Releasing stress through healthy living - May/June 2011

There are expectations that young people should lead healthier lives. While some people say that this puts young people, particularly teenagers doing high-stakes examinations, under stress, I believe that it is still important for young people to look after their health. There are a number of reasons for this.

You have all heard the saying that a healthy body is a healthy mind. There is a lot of truth in this. Without eating healthily, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep, it becomes extremely difficult to study to the best of your abilities. This feeling of inadequacy can lead to even more stress. Furthermore, research has shown that leading unhealthy lives when young can result in more diseases - for example, cancer, obesity, heart problems and depression - in later life. Finally, participating in a healthy activity, such as joining a sports team, a sports club or outdoor adventure club, allows young people to socialise more, which can help mitigate common teenage problems including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

In conclusion, from my point of view, urging young people to lead healthier lives does not put increased pressure on them. On the contrary, it can act as stress-release mechanism.

Letter - A Broken Television - May/June 2011

Hi Joe,

How are you? I hope you are enjoying your summer holidays. After an annoying start to the holidays, due to the fact that our television broke down, things have started to pick up for me.

Unbelievably, on the first day of the holidays, our television went on the blink. At first, I was really frustrated. I kept saying to myself that I would have nothing to do so I would be so bored. However, in reality, it was a blessing in disguise as I was able to do many interesting things. First of all, I enrolled in a summer camp where I participated in loads of cool activities such as canoeing, abseiling and windsurfing. I was also fortunate to meet a lot of new, really interesting people. In addition, at the weekends, my family and I were able to spend a lot of quality time together hiking in the nearby countryside and having delicious picnics. Luckily the weather has been superb this summer so outdoor activities were really pleasurable.

The main thing that I have learnt from the experience is not to be too dependent on technology and to make time to enjoy the simple things in life.

Anyway, please write soon and let me know what you’ve been doing on your holidays.

All the best,
Jim

Article - Is life easier for current teenagers? - Oct/Nov 2011

Adults are constantly moaning that teenagers these days have it so much easier than teenagers in the past. I believe that there is some truth in this; however, life is not all a bed of roses for today’s generation of teenagers.

There is no doubt that the new technologies have made life easier for everyone, not just teenagers. For example, ubiquitous mobile devices and internet connectivity allows us to easily connect with family and friends. Furthermore, a multitude of information is now at our fingertips, making it easier to do homework or research various topics. Moreover, tedious chores that needed to be done by hand in the past can now be done much quicker and with less effort thanks to devices such as microwaves, blenders and automatic washing machines.

However, the increasing speed of modern life if placing teenagers under a lot more stress. Jobs have become increasingly technical, so teenagers must study harder to get into the “right” college or university. In addition, the sheer speed at which technology and fashion becomes outdated is putting pressure on teenagers to have the latest gadgets and items of clothing.

In conclusion, advances in technology have made life for current teenagers easier, but this wealth of technology and choice is also making life more stressful.

Letter - Missing a friend - Oct/Nov 2010

Hi Jim,

How are things? You’ve been away for three months now so hopefully you have settled in by this stage. Even though I know it’s a great opportunity for you to study abroad, I must admit that I’m really missing you and the things that we used to do together. Anyway, I writing to let you know about a couple of cool things that I’ve done recently.

As you know, I’m really keen of football, in particular Manchester United. I entered a competition on the radio and, unbelievably, I won first prize, which was an all-expenses paid trip to see them play at Old Trafford. I just got back last week and, let me tell you, it was unforgettable. And to cap an absolutely fantastic week, I was picked by the school to represent them at the inter-schools debating competition. Not only did I get to meet some wonderful people my age, I also got to meet the famous talk-show celebrity David Frost. He was an incredibly inspiring individual.

So as you can see, despite missing you, I’ve been doing some interesting things. How about you? Please write soon to let me know about your new life.

All the best,
Bob

Article - Don't be a slave to fashion - May/June 2010

For some people, buying and wearing up-to-date fashion is of the utmost importance. They believe, as Shakespeare said, “clothes make the man”. However, in my opinion, too much importance is placed on looking fashionable. Instead, we should be more worried about what’s underneath.

By their very nature, fashionable clothes change with the season. What’s in one year is out the next. Therefore, fashionistas must spend a hell of a lot of money to look cool and trendy. If no money is available, these people become desperate and this can lead to crimes such as robbery, shoplifting and much worse. Furthermore, being slaves to fashion results in a loss of individuality as the fashionistas strive to look the same as everyone else.

What’s wrong with looking different? Are you any less a person because you’re not wearing the latest fashions? Certainly not. It means that you have the self-confidence to be yourself. In addition, think of all the exciting things that can be done with the money saved by not buying extravagant clothing.

In conclusion, don’t be a slave to fashion. Be yourself, even when the so-called ‘cool’, fashionable might be sniggering behind you back!

Letter - School Performance - Oct/Nov 2010 (v3)

Hi Sally,

How are you? First of all, I’m sorry I haven’t written to you for so long but I’ve been really busy with my school’s annual end-of-term performance.

This year’s performance is Peter Pan, and I’m playing the part of the Wendy, who is one of the main characters and a heroine in the play. Preparing for the performance is extremely exhausting. We must practice after school almost every day and we even have to come in some Saturdays for whole cast rehearsals. Not only that, but I also have to practise at home to make sure that I remember all my lines. It’s really stressful, particularly when the drama teacher shouts screaming and shouting when everything is not going as smoothly as he wants or when some of the cast starts fooling around.

Anyway, the rehearsals are almost finished and the big day will be upon us soon. It runs for three days, from June 13th until June 15th, at 7pm each evening. I would really like you to come to the performance. Don’t worry about the cost, it’s on me! Please write soon and let me know which day is best.

All the best,
Mary

Summary - Game-based Learning - Oct/Nov 2009 - Ext

Rodriguez Diaz believed that students would benefit from game-based learning in a number of ways. First, they would be more motivated and develop a better aptitude for learning. In addition, students would be more relaxed while learning and they would develop social skills. Furthermore, game-based learning would cater for all types of learners. In fact, game-based learning enabled students to advance in mathematics, to help younger students develop vocabulary, reading and creative writing skills, and to help students, particularly boys, develop more complex dialogues.

Summary - Free Diving - Oct/Nov 2009 - Core

Free diving differs from scuba diving no breathing apparatus is needed, air bubbles aren’t released and fish aren’t scared. However, when free diving you need to ensure safety by wearing the correct weight, staying calm, diving with a ‘spotter and having experts on alert nearby. Finally, the aim of free diving is to dive for as deep and as long as possible and to continually train to be the best.

Summary - Life in 2058 - Oct/Nov 2008 Core

In 2008, we will have access to medical benefits such as an unending supply of body parts and organs. We will also live a lot longer. Moreover, we may have become aware of neighbours in other areas of space, how knowledge about how the Earth was formed. Finally, as a result of animal studies, we will have saved our oceans from overfishing, become vegetarians and can empathise with animals.

Summary - Space Cuisine - May/June 2010 Core

Scientists must understand the problems, such as diminished smell and the flow of liquids in the body, caused by gravity. Therefore, food must be firm and flavourful. In addition, due to weightlessness, astronauts need anchors to attach to when eating. Furthermore, they must eat every last morsel otherwise it will end up floating in the spaceship. A final problem is the need for food to have a long shelf-life due to the length of missions. (75 words)

Summary - Social Networking - May/June 2010 Ext

Firstly, overuse of social networks can result in the deterioration of employee’s work performances. In addition, it can cause problems in people’s personal lives. They can become addicted to social networks, which reduces in less time for face-to-face relationships and consequently less physical interactions. Furthermore, heavy social network users’ health due to the length of time spent staring at a screen. Another potential negative consequence is the possibility of loss of privacy and identity fraud. Finally, research has shown that overuse of social network sites results in technology fatigue as user become quickly bored with new technologies.

Article - The power of music - Oct/Nov 2009

We are surrounded by music, be it from the television or radio or, more recently, from our mobile devices and youtube. While there is no doubt that listening to music has many benefits, it also has the potential to be disruptive too.

One of the many benefits of music is that it has the power to change our moods. For example, if we are feeling sluggish, listening to an upbeat rock or pop song can give us an energy boost. Or if we are feeling stressed, music can help us to relax and unwind. In addition, listening to music can educate us as it allows us to hear what other people are thinking or saying. Furthermore, if the creator of the music is from another culture, we can get a deeper understanding of the world in which we live.

However, what one person may consider as music is what another may consider as noise. Therefore, we should be considerate when playing music. It should never be played too loud, particularly when in public places. Also, there are some songs with questionable lyrics that might offend others.

In conclusion, music has the power to uplift us but we must always be sensitive to the needs of others when we play it.

Letter - A swimming pool incident - Oct/Nov 2009

Hi Joe,

I hope things are going well with you and that your exam preparations are not too stressful. In order to help me relax from all my revision, I try to get down to the swimming pool as often as possible. And that is where something really interesting happened.

I was doing laps in the pool when I noticed something unusual in the water. I swam over to take a closer look and was shocked to saw that I actually saw a real, live snake in the water (remember, that pool is outdoors)! Needless to say, I backed away as quick as lightning and jumped out of the pool at the earliest opportunity. I raised the alarm by screaming at everyone that there was a snake in the water. This of course resulted in mayhem. However, the lifeguard was nonplussed and he just grabbed a net and fished the snake out. He explained to me later that it happens quite regularly in the early summer and that the snakes are not poisonous. In fact, they are more scared of us.

Well, that’s all for now. I’ve got to get back to the studies. Please write soon to let me know your plans for after the exams.

All the best,
Jim

Letter - World Youth Group - May/June 2009

Dear Form,

I am writing to tell you about an exciting invitation that we have received from the Association of World Youth Groups. They are looking for us to send a team on students to participate in the building of a small clinic in Nepal.

In order to be considered for the project, you will need a number of core skills. First, you must be good at communicating and socialising. Next, it is desirable, though not necessary, that you have some ability to design and construct. In addition, the ability to speak other languages, particularly Hindi, would be beneficial. However, perhaps the most important skills needed are the abilities to work hard, be flexible and be open-minded. Finally, while staying in Nepal will be free, it is expected that participants pay for their own flights and bring a small amount of pocket money.

If you are interested in joining, please send me an essay by the end of the week outlining the reasons why you should be selected. Team members will be selected based on this letter and subsequent interviews. If you would like further details, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,
John Smith

Letter - An interesting find - May/June 2010

Hi Mary,

I hope that you are doing well. I’m really sorry that I haven’t written for such a long time but I’ve been really busy studying for my exams. Anyway, I’m writing about a really interesting thing that I recently found.

Last Saturday, I was out walking (to clear my head after so much revision) in some fields near my house when I stumbled across a coin. At first I thought it was just a twenty-pence piece, but when I examined it closer I discovered that it was in quite ancient. On one side was the face of what looked like an old Roman emperor; on the other was a map of Britain. I was really excited about the find and took it to the local museum for an appraisal. The museum curator told me that, yes, it was an old Roman coin but that as they were quite common in the district, it wasn’t that valuable. Even though I was disappointed with this news, I’m still happy to have it as a keepsake.

Have you ever found anything interesting? If so, in your next letter, please tell me about it. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes,
Linda

Summary - Television, a big turn off? (May/June 2009 Ext)

(Original article in May/June 2009 - Ext)

Television adversely affects children in a number of ways. First, brain growth and the ability to concentrate is diminished. In addition, television viewing becomes a habit which can lead to children doing less exercise and becoming fatter due to inactivity. Furthermore, when TV is taken away from children, they become bored very easily as television viewing has decreased their abilities to be imaginative, to talk to peers and to make their own decisions. Finally, research has linked television viewing to higher levels of depression in children.

Summary - Sports stars have natural advantages

(Original article - May/June 2009 - Core)

When sporting bodies are looking for athletes, one important factor is the size, strength and endurance of people. Another is that they should be young. Other factors such as genes and mental abilities play an important role. Some sportspeople have certain physical advantages that help. For example, David Beckham’s bandy legs help him spin the ball. Michael Phelps enormous feet propel him in the water. And Liz Halliday’s extremely quick reaction times make her a better racing driver.

Article - Advantages and disadvantages of playing computer games - May/June 2009

Nowadays, more and more teenagers are spending their free time playing computer games. Some people argue that in fact teenagers are spending too much time doing this to the detriment of other activities. However, I believe that there are both advantages and disadvantages to playing computer games.

One advantage is that playing computer games helps teenagers to relax. As their days are filled with lots of study and homework, it’s important that they have some form of escape, particularly as playing outside has become more dangerous. In addition, playing computer games helps students develop skills, such as eye-hand coordination, concentration and quick reflexes, that are not really developed in school.

On the other hand, playing computer games for long periods of time can adversely affect teenagers. For example, their health may suffer in the form of weakened eyesight, arm and hand injuries and weight gain. Another disadvantage is that teenagers have fewer opportunities to develop social skills as their only form of social interaction is online.

In conclusion, while playing computer games can help students relax and develop some key skills, time spent playing needs to be restricted so that teenagers have enough time to do outdoor activities and meet friends face-to-face.

(202 words)