Friday, March 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
IELTS - Tips to increase Score
International English language testing system (IELTS) is an internationally recognized test of English language skills which qualifies an aspirant to pursue education or to take up a career abroad.
IELTS facts not many people know :-
· When instruction says “answer in 3 words”, answer in only 3 words. 2 or 4 words will result in a wrong answer. Articles ‘a’, ’an’, ’the’ are counted as words.
· One is graded by the ‘Answer Sheet’ and not according to what’s written in the ‘IELTS Booklet’. Make sure that all answers are copied to the ‘Answer Sheet’.
· LISTENING and READING questions are to be answered using ‘Pencil’ as the answer sheet is scanned by the computer which cannot read the pen and writing using ‘Pen’
· Spelling is important in READING and LISTENING tests. Misspelled words will result in losing marks
· Grammar should also be taken care of, in READING and LISTENING tests.
· Essays must have more than 4 paragraphs else you stand to lose marks.
Some more tips to increase IELTS scoring :-
· It takes three months of regular intensive training to improve overall band score in IELTS exam.
· Improve the English Vocabulary.
· Give importance to spellings and Grammar.
· Aim to get all questions correct.
· Develop the habit of reading newspapers, magazines, novels written by different publications.
· Avail every opportunity to listen to English. Watch TV program and films; listen to radio programs and English language tapes. Have as much conversation with Native English speaker’s speakers, and practice in English as often as possible with your non –native English –speaking friends.
· Try to increase your personal speed whether it is listening or Reading test. Test measures many aspects of your English ability including the speed at which you listen, read, write, speak, and think in English.
· “Always give the monkey exactly what he wants” If a monkey asks for a banana, you must give him a banana and not an apple. In other words, Answers should be short and to the point.
· The secret of success is to work towards the goal slowly, steadily and regularly.
Proper ‘Time Management’ is the key to Success in the examination hall.
Instructions to be followed during exams :-
· Listen carefully to the instructions from the Test Supervisor.
· Read the instructions and follow them very carefully. They are not the same every time.
· Answers should be written in the specified boxes. If an answer has to be changed, erase the first one completely or put a clear line through it.
· Don’t leave blanks as one doesn’t lose marks for a wrong answer.
· If you are stuck at a question, don’t wait. Move on quickly to the next question.
· Avoid careless mistakes.
· Give only one answer.
· Avoid informal language.
· Always check the spellings.
· Manage time efficiently.
· Do not forget to make logical guesses for the True or False questions.
· Make sure your answer sheet is legible.
IELTS facts not many people know :-
· When instruction says “answer in 3 words”, answer in only 3 words. 2 or 4 words will result in a wrong answer. Articles ‘a’, ’an’, ’the’ are counted as words.
· One is graded by the ‘Answer Sheet’ and not according to what’s written in the ‘IELTS Booklet’. Make sure that all answers are copied to the ‘Answer Sheet’.
· LISTENING and READING questions are to be answered using ‘Pencil’ as the answer sheet is scanned by the computer which cannot read the pen and writing using ‘Pen’
· Spelling is important in READING and LISTENING tests. Misspelled words will result in losing marks
· Grammar should also be taken care of, in READING and LISTENING tests.
· Essays must have more than 4 paragraphs else you stand to lose marks.
Some more tips to increase IELTS scoring :-
· It takes three months of regular intensive training to improve overall band score in IELTS exam.
· Improve the English Vocabulary.
· Give importance to spellings and Grammar.
· Aim to get all questions correct.
· Develop the habit of reading newspapers, magazines, novels written by different publications.
· Avail every opportunity to listen to English. Watch TV program and films; listen to radio programs and English language tapes. Have as much conversation with Native English speaker’s speakers, and practice in English as often as possible with your non –native English –speaking friends.
· Try to increase your personal speed whether it is listening or Reading test. Test measures many aspects of your English ability including the speed at which you listen, read, write, speak, and think in English.
· “Always give the monkey exactly what he wants” If a monkey asks for a banana, you must give him a banana and not an apple. In other words, Answers should be short and to the point.
· The secret of success is to work towards the goal slowly, steadily and regularly.
Proper ‘Time Management’ is the key to Success in the examination hall.
Instructions to be followed during exams :-
· Listen carefully to the instructions from the Test Supervisor.
· Read the instructions and follow them very carefully. They are not the same every time.
· Answers should be written in the specified boxes. If an answer has to be changed, erase the first one completely or put a clear line through it.
· Don’t leave blanks as one doesn’t lose marks for a wrong answer.
· If you are stuck at a question, don’t wait. Move on quickly to the next question.
· Avoid careless mistakes.
· Give only one answer.
· Avoid informal language.
· Always check the spellings.
· Manage time efficiently.
· Do not forget to make logical guesses for the True or False questions.
· Make sure your answer sheet is legible.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
IELTS - What's it all about???
IELTS, IELTS...Whats the hype all about?
Every news paper you come across, there's an IELTS coaching class.. What is IELTS??
International English language testing system (IELTS) is an internationally recognized test of English language skills which qualifies an aspirant to pursue higher education or to take up a career in an English speaking nation. In simpler words, it tests the ability of a person to read, write, speak and listen in English .IELTS adapts to the highest international standards of language assessment. The examination is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia.
IELTS is made up of 4 modules namely Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. There are again 2 versions of IELTS namely The Academic version and The General Training version, depending on the requirement.
With the increased number of test takers every, IELTS is one of the fastest growing standardized English language tests in the world. IELTS Tests are administered at centers throughout the world with more than 300 centers in over 100 countries.
IELTS Myths
· IELTS is the most difficult of all English Tests – No; IELTS is surely a challenging test but is not any more difficult when compared to any other test that covers all these skills.
· IELTS tests are different in different parts of the world – No; IELTS is a standardized global test. There are different versions of the test and it may be possible that a test centre has a different version.
· One’s IELTS score can be used as a proof of his ability any time in the future – No; IELTS band score is valid only for a period of 2 years.
· One only requires a short preparation course, Longer ones are a waste of time and money – No; Candidate requires longer preparation hours to get the expected band score.
· One can take the IELTS tests only a limited number of times – No; IELTS tests can be taken as many times as one wishes.
· If one doesn’t think that their IELTS score is accurate, he can do nothing about it – No; one has the ability to have the papers revaluated.
What is tested in the IELTS exam?
Candidates are tested in their Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening abilities. Reading and Writing tests differ according to the module chosen (Academic/General).
Speaking
Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resources, Pronunciation & Grammatical range and accuracy
Reading
Understanding of the main passage, Ability to identify the theme of the Passage, Skim for detailed information, Differentiate between Opinions and Attitude, Make interferences
Writing
Objectively describe the information given, Understanding/Analyzing the graphical data, Objectively describing the graphical data, Use of appropriate language (graphical), Ability to compare and contrast, Grammar and Vocabulary
Listening
Understanding key points of the informationSpeed (Listening), Accuracy (accurate hearing)Understanding words in unfamiliar accents
Every news paper you come across, there's an IELTS coaching class.. What is IELTS??
International English language testing system (IELTS) is an internationally recognized test of English language skills which qualifies an aspirant to pursue higher education or to take up a career in an English speaking nation. In simpler words, it tests the ability of a person to read, write, speak and listen in English .IELTS adapts to the highest international standards of language assessment. The examination is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia.
IELTS is made up of 4 modules namely Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. There are again 2 versions of IELTS namely The Academic version and The General Training version, depending on the requirement.
With the increased number of test takers every, IELTS is one of the fastest growing standardized English language tests in the world. IELTS Tests are administered at centers throughout the world with more than 300 centers in over 100 countries.
IELTS Myths
· IELTS is the most difficult of all English Tests – No; IELTS is surely a challenging test but is not any more difficult when compared to any other test that covers all these skills.
· IELTS tests are different in different parts of the world – No; IELTS is a standardized global test. There are different versions of the test and it may be possible that a test centre has a different version.
· One’s IELTS score can be used as a proof of his ability any time in the future – No; IELTS band score is valid only for a period of 2 years.
· One only requires a short preparation course, Longer ones are a waste of time and money – No; Candidate requires longer preparation hours to get the expected band score.
· One can take the IELTS tests only a limited number of times – No; IELTS tests can be taken as many times as one wishes.
· If one doesn’t think that their IELTS score is accurate, he can do nothing about it – No; one has the ability to have the papers revaluated.
What is tested in the IELTS exam?
Candidates are tested in their Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening abilities. Reading and Writing tests differ according to the module chosen (Academic/General).
Speaking
Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resources, Pronunciation & Grammatical range and accuracy
Reading
Understanding of the main passage, Ability to identify the theme of the Passage, Skim for detailed information, Differentiate between Opinions and Attitude, Make interferences
Writing
Objectively describe the information given, Understanding/Analyzing the graphical data, Objectively describing the graphical data, Use of appropriate language (graphical), Ability to compare and contrast, Grammar and Vocabulary
Listening
Understanding key points of the informationSpeed (Listening), Accuracy (accurate hearing)Understanding words in unfamiliar accents
Friday, February 1, 2008
Information Technology Opportunities – Kerala
Kerala, the pristine and peaceful land situated on the southwestern tip of India is fast poised to become God’s own e-state.
Kerala has a lot of opportunities coming up in the IT and ITES field. India is considered as the most favorable place for software development as it provides ‘HIGH QUALITY and LOW COST’ software. Kerala is increasing in popularity as an important location for setting offshore units. The major reasons being availability of good technical manpower, fewer licenses, investment allowances and the Internet availability.
Software Design & Development: A set of activities that result in a new software product. In layman’s terms “it is the translation of a user need or marketing goal into a software product”. A person can specialize in one or more facets of the software development process, which are design, development, testing, project management etc.
These software products/applications are designed using different software based on the operating system. Pre requisite: B.E/B Tech/MCA preferred. For fresher, it’s mostly via campus recruitment for big MNC’s like Wipro, IBS and Infosys.
Smaller firms, recruitment is done via Paper Advertisements or Placement Cells.
Some of the designations are Programmers, Team Leaders, Project Managers, Database Administrators, System Administrators, System Analysts and Software Engineers.
BPO/KPO (Call Center jobs) – In layman’s terms means Customer Care. Business Process Outsourcing hires graduates/non graduates who are proficient in English. They are also provided in-house trainings to improve their accent.
KPO (knowledge process outsourcing) is the bigger brother of BPO. This hires professionals including CA, Doctors and Engineers.
BPO/KPO generally deals with outside clients (US and European) and people should be willing to work in shifts, night included. Recruitment Process Outsourcing mainly deals with the HR activities on fortune 500 companies. Requirements are postgraduates specialized in HR. RPO is the newest offshoot of the BPO.
Medical Transcription – Medical transcription in layman’s terms is producing text for physicians. Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other health care professionals and transcribe them into medical reports, correspondence, and other administrative material. They generally listen to recordings on a headset, using a foot pedal to pause the recording when necessary, and key the text into a personal computer or word processor, editing as necessary for grammar and clarity.
Requirements are graduates/non graduates. The first preference here is for people from the medical background i.e. having worked in clinics and familiar with the medical terms. In-house training is provided.
Internet Marketing – This comprises of Internet Analysts/Content Development & SEO (search engine optimization). In layman’s terms is writing and preparing content for the web. One of the crucial factor that comes into play in website is content development. It is content that promotes the relevance of your products and services to your customers or targeted customers projecting a positive image. Content-rich websites that are customer focused, creative, effective, easy to read and innovative in their approach retain visitors and convert them to customers. Now SEO is another important factor. Every site wants to be listed as the first page on google/ask jeevas i.e. the search engines. Requirements are graduates/post graduates with good knowledge of English.
These are some of the IT and ITES jobs in Kerala. It has a large scope in Business Process Outsourcing, Customer Interaction Centers and Digital Content Creation/Processing. This is possible because of the cheapest bandwidth availability (Sea-Me-We 3 and SAFE international submarine cables) and large technically skilled manpower.
Truly Kerala is poised today to become the IT industry's dream destination
Kerala has a lot of opportunities coming up in the IT and ITES field. India is considered as the most favorable place for software development as it provides ‘HIGH QUALITY and LOW COST’ software. Kerala is increasing in popularity as an important location for setting offshore units. The major reasons being availability of good technical manpower, fewer licenses, investment allowances and the Internet availability.
Software Design & Development: A set of activities that result in a new software product. In layman’s terms “it is the translation of a user need or marketing goal into a software product”. A person can specialize in one or more facets of the software development process, which are design, development, testing, project management etc.
These software products/applications are designed using different software based on the operating system. Pre requisite: B.E/B Tech/MCA preferred. For fresher, it’s mostly via campus recruitment for big MNC’s like Wipro, IBS and Infosys.
Smaller firms, recruitment is done via Paper Advertisements or Placement Cells.
Some of the designations are Programmers, Team Leaders, Project Managers, Database Administrators, System Administrators, System Analysts and Software Engineers.
BPO/KPO (Call Center jobs) – In layman’s terms means Customer Care. Business Process Outsourcing hires graduates/non graduates who are proficient in English. They are also provided in-house trainings to improve their accent.
KPO (knowledge process outsourcing) is the bigger brother of BPO. This hires professionals including CA, Doctors and Engineers.
BPO/KPO generally deals with outside clients (US and European) and people should be willing to work in shifts, night included. Recruitment Process Outsourcing mainly deals with the HR activities on fortune 500 companies. Requirements are postgraduates specialized in HR. RPO is the newest offshoot of the BPO.
Medical Transcription – Medical transcription in layman’s terms is producing text for physicians. Medical transcriptionists listen to dictated recordings made by physicians and other health care professionals and transcribe them into medical reports, correspondence, and other administrative material. They generally listen to recordings on a headset, using a foot pedal to pause the recording when necessary, and key the text into a personal computer or word processor, editing as necessary for grammar and clarity.
Requirements are graduates/non graduates. The first preference here is for people from the medical background i.e. having worked in clinics and familiar with the medical terms. In-house training is provided.
Internet Marketing – This comprises of Internet Analysts/Content Development & SEO (search engine optimization). In layman’s terms is writing and preparing content for the web. One of the crucial factor that comes into play in website is content development. It is content that promotes the relevance of your products and services to your customers or targeted customers projecting a positive image. Content-rich websites that are customer focused, creative, effective, easy to read and innovative in their approach retain visitors and convert them to customers. Now SEO is another important factor. Every site wants to be listed as the first page on google/ask jeevas i.e. the search engines. Requirements are graduates/post graduates with good knowledge of English.
These are some of the IT and ITES jobs in Kerala. It has a large scope in Business Process Outsourcing, Customer Interaction Centers and Digital Content Creation/Processing. This is possible because of the cheapest bandwidth availability (Sea-Me-We 3 and SAFE international submarine cables) and large technically skilled manpower.
Truly Kerala is poised today to become the IT industry's dream destination
New Years celebrations around the World
New Years (end of the previous year and beginning of the New Year) is the most widely celebrated holiday in the World. Most of the New Year celebrations focus on family and friends. New Year's Day is the time for celebrations and parties all over the world. As soon as the clock ticks 12'O' Clock on last day of the year, New Year comes packed with all fun and excitement. New Year's Day is an event to celebrate and forget the worries of the old year. It's the time to take new resolutions and look for new inspirations and motivations, to achieve what remained unachieved in the passed year. In fact, setting new goals and making new resolutions are what New Year is all about. New Year Celebrations vary in form in different parts of the world, as it's significantly influenced by local culture of that particular region
India: New Year celebration on January 1st is a relatively new phenomenon here. The festival of lights or Deepavali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. In the south, New Year is mostly celebrated on April 14th, i.e. the onset of the harvest season. Most of the people pay a visit to the religious worship place on new years to start the year with prayers. Parties’ extending into the New Year is another celebration here.
America: In New York City, the world famous 1,070-pound, 6-foot-diameter Waterford crystal ball (Waterford Crystal is a trademark brand of crystal glassware produced in Waterford, Ireland, by the company Waterford Wedgwood plc) located high above Times Square is lowered starting at 11:59:00 p.m., or the last minute of the year, and reaches the bottom of its tower at the stroke of midnight. The Ball is six feet in diameter, and weighs around 1,070 pounds. It is covered with 504 Waterford crystal triangles in different sizes. Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's Day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's Day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats.
Austria: The New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic on New Year's Day has been a tradition for many years. Great performance returns to the legendary Austrian music capital to continue its internationally beloved New Year's Day concert broadcasts from Vienna's magnificent Musikverein.
Australia: Sydney is the first large City to enter the New Year. They have been said to have the most spectacular fireworks in the world. Late night parties with friends and family along with the hottest rock bands performing on Melbourne beaches. The Chinese-Australia community holds Chinese rituals like sacrificing to the ancestors are followed with jest and enthusiasm.
Brazil: Copacabana, the famous beach in Rio de Janeiro becomes on New Years Eve, the largest party in the world. 2.5 million people gather at the beach to celebrate the New Year. The party goes on all night with hundreds of shows and events along the beach.
England: Party and Parade are the two things that come in to mind when thinking of New Year in London. Trafalgar Square is considered as the hub of New Year celebrations in London. A spectacular fireworks display fired from the British Airways London Eye will once again mark midnight on New Year's Eve. Over 200,000 celebrated the start of 2007 in central London. Following the chimes of Big Ben at midnight, a ten-minute display, organized by the Mayor of London is fired from the London Eye and from the river.
Scotland: Come 31st December and Scotland is all ready to celebrate "Hogmanay", the other name for New Year in Scotland. Known, as Scotland's biggest and noisiest event, Hogmanay is celebrated with full jest and enthusiasm in Edinburgh. One of the most spectacular customs that can be seen during New Year in Scotland is the swinging of giant fireballs on long metal poles. Other popular tradition that is being practiced by many in Scotland during New Year is the ritual of "First footing"
Japan: New Years Eve, temples ring in 108 bells (The watch night bell). This symbolizes the removal of 108 worldly desires regarding sense, feeling and time in every person. Morning is welcomed by drinking three mouthfuls spiced Japanese sake in traditional ceramic cups. Rice cake in soup called Zouni, which has many vegetables, is a delicacy. Japanese make rice cakes, Mochi to bring good luck in the coming year
Korea: New Years Eve is a family reunion time from the great grand father to the great grand daughter. Special sieves made of straw are hung outside to protect the family from evil and bad luck. Mornings, everyone’s dressed in new clothes usually decorated with five colors. Bowls of Ttok-kuk, soup of thinly sliced white rice cake boiled in a thick beef broth topped with bright garnishes and green onions. Koreans add one to their age after new years traditionally and not after birthdays. Breakfast is followed by the traditional bowing i.e. younger people bow to the elders wishing them health and long life, good luck and prosperity through the coming year. They follow the lunar calendar
Spain: The Spanish have had a traditional custom to celebrate New Year's Eve, 31st of December. At twelve p.m. everybody has to have twelve grapes to be eaten each time the clock chimes. By the time the clock has finished chiming, everybody has to finish their grapes and the New Year starts. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year. From rock band performances to salsa, from ballroom dance to gourmet delights, you are in for countless surprises during the New Year in Barcelona. New Year in Barcelona last for as long as a week with an aura of jollity and festivity all around. The arrival of Magos who distribute candies to all in "The Procession of the Three Kings" is also part of the New Year in Barcelona
Norway: Norwegians eat a traditional lutefisk meal: mashed green peas, bacon, mustard, boiled potatoes and lutefisk. Lukefisk is a dried cod fish made with caustic soda.
Germany: Berlin is the place to be on New Year's Eve. Glimmering and gleaming and sizzling with lights, to ring in the New Year, New Year in Berlin are worth enjoying. Dance away the final hours of 2006 by being a part of exciting Berlin New Year Parties this winter. The countdown to 2007 begins watching the clock striking 12 at the clock tower of the rathaus at Alexanderplatz in Berlin.
Italy: Come and celebrate "La Festa di San Silvestro", or the New Year's Eve in Rome this winter. Formerly, New Year in Rome meant time to fast and eat only traditional food like fish and pasta. But times do change and so did the New Year in Rome. Now New Year in Rome means time to dance, eat, drink and party hard with the loved ones around. Filling the sky with different colors, countless fireworks are worth watching during the New Year in Rome. Classical music concerts outdoors on the square in front of the Quirinale is an added attraction of the New Year in Rome. It's a breathtaking sight to watch the sky dazzled with countless firework display as you ring in the New Year and ring out the old along with your loved ones in Milan.
Netherlands/Holland: The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.
Greece: New Year's Day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.
British Columbia, Canada - Swimming in the ice-cold water like a polar bear on New Year Day is said to bring in good luck.
The age-old New Year traditions of Resolutions and Fireworks are still followed even today,
Resolutions: It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the New Year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the New Year.
Fireworks: Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year's Eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck.
This is a brief glimpse into the New Year celebration in different parts around the World. The common theme in all these New Year celebrations remains hope and happiness all over the world.
India: New Year celebration on January 1st is a relatively new phenomenon here. The festival of lights or Deepavali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. In the south, New Year is mostly celebrated on April 14th, i.e. the onset of the harvest season. Most of the people pay a visit to the religious worship place on new years to start the year with prayers. Parties’ extending into the New Year is another celebration here.
America: In New York City, the world famous 1,070-pound, 6-foot-diameter Waterford crystal ball (Waterford Crystal is a trademark brand of crystal glassware produced in Waterford, Ireland, by the company Waterford Wedgwood plc) located high above Times Square is lowered starting at 11:59:00 p.m., or the last minute of the year, and reaches the bottom of its tower at the stroke of midnight. The Ball is six feet in diameter, and weighs around 1,070 pounds. It is covered with 504 Waterford crystal triangles in different sizes. Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's Day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's Day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats.
Austria: The New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic on New Year's Day has been a tradition for many years. Great performance returns to the legendary Austrian music capital to continue its internationally beloved New Year's Day concert broadcasts from Vienna's magnificent Musikverein.
Australia: Sydney is the first large City to enter the New Year. They have been said to have the most spectacular fireworks in the world. Late night parties with friends and family along with the hottest rock bands performing on Melbourne beaches. The Chinese-Australia community holds Chinese rituals like sacrificing to the ancestors are followed with jest and enthusiasm.
Brazil: Copacabana, the famous beach in Rio de Janeiro becomes on New Years Eve, the largest party in the world. 2.5 million people gather at the beach to celebrate the New Year. The party goes on all night with hundreds of shows and events along the beach.
England: Party and Parade are the two things that come in to mind when thinking of New Year in London. Trafalgar Square is considered as the hub of New Year celebrations in London. A spectacular fireworks display fired from the British Airways London Eye will once again mark midnight on New Year's Eve. Over 200,000 celebrated the start of 2007 in central London. Following the chimes of Big Ben at midnight, a ten-minute display, organized by the Mayor of London is fired from the London Eye and from the river.
Scotland: Come 31st December and Scotland is all ready to celebrate "Hogmanay", the other name for New Year in Scotland. Known, as Scotland's biggest and noisiest event, Hogmanay is celebrated with full jest and enthusiasm in Edinburgh. One of the most spectacular customs that can be seen during New Year in Scotland is the swinging of giant fireballs on long metal poles. Other popular tradition that is being practiced by many in Scotland during New Year is the ritual of "First footing"
Japan: New Years Eve, temples ring in 108 bells (The watch night bell). This symbolizes the removal of 108 worldly desires regarding sense, feeling and time in every person. Morning is welcomed by drinking three mouthfuls spiced Japanese sake in traditional ceramic cups. Rice cake in soup called Zouni, which has many vegetables, is a delicacy. Japanese make rice cakes, Mochi to bring good luck in the coming year
Korea: New Years Eve is a family reunion time from the great grand father to the great grand daughter. Special sieves made of straw are hung outside to protect the family from evil and bad luck. Mornings, everyone’s dressed in new clothes usually decorated with five colors. Bowls of Ttok-kuk, soup of thinly sliced white rice cake boiled in a thick beef broth topped with bright garnishes and green onions. Koreans add one to their age after new years traditionally and not after birthdays. Breakfast is followed by the traditional bowing i.e. younger people bow to the elders wishing them health and long life, good luck and prosperity through the coming year. They follow the lunar calendar
Spain: The Spanish have had a traditional custom to celebrate New Year's Eve, 31st of December. At twelve p.m. everybody has to have twelve grapes to be eaten each time the clock chimes. By the time the clock has finished chiming, everybody has to finish their grapes and the New Year starts. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year. From rock band performances to salsa, from ballroom dance to gourmet delights, you are in for countless surprises during the New Year in Barcelona. New Year in Barcelona last for as long as a week with an aura of jollity and festivity all around. The arrival of Magos who distribute candies to all in "The Procession of the Three Kings" is also part of the New Year in Barcelona
Norway: Norwegians eat a traditional lutefisk meal: mashed green peas, bacon, mustard, boiled potatoes and lutefisk. Lukefisk is a dried cod fish made with caustic soda.
Germany: Berlin is the place to be on New Year's Eve. Glimmering and gleaming and sizzling with lights, to ring in the New Year, New Year in Berlin are worth enjoying. Dance away the final hours of 2006 by being a part of exciting Berlin New Year Parties this winter. The countdown to 2007 begins watching the clock striking 12 at the clock tower of the rathaus at Alexanderplatz in Berlin.
Italy: Come and celebrate "La Festa di San Silvestro", or the New Year's Eve in Rome this winter. Formerly, New Year in Rome meant time to fast and eat only traditional food like fish and pasta. But times do change and so did the New Year in Rome. Now New Year in Rome means time to dance, eat, drink and party hard with the loved ones around. Filling the sky with different colors, countless fireworks are worth watching during the New Year in Rome. Classical music concerts outdoors on the square in front of the Quirinale is an added attraction of the New Year in Rome. It's a breathtaking sight to watch the sky dazzled with countless firework display as you ring in the New Year and ring out the old along with your loved ones in Milan.
Netherlands/Holland: The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.
Greece: New Year's Day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.
British Columbia, Canada - Swimming in the ice-cold water like a polar bear on New Year Day is said to bring in good luck.
The age-old New Year traditions of Resolutions and Fireworks are still followed even today,
Resolutions: It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the New Year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the New Year.
Fireworks: Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year's Eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck.
This is a brief glimpse into the New Year celebration in different parts around the World. The common theme in all these New Year celebrations remains hope and happiness all over the world.
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