is the time of harvest and golden leaves.

My favourite season is spring. Everything is full of life: trees and flowers blossom, the first green grass takes the place of ugly dirty snow, the air is fresh and we can wear nice clothes. You can go to the park and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature. School is over in May and you have new hopes and expectations. In spring people can go in for sports: play tennis and football, go jogging or simply walk in a green forest.

I like spring, because in winter it is freezing cold; in summer it is too hot and you can get sunburnt and in autumn it seems like everything is dying.

All in all, I consider spring to be the best season, because nature and life are full of promise. It is the season, when I feel inspired, want to start anew and succeed in everything I do.

4.      Do you agree with the saying “There is no bad weather, there are bad clothes”?

I do not agree with this proverb, because I am not a big fan of rainy weather. My clothes and shoes are wet, it is difficult to get from one place to another and you feel tired and sleepy. Some people might even feel depressed if they don’t get enough sunshine. It is a scientific fact that people need sun to get vitamin D, which is important for our wellbeing. That’s why I think this saying is not true.

5.      What questions would you ask a meteorologist?

MY FUTURE PROFESSION

1. Let's talk about your future profession. What do you want to become and why?

I want to become a doctor. It is my calling. I have wanted to help people since I was a child. I am interested in both taking care of people and doing some research work. Who knows, maybe, I will invent a cure for AIDS or some other disease.

This job is suitable for me, because I am a caring and understanding person – ill people need a little bit of sympathy and hope. I am also very responsible – doctors should be very careful when looking for the reason of an illness or prescribing medicines. My friends tell me that I am hard-working: medical students should learn a lot of terms to become great professionals. They also say I am broad-minded, which is a good quality for a doctor, who wants to learn and aspires to be better every day.

Of course, there are some disadvantages. The job can be backbreaking, because you have to work a lot. This profession is not well-paid. It is a heartbreaking job, too, because you can’t save everyone. On the other hand, you will never get bored, this profession is not monotonous, because you communicate with new people. It is a prestigious job – everyone respects doctors. If you work hard, you can get perks and bonuses or even a promotion. All in all, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and I guess I will be able to cope with this job.

         To become a good doctor, I should participate in Centralised Testing and sit exams in Chemistry, Biology and Russian.   Then I will have to study hard for 6 years and work as an intern for a year. It is vital for future doctors to speak English, because they often take part in international conferences and write articles for medical journals.                                                          

I hope in the nearest future I will become a wonderful doctor and do some research work at the University. My main goal is to have my own clinic and help people in need.

 Plan for other professions:

1.     What do you want to be? Why?

2.     Why is this job suitable for you? (Do you have any special traits of character? Is it your calling?

3.     What are the advantages of your future profession? What are the disadvantages? Is it still a good choice for you?

4.     Do you have to do anything to get this job? (sit exams, participate in Centralised Testing, take some courses, work straight after school, learn the basics of this profession, etc.)

5.     What will you be able to do when you get this job/what are your career aspirations?

                2. Can you give 10 pieces of advice to a person, who wants to have a successful job interview?

Job interviews are very important for your career, because the employer decides if he wants to hire you or not. There are some simple rules that you need to follow if you want to get a job.

It is vital to make a good first impression. Be polite, well-spoken and smile a lot. Also you should wear appropriate clothes. You should bring all the necessary documents: a CV, your passport, certificates and their copies. Speak about you positive characteristics and give examples if your skills and talents were useful in the past.

You shouldn’t show your bad habits: if you are impatient, don’t start tapping your foot. Also it is important not to talk negatively about your previous job or boss, because this shows what type of person you are. You shouldn’t use vulgar language. Also don’t start inappropriate topics and don’t say too much about yourself or your family and pets.

3. How do young people choose their future professions? Which factors are more important? What about you?

There are five main factors, which play a large part in choosing a career. First of all, they should take into consideration their character, talents, skills and dreams. Family is also very important. Some young people want to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Others listen to their advice. The opinion of their parents is a must for a lot of teenagers. Friends can give young people some ideas, too. These are the people they spend a lot of time with, discuss different issues and decide what is popular and what is not. One more factor is peer pressure. Some professions are seen as more desirable or fashionable, that’s why teenagers choose them. A great teacher can see a person’s talents or become an inspiration. A lot of people choose their favourite subject as their future profession. Career advisors and special computer tests can help to make up someone’s mind, because they tell you what profession is suitable for you. The last factor is the information teenagers get at school and from mass media. They can learn what this or that profession is about and what is needed to enter the university.

As for me, I listened to my heart, when I was choosing my future profession. I know that I will make a good doctor, because I am caring, patient and I enjoy helping people. Also I am good at Chemistry and Biology. Of course, I listened to my parents’ advice, because they know more about life and have a lot of experience.

4. Will you need English for your future profession?

It is vital for future doctors to speak English, because they often take part in international conferences and write articles for medical journals. In the future I might want to work abroad, and English will be very useful there.

5. What questions would you ask your future employer?

TRAVELLING

 1.       Let’s talk about travelling. Why is it so popular all over the world?

           Nowadays people on our planet can’t live without travelling. People travel on business, to see their relatives and friends or to change the scenes. The last type of travelling is called tourism. There are many kinds of tourism: domestic and international, ecotourism and adventure tourism and so on.

           Different people travel for different reasons. They want to learn about new places and different lifestyles. Some people want to see historical places, ancient ruins and medieval castles and learn about the culture, traditions and history of the country. Others prefer active or adventure holidays, such as rafting or hiking. Nature-lovers are eager to admire spectacular scenery, stunning views and magnificent natural wonders: waterfalls, beaches, rainforests, snow-capped peaks and sparkling lakes.  There are people who enjoy relaxing on a beach or taking a cruise of the Mediterranean. Still there are travelers who like spending their holidays in luxurious hotels with lots of extra facilities, such as gyms, spas and swimming pools.

        When you are visiting a country you must catch a glimpse of all the places to visit. Don’t forget to try the national cuisine, because it gives you a lot of information about the land and its history and traditions.

 A wise proverb says: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel are reading only a page”. Travel broadens your mind, giving first-hand experience and unforgettable impressions.

2.       What types of holidays do you prefer and why?

      I prefer package holidays, because if you buy a tour you don’t have to worry about anything. Food, tickets, hotel fees, trips and everything else is included. Moreover, if you have any problems, the guide will help you. It is very important, especially if you don’t know foreign languages. Also you know that you don’t have to look for a hotel in the evening when you are tired; you don’t have to look for a restaurant in an unknown place and so on. Personally, I am always scared that I will run out of money if I travel by myself. So all in all buying a package tour is very convenient.

    I like self-catering holidays. When I travel, I don’t want to be in a group, because there will always be noisy children or slow and boring people there. You can also save money, because travel agents often choose more expensive tickets and hotels. A travel company will not steal my money. I can visit the places that I want to see.

3.       Do you have a favourite place you have been to?

    I can’t say that I am a globetrotter, but I really enjoy travelling. I am fond of visiting ancient cities in Europe. I have been to many popular tourist destinations: Paris, London, Prague, Moscow and so on. But my favourite place was London. It is an ancient and a modern city at the same time. There are hundreds of places of interest there: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, Madame Tussaud’s Museum, the London Eye, the Gurken, etc. Most of all I enjoyed seeing Big Ben. It is one of the most symbolic places in the world. If I have a chance I will go to Britain again, because it offers tourists a unique chance to taste history.

4.       Can you recommend foreign tourists any places in Belarus?

    I think that Belarus can offer tourists a lot of wonderful places. Of course, the first city they should go to is Minsk. It is the capital of our country. There are many museums, theatres and galleries there. Also the National Library is one of the most famous modern landmarks in Europe. Grodno is an ancient city with a lot of tourist attractions. They should visit the Old and New Castles with their museums, the very modern Drama Theatre, the unique Church of Boris and Gleb and other churches of different historical periods. Grodno has the largest numbers of historical places in Belarus.

5.       What questions will you ask a travel agent about your trip?