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 In addition, the sheer speed at which technology and fashion becomes outdated is putting pressure on teenagers to have the latest gadgets and items of clothing.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.