OC.
Here we have another lecture where I'm going to read parts two and three together.
Again, the purpose of this is for you to be able to work on your pronunciation.
What I want you to do is listen and then repeat what I say.
Listen and then repeat what I say.
Because I want you to be able to work on your pronunciation, work on your intonation, work on your
chunking, work on your words, stress, work on the things that make a difference in your score.
OC Again, this is a pronunciation exercise.
All right.
This is the question about making decisions.
Describe when you had to make a very difficult decision.
Again, I'm going to read straight through.
So if you want, you can have me.
Just speak for 30 seconds and stop and try to repeat what I said.
One major resolution I made in life involved my matriculation from Ghana to the USA to study architecture.
Settling on studying in the USA meant I'd have to spend four years away from home.
Now, living and learning with Americans was not the only option.
Since universities in Australia and China presented me with full scholarships based upon my past accomplishments.
China had to be disregarded due to the language barrier and Australia was taken out of consideration
based upon the distance from my homeland.
One other option was to remain at home, but the Accra institutions did not utilise the latest architectural
methods.
Settling on the USA as my temporary home involves considerations of culture, diversity and recommendations.
Actually, culture played a huge part in the decision because I'd grown up watching American movies.
I felt that I understood the lifestyle and would have an easier relocation.
Naturally, I'd want a diverse experience since my country lacks this aspect.
So the United States, being the most diverse country on earth, made quite an impression on me.
To tell you the truth, the most influence came from my family members who previously graduated from
universities in New York and California.
That being said, I couldn't deny the leaving home wasn't filled with doubt and considerable reservations.
But ultimately, studying abroad in Detroit served me well.
Taking into account the fact that during my four year stay, I produced groundbreaking research on the
restoration of ancient West African architectural techniques.
I'd have to say that decision was rewarding.
This research led to my attaining an excellent position with a top architectural firm that is actually
putting my research into real modern day constructions.
Part number three.
What skills are necessary to make good decisions.
Off the top of my head.
A couple of attributes come to mind.
One being an ability to think outside the box.
This would this would enable you to look at a problem from angles that were not previously considered.
Also, arranging a pros and cons list as well as having a deep knowledge of self will provide considerable
aid in coming to a particular conclusion.
Last but not least, vision and examining worst case scenarios help reach rewarding decisions.
Do parents in your country allow children to make important decisions?
Normally, Ghanaian parents involve themselves in major resolutions that concern their offspring.
Because Ghana is more of a collective culture, it will be a rare occasion when a child can control
their fate solely on their own accord.
If this were the USA, children would be given such freedoms.
But in Ghana, this attitude is thought to lead to poor outcomes due to lack of wisdom.
Do you think parents should make important decisions for their children?
For their children?
Based on what I've just said about Ghanaian parents, yes, all major resolutions should be controlled
by a parental figure.
Some argue that preventing children from deciding their fate detracts from their ability to make determinations
later in life.
When you think about it, this line of thought cannot be more wrong because wisdom leads to good resolutions,
and this wisdom is only gained by allowing those that have it to take the lead on significant decisions
that need to be reached.
Thank you very much.
And I hope you do a good job of working on your pronunciation.