Oral exam tips

•  Read the instructions carefully so that you are clear about the aim of your discussion.
• Remember that you must listen to what your partner says so that you can respond appropriately. Don’t concentrate only on what you want to say.
• Make sure that you and your partner discuss everything in the list, even if you only discuss some things briefly.
• Remember that you are trying to persuade your partner to agree with you. This means that you must support your opinions with reasons.
• Remember that you can ask your partner questions as well as making statements yourself.
• Talk to your partner, not to the examiner.

5 Elements of Feng Shui

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The Five Elements of Feng Shui

The 5 elements include: Wood, Fire, Water, Earth, and Metal. Each of the elements is designated by a color or colors. The elements are controlled by the Productive Cycle and the Destructive Cycle.  

The Productive and Destructive Cycles

The Productive Cycle starts with the element, water, which creates wood. Wood then turns into fire, which produces earth, and in turn earth produces metal, which produces water. It is a continuous cycle, as each element benefits from one another creating a constant flow and harmony. 

The Destructive Cycle is equally as important as the Productive Cycle. Balance is key in feng shui. In this cycle, wood disassembles earth, earth absorbs water, water puts out fire, and fire melts metal, which, in turn, can chop wood. An ongoing continuous cycle. Each element is important to the cycle, and to the harmony in your home or office.

Meaning of Each Element in Feng Shui

Water is the energy of rest and stillness. It is strengthened by metal and weakened by wood. It is connected to wealth and prosperity and its direction is downwards.  

Wood is the energy of growth and vitality. It is strengthened by water and weakened by fire. It is connected to spring and early morning, a sign of expansion and development.

Fire is strongest in the summer and its direction is upwards. A triangular red candle can be used to add a fire quality to a room. Fire also should be used with discretion, as it is the most unstable. 

Earth is the most stable and balanced element. Bricks and rocks can easily bring more of an earth element into your room or space.  

The metal element is found in round forms such as spheres. It can be added to your space easily by adding a clock with large metallic metal hands. It is used to neutralize earth imbalances as it condenses earth energy.

Trading Ages