Writing Topics For Pet-B1

WRITING TOPICS (PET/B1): (150 words)
1.
Write a story which must have the following title: The Surprise Party
Last month my friends and I met to have a cup of coffee in a caf and talk about how to celebrate
our friend's birthday party the following week. Lately Pedro has been going through hard times. He was
unemployed and the situation at home was not the best. He is a wonderful friend, he is always there when
you need him.
He is always telling jokes and making all the people laugh, but in the last months he had lost that
sense of humour. Therefore, we thought a birthday party would be good to cheer him up. Besides, we
wanted to have a good laugh at his expense too, for he is always playing tricks on us.
We decided not to phone him on the day of his birthday to make him believe we had forgotten. In
the evening, our friend called him to ask him to come to his place, for he had had an accident and could
not walk.
As soon as Pedro came in, the lights were turned on and the 50 guests shouted Happy Birthday!
Pedro was shocked. He started laughing the way he used to some time ago. That night we really had a
total blast. (202)(Nivel cercano al B2)
2.
Write a story which must begin with this sentence: I'll never forget the day when...
I'll never forget the day when I opened the door of my house and told the person who was ringing
that my mum said she was not at home. I was perhaps eight years old. It was a hot summer day during
the siesta when somebody rang the bell. My mother peered through the curtains of the window and asked
me to open and say she was not at home. Unfortunately, I did not fully understand what was going on, so I
just opened the door and said: My mum says she is not at home now. Please come later.
I remember clearly that at that time I was unable to understand why my mother rushed from
behind and apologized for my words. She even said I had made a mistake! So I said: No mum, you told
me to say that. Remember? A tomato was pale compared to my mother's face. She just apologized and
sent me in. All my family bring up that episode in every family meeting, so I'll never be able to forget it.
(178)(Nivel cercano al B2)

3.
Write a story which must begin with the sentence: It was a warm day in the middle of summer
when...
It was a warm day in the middle of summer when I had my first communion. Communion is just one
of those long expected rituals all Catholics have to go through at the age of 8. My mother was a
seamstress, so she had made the white long dress for the occasion. I also had my white new shoes and
white socks with lace.
The religious service was in the church early in the morning. After that, we had lunch at home. I
remember I felt a bit upset after the religious service, because I felt that despite all the stress and
preparations for the ceremony, nothing had really changed within me, I was just the same as always. The
only fruit I have of that agitated day is a photo of me in a white long dress, a black face with white teeth.
As it was summer, I used to spend all day in the swimming pool, so in the photos I'm just a shadow . (167)
(Nivel cercano al B2)

4.
Write a story which must begin with the sentence: I was really surprised when I read the email...
I was really surprised when I read the email someone sent me from England. Some friends and I
met him and his family on a summer day in a summer resort in the south of Spain. One day we attended a
Gospel Concert in the central park sponsored by the local town hall. There we met an English family and
we started talking, then we had lunch lunch together and we had a very nice afternoon.
After the left for England, I lost contact with them for months, till one day I received an email
inviting us to England. As they knew we were unemployed, they said they would provide for the plane
tickets and accommodation at their own house. I was shocked. We spent two unforgettable weeks in
England, and we have been a family ever since. (138) (Nivel cercano al B2)
5.
This is part of a letter you received from your English friend Sarah: I have just come back from a
cooking course. I have learnt to prepare some traditional dishes. Are you good at cooking? What type of food
do you normally eat? Write a letter to Sarah answering her questions.
Dear Sarah:
Thank you so much for your email. I'm happy to see you are having a good time learning new
things. I just can't wait to visit you and try all those delicious traditional dishes!
Unfortunately, cooking is not my strongest point. Perhaps it will be a better idea that you cook next
time you visit me :D. Though I would like to cook well, I never have the time to look for recipes. Besides,
I'm so busy working in my new project, that I never spend more than half an hour in the kitchen. I'm a
vegetarian, so vegetables are all I eat day after day. And I just love them.
Anyway, when you come I'll have holidays and you may teach me some tricks. I'm really looking forward
to seeing you soon.
Love, ;-)
6.
This is part of a letter you received from your friend Mary: Thanks for inviting me to your birthday
party. I'll be there! Can you tell me if I have to bring anything to eat or drink? What time do I have to be
there? How can I get to your home? Write a letter to Mary answering her questions.
Dear John,
Thank you so much for coming to my party. I know you are very busy at this time of the year and it
is hard for you to make room for this event, so I really appreciate it very much indeed. You do not need to
bring anything. A couple of friends who are very good cooks have helped me prepare all the meals and
some friends will bring the drinks.
We will meet at 7 pm, is that OK for you? If you are coming by car, you have to turn right when you
get to the petrol station in front of the BBVA bank, pass by Mercadona, and turn left on the next corner. I
can send you a map through WhatsApp just in case. But if you are coming by train, I will pick you up from
the train stop at the Centro Comercial La Marina.
I'm really looking forward to seeing you after so long. It will definitely be an unforgettable evening.
Love,
7.
This is part of a letter you received from your friend Peter: Tell me about your favourite kind of
holiday. What do you usually do? Why do you like it? Write a letter to Sarah answering her questions.
Dear Peter,
As regards to your question about my favourite holidays, my favourite place is the mountains.
When I was a child I used to be mad about the sea and the beach. I dreamt of visiting a summer resort. So
when I had a chance to go to Brazil, I enjoyed every day as if it was the last day of my life. But now that I
have lived in a summer resort for 11 years, my perspective has completely changed. I love the mountains.
I miss my school days when my classmates and I went to the sierra. We didn't care if it rained or if it was
too hot, we just loved the mountain. When we got to the top, we could see the whole city. We had a
sandwich while we planned which way to take to go down.
Living in a summer resort makes you change your ideas about summer. During the high season, the
city is flooded with tourists who come from many countries, and so the locals have to wait till the end of
the season to enjoy the city they live in. Tourists are like locusts that invade all the city, hotels are so noisy
that we can't sleep, the traffic jams are terrific, supermarkets and shops are over-crowded, queues are a
nightmare. Summer is the time of the year when locals would gladly run away from this city. So, when
summer comes, I dream of going to the mountains.
8.
Write an email to a friend you have been staying with and tell him/her what you have been doing
recently.
Dear Margaret,
I just wanted to write to tell you how much I appreciate everything you have done for me
while I was in England. You are always so kind and attentive. I really felt at home, as usual. I can't wait to
have you here next summer.
Lately I have been very busy working in my new project. It is really a hard work. When I
started, I didn't think it would take so much effort and so many hours a day. Anyway, I love my job and I'm
enjoying each day. My heart is in every detail. As soon as it is finished, I'll send you a copy, I promise.
This year, I'll send you brochures of the excursions we can have when you come next
summer, so that when you come we can make the best of each day. I'm really looking forward to seeing
you here. We'll have a great time together!
Love,
(157)(Nivel B2)
9. Your family is visiting London next month. You have an English pen friend called Zara who also lives
in London. You would like to meet there when you go to London. Write 35-45 words. Write an email to
Zara. In your email, you should:
say when your family is coming to London
ask if you can meet up, and suggest a day
suggest what you can do together.

ANSWER:
Dear Zara,
My family is visiting London next month from 13th to 20th December. I would love to meet you
while I am in London. My dad is taking me and my brother to London zoo on Saturday 15th December. It
would be great if you could join us. I would really like to see you again.
Love,
10.
This is part of a letter you receive from your pen-friend James: In your next letter, please tell me
about the music you like. Whats your favourite kind of music? Do you play an instrument? Now write a
letter, answering your pen-friends questions:
ANSWER:
Dear James,
Thank you for your letter, which came yesterday. It's always good to hear from you.
I play the guitar quite a lot. I am not very good but I enjoy it. I often go to my friend's house and
we play together. I don't go to many concerts as I live in a small town and not many bands come here. At
parties we often dance and I like that! I like rock and roll music best. I listen to a lot of music on my mp3
player. I have got it with me everyday.
What about you? Do you play an instrument?
Write soon,
11. A friend in your English class called Elena has invited you to her wedding. Write 35-45 words. Write an
email to Elena. In your email you should:
- congratulate her on her marriage
- say how pleased you are to be invited
- ask her if there is anything she would like as a present
Dear Elena,
Congratulations Elena! I'm so glad. This is really wonderful news. You are such a lovely couple. I
wish you nothing but the best. You look gorgeous together.
By the way, thanks a lot for your invitation. I will definitely be there. I just can't wait to see you
dressed in your white long dress. Your mum must be over the moon!
Elena, I would rather you told me if there is anything you need for your new home. I would love to
give you a present, but I prefer you give me some ideas. If you have seen something you like in a shop, or
if you have left a list in a shop, please let me know.
See you soon my dear,
Lots of love,
(128)(Nivel B2)
12.
Write a magazine article about transport in your town:
A report on transport in Benidorm:

To begin with, let us speak about what to do as soon as you arrive at Alicante airport. If you did not
hire a shuttle pack as part of your package holiday, the first thing you must do when you get to the airport
is to go to the information desk and ask which bus to take and the timetables. There is an inexpensive
direct bus that takes you from the airport to Benidorm. Taxis may charge 60.
You can also go to the Alicante railway station, and take a train to Benidorm. The stop in Benidorm
is just 20 minutes to the beach walking downhill. The journey takes one hour but the tram is quite
comfortable and it is air-conditioned. The advantage of travelling by train is that you get to see more of
the countryside and the wonderful sea views than you do from the motorways and main roads around
Benidorm. This tram can take you to Denia and it stops at every town along the way. The Limn Express is
a special service equipped with a bar on board in the Caf car.
Once in the city, you can wave down a taxi (green light on top means it's not taken). They aren't
too expensive to get about in, there are loads of them, and there are taxi ranks on most of the busy
streets near the square.
Benidorm is small enough to walk around, but if you want to get away and visit neighbouring towns,
there are plenty of buses and they are cheap and fairly reliable. A unique fare of 1.5 will get you
anywhere you want to go. A great way to see all the important touristic sites of Benidorm is a city
sightseeing tour by panoramic bus. The service runs every hour and is available in different languages.
Another very popular means of transport to get around is the electric Mobility Scooter. They are
particularly popular among the senior citizens and people with reduced mobility. They can be hired in
many shops throughout the city at a fairly cheap price.
Obviously, walking is the cheapest and most healthy way to go around. Benidorm is not a massive
place and it shouldn't take more than half an hour to walk to most places. I would especially recommend
walking along the promenade at sunset.
(358)(Nivel B2)
13.
Write a story about something funny/sad/embarrassing... that happened to you.
14.
Write a review of a classic film.
15.
Write a letter of complaint about something you bought.
16.
Write a report about the advantages and disadvantages of smart phones.
17.
Write a report about how education has changed in your country over the last 50 years.
18.
Write an article for an English website describing the place you love.
19.
Write a report about the advantages and disadvantages of city life.
20.
Write a report about an exciting family party you have been to (a wedding party, a Christmas
lunch/dinner, a birthday party, etc.)
21.
You have a British friend who lives in England, but she wants to move to Spain. Write an email to give
her some advice. You can talk about:
- the best place to live in,
- what the food is like,
- traditions, celebrations, festivals, etc.
- weather and necessary clothes,
- how to learn Spanish, etc.
22.
Write a description of the school you went to or go to. Include the following information:
-Introduction: the kind of school, size, location, your age when you went there, number of pupils in each class
- homework, uniform, discipline, teachers
- subjects (best - worst)
- your general opinion of the school (good, bad) Why?
23.
You recently saw this announcement in a local English newspaper:
Soon there will be a contest to choose the best web site of the year. Write a review of your favourite website.
Describe the topic, the way it is presented, and say why you think it is good. The best reviews will be
published in our newspaper.
24.
An international magazine has organized a short story competition and you decided to participate. All
competitors must write a short story that begins with these words: It was a day Anna would never forget
25.
You have received a gift from your ex-girlfriend/ex-boyfriend and you see it's very expensive, so you
feel embarrassed for this reason. Write an email to her/him including the following information:
- thank her/him for the present,
- say whether you really liked it or not,
- express what you feel about the present,
- include any other information you consider.
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43.
Composition: No future for public transport?

Report: How my town takes care of the environment
Letter: Summer Camp job application
Article: Your favourite sport
Story: A mistake
Review: Film review for student club
Report: Shopping guide for tourists
Composition: How people's lives will change in the future
Letter: Advice on travelling and working in your country
Article: An important historical place in your country
Story: Peter had to do something immediately
Review: A restaurant review
Report: Local transport usage and improvement
Composition: Are the members of your family your best friends?
Letter: Application for weekend caf work
Article: Helping the environment
Story: Tom's achievement
Review: My favourite soap opera
44.
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Report: An activity I tried which my college should provide

Composition: Can television entertain and also educate?
Letter: Should your pen-friend give up sport or music?
Article: Plane, train or boat?
Story: Alison read the note...
Report: What young people are interested in.
FASHION:
What do you understand by 'fashion' and why does fashion change?
The word 'fashion' is generally used to mean style in clothing, 'style' meaning what is popularly accepted,
admired or regarded as exclusive i.e. not available to the majority either because they lack the taste or the
money to follow it.
However, the term 'fashion' applies to many things other than dress and hair-styles e.g. houses, buildings and
the general design of most goods ranging from cars to kitchen appliances. Surprisingly, this word also refers to
customs, personal manners, use of words, as well as moral standards for today absolutely all things change.
All these things change from time to time, sometimes abruptly. Sometimes a form of dress, a phrase, or a
custom may drop out of fashion but then come back for no clear reason. The need to change constantly is hard
to explain, but the truth is that outdated things always come back with time. Some claim that designers have no
imagination to crate brand new designs, and so they 'revive' the old fashion and give it a new name: vintage.
In the post-war times, the West clothing fashion changed to show the higher standard of living most
European countries had at that time. Take England as an example. Before the war, high fashion was affordable
only by the well-to-do women. But women with a tight budget had to buy clothes and shoes to keep warm,
whether they were in vogue or not. During the war times, clothes for both sexes were rationed on a coupon
system. This austerity was followed by post-war full employment. With a better financial situation at home, all
people started paying more attention to fashion.
Men's fashions have always remained relatively static, variations in suits and shoes remaining fairly minor.
However the freedoms of the 1960's moved young men into a much more informal style of dress, which
reflected their casual attitudes, behavior and morality. The tee-shirt and denim jeans became almost statutory
for the young of both sexes. Recently there has been slight return to formal dress, although the hat has, for no
apparent reason, become the symbol of the elderly men, and, for most occasions, women too.
Returning to women's fashion, a third reason for the constant changes lies in 'haute couture' as big business.
At one time a new and exclusively styled garment from a couturier in Paris was sold only to the rich. The real
business lies in the sale of the model to the factories which bring new styles to the big stores in the High Street.
Today any shoper can wear the same style in clothes and shoes as Princess Diana.
A fourth cause of continual change is that women like changing for its own sake. They prefer two or three
different outfits to one, in the course of a year. Mass-produced fashion clothes and shoes are therefore not made
to last. They become 'disposable.'
Another reason for changes in customs, manners and morals, lies in subtle changes in ideas and outlooks.
The manly appearance of some western women supposedly reflects a feminist victory, as does the look-alike
garb used by some couples. For men or women to live together in a homosexual relationship, so far from
causing ostracism, is now accepted as fashionable in some quarters. Some men no longer open doors for
women, stand when they enter a room or give up their seats in a railway carriage because what used to be a sign
of courtesy is now seen as male chauvinism.
Other changes in fashion occur because of the power of propaganda, advertising and political pressure
groups. The anti-smoking lobby has largely succeeded in keeping all public places smoke-free. The lobby has
considerable backing from the medical profession.
The term 'fashion' applies also to the written and the spoken word; B.B.C. English, spoken in an 'Oxbridge'
accent was used exclusively by newsreaders and public speakers until the 60s. In that decade local accents
became more fashionable, due partly to the prominence given to pop-groups, especially if they came from
Liverpool, such as the 'Beatles' or from the Midlands or the North. Changes in accent and expression have
greatly affected both the theatre and the television play; subject matter is also very different today. The term
'kitchen-sink drama' sums up the process. Novels have also undergone fundamental changes in fashion, partly
because of travel and partly because of a shift in political interest. Today best-selling novels are usually spythrillers or books which deal with contemporary subjects such as aircraft, banking, electronics or industrial
espionage; others result from a new and sometimes sentimental review of England's past glories, her old
wartime achievements, her social and industrial progress in Victorian and Edwardian days and her colonial
power up to 1939.
one-off something that happens or is made or done only once

ostracism to prevent people from taking part in the activities of a group
sum up to quickly form an opinion about someone or something
A SAD ANECDOTE:
My First Unforgettable Evening
It happened many years ago, when I was a little girl. I can neither remember the beginning nor the end, but
whenever I think of the scene, tears flow freely down my cheeks.
When I was young, my family led a poor life in the country. One evening we were visiting some relatives and
the weather was very bad. It rained so hard that the roads were flooded with water. We had to go back home
walking in the rain. My father carried me over his shoulders. My mum held my elder brothers hand, and held
an umbrella for dad and me. Dad gave his overcoat to my elder brother. When it rains in the countryside, it is
very difficult to walk along the rounds because they are full of mud and puddles. The road we were walking
along was especially bad after the rain. However, we trudged together through the mud and the rain for more
than an hour.
Though I was on my Dad's back, I wasnt comfortable either. I was fat at that time and it may have been hard
for Dad to hold me for such a long time. He was about to fall down four or five times. In hopes of decreasing
my father's burden, I tried to "carry" myself, through force of will alone. That may sound funny, but I was just a
kid. Of course, I achieved nothing.
When we arrived home, the inside of our house was covered with rain wter. There were wholes on the roof,
and so there were puddles everywhere. Mum put bowls and tubs all around the house to try to catch the rain.
Then she put me and my elder brother to bed, carefully placing us on the remaining dry spots. I fell asleep soon.
When I opened my eyes, I found dad and mum were sleeping in chairs, both having caught bad colds.
This is my very earliest memory, and luckily, it represents nothing but my parents love. That day I realized
how deep my parents love was. Though we live a happy life now, I will never forget that evening. The memory
of my parents' love will stay in my mind forever.
3 PASSIONS:
"Keys to Happiness"
Looking back on the first twenty years of my life, lived with passion, energy and enthusiasm, I feel grateful
to have been so healthy and happy. I owe my happiness to so many people and lucky events, but there are three
key, fundamental factors that have guided me and supported me in my life. Those three keys to life are my
physical health, healthy finances, and my family's happiness.
Health comes first for me, because without health everthing else is meaningless. Imagine starting a career
without good health. Imagine starting a family without good health. Imagine achieving anything without good
health. Clearly, good health is a basic, fundamental prerequisite for every other aspect of one's life.
Good health is not enough to be happy. We still need to have money in today's society. Money obviously
pays for the basic necessities of life - food, housing, clothing - but is also necessary for other reasons. The
amount of money we have at our disposal determines the quality of education we can receive. Money
guarantees we will always get adequate medical treatment if the need arises. We can also use money for travel
and other entertainment that can add to our quality of life.
When we have both our health and healthy finances, we can turn our attention to the most important factor in
having a happy life. Family is the most important factor because it provides the love, joy and support that
everybody needs. I love my family with all my heart. I get pleasure from their pleasure. I suffer when they
suffer. My family helped me get through the tremendous pressure of entrance exams. They consoled and
advised me when I had misunderstandings with my friends. More importantly, they were there to share in my
successes throughout the past twenty years.
These three factors are all that I need and want in this world. As long as I stay healthy, work hard to earn as
much money as I can, and then use my health and wealth to share both good times and bad times with my
family, I will always be the happiest girl in the world.
SELF CONFIDENCE:
The Value of Self Confidence

My friends often ask me, "Joe, why are you so carefree all the time?". The answer is quite simple. I owe my
carefree attitude to self confidence. Now, some people may say that self confidence is a form of conceit, and
they may be right. However, my self confidence allows me to feel relaxed no matter how difficult a task I face,
so it is extremely valuable to me.
I remember the first time I partipated in an English competition. Three years ago, my classmates chose me to
speak in an English competition at our school. When I went onstage, I had butterflies in my stomach. Suddenly,
my mother's words came back to me: "If you want to do something, it costs nothing but self confidence". Since
I was chosen to be there, it meant I must have the ability to succeed. "Get a hold of yourself", I said silently.
"You have prepared for this competition for the past three months. You are the best". Strangely, my nervousness
vanished after I spoke to myself with such confidence. I began to speak onstage - the feeling was wonderful.
The whole audience applauded afterwards. I was successful!
Without my self confidence, I could not have succeeded. My courage and optimism are based on this self
confidence. Various difficulties will certainly come into our lives from time to time in the future. If we face
those difficulties, if we come to terms with them, we are bound to succeed. Knowing that we are capable of
handling any difficulty will build our confidence and lead to success.
So, my friends, be confident! Even if you're not the best, it doesn't matter. Don't you always do your best to
achieve your aims? Of course you do. That's enough to give you confidence, and confidence will make you
happier.
COOPERATION:
Cooperation: the spirit of contemporary society
Today, many people think competition is the key to success. They pursue their own personal goals with no
regard for the people around them. I believe such thinking is out of date. I believe contemporary society,
including society as a whole as well as individuals, demands that we cooperate with others. Real success will
come when we grow together, rather than hold each other down.
The world economy is expected to remain prosperous, at least into the near future. However, the adverse
effects of high oil prices, vicious competition for strategic resources and global pollution are on the rise. To
overcome these problems, countries must be mindful of all their relationships and act with integrity at all times.
The fight against problems such as AIDS, poverty and terrorism requires cooperation. Our own personal
success is no different. In order to succeed, we must cooperate to solve problems.
Today, information and knowledge are growing to the extent that no individual can master everything.
Cooperation allows us to learn from others. When we combine the knowledge of many, companies can
innovate, human beings can be sent into space, diseases can be conquered. We need each other to fill in the gaps
in our knowledge and understanding.
By being flexible, supportive and willing to compromise, we will have more success in our lives and careers.
We can still retain our own independence, our unique natures, our core competencies, but through cooperation,
we will expand our identities and develop stronger relationships. These are, after all, the source of self-esteem
and satisfaction in life.
MY DREAM, MY WORLD:
I often dream of driving with my mother down a long, straight road, a road that stretches as far as the eye can
see. Birds are joyously flittering around the car, singing. Flowers in splendorous full bloom decorate the
landscape. The breeze is flirting with my mother's short gray hair, and with my long, black waterfall. It is a
lovely dream, from which I never wish to wake. Many people in this world dream of having a car. I now realize
that I have a car not only in my dream, but in reality. My car is the best car in the world. It is not a Lincoln,
Audi or Mercedes Benz. I call my car "Mother".
It is clear that my car is a special one, but it includes several features with which you may not be familiar. To
begin with, my car has the best engine in the world. This engine is my mother's heart. This engine never fails,
because mothers never fail their children. My mother's heart supports me when I am in need and keeps me
perpetually moving forward. To guide the engine, my car has an excellent steering wheel in the form of my
mother's mouth. When I am in trouble, it always tells me the way out. When I am lost, this steering wheel turns
me in the right direction. When I am wrong, it gently sets me right.
Of course, on a car, good tires are essential. Cars without tires cannot roll like a ball or ride rails like a train.
Fortunately, my car has tires which can never be deflated. These tires are my mother's back. Though it is not
exceptionally strong, it can move mountains. Though it is starting to curve with age, it straightens all the roads
and streets of my life. As my mother's youth rolls away on aging tires, my youth blossoms on my mother's back.
The cab of my car is also unique. The cab is my mother's bosom. When I am tired, the cab of my car protects
me in a warm and comfortable embrace. When I am lonely, it accompanies me wherever I go. When I feel
desperate, it gives me hope and courage. My mother's cab is the safest harbor from a storm and the warmest
place during a severe winter.
This is my car, priceless and unparelleled. Sometimes I envy those drivers who have their own car. But this
feeling is temporary. On the other hand, others are eternally envious of me because I have the best car in the
world. "Mother" is a word that means the world to me. I love my car, my mother.
WHERE IS MY CHEESE:
One of the basic principles of writing is to think of your reader as you write. In several different ways, this
writer failed to keep his audience in mind. First, when you mention names, you must explain who the people
are. Maybe Chinese readers know who Xiuxiu, Congcong, Hengheng and Jiji are. If all of the readers are
Chinese, then the writer should write in Chinese! However, if the writer writes in English, maybe someone
from another country will read it. The writer must describe the mice and pygmies clearly or there will be
misunderstandings.
The second way that the writer fails to help the audience is by misusing pronounds and adverbs. For
example, in number (3), what is "it"? I am not sure if "it" refers to cheese or life. In number (7), does the writer
mean cheese, the series, or work achievement? In number (13), where is "here", and in number (15), why are
there people studying "behind" him? I have no idea what number (17), "something" maybe be, or who number
(18), "somebody" maybe be. All of these mistakes leave the reader confused.
The third way that the writer fails to help the audience is by creating expressions that are unclear. Perhaps
expressions such as (5 ) "none of any cheese", (10) "just so simple", (11) "changed into complicated", (12) "no
any simple", (14) "grab a social status", (20) "new marching", and (21) "Owned the related ways", are clear to
the writer, but I have no idea what these words mean! Every writer must be sure to use words and expressions
that the readers can understand. Be clear in your writing at all times.
The writer also made some basic mistakes that distract from the meaning of the sentences. Number (1)
should be "children's story". It is not for one child only, nor was it written by one child. Number (2) is missing a
verb. Perhaps the writer wanted to write "it can also be enjoyed by everyone". Number (4), "I admitted the
university" sounds very funny, as though the writer let the university come into his home! Of course, it should
be "I was admitted to the university". Number (6), "found it out" is a common problem for many students.
"Find" and "find out" are very different. We use "find" when we search for something and then we remember
where it is. On the other hand, "find out" is to learn something new, without looking for something that we lost.
So in this case, the writer is talking about "finding his cheese", not "finding out (learning) about cheese".
Numbers (8) and (9) are both too vague. We perceive every minute that we are awake. What "perceptions"
are these? And what kind of "social life" does the writer mean? Whose social life? Number (16), "feel ashamed
of their inferiority" needs to be explained. Why should the writer feel ashamed of other people working?
Perhaps they could have done better, or maybe they are of a higher social class than average tutors. Unless the
writer explains, the reader will never know. Number (19) is another commone mistake. The expression "pick
on" means to tease somebody. The writer should write "pick", which means "choose".
MOBILE OHONES ON CAMPUS:
Mobile Phones on Campus
The Communication Revolution has changed the way we live, work and have fun. The mobile phone in
particular has changed the way we communicate with the world around us. Though mobile phones were a
luxury only a few decades ago, they are now considered necessities by many people. This attitude even exists
among students on campuses all around China, especially in big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and
Guangzhou.
Statistics show that one out of every seven college students possess a cell phone. The advantages of owning a
cell phone are obvious. You can talk with your friends and relatives who may live thousands of miles away. You
can carry it wherever you go. You don't need a notebook to store phone numbers because your cell phone has a
memory.
Now, I have nothing against students from rich families having cell phones. After all, they can afford it.
However, I don't see eye to eye with poor students who only buy cell phones in order to avoid losing face.
Considering their families' conditions, they should make the decision to buy a cell phone using reason rather
than emotion. All students should try to think objectively before spending their hard earned cash.
THOMAS EDISON:
Thomas Edison was a very ordinary student who went on to become a great success. What was his secret? He
said, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration". We can see from a very early age which students will
become "geniuses". The "smart" students are always those who are not afraid to work hard. Good students have
a clear purpose, are self-disciplined, and have strong characters. Whatever they do, they feel they must do well,
at least to their own satisfaction. Bad students, on the other hand, do things passively. The work only because
they have to, not because they really want to. As a result, whatever they do seems to them to be dull and
monotonous.
Of course, good students become successful members of society because of all their hard work. We live in a
knowledge economy and the hard work to gain knowledge and experience brings good fortune. Our society
could be compared to a large pyramid, with only the few brilliant people - scientists, businessmen, statesmen at the top. These are the diligent, hard-working students of our youth. At the bottom we find all those
unsuccessful, struggling people - the unmotivated students.
As Edison indicated, the most important thing is inside. Our ability to work hard, to sweat, to persevere is the
determining factor in whether we succeed or fail. There are some minor factors on the outside, for example, the
environment that supports and nourishes us. However, the outside environment will not determine whether
something will be a chicken or a stone in the future. No, what counts is on the inside. So, I ask all students to
look inside and find the will, the desire, the courage to work hard. Do you want success or failure? The choice,
truly, is yours!
THE GREATEST INVENTION IN HISTORY:
The Greatest Invention in History
Thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, people built pyramids for the Pharoah. At that time there were no
machines, so how could they move such huge stones? How could they create such splendid pyramids? How
could they create such a miracle? The answer, of course, is the wheel. The wheel makes everything possible.
Now, you may challenge this assertion. "The wheel is far too simple," you may say. "Inventions such as the
printing press and the computer chip have done much more to change the world." I have to disagree with you.
Let me explain why.
The common uses of the wheel are obvious. Rather than travel on foot or on horse, we have learned to travel
by horse-drawn carriages, cars, trains and now airplanes and rockets. The Industrial Revolution could never
have occured without the wheel. Not only do industrial machines, such as we find in factories, or home
appliances such as washing machines and air conditioners, depend on the wheel, even the printing press that
brought learning to the masses depended on gears - toothed wheels! - to work. In other words, though the
printing press was important, it simply couldn't exist without the wheel.
The computer chip also would not be the useful device it is, without the help of the wheel. The computer chip
itself may not use a wheel or gear directly, but peripheral devices such as printers and disk drives do. Without
the wheel, we could in theory have a powerful computing device. However, we wouldn't be able to save our
work or show it to other people! Without the invention of the wheel, the computer would be next to useless.
So, can you imagine a world without the wheel? Can you imagine a world without long-distance travel? Can
you imagine a world without a printing press to communicate the best writing in the world? Can you imagine a
world with no useful computers? Everything that came after the wheel, and everything that is to come, depends
on the greatest invention in history. The wheel!
STORY:
Write a story based on this line : "By evening, she was running a high fever ... "
Far up in the mountains of Canada, there is an old abandoned log cabin. Once it was occupied by a young
couple who wanted to distance themselves from the chaos of this modern world. Here they were miles away
from the nearest town. Bob, the husband, made the occasional trip into town to buy supplies whereas Jan, his
wife, spent her free time by the fire, sewing. Their life was simply idyllic.
Then, one midwinter's day, Jan woke up from bed with a strange ache in her bones. Putting it down to
overwork, Bob shooed her to bed and made sure she rested. Though Jan was impatient to get to her chores, Bob
soothed her, "Relax, Sugar. You're overdoing things. All these chores will be here when you recover."
However, Jan seemed to be getting worse instead of recovering. By evening, she was running a high fever
and in greater pain. In spite of his best efforts, Bob could not manage to ease her suffering. And then suddenly,
she started to lapse into unconsciousness.
It was then obvious that she was seriously ill. What could Bob do? He had no experience in treating the sick
and Jan was getting worse by the minute. He knew that there was an old doctor in town but he lived three miles
away, downhill. Pot-bellied and obese, there was no way the doctor could make it up to their cabin.
Something had to be done quickly! Bob racked his brains but to no avail. The only thing left to do was to go
to the doctor. In Jan's condition, she could never walk that far in the waist-deep snow. Bob would have to carry
her!
Bob searched his mind for a way to move poor, sick Jan. Then, he remembered. He had once made a sledge
so that they could ride together over the mountain. They never got around to using it though, because the whole
mountain was thickly covered with rocks and trees. He had never found a safe way down, not even once.
"Well," he thought, "looks like I'm going to have to try it anyhow," as he dug out the sledge from the
storeroom. "Jan may die unless I get her to the doctor, and life means nothing to me without her." With this
thought in mind, Bob gently tucked Jan into the sledge, got in the front, and with a short prayer for safety,
pushed off.
How they got through that ride alive, Bob has never figured out. As trees loomed up in front of him and just
as quickly whizzed by his side, close enough to touch, he felt relieved that Jan was not awake to experience the
ride. It was all he could do not to scream as collision seemed imminent, time and again, with only inches to
spare.
At last, bursting from the mountainside, the town came into view. Barely slowing down, they sped through
the icy streets, only losing speed as they neared the doctor's house. The sledge, battered through the journey,
collapsed in the left ski as it came to a halt, spilling out its occupants. Bob picked up his Jan and made his way
into the doctor's house.
After what seemed to be a long winter, Jan recovered fully from her illness but Bob never recovered from his
fright. They moved into the little town so as to be near help in times of crisis, and have lived there ever since.
Vocabulary:
idyllic: simple and carefree
rack one's brains: strain to find a solution
batter: to damage as by heavy wear
STORY:
Write a story using this sentence as your first line : "It seemed like it was going to be another one of those
days when nothing much happens."
It seemed like it was going to be another one of those days when nothing much happens. Ken and his friends
were playing their regular football game along the banks of the river near their small village. In the midst of the
game, Ken's attention was drawn to a tourist boat passing by.
Actually, tourist boats were quite common in their area. It was also common for some of the tourists to take
potshots at the birds and squirrels along the way. This is why Ken's friends were not really surprised to hear a
few small explosions from the boat. They ignored the sounds and went on with their game.
However, they were startled when they suddenly heard loud cries for help coming from the boat. They could
see that the crew were running about, panic-stricken. Some people were shouting to them.
"Their engine must have blown up! Look, there's smoke and the boat's out of control. It's going towards the
rapids," Ken pointed out to his friends.
Ken's village was located at the point at which the tourist boats turned around and headed back upstream.
Three kilometres downstream were the rapids, which spelt trouble for the boats.
"It's heading straight for the rapids! They're in trouble! The boat will be smashed against the rocks!" Ken
exclaimed. "Let's get help!"
The boys sprinted back to the village for help. Along the way, they met the village headman. Stumbling over
his words in his haste, Ken explained the emergency to the headman.
The headman was a man of quick action. Without wasting any time, he yelled out to some men to help him
carry his powerful outboard motor to the jetty. With the motor tied firmly onto bamboo poles, they rushed
hurriedly down to the jetty.
Their haste was indeed necessary for, by the time the men had reached the jetty, they saw that the boat was
dangerously close to the rapids. There was not a moment to lose! With quick hands, the headman attached the
outboard motor to his sampan and then sped off to the rescue.
Upon reaching the tourist boat with bare minutes to spare, the headman realized his mistake. How could so
many tourists be packed into this small sampan? The headman was filled with despair. Then he saw the rope
that had been used to tie down the outboard motor to the bamboo poles. It had been flung into the sampan in his
haste. Quickly, he grabbed the rope and flung it to the boatmen on the tourist boat.
"I'll tow you back!" he shouted.
After the boatmen had tied the rope firmly to their boat, the headman made a swift U-turn and then, putting
the engine on full power, he steered his sampan upstream. The rope gave a jerk and then, to everyone's relief
and joy, the tourist boat moved forward, obediently following the small sampan.
Loud cheers burst out from the tourist boat and the observers on the shore. Thanks to the headman's courage,
the cooperation from the villagers, and the quick action of the boys, the tourists were saved from certain death
in the rapids.
FICTION STORY:
Imagine a world where nobody gets sick or old. Write a story based in this fictitious world
It's my birthday today. I have lost count of how many birthdays have passed, but I still keep my tradition. I
climb to the top of the nearby hill, bringing a handful of dirt with me. I press it into the ground. Then, I sit down
to prepare my mind for my next annual rite: reminding myself of who I am and why I am living.
I made this hill, actually, and I'm still building it up. I started on my tenth birthday. Now, the hill is large
enough for me to ski down each winter. In a world where people stay young forever, persistence pays.
Persistence was what led Dr Syue Cano to discover the secret of eternal youth. At the age of eighty-four, he
identified the gene that causes humans to age and the specific radiation that destroys it. No one will know
whether he detonated his "Youth" bomb for the sake of his own immortality or for the sake of the other human
beings in the world. However, his defective heart could not withstand the impact of the blast. He died the
instant the bomb exploded.
Mankind will always be grateful for the discovery to which Dr Cano dedicated his life. However, he left the
world with one problem: the earth's limited natural resources. Even with plant growth accelerated by scientific
wizardry, food and oxygen were becoming inadequate for the world population, which only kept booming.
Some subtractions were necessary for the survival of the human species. The only solution was to remove
some of the people by unnatural means, that is, to execute them. Thus, this was why all crimes were made
punishable by execution: murder, theft, adultery, slander, hoarding of food... the list is very long. This was the
only way to maintain the valance of nature.
That's where I come in. I am an Executioner. I work alone, never considering the risk. People say I have a
death wish. Perhaps I do. Certainly, yesterday's job was no waltz in the park.
Rob Tao was suspected of stealing and hoarding food. My job was to check this out. As always, I was to be
detective, judge, jury and executioner.
I had enough stealth technology to break into Tao's compound undetected. To get into the house was also a
cinch. My vibra-blade cut through the wall like it was butter. In the house, my Arometer detected food, lots of
it. I went down corridor after corridor, following the bleeps of light on my Arometer.
The signals went wild outside one closed door. There was a lot of human activity inside, judging by my HUO
sensors. I primed a grenade and opened the door just a crack -- enough to see whom I would be executing.
Then I deprimed the grenade. Sitting there were thousands of children. Rob Tao stood amongst them, holding
a huge pot of steaming mush. He smiled at me, seemingly unperturbed.
"You're feeding all these children?" I asked, flabbergasted.
"Yes," he replied quietly.
"How do you get so much food? I'm sure you steal it," I said.
"Yes, I do. Going to execute me?" Still that gentle smile. Sitting here now, on my hill, I don't understand why
I just walked out. I had no excuse for letting him get away with his crime. It was not my decision to make. Yet...
I can't remember what I'm killing for; can't remember what I'm living for.
DESCRIBING A PERSON:
Describe your relationship with your father
Every evening, as I am doing my schoolwork in my room, the familiar sound of my father's car reaches my
ears. I imagine his Fort Cortina coming up the driveway, the engine purring to a stop. I know that in a few
moments, my father will be pausing outside my door, looking in quietly, so as not to stir me from my
concentration. I know he will feel pleased as he watches me studying.
My father, at 53 years, has thinning hair swept back from his forehead. He has a slim and athletic body. His
broad shoulders and rather serious demeanor give him an air of authority. Yet, behind his steel-rimmed glasses
are soft, kind eyes.
My father has always been my source of encouragement. When I was very young, he would take a book from
our small home library and read aloud to me every night. Secure and loved, on his lap, I was introduced to the
fascinating realm of books. He would read stories and parables from the Bible. Thus, he instilled in me a sense
of God's presence in this world.
I remember how, as he was reading, my father would point out the spelling of words. Then one day, he
instructed me to read the words for myself. To our shared delight, I found that I was able to do so. From that
day onwards, I was the one who would read aloud, with his gentle correction every now and then. Soon after
that, I was picking up the hooks and reading them on my own. I became quite a bookworm.
As I grew into boyhood, my bookish ways and disinterest in outdoor games made me overweight, clumsy
and rather unfit. One day, my father stood observing me as I was running to a field, just 50 yards away. I arrived
there, huffing and puffing. Worriedly, he told me that he would not like to see his son grow up into an unhealthy
man.
From that day onwards, he started to take me on jogs. At first, I was a most reluctant jogger. However, these
days, as I stand perched on the peak of Mount Kina, breathing deeply after a good run, I remember his words,
"A healthy body breeds a healthy mind."
My father has a store of wise sayings which may seem common to some but always strike the correct note
with me. Once, when I was really depressed, he put an arm around my shoulders and gently asked me what was
troubling me. Lifting my bowed head, I poured out my heart's discontent. After listening, he consoled me. Then
he said, "Smile, and the world around you will smile." Somehow, I was able to smile in spite of my problems.
At another time, when I was about to give up on a task, he advised me, "If a job deserves to be done, it
deserves to be done well." Somehow, his words gave me the strength to try again, and I was able to succeed.
Since then, whenever I feel daunted by a task, his advice always comes to mind and this spurs me on to
persevere.
Looking back, I realize that every step of the way, through my childhood and adolescence, my father has
been there for me whenever I needed him. When I was sick, he would rush me to the doctor. When I was sick at
heart, he would know just the right things to say. In any kind of trouble, I would just have to give him a call. He
would surely be there.
I am only a few years away from adulthood and know that many more challenges lie ahead of me. However,
I can be sure that my father will be there, looking out for me all the way. Why? Because he loves me.
A RIDICULOUS ACCIDENT:
Describe some of the minor accidents that you have experienced
Accidents are part and parcel of life itself and to say that you have never had a silly accident in your life
would be like saying, "I'm a green-faced alien from Pluto." Well, I have certainly had my share of ridiculous
accidents. Not all of them have changed my life, but they have certainly made me more aware of my
limitations. Yet, sometimes, remembering those times, I think, "I can't believe I actually did that!"
There was this incident about five years back. I was at a piano recital. Actually, it was my debut, and I was
shaking with nerves. Finally, the dreaded moment arrived. I sat at the piano and started playing. Halfway
through the first movement, I felt a tickle in my nose. My fingers were needed on the piano keys so I could not
reach tip to rub my nose. I tried holding my breath... to no avail. I exploded in a huge, sloppy sneeze that
blasted my music sheets right off the piano. Absolutely humiliated, I dashed off the stage. Nothing could get me
out there to face the amused audience.
Then, there was this skating incident which occurred only a year ago. My father had bought me my first pair
of in-line skates. Actually, they were my first pair of skates. I had never skated before. Well, I confidently put
them on and fastened them, not knowing what was ahead. Standing up, I shoved off. Then, for the first time in
years, I lost all control of my bodily movements. I was waving my arms around, like a drowning chicken trying
to fly out of the water. My legs had no sense of direction, with my left leg heading north and my right heading
south-east. Finally managing to get upright, I found myself staring the gate right in its metal grille. There was a
loud Crash! Boom! and Bang! Fortunately, all that was injured was my self-confidence, thanks to my protective
pads.
Another accident occurred right in the safety of my home, in the kitchen, actually. My mother had just
bought a microwave oven. On that fateful day, my mother had left me a plate of fried rice to be reheated for my
lunch. On the plate were the usual accompaniments to the coconut-flavored rice: vegetables, groundnuts,
chillied prawns and a whole hard-boiled egg. I was, of course, still considered a user with "L" (Learner) plates
as far as this oven was concerned. However, warming up food was not complicated ... or so I thought. Carefully,
I placed the plate of food in the microwave oven, turned the dial to "high" and pressed the lever to start the
oven. It started smoothly. Gleefully, I watched my dish of food turn graceful circles in the oven. After a few
rounds, I opened the oven to take out my warmed-up food. At that very second, the egg exploded. Boom! It was
"Egg yolk keeps falling on my head". My clothes, my hair, the whole kitchen was covered with egg-yolk and
rice that the force of the explosion threw. There was no lunch for me that day either.
Well, there you have them, some of the grimace-inspiring details of my life. So, am I clumsy or just low in
luck? A little of both, I think.
ANECDOTE:
Describe an occasion when you were caught in a rainstorm.
"Argh!" screamed my friend as the water balloon hit her full in the face. She stood in shock for a moment
before charging after me, laughing and yelling out threats.
We were at our annual class party and having the time of our lives. This year, we had decided on the picnic at
the beach. After eating, we had all sorts of games and competitions. I could not remember when I had last
enjoyed myself so much.
However, all good things must come to an end, and as it neared evening, we started preparing to leave. I was
supposed to walk the short distance to my aunt's house after the party. About halfway there, I remembered that I
had left a T-shirt on the beach. I debated whether or not to return for it as I could see dark clouds heading my
way. However, the shirt was an old favorite of mine and I was so wet from the water balloons that a little more
water would not make a difference.
The beach was now deserted. I looked around for my T-shirt but it was nowhere to be found. Finally, after
minutes of fruitless search, I gave up. The sky was dark, with thick thunderclouds and it had begun to drizzle. I
started heading back.
Then, suddenly, with a loud crash of thunder, the heavens burst and torrents of rain came pouring down.
Holding my backpack over my head in an effort to ward off the relentless blows of the rain, I scanned the area
for a place of refuge.
Finally spotting a tiny shack at a distance, I dashed for it. I reached it at last and darted in, drenched to the
bone and shivering from head to toe. As I shook out my hair, I mentally kicked myself for getting into this
situation.
Wondering when the rain would stop, I stared out at it, dejectedly. As I gazed, however, my feelings of
dejection turned into awe. The black clouds hung low. The sea was turbulent, with powerful waves crashing
onto the shore. On the left, where jagged boulders stood in the sea, the waves threw themselves on them,
sending up sprays of sea water high into the air. Gust after gust of howling wind blew through the trees.
Lightning streaked across the sky, time and again, lighting up the whole scene for a split second each time.
I stood transfixed, captivated by the power and violence of the storm. It was beautiful, scary and magnificent
at the same time. I felt I had to be part of it, to be at one with nature.
I ran out and stood in the middle of the storm, reveling in the stinging rain and chilling wind, thrilling to the
sounds of the thunder and the crashing waves, and relishing the magnificence of nature.
ANECDOTE:
Describe the sights and sounds at the end of a long day.
"Cuckoo! Cuckoo!..." the cuckoo clock on the wall of my office called five times.
"Yes!" I shouted in my head. "Time to pack up!".
I straightened my stiff back and neck, the result of hours of hunching over documents and surveyed the
whole noise-polluted room. Andrew was yelling at Mac for throwing a paper plane at him; Mandy and Lily
were chatting animatedly, undoubtedly about clothes or make-up; Jay and Rayne were chatting up Sarah, the
new clerk, probably trying to get her to go for a drink; and Cynthia was doing the waltz in her three-inch heels,
heading out the door.
With a grunt, I pushed my chair back, heaved myself up, started stuffing things into my briefcase and my
huge handbag. I couldn't wait to get home.
As I stepped out through the glass doors of the air-conditioned building, a blast of hot, humid air slammed
me full in the face, stunning me for a few seconds. Then I continued towards the bus stop. I groaned
aloud when I saw the hordes of people gathered there and regretted leaving my car at home. Sigh! I had no
choice but to join the crowd.
Buses came and left. Every time it was the same anxious craning to read the bus number above the heads of
the crowd. Then, there was the rushing and jostling as I tried to force my puny frame through the
masses of burly men and women. I was ready to perish amidst the petrol fumes and the stink of stale sweat
when I finally managed to squeeze my right foot onto a bus step. Then, up I went, forced by the
pushing crowd into the packed bus.
Feeling woozy and yet hyped up, I searched for a seat. No way! They were all definitely occupied. I grabbed
hold of a strap and tried to stand firmly Every time the bus lurched forward, we would all sway
backwards. The bus hurtled on, careening madly round corners, only to stop with a sudden jolt. I was
crushed on all sides, and had my toes trod on several times.
Then, we got caught in a massive traffic jam. Cars, buses and motorcycles around us kept up a constant
honking. The burning rays of the sun stoked up the oven which our bus had now become. I became nauseous
and thought many times about getting off. Yet, I was too tired to walk home. Inch by inch we moved and one
and a half hours later, I finally arrived at my stop, which, thankfully, was just in front of
my flat. I shoved my way out, my strict upbringing forcing me to mutter a few insincere "Excuse-me's".
I dragged my body up the flights of stairs to my second-floor flat. I did not even bother to try the elevator as I
knew I would be competing with a crowd of thirty or more residents. Finally, I reached my door
and, after a little fumbling for my keys, I entered my apartment. With a sigh of utmost relief, I dropped my
briefcase and handbag on the floor, turned on the television and collapsed on the couch. "All in
a day's work, my girl!" I told myself, and gazed with unseeing eyes at the television.
ENVIRONMENT: DEFORESTATION
The problem of deforestation.
Thousands and thousands of acres of lush rain forests are cleared each year to make way for development.
The once beautiful and spectacular forests are reduced to barren landscapes. This is for the sake of
development, for the advancement of man.
Yet, what happens when trees are felled? Firstly, the earth is left vulnerable to soil erosion. The heavy
tropical rains will carry away the rich topsoil, and the land without its topsoil will no longer be fertile. Slowly
but steadily, the lush vegetation will give way to wasteland.
Secondly, the flowing water will not only wash away the topsoil but will deposit it in the rivers. As a result,
the rivers will become shallower. Consequently, floods will become frequent in the area. Thousands of people
will suffer in these floods.
Another point to note is that forests are home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Animals and plants
live in symbiotic relationships in the balance of nature. Man destroys this balance when he flattens the forests to
the ground. Where do they go then, the great and tiny inhabitants of these forests? Nowhere. They die. If this
goes on, the food chain will be disrupted. As creatures dependent on the food chain, man is ultimately
destroying his own sources of food through the destruction of rain forests.
When forests are a distant memory, a shocking fact will hit us full force. Mankind will be thrown into a state
of unimaginable suffering and agony. What I am talking about is the lack of oxygen. While cutting down a tree
to add yet another piece of luxurious furniture to Man's already opulent lifestyle, people forget that they are also
cutting down our supply of oxygen.
Trees absorb the carbon dioxide breathed out by living creatures, reprocess it and, in the end, produce the
life-sustaining oxygen. Without trees, where will this oxygen come from? Will we process it in factories? Will a
time come when man will be fighting for the very air he breathes?
Furthermore, the excessive carbon dioxide will also effect a change in the micro-climate and raise the
region's temperature. There will be a greenhouse effect on earth; warm air and radiation will be trapped under
the earth's atmosphere. Then, as the earth's temperature rises, the ice in the polar caps will melt, raising the sea
level. Great floods will hit the lower-lying areas.
As you can see, it is a vicious cycle. A change in our environment will trigger off another change which will
trigger off yet another. This is why we. should keep the balance of nature. This is why we ought to preserve our
forests. This is why environmentalist groups are pressurizing governments to reduce the felling of trees and the
clearing of forests and to be serious about replanting forests.
With the support of ordinary citizens like you and me, they will get the attention of the people in power. We
can also help by planting trees. Members of this beautiful planet must be united. By preserving our forests, we
are preserving ourselves.
SUGGESTIONS TO BETTER YOUR SCHOOL:
What changes would you like to see in your school ?
If you were to see the number of suggestion slips stuffed into my school's Suggestion Box, you would be
shocked. Granted, some of the suggestions are rubbish but I do agree with many of them. There are many ways
in which my school could be improved, many weaknesses that need seeing to.
Firstly, and most importantly, teachers in all schools should realize that they are responsible for their students'
future. This is especially true for children from less affluent homes who cannot afford to supplement the
school's teaching with extra tuition. Teachers should not shirk their responsibilities towards their students.
I am emphasizing this point because some teachers do not seem to feel the slightest obligation to do their job
well nor the slightest feeling of guilt when their students fail in the examinations. In fact, in my school, teachers
are sometimes found sipping coffee or even having a snack in the school canteen when they are supposed to be
in class teaching.
Of course, there are teachers who are truly committed to their job and do deliver the goods. They stay up late
into the night to finish correcting their students' work and to prepare effective lessons for their students. Some
teachers will even devote Saturday mornings to conducting extra-curricular activities, such as the Scouts
movement. Now, if only all teachers were like this!
Furthermore, wouldn't the school be a much better place to spend our adolescence if we did not have to cope
with teachers who vent their foul moods on us? We should not have to walk on eggshells because our teacher
has had a bad day.
Another aspect of the school that needs changing is the set of school rules. Some are so irrational or petty!
Take, for example, the rule on short hair for boys. What is the rationale behind this? Do the people in authority
believe that everyone with long hair will turn out to be a thug or a villain? Well, look at Hitler: he had very
short hair and he almost caused the extinction of the entire Jewish race!
On the other hand, punishments for serious acts of indiscipline should be made more effective, even if they
have to be harsher. These days, students may get away with only a warning or a "booking" for offences such as
breaking the school's tables, chairs and even doors. I strongly feel that these vandals should be made to pay for
what they have destroyed.
Furthermore, I feel that criminal action should be taken against students who beat people up, or threaten to do
so, to extort money from them. If you behave like a criminal, you should be treated like one.
Another area that needs reform is the school curriculum. One major problem is the subject called "Moral
Education". You just cannot learn good morals the way you learn any other academic subject, memorizing facts
for examinations. Good morals have to be internalized. So, "Moral Education" should either be taken off the
school curriculum after primary school or changed to emphasize practical application rather than "head
knowledge".
Our school hours take up a large portion of our day. Let us spend these hours usefully, in a secure, caring,
fun-filled atmosphere. Our school years take up a large proportion of our lives. This is the time that we are
molded, intellectually and morally. Help us to grow into worthy citizens of our nation.
DREAMS:
What occupation do you see yourself in after you have completed your schooling ? What are you going to do
to achieve this ambition ?
I climb into the cockpit and sit myself down on the metal seat of the F-16 "Falcon", one of the best
supersonic planes ever invented. I run a routine check on all the aircraft's dials and gauges as well as the
weapon systems through the heads-up display.
The sergeant gives me the thumbs-up sign from the far run way, indicating that all the external parts of the
plane are in order and functioning well. I return the gesture to indicate that all internal systems are working well
and that I will be taking off.
I flick the start button and feel the soft vibration begin. I hear the hum of pure power. Pushing the throttle to
three quarters, I feel the acceleration of the plane taxiing off the runway and into the air ... .
I have always aspired to be a fighter pilot. My dream began when I was about seven years old. One day, my
uncle took me for a ride in his private plane. It was a momentous experience for me! Soaring freely in the sky,
high above the rest of civilization, I knew that I would never want to do anything as much as I wanted to fly.
As I grew older, I began to read books on aviation and air adventures. I was especially fascinated with
accounts of air battles. Biggles was my hero above all other heroes. Thus, my ambition narrowed from just
wanting to fly a plane to becoming a fighter pilot. The thought of scudding through the sky with the ability to
defy gravity with a multi-million dollar piece of machinery and patriotic fervor excited my soul.
The requirements for fighter pilot candidates are many and difficult to fulfill. Among them are academic
excellence, perfect eyesight, a fit body, quick reflexes and the ability to stay cool under pressure. Well, I have
never been the kind of person to leave things to chance: I am constantly aware of the need to work towards my
goals.
Thus, throughout my childhood years, into adolescence and up till now, I have always made time for
exercise. I play games regularly, run ten kilometers a day and work out in the gym at least three times a week. It
is crucial for a fighter pilot to be fighting fit. He must be able to withstand the high and low g's when piloting a
jet at high speed.
I have always been conscious of the need to preserve the perfect eyesight that God has blessed me with. So, I
have always curtailed my hours of television-viewing. When I do watch television, I make sure I sit a good four
meters away from the screen. I have always been careful to read only in well-lit areas. In addition, I watch my
diet, eating food rich in vitamin A, which is essential for healthy eyes.
In school, I never stint on my study times. I made sure I qualified for the science stream in High School, as a
pilot must have a good understanding of physics and mathematics. My hard work has paid off and I have been
topping the class in these subjects. I have just sat for the O levels. The results will not be out for months but I
feel confident that I have done well. Next year, I plan to do my A levels. And after that, I shall enlist in the US
Air Force.
There is not much longer to wait. My dream is almost within my grasp. I pray with all my heart that it will
become a reality and not remain just another of my boyish fantasies.
taxi to move slowly on the ground

scud to move quickly and without stopping in a straight line
within one's grasp the ability to achieve
PRO CON ESSAY: (A FAVOR O EN CONTRA)
Should our school examination system be abolished ? Give reasons for your stand.
From primary school to the end of their tertiary education, students face the daunting task of preparing for
examinations every single year. So much time and emotion is poured into preparing for examinations.
Advocates of the system contend that annual examinations are a good way of training children for the stress
of life after school - where deadlines and sales quotas need to be met, and work completed methodically and
with minimum fuss.
Government examinations are also said to be the necessary yardstick for measuring the capability of each
person for further education or employment.
Yet, are examinations an accurate yardstick? A person's true abilities may not be shown by written
examinations. Take Winston Churchill, for example. He was a school dropout and yet he became one of
England's greatest statesmen, a national savior in World War II. Clearly, some talents and forms of ingenuity go
undetected in examinations.
Another problem related to our system of examinations is that teachers become too "exam-orientated". They
race through the syllabus so that they can cover everything in it in time for the examinations regardless of
whether their students have understood the material. The weaker students often end up the victims in this race -they are left far behind the rest of the class. They become more and more discouraged as they understand less
and less of the lessons, to the point that they hardly care if they pass or fail. Sadly, this attitude will be carried
with them into adult life.
What about the "swots"? Well, speaking as one, I confess that I often wonder whether it is worth it. We rush
from one tuition class to another and we spend most of our time studying for tests and examinations, or doing
our homework. All through the school semester, we only have one thought in mind: to excel in the
examinations. Is this really living?
A related point is that some students are so occupied with their studies that they do not develop their potential
in other fields. It is true that there are many clubs and societies in the school. However, many students just do
not have the time to make full use of these extracurricular activities. They have to study, study, study. So, our
emphasis on examinations is indirectly producing people who are only trained to study and reproduce facts
rather than well-rounded individuals.
In conclusion, while I realize that it will be impossible to do away with all examinations, I feel that they
should be given less importance within the school system. For example, instead of basing entry qualifications
on one examination, students should also be evaluated through the cumulative marks of tests and assignments.
Furthermore educationists, employers, parents and the students themselves should always be reminded that the
results of examinations are not equal to the sum of the net worth of the individual.
advocate person supporting an idea or cause publicly

ingenuity someone's ability to think of clever new ways of doing something
well-rounded involving or having experience in a wide range of ideas or activities
POR CON ESSAY: TOILETS
"Cleaning toilets should be part of the school curriculum." Do you agree ?
About two months ago, our Education Minister brought up the subject of school toilets. He suggested that
cleaning these toilets should be part of the school curriculum. The public reaction to this issue was so strong
that people have been flooding the mass media with opinions for and against his suggestion.
One of the reasons the Education Minister gave for his proposal was that cleaning toilets will teach students
humility and respect for others. Firstly, the students will be able to understand the humility of the school
workers when they have to clear up other people's messes in the toilets. This job is looked down upon and
considered one of the lowest. "They will also be able to respect the cleaners because he is able to do the
necessary job, regardless of the low status it accords him. Another advantage of this proposal is that the students
will try to keep the toilets cleaner as their friends will be the ones forced to clean up any mess they create.
On the other hand, there are countless reasons for me to be apprehensive about this proposal for making toilet
cleaning part of the school curriculum. Firstly, which student in his right mind would be happy about having to
clean a toilet? Most school toilets are dark, dirty and smelly. Cleaning them will be most unpleasant.
Furthermore, a spell of cleaning toilets will certainly be a blow to their ego. Of course, in a wholly girls' or
boys' school it would not be so humiliating. However, if it were a co-ed school, the male ego would certainly
suffer a lot of pain. Imagine girls laughing and teasing a guy who is forced to clean toilets. Some egoistic guy
will create havoc in retaliation!
Then, there is the consideration that most students are playful, anyway. Imagine them expressing their playful
nature in the toilets. Other than the fact that excessive water is sure to be splashed all over the place, the
students may slip and fall in their merriment. More ill-behaved ones may even purposely push each other into
the toilet bowls.
One other possibility that cannot be excluded is that students may be so turned off at the thought of toilet
cleaning that they may decide to skip school on the days that it is their turn to learn this skill. Thus, the teachers
of other subjects may find it hard to complete the syllabus, due to the rise in absenteeism.
In conclusion, I feel that the Ministry of Education should really ponder on this issue carefully. Frankly, I do
not agree at all that cleaning toilets should be part of the school curriculum. Actually, jobs like toilet cleaning
make one think of prison camps, where the inmates are forced to do humiliating chores. School is supposed to
be a place where young people can imbibe knowledge and good values in a pleasant, enjoyable atmosphere. It
is important that young people actually like to come to school.
apprehensive feeling anxious about something that you are going to do

merriment having enjoyable time together
ponder to think carefully about something, especially for a noticeable length of time
PRO CON ESSAY:
Write a speech for an elocution contest entitled " Should men be househusbands ?"
"I would like to share my thoughts with you on a subject that has always been close to my heart, that is,
whether men should be house-husbands. You see, as a member of the male sex I feel guilty. I feel that man has
always dominated, or should I say, bullied, the fairer sex. Women have long been downtrodden and forced to
mind the house.
"There was a very good reason for this in ancient times. Eking out a living then consisted mainly of running
around with a club or spear, hunting deer, moose, or dinosaurs. However, now that we're approaching the year
2000, there has been a vast change. Bringing home the bacon in modern times needs intelligence and sensible
thinking. And, as we all know, women can and do think as sensibly and intelligently as men.
"Thus, more and more women now qualify as doctors, lawyers and scientists. So, then, who will stay at home
to take care of the children? Usually in cases where the mother works, the children are left in daycare centers.
This is not healthy. Children need parental care. So, what often happens is that the wife has to quit her job. Is
this fair? Not really. The men should be given the duty to mind the house occasionally, especially when the wife
has better qualifications.
"Some people doubt that a man can manage a household. You see, the women have been doing it for
centuries. People have thus come to the conclusion that it is the woman's duty to mind the home and it shall be
her role forever.

"Actually, men are perfectly capable of performing domestic chores and minding children. And, as fathers,
men can give the affection and care that the children need. And that's what really counts.
"Personally, if my wife insists on being the breadwinner, I will be relieved of the stress of running in the rat
race. I could even play golf every morning while the kids are at school. What's so bad about that? So, let's give
the women the chance to work at those jobs that they've always wanted, while we men opt for more 'relaxed'
lifestyles. And, who knows, perhaps the country would be run better. After all, looking at the current state of the
world, what with wars, famines and nuclear weapons, perhaps we men should just stay at home to mind the
house and let the women run the world!"
downtrodden badly and unfairly treated

bring home the bacon to earn money for a family to live on
the rat race a way of life in modern society, characterized by people competing with each other for power
and money
FRIENDSHIP:
"Friends should never hide anything from each other." Do you agree ?
No man is an island. Everyone depends on his friends to a certain extent. Ever since man formed a system of
verbal communication, all people have been in constant chatter with one another. Relationships are important to
man, so much that people may shape their entire lifestyles simply to find favor with their clique or circle of
friends. Therefore, much caution must be applied when dealing with our friends, especially in our speech. So
then, must we always tell our friends the whole truth and nothing but the truth or is it sometimes simply none of
their business?
One thing is clear: finding out that your friend has lied to you always hurts. In cases where lies have been
told to hurt you or other parties on purpose, the friendship will never be the same. If the lie caused you great
damage, the friendship will not be salvageable. Who would want a treacherous person for a friend? Yet, even
when the matter is not of great importance, little lies can lead to the spoiling of relationships. I have a friend
who often tells little untruths. Sometimes, he exaggerates circumstances a little, just to impress others,
sometimes he tells half-truths to get out of trouble, sometimes, he makes up stories just to entertain his friends.
Personally, I just do not feel comfortable with him. You see, I just never know whether he is telling the truth or
one more of his little lies.
Apart from the question of maintaining credibility, sharing one's problems and joys with a friend can also be
helpful as we deal with the problems of daily living. As the saying goes, shared joy is double the joy and shared
sorrow is half the sorrow. Sharing the good times can brighten up a friend's day if he feels down. Sharing one's
problems and despairs with a friend will bring forth the encouragement and advice we need to hear. Sometimes
simply having an ear to hear our heart's cries and knowing that someone understands us will make us feel
better. People have been saved from suicide just by having a friend to listen to their troubles.
It is clear, then, that some things need to be said to our friends without any twisting of the truth. However,
there are times when telling a friend too much can also lead to problems. An all-too-common example of such a
time is when one hears rumors. Gossip can start simply because someone thought a rumor was true and shared
all her thoughts on the rumor with a friend. The friend, who actually had no real knowledge of the matter,
passed all her thoughts and ideas to another friend and so on and so forth. The final result can be a mangled
product which could really hurt the parties involved. The thing to do about rumors is not to spread them, even if
you have strong opinions, about them.
Another noteworthy fact is that sometimes, telling the truth may be worse than saying nothing. If an ugly girl
with an inferiority complex were to ask you if she was unattractive, it would be a very bad idea to tell her just
how unattractive she was. One must use his discretion in such situations, stressing on her good qualities, of
course. Telling the whole truth in this case would destroy her remaining shreds of confidence.
In conclusion, I feel that friends, even the closest of friends, need not tell each other everything they know or
feel. Some matters, of course, should be discussed with friends, while some others should be hidden. We have
to balance our love for truth with the practicalities of the situation. Not being perfect, we are bound to make
mistakes, of course. So, one must then be prepared to make up with our friends, apologizing for our verbal
blunders and forgiving them for theirs. Well, that's what friendship is really about -- accepting people for what
they are, imperfections and all.
clique a small group of people who spend their time together

treacherous extremely dangerous
noteworthy deserving attention because important or interesting
PRO CON ESSAY: YOUTH
"The Golden Age of Youth". How true is this description of your life as a youth ?
"The Golden Age of Youth"? Who coined up that expression? I am certainly not experiencing "golden" days
in my life as a youth. Furthermore, many of my friends' complaints seem to attest that their experiences of
youth roughly match up with mine, that is, life as a youth is tough!
Firstly, being young automatically means that I have limited knowledge and no job skills, which means that
no one will employ me for any worthwhile job. This means, clearly and simply, "No Independent Income".
Now, it is undeniable that without money, you become severely limited in your options. You cannot buy
anything, go anywhere or do anything. Obviously, this is a problem for me.
Unable to function without cash, I have to rely on my parents financially. Unable to buy a car, I have to rely
on them for transport. Unable to buy a house, I have to rely on them for accommodation. This means,
theoretically, that my parents are my Supreme Commanders. When they tell me to jump, I have to jump. In such
a situation, I am deprived of the vital human right that caused the American Civil War - Freedom.
Secondly, as long as you are not too old or too ill to walk, people will always be measuring you by your
achievements. This is especially true for people in their youth. Parents, teachers, society and the government
love to gauge us scholastically, physically, socially, morally and in whatever means they can think of. Thus,
school examinations become so important that many of us will study hours on end to perform well in them.
Actually the pressure on us to perform well at all times is great. The pressure from our family gets stronger
the older we grow. Since we started schooling, our parents have been comparing our test results with those of
the children of their friends', who happen to be equally goal-orientated parents. In fact, since we were born, our
parents have been comparing the ages at which we first started talking or walking, our kiddy IQ test results and
such other traps for vainglory. If I were a piece of chicken, I'd consider myself "Kentucky Fried", not because I
was "spicy" or "original" but because I have been chopped into pieces, tenderized, pressure-cooked and well-
fried.
Then, there is the question of romance. Practically speaking, youth is the worst time to get romantically
attached, because, as was earlier explained, we lack the time and money to maintain a special boy-girl
relationship.
Yet, during our youth, we are at our peak; physically, we are at our most attractive. Furthermore, our
hormones are swinging about wildly as we mature sexually. Unfortunately, this causes us to be more prone to
getting involved in romantic relationships, which leads to heartache and causes us to perform badly in our
examinations. I think that the government should have chosen a better time to set all the major examinations
than at this time, don't you?
So, youth is a traumatic time. It is definitely not "golden". In my opinion, the idea of "The Golden Age of
Youth" must have been an illusion dreamt up by fools. Perhaps we should call it the "Iron Pyrite (Fool's Gold)
Age of Youth".
on end Continuously, without interruption

vainglory Boastful, unwarranted pride in one's accomplishments or qualities
traumatic An emotional wound or shock that creates substantial, lasting damage to the psychological
development of a person
HOW TO CHOOSE A MATE:
What qualities would you look for in a future wife or husband ?
Along the road from cradle to grave many of us get married. This in itself can cause more emotional
disturbance than all the other events of our lives combined. Many factors make the difference between marital
bliss and having "an old ball-and-chain" but the most important factor is probably whom we choose to marry.
That is why I often meditate on the qualities I would seek in my future wife.
To be honest, the first thing I notice when I meet a girl is whether she is pretty or not. Long lashes and
sparkling eyes do not cause someone to "fall in love at first sight", of course, but few people go round seeking
ugly mates. I am no different.
Of course, I would also prefer to have a wife who is intelligent. Some men have the stereotyped "dumb
blonde" image of a perfect woman. However, I know my life will be enriched by having an intellectually
stimulating partner to share my thoughts with, and to offer fresh insights to old situations. More importantly, a
husband and wife should be intellectually matched so that they can understand each other.
Sports and games and other recreational activities are fun and foster closer ties. Who better to enjoy sports
with than my wife? This will draw us even closer together. A wife should, after all, be a true friend whom I can
have fun with and want to spend my leisure activities with. So, my ideal mate will be someone who participates
in the games and sports I like or at least, be willing to learn them.
Often, quarrels between husband and wife concern other family members. Your wife may be perfect but her
parents may be irritating beyond comprehension. There was, for example, an incident in City Center where one
man's mother-in-law came to stay. One day, she cooked and ate his pet dog for dinner! So, I always say that
one's future in-laws should always be checked carefully before one makes decisions about marriage.
If you are dead tired after a long, frustrating day at work, a loving wife who comforts you and listens to your
problems can really make a difference. So I would say, a sympathetic, caring kind of woman is the only one
with whom I would make any commitments for marriage.
Commitment is very important on her part, too. If a girl isn't prepared to be faithful to you but she marries
you anyway, chances are she's going to run away and leave you one day, for your best friend, perhaps.
I realize that I have listed a whole string of qualifications for my future wife. Well, if I can find all these
qualities in one woman, I will really consider her The Ideal Wife. However, chances are, with a girl like that,
everyone else will be trying to win her hand, too. So, I'll be in for a tough time! Furthermore, as the proverb
goes, "The best laid plans of mice and men can fail". More than likely, I will meet a girl one day, fall in love
and get married. And even though she might not be perfect, I'll love her, and, through the years, that might just
be enough.
bliss perfect happiness

meditate to think seriously about something for a long time
foster to encourage the development or growth of ideas or feelings
MY MOTHER:
Write a composition entitled: How I know my mother loves me.
When I was very young, I was a sickly child. In fact, I had to spend most of my life away from school and in
bed. Not surprisingly, I was miserable. I fretted a lot and constantly demanded my mother's attention. I was a
spoiled brat.
During the day, I would demand that my favorite delicacies be served to me and that my favorite stories be
read to me. At odd hours of the night, I would ask for a hot drink or a cookie, or just some company.
"Mummy, stay with me!" was my constant whine.
Not once was that demand refused. Not once did my mother groan or grumble. She answered every
unreasonable demand of mine with unfailing patience. My mother would put everything aside to comfort me.
My world was very small then. There was just me and Mummy. My world consisted of the feel of her cool
palms soothing my brow and her floral scent as she leaned over me to tuck in my blanket. I remember her low
voice, hushing me as I fretted about the pains in my joints. Most of all, I remember the look in her eyes, of deep
concern for her sick child. That was how I knew my mother loved me then.
Miraculously, I have outgrown my childhood ailments. Now that I am on the threshold of adulthood, my
world has grown to include many exciting friends. Set free from the prison of the sickbed, I revel in the fun that
the world has to offer.
My relationship with my mother has suffered from my wild pursuit of fun. She criticizes my choice of
friends and tries to enforce rules and regulations to curb my activities.
Two nights ago, I stayed out way, way past my "curfew" hour, which is eleven o'clock. It was almost 1 a.m.
when I reached my house. To make matters worse, I had been unable to call home to inform my mother that I
would be delayed. There were no phones where we were "hanging out". I knew that I was in for it!
My mother flung open the door the minute she heard my friend's car pull in. Her face was red, sweat was
pouring down her temples. My friends made a quick exit as she ranted at me, her arms waving wildly. I didn't
say a word, in case one of those hands should find its mark on my face. I was ordered straight to bed.
As I got into bed, she stood in my room, still ranting at me for my disobedience and "wild behavior". I was
tired. I just wanted to sleep. I looked up at her face to try to gauge if her scolding would be continuing much
longer.
Then I saw something familiar about the look in her eyes. It was the same look of concern that she had
always had when I was so sick. I saw in her eyes all the fears that she had suffered that night as she waited for
her daughter to return safely.
This is how I know my mother loves me now.
fret to be anxious or worried

spoiled brat A spoiled brat is a child whose parents or other educators systematically fail to teach socially
acceptable behavior and discipline.
in for it certain to encounter trouble or punishment
SUCCESS (EXITO):
How do you measure success in life?
Reaching the top of the tree in one's chosen occupation or profession is the usual standard by which success
in life is measured, at least in the Western world. However many Asians would reject this criterion. The
contemplative religions assert that success is only measurable in terms of religious advancement and of the
acquisition of the virtues. Thus, success would be in inverse ratio to material advancement.
Most of the world accepts the definition of material advancement, its objectives being affluence and perhaps
power over others, both being the most important means of self-expression.
Some are born into positions which already confer affluence and power, so success to them might lie merely
in the preservation of the family business or estate and perhaps its enhancement for the benefit of the next
generation. Most people have to work hard to to achieve success.
The western concept of success is not always satisfying and some people, at the height of their affluence and
power, reject it in favor of the simple life. This happens for a variety of reasons.
Beyond a certain point the acquisition of money proves unsatisfactory. The difference between the lifestyle
available to a millionaire and that available to a billionaire is marginal. Unhappily money making can become
an obsession, and some very wealthy people become very mean. Money also creates anxiety since it usually has
to be put at risk if more is to be made. Other anxieties may be created when a large number of people become
dependent on a financial empire. Money confers power which may corrupt. It is often made at the disadvantage
of others, and it may damage a business man's relationships both with his peers and with his subordinates.
These pressures and anxieties often have a detrimental effect on health and on family life. One's wife and
children are inevitably neglected and unhappy. The children of successful capitalists or career workaholics
sometimes reject everything the father or parents stand for. Success thus means failure.
It is of course possible, though unlikely, that worldly success can be combined with a sensitive and therefore
successful approach to the problems outlined above. If a man or woman can achieve this then he or she truly
has the right to be called successful.
However success is not strictly related to the externals of power, prominence and affluence, though these are
often its attributes. It is more to do with happiness and fulfillment. What then are its features?
First, mental and spiritual peace. A satisfying yet balanced way of life makes for the former and a religion or
at least a philosophy for the latter. The body should not be neglected; physical well-being is usually the result of
good food and exercise; absence of strain is at least as important. A successful life depends crucially on good
personal relationships both within and outside the family. To ensure the well-being and happiness of others
forms a large part of success. Perhaps the fundamental way to achieve success is first to be sure of what you
want to do with life and then to be sure that you are capable of doing it. Some people are strongly motivated to
a profession or to politics or to social campaigning from early days; others have to find their own role in life by
trial and error. Many of these careers will not confer much success in the worldly sense but they will lead to the
success of happiness and fulfillment.
contemplative deep in thought

confer to give
worldly relating to the ordinary life
POLITICS:
In what circumstances is the invasion of one country by another justified?
Invasion is never justified if there is a possibility of resolving disputes by diplomatic means. The U.N.,
drawn up by the San Francisco Conference in 1945, in succession to the League of Nations exists to maintain
international peace and security. Its Security Council can urge members to take economic or military sanctions,
or can provide a peace-keeping force drawn from member - nations. Its powers however amount to little more
than those of the old League, since the two world-power centers remain NATO and the Warsaw Pact
association.
This having been said, invasions do occur. Recent examples include the invasion of Iraq by Iran, the Russian
invasion of Afghanistan, and that of the Falkland Islands by Argentina. Motives for invasion vary; how cynical
they are is a matter of opinion. There is national pride; the desire to annex territory which rightly belongs to a
country but which has either become independent or has become the dependency of another. There is the
instinct to expand, or not to become encircled, or to gain strategic territory, or to gain access to minerals such as
oil, or to food. The naked aggression of Hitler in Europe was totally unjustified, so the Second Front invasion of
Europe by the allies in 1944 can be amply justified. Sometimes, as in the case of Afghanistan, the ostensible
reason was to establish a stable government in a country which, bordering on the USSR was claimed to
constitute a threat through instability. That invasion was not justified.
The ground for military invasion is usually prepared by other means. If there is instability and national
discontent, or even two extremist parties each claiming the government, infiltration is much easier. An actual
invasion becomes a mere formality when a government accepts perhaps thousands of military advisers, massive
war equipment, and no doubt extensive economic aid from one of the great powers. A physical take-over can
sometimes be achieved without shedding a drop of blood. What is certain is that after such a takeover a large
section of the population will remain discontented. Future troubles, as in Afghanistan, are inevitable, and lead
only to further repressive measures.
The guiding principle governing the justice of invasion is surely this; do the majority of the people want such
a take-over? A case in point is the invasion of the Falklands by Argentina, which country was at the time
suffering internal troubles and needed a famous victory abroad. The Falklands, close at hand and regarded as an
easy number, were an obvious choice, particularly since Argentina regarded the 'Malvenas' as their historic
property. However, the islanders wanted to remain British, so the British armed forces had to throw the
Argentines out. That particular invasion by the British was justified, particularly since, in fact, the Argentines
were refusing to negotiate. However, realistically it becomes another matter to retaliate when the major powers
become involved. Nobody wants to risk a full scale war for the sake of a principle. Nobody forgets Vietnam. So
to invade or not to invade involves a crucial balancing of factors.
cynical believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere
annex to take possession of a country by force
ostensible claiming to be one thing when it is really something else
PRO CON ESSAY: DAMM (PRESAS)

Discuss the benefits of and the problems caused by the artificial damming of rivers.
The damming of rivers to form reservoirs was common practice in Roman times, and probably much earlier.
Over the intervening centuries the practice has evolved for three main purposes; human consumption, irrigation,
and industrial use. Since rainfall is never sufficiently uniform to provide a reliable water-source from normal
river flow, the reservoir has always been a great boon, spanning as it does lengthy periods of drought. There are,
of course, other reasons for damming a river. Following heavy storms in mountainous areas more water than a
river can carry will flow down to the plain, inundating large areas often destroying crops, homes and animal
and human life. Mountain passes, if dammed, give the opportunity not only to control the flow of flood water at
its peak but also to retain large quantities for controlled use in dry weather. This control of water works from
sea to river as well as from river to sea. An example is the recently constructed Thames barrier below Woolwich
on the River Thames in England. This consists of solid pillars across the river with massive steel plates between
each pillar which can be raised or lowered mechanically. The object is to protect the low-lying parts of London
when a certain combination of wind and tide raises the water level by as much as thirty feet.
A further use of the dam is to produce hydroelectric power, the power station, of course, being built below
the level of the dam. Water is channeled through conduits and used as mechanical power for the turbines. It is
then returned to the river. Reservoir water is also used today in vast quantities in nuclear power stations for
cooling and other purposes and is similarly returned to the river or to the sea.
Some rivers in their natural state arc not navigable by large vessels, or run dry in sea- sons of drought. Where
such rivers can be dammed they can be given a constant depth for purposes of navigation, and this benefits a
country's communication system.
More often than not a dam may be central in a multi-purpose scheme including most of the functions outlined
above. This is particularly true in countries lying in temporate zones, where water shortage can be a nuisance
but is rarely a disaster.
Matters are different in underdeveloped countries which are hot, dry and barren. In these areas populations
are often nomadic, driving flocks and herds from waterhole to waterhole, or scratching a mere subsistence from
the soil. Drought means disease, hunger, dehydration and death to animals and humans alike. The damming of
major rivers such as the Nile is crucial to life itself, and the control of their floodwater for irrigation purposes
essential, but even this is not preventing large tracts of North East Africa from reverting to desert.
Perhaps of least importance is the social value of a reservoir. Some stocked with trout, provide good fishing,
and most are used by sailing clubs, and for other aquatic sports. A reservoir is also a great attraction to waterloving birds and often becomes an interesting staging-post for migrations.
Damming a river can also cause problems. A great area of land, with its trees, flora and fauna, farms and
houses, has to be inundated. Neither the residents, who have to resettle elsewhere, nor the environmentalists,
appreciate this. The problem is more acute when the countryside about to be spoilt is environmentally unique,
as in a recent case in Australia, where attempts were made to involve Prince Charles and Princess Diana in the
dispute. Creating an artificial lake inevitably changes the character of a large area. Farmland is destroyed,
natural scenery, in the opinion of some, despoiled. People have to move, inconveniently.
A second drawback may be political. Many rivers flow through more than one country, that lying higher up
the river having the whip-hand. A dam built for one country's benefit may be much to the detriment of another.
The USSR has been in dispute with Turkey over this matter as has Egypt with the Sudan.
Dams are vulnerable to air attack in wartime. The destruction of the Mohne See dam in the Second World
War brought the industry of the Ruhr to a virtual standstill, as well as causing loss of life. There have also been
cases of the collapse of dams due to inadequate strength and imperfect design.
boon something that is very helpful and improves the quality of life
flora and fauna The flora and fauna of a place are its plants and animals
despoil to make a place less attractive especially by taking things away from it by force
FILMS:
What are the most popular types of film in your country and why?
Answers to this question will vary widely according to the country concerned. For example romantic feature
films seem to receive great popular support in India, and their stars are almost national heroes. This may be due
to the lack of good, or indeed any television, combined with the instinct to escape from a deprived environment.
In the West the film has not been the major entertainment medium for over twenty years. Almost every home
contains a television set and much of what is left of the British film industry is concerned with film-making for
this medium. Film stars in the old sense no longer exist. The great days of Hollywood ended with the last war.
No longer do families make a weekly outing to the cinema. Today there are less than twenty films showing in
the West End of London. In the 30s any provincial town could offer more than this. Today most cinemas have
long since become Bingo halls.
However the film industry, though small, is alive on both sides of the Atlantic, and when a good film is made
there is still a following, and an excellent film can still make a lot of money. Another point in its favor is that
the quality of television is deteriorating and seems likely to become atrocious when cable television is
introduced. There will be even more space for rubbish and repeats.
During the past twenty or so years much has changed in the taste of film goers. For one thing the cinema of
today is the virtual monopoly of young people, unless a film such as 'Gandhi' with wide general appeal is put
on. Deliberate attempts to entertain the teenager have produced many films with the accent on explicit sex and
violence, though more recently such productions have moved into the 'video nasty' area. However the
government is trying to prevent the sale of such cassettes for use in home television sets.
One 'clean' though juvenile taste which is fairly new is for space fiction films. 'Star Wars' and 'E.T.' are recent
examples of overwhelmingly successful productions. 'The Return of the Jedi' is currently showing in London's
West End.
There is no doubt that current popular taste rejects films which set out to be amusing. The days of 'Doctor in
the House', of situation comedies, of films built round 'stand-up' comics such as Arthur Askey, have gone
forever. They now form part of the television menu as repeats.
outing when a group of people go on a short journey, usually for pleasure or education
atrocious of bad quality
set out to arrange something
TRANSPOT:
Consider how the transport system in your country might he improved.
All services are capable of improvement, even the transport services of Western Europe and other western
countries, where rail, road and air transport have long been established, and where there are few, if any,
obstacles to the establishment of physical communications. It is a more basic problem for the emergent
countries, where often mountain ranges and dense afforestation have to be overcome. In this essay the problems
of England are considered.
Railways began to spread over England from about 1800, and until 1945 there existed a network which gave
easy access from even the smallest village to all the main centers. Since then the system has deteriorated out of
all recognition, for a variety of reasons but basically because England's constantly growing road network has
shifted both passenger and goods transport away from the railways. In consequence almost all small lines have
been closed down, and basically what is left is the inter-city network and London's commuter service from the
home counties. Speed has improved with the adoption of the diesel motor but the experimental high-speed
trains have proved a fiasco. As in most other western countries after the war the system became nationalized.
High wage demands, lack of money for capital expenditure, and the general indifference of nationally
unreliable, and generally unpopular, although we are constantly told that this is the age of the train, by Jimmy
Savile. He is wrong. The 'age of the train' ended in 1954. Moreover British Rail makes massive annual losses,
as indeed do most other European countries. Only a reversion to private ownership, as in the days of the rail
system comfortable, economic and cared-for, and this is unlikely to happen. The present government is merely
selling off minor assets, such as railway hotels and in some cases catering on railway platforms and in dining
cars.
The Socialist doctrine affirms that as a national service British Rail should not expect to make a profit or
break even and should be subsidized by the tax payer. The Thatcher Government sees this as bad housekeeping
despite the fact that most European rail systems are already heavily subsidized. About half the population
probably accepts that competitiveness is the only real way forward.
Goods transport has largely moved over to the heavy, container-type lorry. In turn this involves the provision
of suitable roads, and the road building program is severely limited by finance. The environmental lobby rightly
complains about the damage done by these vehicles, especially in small villages, about the danger of pollution,
about traffic jams, and about the loss of agricultural land where M roads are built. These drawbacks can and
must be overcome by the provision of by-pass and further M roads. The London outer circle M 25, when
completed, will remove heavy through traffic from the streets of London. Small vehicles and private cars,
owned nowadays by over half of the population will also be able to move about more freely, and parking
problems which at present bedevil all large towns and cities will be alleviated.
In a small country like England, internal air travel is of importance primarily to business people and
nowadays all major cities have their own airports. London will eventually have five. Since there is ample
private competition for British Airways, that organization, which of course operates a world-wide network, is
efficient. The inefficiency is on the ground. It can take longer to reach Heath Row and pass through customs
and baggage formalities than it takes to fly to Paris of Dusseldorf.
Rivers and canals must not be overlooked. There is a valuable move, backed by the environmentalists, to
restore the waterways, not only as a means of commercial transport but also for tourism. This involves both
bank-clearing and the enforcement of anti-pollution laws. The River Thames now contains a wide variety of
fish whereas for over a century it contained none. Unfortunately it is little used for commercial purposes,
though progress is being made on all fronts.
Many of the transport problems in England, though not all, have stemmed from bad government theory and
bad industrial relations in the past. Part of the problem has been a steady shift of population originally from
country to town, and now the reverse. The task of promoting comfort, safety, economic cost, speed and
reliability is not easy, but is being tackled.
afforestation Establishment of a new forest by seeding or planting on nonforested land

fiasco something planned that goes wrong and is a complete failure
stem from to originate or develop as the result of something

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WRITING TOPICS (PET/B1): (150 words)

(178)(Nivel cercano al B2)

(Nivel cercano al B2)

suggest what you can do together.

Write a magazine article about transport in your town:

A report on transport in Benidorm:

Composition: No future for public transport?

Report: An activity I tried which my college should provide

one-off something that happens or is made or done only once

The Value of Self Confidence

taxi to move slowly on the ground

advocate person supporting an idea or cause publicly

apprehensive feeling anxious about something that you are going to do

her role forever.

downtrodden badly and unfairly treated

clique a small group of people who spend their time together

on end Continuously, without interruption

bliss perfect happiness

fret to be anxious or worried

contemplative deep in thought

PRO CON ESSAY: DAMM (PRESAS)

afforestation Establishment of a new forest by seeding or planting on nonforested land

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