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Podcast-1

Famous London Museum Reopens

By Sudenaz K.

ECA Elginkan High School

A cathedral to nature, forced into an unseasonal hibernation.

The pandemic closed the Natural History Museum for its longest period since World War Two. And like businesses everywhere as they reopen, fewer people will be coming to visit.

It'll be about 15 percent of what we would normally expect at this time of the year. So that's why it's important to book your ticket online and then we can carefully limit numbers - make sure everyone is really safe.

And the great thing about our spaces, as you can see, is they're big, open, airy spaces. So, we have a few galleries [which are] one way, but in the other spaces you will be free to roam.

Exploring is the aim when you visit. Yet, washing your hands, sanitising and staying apart are the drill, like everywhere.

The museum has the most extensive natural history collection in the world - 80 million items.

A government support package to protect the future of theatres, galleries and museums around the UK was announced last month, worth one point five billion pounds to the sector.

But there is nervousness about what the constantly changing health situation could mean.

We know that there's a possibility that something may come along that means we might have to close again.

But at the moment, we're making the most of the opportunity to open up the museum. The public can have a great time.

At a hundred and fifty million years old, Sophie the Stegosaurus has endured it all. But will enough of us come to visit to see her through the next few?

       Podcast-2

       How to avoid back pain 

       while working from home

            By Gamze T.

           ECA Elginkan High School

There's a lot of people working from home right now, which means dealing with some questionable postures. So, how do you work remotely while avoiding aches and pains?

I think it's important not to overthink things and I think just think of the general concepts.

Get up and move. Our body needs movement and so you can have the most perfect posture for eight hours, you'll still be sore and you could still end up with, you know, some sort of ache, pain or injury

I think it is important to have that variability, so if you can set up a standing station, you know, you spend half your time sitting, half your time standing -but just watch when you're standing, too, that you're not getting into habits where you're putting all your weight of one of your upper extremities on your countertop.

But if you're sitting at a desk, your head, shoulders and neck are not in the most ideal position. You likely have a few books that you can grab.

It's ideal to lift that laptop up a little bit, so that your screen is actually in line with your eye gaze.

The ideal situation would be that you have some sort of external keyboard and mouse that you can then connect so that your keyboard and mouse are in an optimal position with your laptop up on something.

Rolling up a small towel and putting it in the small of your back, that towel will force your low back to stay in a good position and keep you from sitting on your tailbone.

Don't freak out if you feel a little bit of back pain. It's probably going to happen, it would probably happen in your office environment as well.

Maybe even take a nice walk at lunch hour and try and get those little pieces of activity and movement through your day.

And if those little aches and pains don't disappear by doing those things, there are tons of great providers that are available at the moment that are offering virtual services.

Podcast -3

Tourism Trouble in Egypt

by Sudem P.

ECA Elginkan High School

An historic clean up at the pyramids. For millennia, this world wonder has wowed visitors. But coronavirus killed off Egypt's tourism and with it, the livelihoods of millions. Like Ashraf - unable to feed his family, he kept his favourite camel, but had to sell two others.

"It has been tough on everyone," he says. "I have no money. A camel's food alone costs six dollars a day."

The ancient attractions are now reopening, but they're empty except for the occasional local visitor. It's a blow after tourism had just recovered from years of turmoil.

Guide Shahenda, loves taking tourists around her country. Since the pandemic, she's lost a thousand holiday bookings. For now, she's only sightseeing with her husband.

The tourism minister's on a mission to bring back business and revive the economy, highlighting new hygiene and safety rules and showing how foreigners can now fly in to some beach resorts.

Restoring tourism will take time. But Egypt's counting on the enduring allure of its rich pharaonic past. And for a star attraction what could be more appropriate these days than a golden face mask?

Podcast- 4 

Diabetes

by Zehra G.

ECA Elginkan High School

Diabetes mellitus (usually just called “diabetes”) is a group of diseases related to problems with how the body deals with sugar.   There are several types of diabetes and they are all very serious if left untreated.  This can result in unconsciousness, coma, and even death.

When the body is unable to make enough insulin, this is called Type I diabetes.  Insulin makes the body absorb sugar from the blood to muscles and fat tissue.  If the body doesn’t have enough insulin, the sugar in the blood builds up.  This is not immediately hazardous for a type I diabetic but over time, it can result in severe problems.  

A person with high blood-sugar levels over a long period of time might have seizures or slip into a diabetic coma.  Type I diabetes usually appears in younger people so it is often called “juvenile diabetes”.  People with this kind of diabetes can manage it by taking insulin injections and being careful with their diet.

Type II diabetes is the most common type of diabetes.  In contrast to Type I diabetes, this usually appears in older people.  With this kind of diabetes, insulin is produced by the body in sufficient amounts but the body’s cells no longer respond to it.  This is called insulin resistance.  

This kind of diabetes is often caused by a combination of genetics and a person’s lifestyle.  People who are overweight, eat excessive amounts of sugar, do not exercise, and suffer from stress are at greater risk of Type II diabetes. This condition can be managed through lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise and eating a healthy diet.  

If a patient with Type II diabetes fails to manage the disease, the results can quickly become deadly.  Type II diabetes can be a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and blindness.

Podcast -5

Vitamins

Elifnur -  ECA Elginkan High School

Vitamins are substances that the body needs to survive.  Different kinds of vitamins provide the body with different benefits.  For example, vitamin B helps the skin stay healthy.  Teeth and bones need vitamin D.  Vitamin K assists with making new blood.

Luckily for us, vitamins are commonly found in nature and in the food we eat.   For example, milk and fish have large amounts of vitamin B12.  Fruit and vegetables usually have some amount of vitamin C.  Many people don’t have the time or energy to eat healthy foods all the time.  As a result, they need to take pills called multivitamins or vitamin supplements.

Multivitamin companies make a lot of money from selling these pills.  Their annual global revenue is around $68 billion.  Many consumers think that multivitamins can help maintain a healthy lifestyle.  But is it dangerous to take too many vitamins?

Several scientists and organizations are worried that people are taking too many vitamins.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has told consumers that excessive vitamin A might cause birth defects.  The National Cancer Institute found that people who took too much vitamin E had an increased risk of cancer.  

Some doctors have cautioned patients that taking excessive vitamin C can make people very sick.  Scientists and health professionals have started to understand the reason for these problems.  Bodies that are too full of one vitamin have no room for other vitamins.

Nutritionists say that the best way for consumers to avoid overdoing their vitamins is to eat healthier food.  They recommend that vitamin purchasers get more information.  For example, they advise using the Internet to find out more about their own diets and what vitamins they really need.  You should also consult with your doctor for advice on healthy eating.  Finally, always read the package on any multivitamin to make sure it doesn’t overload your body.

Podcast -6

Food and Health Myths

By Mervenur K.

ECA Elginkan High School

New information about food and health products seems to materialize every day.  Newspapers regularly have articles that discuss how certain foods or drinks are good or bad for you. 

Some television shows often dwell on new stories about how consuming certain substances can affect your body.  With such a steady stream of information, it’s understandable that a few popular myths about food and health are floating around out there.

One popular myth about food and health is that eggs are bad for your heart.  Although they are indeed high in cholesterol and fat, it’s not true that eating eggs every day will damage your heart.  This is because the body can deal with the extra cholesterol by reducing the amount it produces. 

As far as fat goes, it’s the egg yolk that contains all the fat.  So if you’re worried about the fat content of eggs go ahead and just eat the whites.  You might also choose to buy certain kinds of eggs that have less fat content depending on the diet of the animal.  Check your local supermarket for more information.

Another popular idea about diet and health is that drinking red wine is especially good for your heart.  Although it was once thought to have unique properties, other types of alcohol can have the same benefits. 

A study conducted at the University of Texas revealed that people who drank red wine did not live any longer than those who drank other kinds of spirits, such as beer or white wine.  It seems that the alcohol itself improves an individual’s health by raising the levels of good cholesterol and decreasing bad cholesterol.  The alcohol also serves to increase blood flow and assist in blood clotting.

There are many other myths about food and health that are common in our society.  Consumers who are especially concerned about their health should think carefully about new information they read about or see on television.

     PODCAST 1 

UNUSUAL HABITS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIEST

 BY BEDRA 

 NEVŞEHİR CEMİL MERİÇ SBL

*This text is from the Turkish course book 

PROGRESS B1

Because tea has an important place in Turkish culture,Turkish people offer tea to their guests as the first indication of their hospitality. When you drink a whole cup of tea, your host fills the cup automatically without asking you. If you don't want to drink tea any more, you should leave the small spoon lying on the barrel of the cup.

It is considered rude to point,play with or stab food with chopsticks in Japan as Japanese people are so polite and their fondness for etiquette extends to the mealtime use of chopsticks.

In Taiwan, it is hard to see any trash cans. Instead, there are garbage trucks that go around the streets and people go out with their trash bags at a certain time everyday.In addition, these trucks play the tune of Für Elise by Beethoven when they prompt people bring their garbage.

In contrast to many nations, when Indians shake their heads left and right it means "yes"and up and down means "no".It's a bit tricky.

In the USA,when you visit someone at their home, don't take off your shoes at their door;otherwise, you mostly get the weirdest look from them.

In Denmark,people have to select baby names from a list of 7,000 names that government has pre-approved

PODCAST 2

BE WISE;STAY SAFE

BY SEVVAL CMSBL

NEVŞEHİR CEMİL MERİÇ SBL

*This text is from the Turkish course book 

PROGRESS B1

Social media is a perfect tool for networking and communications. However, it has a risky side with fake profiles sometimes being used to gather personal data and information. If we use social media wisely, we can protect ourselves and surf on the Net safely.

Here are a few general guidelines you should always follow when it comes to your social media activity.

* Be respectful to others' posts, even if you don't agree with them. Don't comment on posts to humiliate others.It is neither ethical nor legal.

*Do not share personal information unless you think it is important.Check your privacy policy before you post personal information such as your location and be sure that strangers do not see it.

*Verify those you accept into your social network. Do not befriend strangers

*Maintain the highest  privacy settings, but do not always trust they will work for you.

*Google yourself sometimes and see if anything is wrong with your online presence.

In general you should always remember that once you post something , it is there forever.Even though you delete items,they remain accessible on other people's servers and accounts.There is no way to be absolutely certain that your post will remain private.

PODCAST 3

YOU MAKE US LAUGH

BY HAYRİYE

NEVŞEHİR CEMİL MERİÇ SBL

*This text is from the Turkish course book 

PROGRESS B1

 Turkish people are mostly known as warm-hearted,friendly,helpful,tolerant,sociable and entertaining people around the world.They ,on the other hand, do not like to be made fun of themselves. 

Turkish sense of humour,therefore,has been attributed to some influential figures who make laugh,tell jokes and fıkra defined as funny story including a message.

There are two characters named Temel and Dursun who are from the East Black Sea Region.They speak a local dialect,but the funny stories told for centuries under the names of Temel and Dursun in this dialect fundamentally have been figured out by all Turks. These two characters in fıkras generally symbolise the main characters of the Turkish ridiculed,and their witty and satirical reactions to the comic situations.

Another prominent figure of Turkish sense of humour through his legendary wit and wise jokes  is Nasreddin Hodja,a popular scholar, famously considered  the protagonist of comical tales with emotional content and informative message. Born in 1208 in the district of Hortu, in Sivrihisar, he was a well-educated man and had the ability to teach people valuable lessons on being less judgmental and more thoughtful.

PODCAST 4

EMERGENCE OF GENERATION GAP

 BY HAVVA 

NEVŞEHİR CEMİL MERİÇ SBL

*This text is from the Turkish course book 

PROGRESS B1

Generation gap is the difference in values,tastes and behaviour between individuals of different generations.Young people,adults and seniors perceive things differently because of the mind sets they were born into.Although there have always been conflict between generations,the term was not as pronounced as in our time until the twentieth century,especially in the 1960s,but why?How were the circumstances before that time?

In the 1800s,society was not very mobile.Young people mostly lived all their lives in the area  where they were born.They worked in family business mostly likely on a farm and didn't travel much because the means of transportation was very limited. Communication was also a rarity. There was little contact with people outside the community.They couldn't know about the lifestyles of other cultures.So, young people grew up under the influence of their parents,

extended family or neighbours.Consequently,

they adopted older generation's traditions,values and ideas. 

However,with the advancements in technology, people began to travel more.They left the sphere they grew up to get a job in factories,in big cities.Therefore, they found themselves in interaction with people from different cultures. That led to drastic social changes. Young people got to know lifestyles other than their families'. They began to challenge their parents and adopt some of these cultural values they met.

PODCAST 5

OVERCONSUMPTION

BY UGUR 

NEVŞEHİR CEMİL MERİÇ SBL

*This text is from the Turkish course book 

PROGRESS B1

Living means consuming,and we do consume at a high rate.We breathe,drink and eat thereby consuming air,water and food all the time. apart from our basic needs,we purchase goods such as computers,cars and appliances.We also use a great amount of services like entertainment and travel.We are so dependent on these goods and services that most of us think we cannot manage without them.

The advertising industry makes use of our constant and ever-increasing consumption,so they want us to be greedier,urging us to buy,pollute and waste more.

Everything ,however, comes at a price-so does our excessive consumption.Maybe we fail to realise that the things we consume comes from the natural world.They are mined,extracted and cut down. We keep consuming limited resources on the earth extravagantly for the sake of a so-called comfortable life.

Our planet suffers the consequences,though.

The integrity of the ecosystems gets impaired and wildlife habitats are destroyed.

As a result,animal species are exposed to danger. Water,soil and air, which are basic necessities for life,become highly toxic and polluted due to increased consumption.In addition,useless luxury items are produced by abusing valuable resources to satisfy people's greed which makes the poor more deprived.

I.S.I.S.S. 'G.B. NOVELLI-Marcianise-Italy

PODCAST 1

Media Literacy

Class 3A

Group work: Giada D’Ambra, Nunzia D’Ambrosio, Serena Laviano, Anna Mozzillo

The ability to identify different types of media and understand the messages they're sending is called media literacy. 

Nowadays, especially children and teenagers search for information from a wide variety of sources, different from  the traditional media like TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines . There are text messages, memes, viral videos, social media, video games, advertising, and much more. The basis of media literacy is to understand the reason why media have been created.

Media literacy education wants  to promote awareness of media influence and create an active stance towards both consuming and creating media. It provides tools to help people develop receptive media capability to critically analyze messages, offers opportunities for learners to broaden their experience of media, and helps them develop generative media capability to increase creative skills in making their own media messages.

The inclusion of media literacy into school curricula promotes civic engagement, increases awareness of the power structures inherent in popular media and aids students in gaining necessary critical and inquiry skills. Media can have a positive or negative impact on society, but media literacy enables the students to discern inescapable risks of manipulation and bias through the media

Researchers claim that media literacy usually have positive effects on knowledge, criticism, perceived realism, influence, behavioral beliefs, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior. By encouraging  critical thinking and self-expression, it enables citizens to decisively exercise their democratic rights, to understand and contribute to public discourse, and, eventually, make sound decisions when electing their leaders. People who are media literate can adopt a critical stance when decoding media messages, no matter their views regarding a position.

I.S.I.S.S. 'G.B. NOVELLI-Marcianise-Italy

PODCAST 2

Distance Learning

Class 3A

Group work:  

Giada Colella, Maria Marsilio, Martina Perrotta, Rosa Salvatore, Federica Maltempo, Stefano Vaiano

During the Covid 19 pandemic a lot of schools all around the world have adopted ‘distance learning because of national lockdowns. Schools closed, the only way to continue the teaching learning process was to use digital devices connecting via the Internet. 

At the beginning we   timidly approached this new way of having lessons. We didn’t understand really the seriousness  of the situation. Moreover, there were a lot of advantages: we could wake up later, wear our comfortable pijamas, manage our time and relax at home. 

We didn’t even get  to know how much time we should have online lessons. Everyone believed the situation would become better.

But, in the long run, it went worse and worse. It’s almost one year we have had online lessons and the effects are visibly devastating.The lack of the social relationships among teachers and students, students and their peers , have affected our lives.

Hours and hours spent in front of a computer or a simple mobile phone.can be frustrating. Online lessons can allow us to improve digital skills, because they help us use a lot of tools, but it is not enough. Sometimes we can’t show up our full potentials. We are losing our emotional contacts with our teachers and classmates. No more pens, no more books, everything is digitalized. A rigid screen can’t capture our emotions and sometimes it doesn’t give us the chance to follow the whole lessons: you can lose your connection, your mic and camera don’t work properly. You are often disconnected and lost in the Internet web while your teacher is shouting : ‘Are you connected? Can you hear me? Can you see me? Where are you?’

I.S.I.S.S. 'G.B. NOVELLI-Marcianise-Italy

PODCAST 3

Social Media Challenge

Class 3A

Group work:  

Carmen Brillantino, Antonio Grazioso, Alessia Rener, Erika Schiavo, Carmen Tozzi, Flavia Costagliola

Many teenagers like  spending their leisure  time by taking part to viral social media challenges. Many of these online challenges are innocent and  harmless ways for teens to enjoy  themselves and stay connected with each other, but some of them promote negative behavior and can be definitely dangerous both for yourself and other people.

Many online challenges, like  ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, can be amusing positive and can even give you  opportunities to bond your family ties

Families can have lip-sync battles, choreographed family dances, instrumental jam nights, …the list goes on!

We all know some viral social media challenges come and go, but some of them may have lasting and hopeless consequences like the ‘Benadryl challenge’, ‘Carsurfing’ and ‘Choking challenge’

Being aware of these types of challenges is important for all parents. 

So, talk frankly and openly  with your children alerting them about the risks of participating in some of these challenges. That’s the best way to make sure that your teen is equipped with the critical thinking skills needed to avoid endangering their own health.

THE EFFECTS OF CORONAVIRUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

  Podcast 1, by Serena De Santis

  Liceo scientifico Elio Vittorini, Italy

THE EFFECTS OF CORONA VIRUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

As a result of the Coronavirus more than 190 countries are in lockdown and the whole world seems to have stopped. Global trade has been disrupted, airlines have cancelled flights and even all offices and companies are closed. The pandemic is seriously damaging health and the global economy.

But it is important to stress that there are also positive effects. The environment and nature, in fact, are slowly coming to life again now that we are witnessing a sharp decline in carbon emissions. The air is no longer polluted as before, the skies seem lighter and brighter. 

Let’s see the main effects: 

1. Improving air quality

Specialists say that emissions from machinery have been reduced by 50% since almost no one is using transport. And not only that, but CO2 emissions have also seen a significant drop, which has led to cleaner air in cities.

2. Decrease in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The drop in greenhouse gas emissions shows how much air is damaged by industry. With the closure of industrial activity, the world has seen a significant decline in global CO2 emissions. In addition to road vehicles, the industry is one of the main causes of increased emissions in the world.

3. Less Noise Pollution

With everyone at home, there’s less noise pollution in the world. If you listen carefully, in fact, you can now hear the chirping of birds instead of the sound of trains, buses and cars. With fewer vehicles on the roads and less industrial production, the land seems much calmer than usual.

4. Oceans and cleaner water

The sea water has become so clear that you can see the fish swimming underwater. This is given by the reduction of pollutants produced by motor boats and more generally, by the impact of mass tourism and cruises.

But there are not only positive effects an example is

 the increase in Produced Waste

In addition, a strong impact on the environment is having the huge consumption of masks, gloves, surgical gowns and other medical equipment used to fight and prevent coronavirus.

In conclusion, we can SAY, WE HAVE to give importance to the changes we are seeing on the environment and try to make them permanent and not temporary to make the world a better place to live.

THE IMPACT OF COVID ON SMALL BUSINESS

 Podacst 2 , by Vittorio Genovese

 Liceo Scientifico Elio Vittorini, Italy

During the pandemic the world suffered great losses regarding the fields of economy and work: many people lost their job, and many businesses had to either adapt to the occurring situation, by offering online services, or to rely completely on the income of previous years. The PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America) conducted a survey in which 5,800 small businesses in the US were involved, shedding light on the fragility of the economy of many of these businesses, and their view on the outcome of the situation. It turns out that a lot of small businesses had to find smart and cost-effective solutions to not economically collapse, due to the fact that they don’t have as many resources as big companies.

For example, Belva Anakwenze, a financial advisor, has socially distanced meetings with her clients in her backyard, or in her driveway (source LA times).  While a lot of small restaurants and markets were saved by delivery apps (like Uber eats for food and Amazon for products), or by delivering on their own, the most critical situation is the survival of small travel agencies, with a worrying rate of unemployment at 51%, and if the situation does not improve, less than a quarter of agencies will survive.

              THE OFFICE: COVID EDITION

Podacst 3, by Flavio Pasquariello

Liceo Scientifico Elio Vittorini , Italy

Since covid entered our lives almost one year ago, the office as we know it does not really exist anymore. The first real consequence of the pandemic starting, was the sudden change in the way people do their jobs. It began when companies started to make a lot of employees working from home, with only the essential ones and the ones in customer service and managing positions working from their office or general workplace.

It is surely a big game changer for all of the world, with everything, as always, having their pros and cons. First, it surely removes the problems generated by a lot of people sitting close together in a confined space; secondly, it creates a big issue with the way of doing the tasks workers have to do

It implies the necessity of having a computer and an internet connection at home, that not everyone has, or is not capable of managing the required workload. Obviously, it will require a big initial expense to buy those required tools, yet companies are determined of keeping their workers working from home in the long term, because of the reduced expenses of owning and managing big offices.

Then, what do you think? Do you think working from home is such a bad idea?

Agrupamento de Escolas de Santo André, Barreiro, Portugal

             Job Interview - Podcast 1

                                    Bernardo and Hugo

Q- Why do you want this job? 

 A- I’ve researched the job, and found that my skills and interests really fit the role. I’m good at planning and organising, have great attention to detail and would like to learn new skills. 

 Q- What are you looking for in a job? 

 A- I’m looking for a job where I can work as part of a team and learn from others. And I’ll be happy that I’ve pushed myself to do something new.  

Q- What’s your biggest weakness?  

A- I sometimes act too quickly, but I’ve learned to make a thorough checklist before I start a new task or project which means I don’t miss anything or rush into things without thinking them through. 

Q- Describe a time you worked as part of a team  

A- I had to be part of a team for a project in school. I did a few bits of work which I knew how to do and other people did the rest of it, so we never had to do that much work. 

Q- What are three words your parents, carers or teachers might use to describe you?  

A-Organised, responsible and smart? Because I think I am those things. 

Q- What do you like to do in your spare time?  

A- I like hanging out with my friends, we don’t get up to much really. There’s nothing to do around here.

Agrupamento de Escolas de Santo André, Barreiro, Portugal

             Job Interview - Podcast 2

                                    Bruno and Daniel

Interviewer (Bruno): Hello, tell me about yourself. 

 Applicant (Daniel): Hello my name is Daniel, I'm 17 years old and I'm a very positive person, I like to workout, play futsal, run, do something related to sports in general.  

 Interviewer (Bruno): Why did you apply for this job? 

 Applicant (Daniel): I applied for this job because my preferences are connected  to the fact that I dream about working in Sports and Programming at the same time. 

 Interviewer (Bruno): Why should we hire you? 

 Applicant (Daniel): I think that I'm suitable for this job because of the sports, specifically playing futsal is part of my life,  it's my therapy and when I'm playing I am happy, I feel affortunate to do what I like the most and play the beautiful game that it is. It's the same way with programming, so I would do everything and try my best everyday, for you won't  regret hiring me. 

 Interviewer (Bruno): Where do you see yourself in the future? 

 Applicant (Daniel): My main goals for the future are to develop more and more, so that I could become a better version of myself, I hope that I can continue to work in this areas (sports and programming) and do my best for the company. 

Agrupamento de Escolas de Santo André, Barreiro, Portugal

             Job Interview - Podcast 3

                                    Carlos and Ruben

Carlos (Interviewer): Hello, please take a seat. 

 Rúben (applicant): I’m pleased to meet you. 

 Carlos: My name is Carlos Palma and I'm the main repair manager. Did you have any difficulty finding our company?  

 Rúben: Not at all, I have heard a lot about your company. 

 Carlos: I’m seeing here in your folder of application that you have a course in IT, and you’ve worked at Worten for six months doing hardware repairs. Could you please tell me something about yourself and why you applied for a job in our company? 

 Rúben: Last year I finished my course with a GPA of 18 and I wanted to start working right away. That’s why I accepted the job at Worten to do hardware repairs for those six months. And I think that it’s really important for young people to get to know new things and gain experience in the workplace. Additionally, something about my private life. I’m currently living in Barreiro, in my parents’ house, I have one brother, I’m 19 years old and in my spare time I enjoy playing the  guitar and travelling. 

 Carlos: What, in your opinion, are your strengths and weaknesses? 

 Rúben: My main strengths are being really friendly and adapting really well to already working teams, I can work alone or with a team, I’m really open to new ideas and I can adapt to a lot of different scenarios. My main weaknesses are that I’m a perfectionist, it can be good but sometimes I get a little frustrated when things don’t go exactly like it was planned , but I don’t 

give up. I get overwhelmed when I only have time for one thing, I enjoy doing work, but I also enjoy doing my things, and I need time for them so that I can stay calm and focused on everything I need. 

 Carlos: Do you know our company? 

 Rúben: Yes, I have known your company for a long time, I’ve researched on the internet. PC Diga is an IT company that sells everything related to technology. 

 Carlos: The job offered is available. When could you start working? 

 Rúben: As soon as I receive your positive response.  

 Carlos: How much did you earn and what do you think about your future salary? 

 Rúben: I don’t really know what’s normal but when I worked at Worten I received the 

minimum wage for the entirety of the six months. 

 Carlos: Do you have any other questions? 

 Rúben: Yes, when can I expect your answer? 

 Carlos: There are still more job interviews this week. We will call you at the beginning of next week. 

 Rúben: Thank you very much. I don’t have any further questions. 

 Carlos: Thank you very much for coming and for the interview. Have a safe journey home. 

 Rúben: Goodbye. 

 Carlos: Goodbye.  

Agrupamento de Escolas de Santo André, Barreiro, Portugal

             Job Interview - Podcast 4

                                    David and João Duarte

João: Good Morning, David. I am João. 

David: Good Morning. 

João: How are you doing? 

David: I am doing fine. Thank you. 

João: How was the traffic coming over here? 

David: I am so glad that the traffic was light this morning. No traffic jam and no accidents. 

João: That is good. David, let’s start the interview. Are you ready? 

David: Yes, I am. 

João: First of all, let me properly introduce myself. I am the Finance Department Manager. As you know there is an open position in my department, and I need to fill this position as

 soon as possible. 

David: Please, tell me a little bit more about the position. 

João: It is an entry level position. The new employee will have to work closely with the  accounting department. He will also have to deal with the bank on a daily basis. 

David: What kind of experience are you looking for? 

João: Doing office work is good. However, since this is an entry-level position, I do not require a lot of experience. I am willing to train the new person. 

David: That is great! 

João: David, tell me a little bit about yourself.