07 April, 2005
Tony's answers
Mohammed kindly asked me some questions, so here are some answers:
- Who has influenced you greatly? Personally and professionally? Personally, my wife Aida & professionally my first Director of Studies, Martin
- When did you first come to the middle east (tell us the story)? It was Morocco, the Near East(?) in 1977. A complete change of scenery and direction were called for and the Maghreb entranced me and Islam embraced me. It was a momentous period - I love that country.
- Where else have you been to in the arab world? After the UAE, nowhere else compares, so the rest of the Arab world awaits me.
- Why do you think it is not very difficult to get high bands in IELTS?My philosophy in life is to be positive, I never said IELTS was "easy" - on the contrary, it is a very demanding exam that "takes no prisoners"! I like simple, elegant English and clear thinking.
- What is your advice to our class?Be prepared to re-sit IELTS at least once. Don't give up! Use all the resources available to improve your command of English and your ability to use it accurately and effectively. You have to go into training for a marathon race - IELTS needs time and confidence for you to attack and beat it!
- How did you find our class? This class had strong personalities, some leaders and a lot of followers. Not everyone is a born leader, debater (just had to check the spelling on that - honestly!) or writer. It takes guts and practice. The weblog helped to create more cohesion in the class. There was a positive 'buzz' in the class, which helped my work. My next class will be different, my approach will alter accordingly. Unfortunately most classes are mixed in terms of ability, motivation and commitment available for this demanding course. Your feedback questionnaires were mostly positive, thank you! I shall have a longer look at them tomorrow and maybe pose you a few more questions...
- As for the reluctant bloggers: Rana, Fizal, Tony 'Don', Mohamed Saad, Masoud, Mujtaba and Mohamed Ataulah - let's hear from you, OK? What do you have to lose?
Good night, bloggers, I hope you go for the IELTS this month - don't dilly dally too long!
It was fun, it still is fun and it will be fun.
Tony
