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Educational System in England

2010-11-25T16:28:00.001-08:00

Vocabulary related to educational system in the UK

This page describes the educational system in England. The educational system in the Uk differs from the educational systems in the other parts of Britain.

The English educational system is divided into primary, secondary and higher education Children are required to start school at the age of five. Compulsory education lasts until the age of sixteen. Most pupils transfer from primary to secodary education at the age of eleven.

Students may then continue their secondary studies for a further two years (sixth form), leading most typically to an A level qualification, although other qualifications and courses exist, including Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualifications and the International Baccalaureate.

Higher education typically begins with a 3-year Bachelor's Degree. Postgraduate degrees include Master's Degrees, either taught or by research, and Doctor of Philosophy, a research degree that usually takes at least 3 years.

The most common patterns for schooling in the state sector in England

Age on 31st Aug	Year	Curriculum stage	Schools
3	Nursery	Foundation Stage	Nursery school
4	Reception	Foundation Stage	Infant school	Primary school	First school
5	Year 1	Key Stage 1
6	Year 2	Key Stage 1
7	Year 3	Key Stage 2	Junior school
8	Year 4
9	Year 5				Middle school
10	Year 6
11	Year 7	Key Stage 3	Secondary school	Secondary school with sixth form
12	Year 8
13	Year 9				Upper school or High school
14	Year 10	Key Stage 4 / GCSE
15	Year 11	Key Stage 4 / GCSE
16	Year 12 (Lower Sixth)	Sixth form / A level	Sixth form college
17	Year 13 (Upper Sixth)	Sixth form / A level	Sixth form college

Source: Wikipedia

Cristiano Ronaldo

2010-11-25T16:20:00.001-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, born on February 5th, 1985 and commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club Real Madrid and serves as captain of the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo currently holds the distinction of being the most expensive player in football history after having transferred to Real Madrid from Manchester United in a deal worth £80 million (€94m, US$132m). His contract with Real Madrid is believed to have made him the highest-paid football player in the world.

Ronaldo began his career as a youth player for Andorinha, where he played for two years, then moved to Nacional. In 1997, he made a move to Portuguese giants Sporting CP.

Ronaldo's precocious talent caught the attention of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and he signed the 18-year-old for £12.24 million in 2003. The following season, Ronaldo won his first club honour, the FA Cup, and reached the Euro 2004 final with Portugal, in which tournament he scored his first international goal.

In 2008, Ronaldo won the Champions League with United, and was named player of the tournament. He was named the FIFPro World Player of the Year and the FIFA World Player of the Year, in addition to becoming Manchester United's first Ballon d'Or winner in 40 years. Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Johan Cruyff said in an interview on 2 April 2008, "Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United."

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension:

Critiano Romnaldo currently plays for
a. Real Madrid
b. Manchester United
Ronalod scored his first international goal in
a. 2003
b. 2004
c. 2005
Ronaldo won a ballon d'Or when he played for
a. Real Madrid
b. Manchester United
Ronaldo won three ballon d'Or
a. True
b. False.

Halloween

2010-11-25T16:18:00.001-08:00

Halloween (also spelled Hallowe'en) is an annual holiday celebrated on October 31. It has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holy day of All Saints.

Halloween has origins in the ancient festival known as Samhain, which is derived from Old Irish and means roughly "summer's end". This was a Gaelic festival celebrated mainly in Ireland and Scotland.This festival celebrates the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half", and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year".The celebration has some elements of a festival of the dead.

The ancient Celts believed that the border between this world and the Other world became thin on Samhain, allowing spirits (both harmless and harmful) to pass through. The family's ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. Their purpose was to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm.

But where does the origin of the name "halloween" come from? Well The term Halloween, originally spelled Hallowe’en, is shortened from All Hallows' Even – e'en is a shortening of evening. It is now known as "Eve of" All Saints' Day, which is November 1st. As Chritianity started to spread, the church tried to supplant these pagan festivities with the Christian holiday (All Saints' Day) by moving it from May 13 to November 1. Although All Saints' Day is now considered to occur one day after Halloween, the two holidays were once celebrated on the same day.

Halloween is also related to A jack-o'-lantern (sometimes also spelled Jack O'Lantern) which is typically a carved pumpkin. In a jack-o'-lantern, typically the top is cut off, and the inside flesh then scooped out; an image, usually a monstrous face, is carved onto the outside surface, and the lid replaced. At night, a light is placed inside to illuminate the effect.

Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for children on Halloween. Children go in costume from house to house, asking for treats such as candy or sometimes money, with the question, "Trick or treat?" The word "trick" refers to a (mostly idle) threat to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. In some parts of Ireland and Scotland children still go guising. In this custom the child performs some sort of show, i.e. sings a song or tells a ghost story, in order to earn their treats.

Comprehension:

The word Halloween means:
a. hallows' day
b. hallows' evening
Why did people wear masks on Halloween?
a. They wanted to be unrecognizable.
b. They wanted to frighten away evil spirits.
c. They wanted to frighten their friends.
When children ask "trick or treat?":
a. They want you to give them candy
b. They give you a treat in return of candy or money
c. They let you in peace in return of candy or money
During Samhain festivitiesy:
a. only evil spirits are present
b. only good spirits are present
c. both evil and good spirits are present

2009 Nobel Peace Prize - awarded to Barack Obama

2010-11-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to U.S. President Barack Obama "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." The award was announced on October 9, 2009. As specific examples of the work that led to the award, the Committee highlighted efforts to promote nuclear nonproliferation, and a "new climate" in international relations fostered by Obama, especially in reaching out to the Muslim world. Obama is third sitting U.S. President to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and the third African American. He received the prize eight and a half months after his inauguration.

The White House announced Obama would travel to Oslo in December to accept the prize. Obama plans to donate the full 10 million Swedish kronor (US$1.4 million) monetary award to charity.

Initial reaction to the award was mixed. Among Nobel laureates, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore called the award "extremely well deserved", whereas former President of Poland Lech Wałęsa, who received the prize in 1983, said: "So soon? This is too soon. He has not yet made a real input."

Jagland, the chairman of the Nobel Committee, said he hoped the award would assist Obama's foreign policy efforts. He added: "We have not given the prize for what may happen in the future. We are awarding Obama for what he has done in the past year. And we are hoping this may contribute a little bit for what he is trying to do." Jagland said the committee was influenced by a speech Obama gave about Islam in Cairo in June 2009, as well as the president's efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and climate change, as well as Obama's support for using established international bodies such as the United Nations to pursue foreign policy goals.

Obama is the third sitting U.S. President to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the others being: Theodore Roosevelt (1906) and Woodrow Wilson (1919). Former President Jimmy Carter (2002) received the award after leaving office. In addition, the then sitting Vice President Charles Dawes was a co-winner with Austen Chamberlain (1925), and former Vice President Al Gore was a co-winner with the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007). Obama is the third African American to win this honor, the others being: Ralph J. Bunche, (1950) and Martin Luther King, Jr., (1964).

Obama said he was "surprised" and "deeply humbled" by the award. He stated that he does not feel he deserved the award,saying that he did not feel worthy of the company the award would place him in. In remarks given at the White House Rose Garden on the day of the announcement, Obama stated, "I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments but rather an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations."

The award drew initial criticism that it was undeserved or premature due to a perceived lack of significant accomplishments on Obama's part so far and his role in conflicts abroad. However, opinions were divided.There was widespread criticism of the Nobel Committee's decision from commentators and editorial writers across the political spectrum. Today host Matt Lauer said, “We’re less than a year into the first term of this president and there are no—I'm not trying to be, you know, rude here—no major foreign policy achievements, to date." Peter Beinart of the Daily Beast called the decision a "farce", said, "(Obama)'s done nothing to deserve the prize." Jonah Goldberg of the National Review said, "surely someone in Iran—or maybe the Iranian protestors generally—could have benefitted more from receiving the prize than a president who, so far, has done virtually nothing concrete for world peace."

Welcoming reactions came from Europe. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the award would reinforce Obama's determination to work for justice and peace. He added that the award "finally confirms the return of America in the hearts of all the peoples of the world". Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said the award will encourage warmer U.S.–Russian relations, and he hoped it would "serve as an additional incentive" for both governments to foster a better "climate in world politics". British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent a private message of congratulations to President Obama. Hope that the prize would assist Obama's efforts toward nuclear disarmament was also a part of congratulatory statements from Ireland's Taoiseach Brian Cowen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said the Vatican "appreciated" the nomination.

Comprehension:

Which of the following is not part of the reasons highlighted to award the Nobel Prize to Obama :
a. efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation
b. the promotion of nuclear proliferation
c. trying to build a bridge with Muslims
The total of US presidents who recieved the Nobel Prize is :
a. three
b. four
Obama:
a. accepted the award
b. refused the award
People criticised the Nobel Prize commitee decision because:
a. Obama is too young for a Nobel Prize Award
b. They think he has done nothing yet to deserve the award.

Obesity

2010-11-25T16:10:00.000-08:00

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Body mass index (BMI), a measurement which compares weight and height, defines people as overweight (pre-obese) when their BMI is between 25 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2, and obese when it is greater than 30 kg/m2.

Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases, particularly heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing difficulties during sleep, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. Obesity is most commonly caused by a combination of excessive dietary calories, lack of physical activity, and genetic susceptibility, although a few cases are caused primarily by genes, endocrine disorders, medications or psychiatric illness. Evidence to support the view that some obese people eat little yet gain weight due to a slow metabolism is limited; on average obese people have a greater energy expenditure than their thin counterparts due to the energy required to maintain an increased body mass.

The primary treatment for obesity is dieting and physical exercise. To supplement this, or in case of failure, anti-obesity drugs may be taken to reduce appetite or inhibit fat absorption. In severe cases, surgery is performed or an intragastric balloon is placed to reduce stomach volume and/or bowel length, leading to earlier satiation and reduced ability to absorb nutrients from food.

Obesity is a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence in adults and children, and authorities view it as one of the most serious public health problems of the 21st century. Obesity is stigmatized in much of the modern world (particularly in the Western world), though it was widely perceived as a symbol of wealth and fertility at other times in history, and still is in some parts of the world.

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension

The statistics state that.
a. although obesity is prevalent, it is not considered as a serious illness.
b. obesity is considered as a serious illness.
Obese people
a. may suffer from severe illnesses.
b. may suffer from mild ailments.
Modern medicine
a. can cure obesity.
b. cannot cure it at all.
The best treatment for obesity is
a. related to individuals lifestyle.
b. medical.

Walt Disney

2010-11-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901. Disney became one of the best-known motion picture producers in the world. He is particularly noted for being a film producer and a popular showman, as well as an innovator in animation and theme park design.

Disney is famous for his contributions in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. His first success was through the series, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit which was created by the Disney studio for Charles Mintz of Universal Studios. When Disney asked for a larger budget for his popular Oswald series, Mintz refused and Disney had to quit. Later, Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney started from scratch and co-founded Walt Disney Productions, now known as The Walt Disney Company. Today, this company has annual revenues of approximately U.S. $35 billion. This succes is largely due to a number of the world's most famous fictional characters he and his staff created including Mickey Mouse, a character for which Disney himself was the original voice.

Disney won 26 Academy Awards out of 59 nominations, including a record four in one year, giving him more awards and nominations than any other individual. He is also the namesake for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in the United States, as well as the international resorts in Japan, France, and China.

Disney died of lung cancer in Burbank, California, on December 15, 1966. The following year, construction began on Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. His brother Roy Disney inaugurated The Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971.

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension:

Walt Disney died in 1971
a. True
b. False
The Disney Studio's first production was Mickey mouse
a. True
b. False
Disney left Universal Pictures because they didn't agree to give him more money for his productions
a. True
b. False
Disney started The Walt Disney Company alone
a. True
b. False

Mickey Mouse

2010-11-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

Mickey Mouse is a cartoon character who has become an icon for the Walt Disney Company. Mickey Mouse is short for Mitchell Mouse. It was created in 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks and voiced by Walt Disney.

.....
The first appearance of Mickey Mouse was in Plane Crazy on May 15, 1928. But the Walt Disney Company celebrates Mickey Mouse birth as November 18, 1928 upon the release of Steamboat Willie, because it is the first Mickey Mouse Cartoon with sound. The anthropomorphic mouse has developed along the years. He first appeared in color in 1935. The first Technicolor Disney film was Flowers and Trees from 1932. He also evolved from being simply a character in animated cartoons and comic strips to become one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.

Mickey's popularity has grown around the world. This was due to his angelic nature. Mickey never does anything immoral. However, in 2009 the Walt Disney Company announced that they will begin to re-brand the Mickey Mouse character by moving away from his pleasant, cheerful image and reintroducing the more devious side of his personality, starting with the upcoming Epic Mickey, a Mickey Mouse video game. The walt Disney company thus intends to show the mischievous side of Mickey's personality.
Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension:

Mickey Mouse's birthday is celebrated on
a. May 15, 1928
b. November 18, 1928
The first Mickey Mouse with sound first appeared in
a. Steamboat Willie
b. Plane Crazy
Mickey Mouse first appeared in color in
a. 1932
b. 1935
Mickey Mouse has always been popular thanks to
a. his good nature,
b. mischievous side of his character.

Eid al-Adha

2010-11-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

Eid al-Adha or "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims all over the world to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma'il) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. The meat is divided into three parts: the family retains one third of the share, another third is stored and the other third is given to the poor and needy. Eid al-Adha is the latter of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, the first being Eid ul-Fitr. Like Eid ul FitrEid, al-Adha begins with a prayer followed by a sermon. Eid al-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months and 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah

Source: Wikipedia

The Five Pillars of Islam

2010-11-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

The Five Pillars of Islam are the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. They are the foundation of Muslim life:

1.Shahadah is a statement professing monotheism and accepting Muhammad as God's messenger. The statement denotes faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad and is normally said in Arabic. It states: "(I profess that) there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God."
2. Salah is the daily prayer of Islam. It consists of five prayers a day at sunrise, at noon, in the afternoon, at sunset and in the evening.
3. Zakāt or alms-giving is the practice of charitable giving by Muslims based on accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all who are able to do so. It is considered to be a personal responsibility for Muslims to ease economic hardship for others and eliminate inequality. Zakat consists of spending 2.5% of one's wealth for the benefit of the poor or needy once a year.
4. Sawm is a ritual fasting which is an obligatory act during the month of Ramadan. Muslims must abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk during this month, and are to be especially mindful of other sins. It is a sort of self-purification.
5. The Hajj is a pilgrimage that occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah to the holy city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if he or she can afford it. The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

As it is shown above the five pillars of Islam are obligatory on every adult Muslim . Some of these pillars or duties are done daily. or during a whole month. Others are done once a year or once in a lifetime.

Source: Wikipedia

Health Benefits of Fasting

2010-11-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

Fasting is part and parcel of the practices of many religions including, Islam, Judaism and Chritianity. Today many are trying to dig up the benefits of fasting. Some people fast for spiritual reasons while others fast as a way to physically discilpline the body. Whatever reasons one might come up with, it has been scientifically proved that fasting has tremedous health benefits.

First, fasting is said to play an important role in the detoxification of the body. Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin. This process starts when fasting. Food no longer enters the body and the latter turns to fat reserves for energy. These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the body organs, leading to the cleansing of the whole body.

An other known benefit of fasting is the healing process that is obvious in the body during a fast. When fasting energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system. The healing process during a fast is made easy by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to disappear.

Fasting also leads to a feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. This might be due to the detoxification effect of fasting. A study was performed on earthworms that showed the extension of life thanks to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlived the other worms by 19 generations, while still maintaining its freshness and youthful physiological characteristics.

Source: The health benefits of fasting
Links: Fasting and cancer treatment.

Eid al Fitr

2010-11-25T15:35:00.000-08:00

Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "to break fast"; and so the holiday symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period. It is celebrated after the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal.

Eid al-Fitr is sometimes also known as the "Smaller Eid" as compared to the Eid al-Adha that lasts three days following the Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca) and is casually referred to as the "Greater Eid"

At the end of Ramadan every Muslim is required to pay Zakat al-Fitr (a special fast breaking alm) as a token of thankfulness to God for having enabled him or her to observe the obligatory fast.

Typically, on the day of the al eid Muslims generally greet each other have a small breakfast before attending a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques or open areas like fields, squares etc. Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes (new if possible) for the occasion.

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension

Eid al Fitr is celebrated at the begining of Ramadan.
a. True
b. False
Eid al Fitr is also called the greater Eid.
a. True
b. False
Muslims fast on the Eid al Fitr.
a. True
b. False
Muslims perform a special prayer on the day of the celebration.
a. True
b. False

Ramadan

2010-11-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking from dawn until sunset. Ramadan had been the name of the ninth month in Arabian culture long before the arrival of Islam. In the Qur'an it is said that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you" which is a reference to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur. Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to offer more prayer than usual.

During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

As compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards about ten days each year as it is a moving holiday depending on the moon. Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were said to be revealed to the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. That was during a night that Muslims call Laylat al-Qadr (the night of decree or measures.) The night is believed to be one of the 10 last days of the month.

Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr on the first of Shawwal, with much celebration and feasting.

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension

Ramadan was introduced after Islam had appeared.
a. True
b. False
Ramadan comes on a fixed date every year.
a. True
b. False
In Ramadan Muslims don't fast all day long.
a. True
b. False
Muslims believe that the Qur'an was revealed during the first nights of Ramadan.
a. True
b. False

Women's Rights

2010-11-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

Women won their present status through struggle and sacrifices rather than through men's kindness. Women and their supporters have fought and in some places continue to fight for the same rights as men. Laws were made to replace local customs which denigrated and suppressed women's rights. Women have gained higher positions in the world at all levels: political, economic and social.

Historically, whether in Hindu, Greek or Roman civilizations women were always minors and subject to men. It was only during the islamic civilization, between 610 and 661, that the early reforms were undertaken. The reforms gave women greater rights than Muslim women in pre-Islamic Arabia and medieval Europe.These reforms included greater rights in marriage, divorce and inheritance. Women were not accorded with such legal status in other cultures until centuries later.

During the middle ages women were enslaved and were denied all rights in Europe. In the late 18th century, however, women's status became a subject of political debate. In the 19th century women started their fight for equal rights. In the late 19th century they won the right to vote (suffrage) in various countries in the world. More gigantic steps were taken during the following years. Women gained more economic, social and political status in various degrees and in different countries.

In Spite of all the success women still suffer from discrimination at various levels. For example women work more and earn less than men. In addition to that, the majority of the world's poor and illiterate are women. The road to real equality is still long.

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension

The first reforms occured in Europe.
a. True
b. False
Political debate over women's status started in the 18th century.
a. True
b. False.
Women gained the right to vote during the 19th century.
a. True
b. False.

Juvenile Crime

2010-11-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

Juvenile delinquency refers to antisocial or illegal behavior by children or adolescents and is considered a serious problem all over the world. It is caused by social, economic and cultural factors. This juvenile criminality is apparant in marginal sectors of urban areas where children are exposed to violence in their immediate social environment, either as observers or as victims. Because delinquents basic education, if they have any, is poor they have been marginalized from society and distituted of any dignity or self esteem. Although most legal systems prescribe specific procedures for dealing with young criminals, such as juvenile detention centers and suppression, appoaches to prevent deliquency should also include measures to instill equality and justice, fight poverty and create an atmosphere of hope and peace among youth. These preventive policies should be given priorities over any coercive measures.

Socioeconomic opportunities and administrative services should be provided in rural areas to discourage young people from migrating to urban areas. Similarly, youth from poor urban settings should benefit from plans that focus on education, employmnent and access to leisure programmes , especially during long school holidays. Young people who drop out of school or come from broken families should have access to specific social programmes that help them become responsible adults.

Information campaigns should be planned to sensitize youth to be aware of the detrimental effects of violence on the family, community and society, to teach them how to communicate without violence. Focus on the importance of family should become a priority because it is the primary institution of socialization of youth and continues to play an important role in the prevention of juvenile delinquency and underage crime.

Comprehension

Juvenile crime is affected by economic factors
a. true
b. false
Migration might be another cause of juvenile criminality
a. true
b. false.
Family is not an important factor when dealing with juvenile criminality
a. true
b. false.
Suppression is not an option when dealing with juvenile criminality
a. true
b. false

Pollution and its Negative Effects

2010-11-25T15:22:00.000-08:00

Pollution is the degradation of natural environment by external substances introduced directly or indirectly. Human health, ecosystem quality and aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity may be affected and altered permanently by pollution. Pollution occurs when ecosystems can not get rid of substances introduced into the environment. The critical threshold of its ability to naturally eliminate substances is compromized and the balance of the ecosystem is broken.

The sources of pollution are numerous. The identification of these different pollutants and their effects on ecosystems is complex. They can come from natural disasters or the result of human activity, such as oil spills, chemical spills, nuclear accidents ... These can have terrible consequences on people and the planet where they live: destruction of the biodiversty, increased mortality of the human and animal species, destruction of natural habitat, damage caused to the quality of soil, water and air ...

Preventing pollution and protecting the environment necessitate the application of the principles of sustainable development. we have to consider to satisfy the needs of today without compromizing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This means that we should remedy existing pollution, but also anticipate and prevent future pollution sources in order to protect the environment and public health. Any environmental damage must be punishable by law, and polluters should pay compensation for the damage caused to the environment.

Comprehension

The damage caused by pollution might be irreversible:
a. True
b. False
The ecosystem
a. can always cope with pollutants
b. may not always be able to cope with pollution.
Pollution
a. is always caused by humans.
b. may sometimes be caused by natural disasters.
An ideal solution to prevent pollution would be to
a. refrain the development of some counries.
b. continue develpmental projects.
c . take into consideration the future generations need to live in a healthy environment.

Reading Comprehension - Summer

2010-11-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

Summer is the warmest of the four temperate seasons which also include winter spring and autumn. It occurs between spring and autumn. It is known for the longest days and shortest nights. The seasons start on different dates in different cultures based on astronomy and regional meteorology. However, when it is summer in the southern hemisphere it is winter in the northern hemisphere, and vice versa. Summer is traditionally associated with hot dry weather, but this does not occur in all regions. For example, the wet season occurs during summer across many parts of the tropics and subtropics. Tropical cyclones develop and roam the tropical and subtropical oceans during the summer. In the interior of continents, thunderstorms are most likely to produce hail during the afternoon and evening. Schools and universities have a summer break to take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days.

People take advantage of the warmer temperatures by spending more time outdoors during the summer. Activities such as traveling to the beach and picnics occur during summer months. Sports such as cricket, volleyball, skateboarding, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, water polo, and football are played. Water skiing is a uniquely summer sport, which is done when waters approach their warmest of the year.

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension:

Summer occurs between winter and spring
a. True
b. False
Summer is charecterized by hot and dry weather everywhere in the world
a. True.
b. False.
Summer occurs at different times depending on the regions.
a. True
b. False

The Great Wall Of China

2010-11-25T15:17:00.000-08:00

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was first built between 220–206 BC. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to serve as fortification to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire from invasion. Afterwards it was rebuilt and maintained over the years, between the 5th century BC and the 16th century.

One of the myths associated with the Great Wall of China is that it is the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon with the naked eye. The legend originated in Richard Halliburton's 1938 book Second Book of Marvels. However, This myth is simply not true. Richard Halliburton's claim was contradicted by astronauts Neil Armstrongby and Yang Liwei. A more plausible assumption would be to say that the Great Wall can be visible from a low orbit of the earth which is not unique in this regard as many other artificial constructions can be seen from that height.

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension

The Great Wall of China was first built as a single wall.
a. True
b. False
The Great Wall of China
a. was built in a single dynasty.
b. was refurbished during its history.
The Great Wall was first designed
a. to protect the Empire from invasion.
b. to help trade between different provinces.
The wall can be seen from moon with the naked eye.
a. True.
b. False.

Seven ways to protect the environment

2010-11-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

We all want to protect our planet, but we're mostly too busy or too lazy to put up big change that would improve our lifestyle and save the environment.

These are 7 simple habits to implement in your everyday life which will make a difference. There is nothing new here but if you follow at least some of these tips, you can be proud of yourself participating in the protection of the environment.

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs:
It is true that these bulbs are more expensive, but they last much longer and they can save energy and in the long term your electricity bill would be reduced.
Donate:
You have tons of clothes or things you want to get rid of. If they are still usable, give them to someone who needs them. You may also choose to give them to associations. These associations may sell them and collect a little money. Not only will you protect the environment, but you will also contribute to a good cause.
Turn off your devices:
When you do not use a house device, turn it off. For example, if you don't watch TV, turn it off. Turn off the light when you leave a room (even if you intend to return.) It's an easy habit to take up which will help you save a lot of money.
Walk or cycle:
Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution. If you want to use your car, ask yourself the following question: do I really need my car? Walk or use your bike if the journey is a short one.
Detergent:
Follow the recommended dose of detergent to wash your clothes or dishes.
leaky faucets:
Watch leaky faucets, which can cause a significant increase in the the water bill. An average of 120 litres of water can be wasted due to a dripping faucet.
Rainwater:
Think of recovering rainwater. This water can be used for different purposes.

This list is far from being exhaustive but in addition to saving the environment, all these tips will help you save money.

Comprehension:

Fluorescent light bulbs waste more energy
a. True
b. False
Donate means:
a. give.
b. take.
The 7 tips suggested
a. to save money.
b. protect the environment.
c. to save money and protect the environment.

Sustainable Development

2010-11-25T15:01:00.000-08:00

Sustainable development means different things to different people, but the most frequently quoted definition is from the report Our Common Future (also known as the Brundtland Report):

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Sustainable development focuses on improving the quality of life for all of the Earth's citizens without increasing the use of natural resources beyond the capacity of the environment to supply them indefinitely. It requires an understanding that inaction has consequences and that we must find innovative ways to change institutional structures and influence individual behaviour. It is about taking action, changing policy and practice at all levels, from the individual to the international.

Sustainable development is not a new idea. Many cultures over the course of human history have recognized the need for harmony between the environment, society and economy. What is new is an articulation of these ideas in the context of a global industrial and information society.

Progress on developing the concepts of sustainable development has been rapid since the 1980s. In 1992 leaders at the Earth Summit built upon the framework of Brundtland Report to create agreements and conventions on critical issues such as climate change, desertification and deforestation. They also drafted a broad action strategy—Agenda 21—as the workplan for environment and development issues for the coming decades. Throughout the rest of the 1990s, regional and sectoral sustainability plans have been developed. A wide variety of groups—ranging from businesses to municipal governments to international organizations such as the World Bank—have adopted the concept and given it their own particular interpretations. These initiatives have increased our understanding of what sustainable development means within many different contexts. Unfortunately, as the Earth Summit +5 review process demonstrated in 1997, progress on implementing sustainable development plans has been slow.

Around the world we see signs of severe stress on our interlocked global economic, environmental and social systems. As the United Nations Environmental Programme's GEO-2000 report points out, the "time for a rational, well-planned transition to a sustainable system is running out fast." And yet we continue to adopt a business-as-usual approach to decision-making, which increases the chance that our global systems will crack and begin to crumble. Already we are faced with full-scale emergencies through freshwater shortages, tropical forest destruction, species extinction, urban air pollution, and climate change.

How do we quickly reverse these trends? In 1987 the World Commission on Environment and Development recommended seven critical actions needed to ensure a good quality of life for people around the world:

Revive growth
Change the quality of growth
Meet essential needs and aspirations for jobs, food, energy, water and sanitation
Ensure a sustainable level of population
Conserve and enhance the resource base
Reorient technology and manage risk
Include and combine environment and economics considerations in decision-making

These recommendations are as valid today as they were when first written. They are a call to change our actions and to do things differently.

Comprehension:

Sutainable development is:
a. a new concept,
b. based on old ideas
Sutainable development stresses upon:
a. the relationship between man and development,
b. a development that takes into consideration the needs of future generations.
action to implement the concept of sustainable development is:
a. slow,
b. already taking place at a reasonable pace.

Information Technology

2010-11-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

In the beginning computers were human. Then they took the shape of metal boxes, filling entire rooms before becoming ever smaller and more widespread. Now they are evaporating altogether and becoming accessible from anywhere.

That is about as brief a history of computers as anyone can make it. The point is that they are much more than devices in a box or in a data centre. Computing has constantly changed shape and location—mainly as a result of new technology, but often also because of shifts in demand.

The first “computers” were indeed people. The word originally meant an individual who solved equations, often using a mechanical calculator. Hundreds of them were employed by big companies that needed to do a lot of number-crunching, such as aeroplane manufacturers. It was only around 1945 that the word came to describe machinery.

But even after that, computing kept undergoing mutations—or, in the jargon, platform shifts. The mainframe, the original computing platform, was dethroned by minicomputers, which in turn gave way to personal computers, which are now being pushed aside by hand-held devices and smartphones. With each step the architecture—the underlying structure of computing—became more distributed.

Now, computing is taking on yet another new shape. It is becoming more centralised again as some of the activity moves into data centres. But more importantly, it is turning into what has come to be called a “cloud”, or collections of clouds. Computing power will become more and more disembodied and will be consumed where and when it is needed.

The rise of the cloud is more than just another platform shift that gets geeks excited. It will undoubtedly transform the information technology industry, but it will also profoundly change the way people work and companies operate. It will allow digital technology to penetrate every nook and cranny of the economy and of society, creating some tricky political problems along the way.

Comprehension:

Information technology is changing principally because of:
a. the changing needs
b. new technological advances
According to the author the first computers were:
a. calculators
b. humans
Platform shifts are:
a. advances in computing systems
b. development of machinery in general
Computing systems are taking the form of clouds means:
a. computers have become smaller
b. computing power will be disembodied.

Humor

2010-11-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

A big mystery: the tremondous benefits of laughter.

Humor and laughter effect how we perceive and respond to change.

Humor is one of the pleasures of life. To dispense laughter will directly enhance the quality of life and perhaps the will to live - this may be the most important result of all.

       First of all, humans were designed to laugh. Laughter is nature's stress buster. It lifts our spirits with a happy high that makes us feel good and improves our behavior towards others. A regular 20 minute laughter session can have a profound impact on our health and wellbeing. Laughter is gentle exercise. It fills your lungs and body with oxygen, deep-clears your breathing passages and exercises your lungs. Stress is reduced, blood pressure drops, depression is lifted, your immune system is boosted & more. It is recommended to laugh 20 minutes a day. Laughter exercises almost always lead to real laughter.

      It is not known yet why laughing protects the heart, but it is known that mental stress is associated with impairment of the endothelium, the protective barrier lining our blood vessels. People with heart disease are less likely to laugh in uncomfortable situations and are overall less likely to recognize humor. Overall the participants with heart disease laughed less than the healthy participants, even in positive situations.

       In psychology, there is a theory entitled the "facial feedback" hypothesis. This hypothesis states that "involuntary facial movements provide sufficient peripheral information to drive emotional experience, feedback from facial expression affects emotional expression and behavior". In other words, you may actually be able to improve your mood by simply smiling! Laughter can be a powerful therapy for the patient. The ability to laugh at a situation or problem gives us a feeling of superiority and power. Humor and laughter can foster a positive and hopeful attitude. Humor gives us a sense of perspective on our problems. Our ability to see the humor in a situation and to laugh freely with our coworkers can be an effective way to take care of our own body, mind and spirit.For thousands of years, the human race has extolled the health-enhancing benefits of laughter.

        What is more, it is shown that negative emotions could create chemical changes which would eventually lead to adrenal exhaustion. Therefore the positive emotions such as faith, hope, confidence and joy might create changes within the body which would enhance his recovery process. Since the behavior of laughing tends to open one to these positive emotions. For example, after each laughing episode the patients could sleep comfortably without the need for analgesia or sedation. Laughter does effect the body, mind and spirit.

       Besides, humor is a perceptual process while laughter is a behavioral response. This behavior creates predictable physiological changes within the body. As with other exercise, we see two stages of the body's response, the arousal phase when the physiological parameters increase, and the resolution phase when they return to resting rate or lower. With vigorous sustained laughter, the heart rate is stimulated. Conditions such as asthma or bronchitis may be irritated by vigorous laughter. A variety of muscle groups become active during laugh.

       Humor and laughter effect how we perceive and respond to change. Humor gives us a change of perspective on our problems and with an attitude of detachment, we feel a sense of self-protection and control in our environment. Freud noted the powerful psychological influence of humor.

       The next time you are down - the next time you are feeling blue or just plain old blah - SMILE!! An action as simple as that just may improve your spirits.

Comprehension:

"stress buster" means:
a. something that stops stress,
b. something that produces stress.
Laughter reduces:
a. oxygen in the lungs,
b. stress
According to "facial feedback" hypothesis
a. you can feel happy only by smiling,
b. you can feel happy by looking at other people's faces smiling.
Laughter produces
a. psychlogical changes
b. physiological changes
c. both, physiological and psychlogical changes

Education

2010-11-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

Education encompasses both the teaching and learning of knowledge, proper conduct, and technical competency. It thus focuses on the cultivation of skills, trades or professions, as well as mental, moral & aesthetic development.

Formal education consists of systematic instruction, teaching and training by professional teachers. This consists of the application of pedagogy and the development of curricula.

The right to education is a fundamental human right. Since 1952, Article 2 of the first Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights obliges all signatory parties to guarantee the right to education. At world level, the United Nations' International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 guarantees this right under its Article 13.

Educational systems are established to provide education and training, often for children and the young. A curriculum defines what students should know, understand and be able to do as the result of education. A teaching profession delivers teaching which enables learning, and a system of policies, regulations, examinations, structures and funding enables teachers to teach to the best of their abilities. Sometimes educational systems can be used to promote doctrines or ideals as well as knowledge, which is known as social engineering. This can lead to political abuse of the system, particularly in totalitarian states and government.

Primary (or elementary) education consists of the first years of formal, structured education. In general, primary education consists of six or seven years of schooling starting at the age of 5 or 6, although this varies between, and sometimes within, countries. Globally, around 70% of primary-age children are enrolled in primary education, and this proportion is rising.

In most contemporary educational systems of the world, secondary education consists of the second years of formal education that occur during adolescence.It is characterised by transition from the typically compulsory, comprehensive primary education for minors, to the optional, selective tertiary, "post-secondary", or "higher" education (e.g., university, vocational school) for adults.

Higher education, also called tertiary, third stage, or post secondary education, is the non-compulsory educational level that follows the completion of a school providing a secondary education, such as a high school or secondary school. Tertiary education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as vocational education and training. Colleges and universities are the main institutions that provide tertiary education. Collectively, these are sometimes known as tertiary institutions. Tertiary education generally results in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees.

Comprehension:

a definition of education includes:
a. the process of teaching,
b. the process of teaching and learning
Everywhere in the world children go to primary schools:
a. at the same age
b. the age may differ.
tertiary education refers to:
a. primary education,
b. secondary education,
c. post secondary education.
Tertiary education is:
a. optional.
b. compulsory

Stereotypes

2010-11-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

A stereotype is a fixed idea that people have about what specific social groups or individuals are like, especially an idea that is wrong. Other terms that are associated with the term stereotype are prejudice and cliché. The term has a greek origin: stereos means solid or firm and typos mean blow, impression, engraved or mark. The term was first used in the printing business. The first modern English use of the term was in 1850, meaning "image perpetuated without change."

Because stereotypes are standardized and simplified ideas of groups, based on some prejudices, they are not derived from objective facts, but rather subjective and often unverifiable ideas. As Sociologist Charles E. Hurst states* "One reason for stereotypes is the lack of personal, concrete familiarity that individuals have with persons in other racial or ethnic groups. Lack of familiarity encourages the lumping together of unknown individuals".

The existance of stereotypes may be explained by the need of groups of people to view themselves as more normal or more superior than other groups. Consequently, stereotypes may be used to justify ill-founded prejudices or ignorance and prevent people of stereotyped groups from entering or succeeding in various activities or fields. The stereotyping group are, generally, reluctant to reconsider their attitudes and behavior towards stereotyped group.

Stereotypes may affect people negatively. This includes forming inaccurate and distorted images and opinions of people. Stereotypes may also be used for scapegoating or for making general erroneous judgements about people. Some stereotyping people may feel confortable when they prevent themselves from emotional identification with the stereotyped group, which leads to xenophobic or racist behavior. Finally another serious concequence of sterotypes is the feeling of inferiority that the stereotyped people may have and which may impair their performance.

*Hurst, Charles E. Social Inequality: Forms, Causes, and Consequences. 6. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc, 2007

Source: Wikipedia

Comprehension:

The word stereotype has:
a. a Greek origin.
b. an English origin.
Stereotypes are used to:
a. make generalizations about different groups of people.
b. have an accurate understanding of the stereotyped people.
If you label people in terms of stereotypes, you will probably :
a. be having an exact judgement of their worth.
b. be bahaving in a discriminatory way

How to be a good citizen ?

2010-11-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Definition of citizenship

Citizenship is a sacred honor, a plaque we carry proudly on our chests and a burden pressing hard on our backs. A citizen is a member of a country. He has the right to ask for its protection, and the duty to protect it and obey its laws and rules. In other words, citizenship is the relationship between an individual and a state in which the individual belongs, and owes allegiance to the state and in turn is entitled to its protection.

Fortunately, being a good citizen doesn’t stop at the exchange of rights and duties, it requires a lot of civilized behavior, and responsible acts.

Simple acts to do in your daily life

All the members of our community, from the youngest to the eldest, have to cooperate. By cooperating, I don’t mean giving huge efforts. Simple acts and easy behavior can help us ameliorate our level of life. As citizens, and students in particular, all we have to do are the steps below :

Start with your own home, clean it regularly, and take care of your front door area.
Being a good neighbor by caring about others.
Don’t overuse water and electricity.
Respect your neighbors, help them if necessary, and act politely.
Don’t litter, or throw trash in the street.
Don’t spit in the street, it doesn’t only bother the other passeers-by, but it also affects your discipline, and it’s very far from being civilized.
Try to cross the street in the crossing passage. The town will look organized, and it lowers the level of accidents.
Let’s try to walk in the sidewalk, or the pavement, because it causes fewer difficulties to drivers in the city.
Respect your school, especially its doors, walls and windows. They are not yours ; you only borrow them for a year or more.
Being a citizen is a source of pride. Don’t try to ignore your origins in front of foreigners. Have you ever seen any of them deny being who s/he really is ?
Act nicely with tourists. If we want our country to receive millions of tourists , try to be nice.
If you can study about your country, it would be great. See the extreme diversity you have (the desert, the sea, the mountains, the different dialects, the traditions, the traditional clothes).
If you don’t vote, who will ? A simple act can place the right person in the right place.
In emergencies, don’t be afraid. Help the people in need. (Blood donations, call the police, the ambulance, and help a lady in the street...) Imagine you were in their place, wouldn’t you like to have other people standing by your side ?

When you become a parent, teach this to your children. Citizenship starts from childhood, and only ends by the time you die. It’s only by practicing those really simple acts that our daily life can get better. I hope this will help us understand another meaning of good citizenship.

Comprehension:

The text talks about:
a. citizenship and the traits of bad citizens
b. traits of good citizens.
c. what citizenship is and how one can be a good citizen.
Citizens:
a. have rights
b. have rights and responsibilities towards Their community
c. have responsibilities towards Their community
Allegiance means:
a. protection
b. loyalty and support

Reassessing the Impacts of Brain Drain on Developing Countries

2010-11-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

Brain drain, which is the action of having highly skilled and educated people leaving their country to work abroad, has become one of the developing countries concern. Brain drain is also referred to as human capital flight. More and more third world science and technology educated people are heading for more prosperous countries seeking higher wages and better working conditions. This has of course serious concequences on the sending countries.

While many people believe that immigration is a personal choice that must be understood and respected, others look at the phenomenon from a different perspective. What makes those educated people leave their countries should be seriously considered and a distinction between push and pull factors must be made. The push factors include low wages and lack of satisfactory working and living conditions. Social unrest, political conflicts and wars may also be determining causes. The pull factors, however, include intellectual freedom and substantial funds for research.

Brain drain has negative impact on the sending countries economic prospects and competetiveness. It reduces the number of dynamic and creative people who can contribute to the development of their country. Likewise, with more entrepreneurs taking their investments abroad, developing countries are missing an opportunity of wealth creation. This has also negative consequences on tax revenue and employment.

Most of the measures taken so far have not had any success in alleviating the effects of brain drain. A more global view must take into consideration the provision of adequate working and living conditions in the sending countries. An other option should involve encouraging the expatriates to contribute their skill to the development of their countries without necesarily physically relocating.

Comprehension:

Another term for brain drain is:
a. capital flight
b. human capital flight
To address the problem of brain drain we should understand:
a. the causes.
b. the effects.
Brain drain has terrible concequences on the economic development of :
a. sending countries
b. recieving countries
To limit the negative impact of brain drain, expatriates should
a. come back to their homecountries for good.
b. try to help their home countries while staying their.

(source=http://www.myenglishpages.com)