world of words “The English Language Program’s student magazine – a compilation of the Winter session’s highlights, student opinions and other features.”
June 2014, issue 86
Featuring ELP Success Story • Shayne Xing Wu • Under Open Skies • ELP Goes Spring Camping My Role Model by Leticia Munoz • Things That Are Special About Canada by Kétuli Guimaraes
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e u s s i s i h t inside Cover: ELP students enjoy the sunset at Glen Bernard Camp. Photograph by Elis Batistella.
Feature Articles
Antibiotic Resistance 38
ELP Success Story 4
The Danger Behind the Cure 39
Under Open Skies 6
Under Pressure 40
Volunteer 14
My Role Model 41
My First 10K 16
Great Experiences 41
ELP on Instagram 18
Robo-Law 42
University and College Application Support 20
The Pipe Organ 43
English Outside the Classroom 50
Brazil and Its Biggest Pride 44 Reading 44
Student Opinion
Six Rules to Success 45
Learning Between “Old Married Couples� 21
Better Safe Than Sorry 46
Basic Security of Income for Everyone 22
Skin Deep 47
I am Uyghur and Chinese 23
The Dangers of Legalizing Cannabis 48
Parents on Facebook 24
About Turkey 49
Wake Up, Parents! 25 The Declining Use of Kazakh 26 Violent Games 27
Toronto Island BBQs 52
Weak Password, Big Problem 28
Guide to Summer in Toronto 53
Niagara Falls 29
Enjoying Life 54
Advantages of Pet Ownership 29
#slang 55
Scenery in Canada 30
Chatting Casually, Learning Together 56
Things That Are Special About Canada 31 East Meets Middle East 32 How HR Professionals Help You Succeed 33 The End of Human Privacy 34 Enjoy the Summer 35 Technology in Education 36 Next Stop... 37 2
Student Life
Ask Rosa 58 Disclaimer: Due to our diverse student population, we receive many opinion-based articles relating to global and current affairs. The views expressed in this magazine are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the English Language Program. The English Language Program does not endorse, represent or warrant the quality of products or companies mentioned within.
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ELP Director’s Message June 2014 Hello all, It’s amazing how a little warm weather can change things and it’s been great to see the students at ELP outside enjoying the warmer, sunnier climate. After a long (too long) winter, we Torontonians seize the opportunity at this time of year and go outside in the sunshine, explore our surroundings and connect with each other and our city. It’s the time of adventure and finding and experiencing the unexpected. So, in this issue of World of Words (available in print and online) turn the page and come along for the ride. For our writers, the benefits that come from having an adventurous spirit are nothing new. They are world travellers and have already made the decision to embrace the possibility of encountering all things new and exciting. As a result, there are a lot of unique stories in this issue. We follow our students outside the comfortable city limits of Toronto at our annual Spring Camping Trip in Sundridge, Ontario. Here, we document their new activities and experiences with the Great Canadian outdoors—lakes, sunsets, canoes and all! River Li Qingjiang has a once in a lifetime moment at the Sporting Life 10K that shows how taking advantage of an opportunity can lead to a great sense of personal accomplishment. Further, Ketuli Guimares shows all us Canadians how strange our ways of living can be to those from other countries. Her “10 Things You’ll Only See in Canada” will make you laugh at the funny and unexpected differences in Canada. And finally, read the interview of former ELP student, Shayne Xing Wu, who has met success as a result of his own hard work and guidance from our University and College Applications Support advisor. All these great stories plus guides to summer festivals and BBQs in Toronto make this issue (and the session it documents) a memorable one. I encourage you to read on and, in the spirit of this issue, experience and enjoy the unexpected. Enjoy, Sherry Yuan Hunter Executive Director, English Language Program University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
Dan Pinese Elis Batistella, Heather Bryans, Sulin Cheng, Chris Chipman, Visnja Cuturic, Dorothy Garfinkel, Aakanksha John, Rosa Leo, Bill Mboutsiadis, Lily Meshadiyeva, Vitalie Nyembwe, Nick Plagakis, Evelyn Pedersen, Mustafa Sarier, Graham Shular, Andrea Sriskandarajah, Becky Smith, Karen Thomson, Effie Touchings
Editor and Layout Design Staff Contributors
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ELP Success Story Photograph by David Wu
The following is an interview with Shayne Xing Wu, a former student who has experienced much success after completing Academic English Level 60 at the English Language Program.
Question (Q) and Answer (A) with
Shayne Xing Wu Q: What courses have you taken at the English Language Program? What was your experience like? A: I have taken Academic English level 60, and I just completed it on April 4th. It was very practical and useful in many ways. I learned how to properly take notes and write essays. I have attended other English courses but this was different. The instructors are the most professional and experienced I’ve ever seen. For instance, I learned how to take out library books and return books. These are practical skills I am absolutely going to need when I start going to university. We learned through using touchscreen and digital technology, and such equipment is very essential to learning. During the lectures, I was taught different topics about different majors, especially my field of study, which is Computer Science. It was a wonderful experience. Q: Good to hear! Why did you choose to take these courses? What was your motivation for studying at the 4
ELP? A: I mainly wanted to prepare for university and my most important goal is to study at the University of Toronto. Additionally, my friend recommended the course to me. I also wanted to meet different people, from different areas and from different walks of life. Q: Did you participate in social activities? A: I never attended any social activities but I know it enriched the experiences of other students. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time for activities. Q: Did you participate in the University and College Application Support? How did it help you? A: I was exposed to the application support through attending one of your undergraduate workshops. I asked questions about undergraduate studies and applications, and all questions were answered in one sitting. This program helped me write letters explaining my situation and I received some amazing advice throughout the entire application process. I have not been to high school in a few years and applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Toronto was difficult. I am not a domestic student who just finished high school, and most of the applicants that apply for this program usually are. With my situation, being different from most other applicants, I had to seek advice. Applying to only one program, and to one university,
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meant I had a lot of pressure to be accepted. This pressure made me realize that I must get in this year no matter what. The application support helped me step by step to make sure I did not miss anything, to reach every deadline, as well as make sure that the U of T has everything pertaining to my application. Q: Very happy to hear about that! What programs did you apply to and do you have prior education in this field? A: I applied to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, at the University of Toronto, mid-January and that was the only program I ever wanted to attend so I knew I was taking a big risk. I do not have formal education in the field but technology and computers are my hobby and passion. Q: Have you had a response from the program that you’ve already applied to? Were you accepted? A: Yes! I got into the program! I was formally accepted by the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto recently, and was offered a scholarship as well. In my offer, I was named as one of the most distinguished students from all the applicants this year in the Computer Science program. I am overjoyed and overexcited for my new opportunity and my path towards my academic career. This is why I am truly grateful for the UCAS!
“I was formally accepted by the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto recently, and was offered a scholarship as well. In my offer, I was named as one of the most distinguished students from all the applicants this year in the Computer Science program. I am overjoyed and overexcited for my new opportunity and my path towards my academic career. This is why I am truly grateful for the application support!”
Q: Congratulations again! You deserve it. Do you intend on staying in Canada after you finish your degree? Or do you intend to return home? A: Yes, I plan on staying in Canada for further education, as well as to pursue my career goals. Canada is an incredible place, and is my new home. I hope that at some point soon, I will make a significant contribution to this country. Q: What are you going to do until you start school? A: Until September 2014, I want to volunteer at several different institutions to make my time worthy. Q: What does your future hold? What are going to do 10 years from now? A: I want to pursue a career in computer science. I want to open a company/business that focuses on computer technology, as it is the new trend, and hope to make a career out of that. Q: Any last comments about the English Language Program? A: Yes! The ELP is the only learning environment that allows the students to partake in activities that lets them meet other people and have fun. It’s not only about learning English in the classroom, it’s also a community with its own culture and activities. I would recommend everyone who has a goal of improving their English to attend this program, as it is the friendliest and most supportive learning environment I have ever been in. Q: Thank you for your time. Congratulations and we hope to keep in touch with you! A: Thank you!
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Under Open Skies
ELP’s trip to Glen Bernard Camp By Dan Pinese, ELP Program Administrator
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n June 6, 2014, twenty-five English Language Program students boarded a bus and ventured to Sundridge, Ontario. Travelling three-and-a-half hours north of Toronto, we passed through Ontario’s Muskoka region and arrived at our destination—Glen Bernard Camp— situated just west of Algonquin Park. I was excited to introduce the idea of “camp” to our students. At first, the concept of camp might seem odd. You travel far, far away from the comforts of the city. Your surroundings are strange and seem dangerous (there are often questions about the frequency of bear sightings, mosquitoes and the dreaded black flies). But, once these fears and questions are put to rest, you begin to look around at what the environment truly has to offer and they turn to excitement. It seemed like around every corner at Glen Bernard Camp there was a new opportunity, a potential new activity, a new building to walk into, and a new trail that would lead to yet again something new. And our students did all the activities the camp had to offer.
It was great to see our students become true campers as the weekend went by. Everywhere I looked students were working together and with the experienced staff from Glen Bernard Camp. They were encouraging one another to climb higher on the high ropes course, sharing tips on the archery range, paddling faster and more confidently in their canoes and kayaks, and working together to solve the obstacles on the low ropes and team games. Camp teaches these things: to work with others all-the-while pushing yourself to try new activities and build confidence. By the end of your stay you are amazed by what you and your fellow campers have accomplished. Combine this idea with the fact that our students come from different parts of the world, communicating in English and succeeding as a group is that much more impressive. We had an amazing time, topped off by great weather, and a lot of fun. Below are just a few of the highlights.
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The High Ropes and Climbing Wall The high ropes course and climbing wall at Glen Bernard Camp is intimidating at first and one of the most challenging and physical activities at the camp. However, you are clipped into supports and wear all the right safety gear. Once again, after fears are put to rest, you give it a try. You climb higher and higher and you reach the top. It’s an obvious question, but after you get to the top, you look down and ask out loud, “How do I get back down?” The answer: “Let go!” “Jump!” “The equipment and your team will let you down safely.” This is a terrifying leap to make. You have your doubts at first. At least, I did. In the end, despite the physicality of the wall, the high ropes course is definitely an exercise in determination and trust.
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Photograph by Yuna Fujisawa
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Kayaking and Canoeing The big difference between kayaking and canoeing is that in a kayak you are by yourself. It is you that propels the kayak forward and maintains balance. You can turn around with ease and freely look to the sides, front and back. In a canoe on the other hand, each person has a different role. In groups of two or three, depending on if you are in the front, middle, or back of the boat you are responsible for guiding the canoe, maintaining its balance or steering respectively. In other words, you succeed and fail (as my canoe did when we tipped into the water) as a team. Communication is key and because canoes are more prone to tip than kayaks, roles are adopted and lessons learned quickly. 10
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Archery For most of our students at ELP, this was their first experience picking up a bow and arrow. Some proved to be fast learners and by the end of the two days were quite deft marksmen. As our instructor taught us, the most important thing in archery is to hold your arm straight, take a deep breath, hold, and release. Bullseye!
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Team Games and the Low Ropes The staff at Glen Bernard Camp presented various challenges to teams of our students. Simple exercises like having everyone on a shrinking mat or platform at all times resulted in flexing some of students team-building and leadership muscles. It was great to see our students present their ideas, discuss, enact a strategy and succeed (for the most part) as a team.
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In addition to these highlighted events, we also went mountain biking, played field sports, went swimming and hiked through the woods that surround Glen Bernard Camp. Whether or not all of the activities were new to all of us, on the last day, when asked by the camp’s owner, Jocelyn Palm, how many of us had done something we never had before, a sea of hands shot up. This is what camp does: it coaxes you to try new things, meet new people and work and have fun together. In other words, you come out of your shell at camp. In a way, the strangeness and isolation of your environment persuades you to, and you learn to work with your fellow campers in this new environment and gain new skills you didn’t think you’d master. By the end of our stay, I can say with great confidence that everyone became a true camper.
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Volunteer V
olunteering is designed to allow students to gain valuable experience at charitable organizations in Toronto. • Gain valuable work experience • Practice speaking English • Join exciting events happening around Toronto for free • Meet new people Students are awarded a certificate and reference letter upon completion of 20 hours of volunteer work which they can use when applying to academic programs in universities, or when seeking jobs in Canada and elsewhere.
The English Language Program is proud to volunteer with the following organizations: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation The MLSE Foundation – Team Up for Kids Friends of the Rouge Watershed ALS Canada University of Toronto Food and Clothing Bank Sporting Life 10k The Scott Mission The United Way Jays Care Foundation City of Toronto Quantum Sports Learning Association Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Fort York Pride Toronto Toronto Fringe Festival
Volunteering is easy! Attend the weekly meetings every Wednesday at 5:15pm in Room 2-212. Sign up for upcoming events, check the number of hours you have volunteered, or request a reference letter or certificate. 14
ELP students volunteering for the Jays Care Foundation
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ELP volunteers at the Sporting Life 10K
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Sporting Life 10K
An Extraordinary Group of Volunteers
By Vitalie Nyembwe, ELP Cultural Assistant & Volunteer Organizer Graduate of Psychology and Criminology, University of Toronto
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elflessness is a term I often use to describe volunteering to those unfamiliar with the concept. I also think of it as a way of extending oneself to others whether they are the hungry wandering the streets or your local community centre looking for an extra pair of hands. Our students here at the ELP have the unique and rewarding opportunity of taking full advantage of being in a new city and improving their English skills by dipping their feet into the world of volunteering. Having seen first-hand what volunteering with a group of ELP student looks like, I can assure you that we not only have a group of ELP volunteers but a group of outstanding ELP volunteers. The recently held Sporting Life 10k Run event proved just that; we have amazing volunteers who enjoy what they do. Our volunteers were involved in race package distribution, drinks station set-up, and providing the
runners with bagels and bananas following the race. The event was a great opportunity for our students to engage in team work, practice communication skills amongst each other and with the runners and their supporters, and learn more about charities. They did an amazing job at raising everyone’s spirits with their humour, enthusiasm, and kindness. The organizers had nothing but high praise for our group. Jair, a Biomedical Science student from Brazil, described the experience as being amazing and really appreciated the opportunity, “to communicate with Torontonians and to be a part of a big event.” He shared that he “enjoyed improving my English while having fun at the same time”. Others who volunteered at the event agreed that it was a wonderful experience and one of the best volunteer opportunities to date. We have an incredible group of students who deserve recognition for their hard work! 15
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My FirstBy10K
River Li Qingjiang of China, English PLUS
I
have been in Toronto for five months and had several exciting “first time in my life” experiences. From my point of view, the 2014 Sporting Life 10K Run was the most impressive event I have attended. I heard of this running information from my instructor Min, and I decided to run at once just as running a marathon is a long dream for me. What’s more, the deep attraction for me was I can run along the Yonge Street, the longest street in the world, it sounded so cool! Maybe I can run to the North Pole along the Yonge Street one day, who knows? Nothing is impossible. I got up at 5:00 am that day; it’s quite hard for I have not got up so early for several years, whereas the scenery is definitely worth it. The shuttle bus station was at a park by the lakeshore. It was so beautiful when the sun was rising with the sunlight sprinkle on the lake through the trees. I met a runner named Sam in the shuttle bus. It is the fourth time for him to run 10k along the Yonge Street. He shared quite a lot valuable information and experiences with me. After I told him this was my first 10k, and I feel nervous, he encouraged me and promised 16
that I could finish this run in one hour. I was very happy to be found by the School of Continuing Studies team after I arrived at the starting point. We have nine members including staff, instructors and students; our group seems strong and powerful. I really enjoy the words on a banner hung over the starting point “You have failed only when you have failed to try. Act as if it were impossible to fail and it will be.” My instructor Sherry always told me “You have an
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incredible opportunity in Toronto to try something you can’t try in your homeland.� Yes, it was, and I want try more! I can’t imagine how fantastic the feeling was before I actually ran in the middle of Yonge Street together with 27,000 participants. But I still lack of confidence to finish this run for I never did it before. So at first, I tried to save energy for later run, it was a good idea to find a runner who ran a little bit faster to catch up with. Thankfully, my classmate encouraged me and took photos for me on my running way. Later, I arrived at Front Street and called another classmate, so he can view me from the balcony of his department.
Meanwhile, I felt so good to share my pictures continuously in We chat and Twitter during running. Fortunately, I still had some energy hundreds of meters before the ending line, so I dashed to it and really make it! I finished the running with a strong sense of accomplishment, especially after I checked my watch. Guess what? I finished in 56 minutes! Just like the estimation that Sam made. I received two medals in the end. One was hung around my neck, the other on my feet.
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ELP on Instagram #uoftelp #elpactivities
ayanut_: A great guy at #uoftelp has gone to his country. I’ll miss him. #Thanks a lot#Fernando !!
yurikadon12:#volunteer #2ndday #uoftelp #bluejays #rogerscentre #toronto #baseball
kanako.m: #BBQ#Toronto Island#beach#uoftelp
sam_muka: Barbecue at Toronto Island #uoft #uoftelp #torontoisland
bensonshee:#blue jays #volunteer #Rogers centre #dream #excited #uoftelp
ayanut_:#uoftelp #mafia #game #night #friends #precious Such a amazing weekend !!
jair_figueredo: Second time at #RogerCenter #volunteer #uoftelp #JaysCare #communityCrew
nathdylon: T. Henry versus Toronto football club #uoftelp #elpactivities #volunteerClub
mariorezendee: Primeira vez como voluntario, experiencia realmente muito boa ! #volunteer #uoftelp
jair_figueredo: Volunteer day at Fort York #doorsOpen #Toronto #uoftelp
Maryyjoanaa: I swear I could touch the sky..#friends#Can ada#sunset#lake#nature#u oftelp#thankyoutoronto
ayanut_: #isx #daytrip #canada #toronto #uoftelp #awesome #boat #nice #NiagaraFalls
yuuuna77: prepare for tmr’s BBQ #tomorrow #bbq #party #torontoisland #UofTELP
migi0525: #AlgonquinPark #lake #sunrise #UofTELP
Anriiiy: Hanami at HighPark #uoftelp tocofomemai: Jenga #uoftelp #elpactivities
migi0525: The best teacher I’ve ever had. #uoftelp #uoft #classmates
migi0525: #cntower #bluejays #encarnacion #uoftelp
asami53991: #friends #uoftelp #table tennis #fun
bensonshee: #sporting #life #10k #wake up super early #volunteer #bananas #bagels #lovely#weather #fun #toronto migi0525: BBQ at #Toronto Island!! #bbq #uoftelp
Uulleh: #streetart #walking #tour #graffiti #uoftELP
mosab1994: Today’s presentation #presentation #uoftelp #uoft
deividc: #uoftELP
mari5414:My class is the best class ever <3 #uoftelp #toronto #canada
ma7n_sdr: NICE day #volleyball #@High Park #fun #exercise #activity #Hanami#spring #uoftELP
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Photograph by David Wu
University and College Application Support
By Lily Meshadiyeva, Application Support Advisor
Studying Employment Relations and Human Resources, University of Toronto
Our University and College Application Support offers: One-on-one personal consultations – Exploring schools and programs that would be suitable for you – Providing advice according to your situation – Understanding admission requirements for all undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs, as well as college diplomas and degrees – Brainstorming ideas as well as providing feedback on the content in personal statements and CVs Workshops on the application process for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs – Undergraduate and Graduate Applications – Applying to University – OUAC Edition Events such as university fairs and student panels – Information sessions from various Canadian universities and colleges Representatives from different universities all over Canada introduce their universities and programs at our university fairs – Student panels allow former English Language 20
Program students to present to their experiences to current students, and offer question and answer sessions Advice on volunteer placements – One-on-one personal consultations – Lists of appropriate volunteering organizations – Help with interviews and more! How to choose the best program for you! Always remember to find a balance between what you love to study and what you are skilled in! – Focus on a specific area of discipline and research institutions that offer or specialize in these programs – Research school websites for further details on the programs – Visit the campus to get a feel for the atmosphere, meet professors, see the facilities, and talk to current students – Research tuition fees and evaluate financial assistance options – Attend schools fairs, orientation meets, open houses, or program information sessions, where you can ask program representatives any questions you may have
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Student Opinion
Due to our diverse student population, we receive many opinionbased articles relating to global and current affairs. The views expressed in this magazine are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the English Language Program.
Learning Between “Old Married Couples” By Thays Basilio of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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veryone wants to be successful in their lives, and therefore they try to find the best ways to do so. This reality is no different for the English Language Program (ELP) students because they want to learn English effectively. Luckily, easy to implement strategies can help them. Although students prefer working by themselves, studies have proved that group work has better results than individual work, so peer work can be the best strategy especially if the partners are like an old married couple. Old married couples have discussions about small details, and they really know each other. They have a familiar relationship that can be helpful during the learning process of a second language. In fact, all ELP students should interact like old married spouses because they will then achieve better results than the other students. Some people argue that the old married couple relationship in the classroom is a waste of time and focus because the partners spend a great deal of time discussing the activities; furthermore, they have problems to concentrate on their own progress and development. It is true that they spend more time to do activities, but the results are significantly better. A writing activity, for example, will demand more time to be done; however, the final version will be better than an individual version because the partners discussed the ideas, and they tried to persuade each other with the best idea, sentence style and vocabulary to use in the paper. Working together in this way allows the partners to practice their language abilities to explain their ideas; moreover, they will increase their vocabulary, and they can correct their grammatical errors. As result, the students will not only achieve higher marks, but also learn more English. Through working individually, the
ELP student will not improve as much as the couple. Another point to consider is the feelings of the student. Foreign students are prone to develop psychological illnesses, such as depression because they feel homesick, and this vulnerable situation may be aggravated when they are criticized. People believe that the old married couple relationship triggers low self-esteem and low self-reliance because of the criticism that occurs when they correct one another or disagree with one another’s choices; nevertheless, they neglect that this is a familiar relationship based on confidence and knowledge of each other. Therefore, the partners can point out mistakes and weakness without being rude; also, they can make jokes about it, which does not hurt their feelings because they are friends. In this relationship, the student has someone to count on and to understand their feelings because they are living through the same situation. It makes them feel comfortable and loved. Research states that students who feel loved by their classmates and instructors have a higher improvement compared with those who feel ignored and lonely, so this type of relationship among the students will improve their knowledge. Undoubtedly, the ELP students who interact like old married couples will achieve better results than the students who are “single”, and will therefore sharply increase their knowledge and skills in their second language. It is clear that the benefits are higher than the disadvantages of this type of relationship. Best results, high grades, language practice, vocabulary development, and grammatical accuracy result, so why would any student choose to work alone?
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Basic Security of Income for Everyone By Shizume Masato of Japan, Academic English Level 60
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ost people pursue economic well-being in their life. If the desire is realized, people are liberated from poverty and spend their days as they wish. Basic income (BI) is one of the most effective policy tools to attain these aims. The encyclopedia of Social Policy (Fitzpatrick 2006:57) states BI provides periodical minimum livable wage for everyone “as a right of citizenship and unconditionally, i.e. without reference to marital or employment status, employment history and intention to seek employment.” Because of these distinctive characteristics, BI is indispensable to overcome economic hardship and enrich the lives of all citizens. First of all, poverty is effectively prevented by BI. It can relieve everyone below the poverty line since BI is unconditionally provided. In this way, it is similar to compulsory education because nobody is omitted from the target. In addition to the needy below the poverty line, it is helpful to people just above the poverty line. Although these people suffer from economic distress, they do not have any rights to government benefits. For instance, the working poor are not eligible for current income protections despite their precarious situation. However, BI is of course applicable to them. As a result of its universality, the money problems of these vulnerable groups would be resolved. BI also allows people to enjoy various life styles. If people have the benefit, they are able to utilize it in order to attain optimum balance of work and life. For example, the Swedish government experimentally implemented a “free year” for all workers from 2002 to 2004. During this “free year”, if a worker chooses to take a leave, a part of their wage is provided as the leave allowance. Consequently, they could get free time. A free year produces the same effect as BI. It will, in particular, expand the choice of women. Men are able to do more childcare and household chores because of their shorter working hours; as a result of the men being at home, women will be able to reduce their domestic duties and easily go to work if they want. Certainly, some critics do not agree that BI is an effective solution to poverty. Most insist BI may be a disincentive to work. They are afraid that if unconditional payment is given to all the people, they will not want to do their job anymore. However, this negative effect on labor supply is limited at most or does not occur. The level of BI is set at a livable minimum. So, many people want to earn more money in order to meet their numerous demands. According to research (Belik 2011), only a small reduction of the labor supply might occur among new mothers though this result implicates the widening of women’s choices, which may not be a negative result overall. Furthermore, BI promotes economic activity in comparison with social assistance. The benefit of social assistance usually decreases as 22
earnings get higher. Therefore, the recipient tends to hesitate to work. In contrast, the benefit of BI is not reduced even if they make money. Hence, it activates economic activity because workers will not lose money if they work more. In this way, they can build their experience and their resume, and get a better, higherpaying job in the future. The fiercest criticism stems from questions about funding. Because BI is universal, the opponents are concerned about the heavy tax burden it will cause and contend it is infeasible. Although BI needs a certain level of financial resources, it does not demand a tax hike. BI simply replaces the existing income protections such as social assistance, unemployment benefits, child allowance and basic pension. As a result, an additional tax for BI is not needed because the revenue of existing systems will be allotted to it. A survey of BI shows if the Japanese government provides 80,000 yen per individual per month, which is equal to 820 CAD, it can be implemented without any tax increase (Ozawa 2002: 168-176). Moreover, the change to BI may contribute to savings in administration costs. Though the existing systems are managed separately, if they are integrated into BI, redundant costs, such as unnecessary personnel expenses, will be efficiently cut down. So, this gives financial leeway. In conclusion, BI effectively emancipates the needy from their predicament without an additional tax burden. Although BI is criticized as absurd and impossible, the opponents misunderstand this policy. In fact, the reverse is true. It does not make society lazy and also this is not impractical, costly plan. If BI is put into practice, everyone gets real freedom whether it’s the freedom to stay home with their children if they wish, the freedom to recover fully from illness, or the freedom to work at a low-paying, but emotionally rewarding job. Shouldn’t this be the goal of every free and just society?
References: Belik, Vivian (2011, September 5). A Town without Poverty? Canada’s only experiment in guaranteed income finally gets reckoning. The Dominion, 78. Retrieved from http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/4100 Fitzpatrick, Tony (2006). Basic Income. In International Encyclopedia of social policy. (pp.57-58), London: Routledge Ozawa, Shuji (2002). The Welfare Society and Social Security Reform. Tokyo: Taksu Press
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I am a Uyghur and Chinese
By Reyina Kunahong of China, English PLUS Advanced-High Intermediate International Leadership Development Program
Xinjiang Province
China H
ello friends, no one believes me, when I say I am Chinese at a first meeting. They think I might be from South America (I hope my company will send me to one of their South America branches one day). Therefore, I would like to briefly introduce my ethnic background and hometown to friends in Toronto. China has more than 50 ethnic groups, Chinese is a common description for all who live in China throughout its history. However, each ethnic group has its own name. Thus, my ethnic group is Uyghur who live in the northwest of the country. It is the largest region in China, about 1/6 of the whole country, approximately 6 times the area of France. Its full name is Xianjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, also called Xinjiang for short. It borders eight countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, India, Pakistan, and etc. Geographically, Xinjiang is located in the middle of the Asia. The Baojia Caozi village of Ürümqi (capital city of Xinjiang) is the geographical center of the Asian continent. Many centuries ago Xinjiang also was the center of the Silk-Road. It was not only an international trade route, but also a splendid cultural bridge between China and the Mediterranean throughout its history. The Tianshan Mountains divide Xinjiang into south Xinjiang and north Xinjiang. The northern part is famous for its natural beauty, while the southern part is well known for its unique cultural features. The temperature varies dramatically from summer to winter. In winter the coldest temperature could be -40 degrees, whereas in summer the hottest temperature could be over 50 degrees. I am from the northern part.
The climate in my hometown is pretty much similar to Toronto’s. I think it might be one of the reasons why I feel at home here. Due to its dry and hot weather in summer, the fruits are very delicious . Xinjiang is well known for its sweet grapes and sweet-melons. Xinjiang has more than 40 ethnicities, Uyghur is the major minority ethnicities. They have believed in Islam since late ninth century(some scholars argue that it was late eighth century) . Their language, Uyghur, belongs to the Karluk language group of the Altay language family Turkic branch. In this ethnic group, parents can choose either Arabic or Turkish names for their children, e.g Rahila( which is my Uyghur name) is one of the Arabic names. It is a common Uyghur female name as well. Uyghur people are the ancient cultural ethnic group. The well-known Diwan Lugat al-Turk (Compendium of the Turkic Dialects), which is the first comprehensive dictionary of Turkic languages, also includes information about geography, economy, was written by the great Qarakhanid Uyghur scholar Mahmud al-Kashgari from 1072 to 1077. They are also good at both art and sports. Uyghur 12 Muqam which includes songs, dances, folk and classical music and is characterized by diversity of content, choreography, musical styles and instruments used, is a UN protected intangible cultural heritage and also is considered as a Chinese cultural treasure or Pearl of the Silk-Road. There are many sport Guiness record breakers, such as Adel Huxur, who has renewed the Dawaz (sky walk) Guiness records 5 times from 2002 to 2013. He has a beautiful name as China’s Sky King. They have fantastic children’s football teams too. After a couple of years, it is quite possible for China to get a good achievement in the World Cup. In China, although different ethnic groups have different languages, culture ,customs and history, they all have the same dream, future and names as Chinese. The 56 different ethnicities are the 56 flowers of the People’s Republic of China. 23
world of words
Parents on Facebook
By Cristine Oliveira of Brazil Academic English Level 60
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en years ago, people were still living in biblical times – no smartphones, no high speed internet, and social media was a way for children to escape from their parents’ eyes. However, those ancient days are over, and now all people of all ages are joining Facebook, which is the most popular social media used for connecting people, posting pictures and updating others on people’s personal lives. Because many teenagers feel it is an invasion of privacy when mothers and fathers decide to friend them on Facebook, to maintain their privacy and sanity, family members should not be Facebook friends. Opponents of this idea believe that friending their children on Facebook is the best way to reinforce family relationships. According to a recent report by market research firm Lab42 that surveyed 500 social media users between December 9 and December 12 in 2011, 92 percent of parents are friends with their children on Facebook. Those in favour of family friending claim that the main reason parents join Facebook is to communicate more and better with their children, creating strong, positive family ties. However, this idea is completely ridiculous. Parents will often check Facebook friend requests and comments made in pictures of their children. In addition, they will friend every single friend of their children’s friends and post those horrible school pictures that their children worry about everyone seeing. Parents do not limit their Facebook activity to embarrassing their children; they also send messages saying to clean the room or do other boring tasks. Equally, they will send silly messages that waste precious time when their children could be doing other important things. Granted, Facebook is a social media that permits parents and children be connected and share
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information; however, mothers and fathers do not know how to use it appropriately. When they are not commenting on the entire photo album, they are sending spam or posting foolish messages on their children’s wall instead of sending a private message. Unfortunately, since they do not know what messages are, now the entire world can see what is on their children’s timeline. Another reason why parents and older relatives should not friend their children on Facebook is that they will try to be funny, and it will be hard for children to explain who these people without a profile picture are. Additionally, parents are very protective, and if their children add strangers on Facebook, they will check all the stranger’s photos and make sure they know her or him; otherwise, their children are in trouble for accepting a stranger’s request. Friending parents on Facebook also leads to miscommunication. Mothers and fathers sometimes do not have the same sense of humour as their children, and they do not comprehend irony; as a result, they will not understand their children’s jokes and the online language used. The new generation is struggling to accept the fact that their parents do not know how to use or how to act on social networks. Parents should not request their children’s friendship on Facebook because children want to feel comfortable and free when interacting online. Definitely, social media is not for parents, and they should accept the idea that friending their children on the internet results in many awkward situations. Nevertheless, it does not matter how much children try to keep parents out their online life, parents always will find a way to bother and annoy their children, whether online or off.
issue 86, June 2014
Wake Up, Parents!
By Bin Bin Yan of China, English PLUS High-Intermediate International Leadership Development Program
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e played truth or dare in a pub few a weeks ago. Someone asked a question that if you could change one of your decisions, what would you want to change? Most young Chinese chose to change their major. That must seem like a ridiculous answer for a foreigner, but most Chinese children’s majors are chosen by their parents. In addition, parents prefer their children to have a high score rather than to be capable or decision-making. In order to protect their children, most Chinese parents will make a lot of decisions by themselves and not leave them to their children. They tell them what is right, what is wrong, what they should do and what they should not do, but they seldom explain why. Even if they choose a major or apply for a job, their parents’ attitude will impact the children a lot. That is why more new generations in China turn into NEETs (Not-inEducation-Emplyment-or-Training) or boomerangers, which means young people who only live off parents and who don’t undertake employment, education or training. They count on their parents for tuition in the university, for finding a job, for down payment or whole amount for buying an apartment, and especially for helping them to feed the next generation. Social media would like to label new generations’ as post-80s or post-90s because of their controversial behavior. Do you think it is only the new generation’s fault? I suppose part of the blame lies with the parents. I will exemplify this with two cases, one that happened in China and another one that happened in Mexico. Four years ago, one of my friends gave birth to a daughter. She hired two baby-sitters, and also asked for help from both of her parents. Then, she quit her job in order to take care of her baby. Eventually, there were in total five people to take care of one baby! Nevertheless, she still complained that her husband’s parents didn’t help her enough. In contrast, the wife of my Mexican classmate took two children on the plane from Mexico to Toronto alone, and one of the
babies is only nine months old. Moreover, what is most important is that she felt comfortable performing this task alone. These two cases illustrate that Chinese children are over protected by their parents. Initially, the intention of the parents is good, but the more parents care about the child, the more the child suffers from stress in the society. It is reported by the website of Chinese Youth On Line that the criminal ratio of people under 25 years old is approximately 50% in China, and suicide is the NO.1 cause of death amongst Chinese people between the ages of 15 to 34 years old. We always say that the parent are the first teachers of the child. So they play a critical role in trying to ameliorate this situation which has reached crisis proportions. What must parents do? Parents need to foster children the ability to think and solve problems by themselves and should not only focus in children’s physical needs but their mental health. 25
world of words
The Declining Use of Kazakh By Merey Ziyadina of Kazakhstan , Academic English Level 60
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urrently Kazakhstan is facing one of the most gentle and broadly - debated issues, which is about declining use of the Kazakh language. As a result of being part of the Soviet Union our country became Russian-speaking because during that time usage of Kazakh was minimized and was almost prohibited in big cities. All customer services and documentations were maintained in Russian at that time. Consequently, citizens of big cities, mostly Northern cities, which are geographically closer to Russia, became only Russian-speaking communities. It has been 23 years since Kazakhstan’s separation from the Soviet Union, yet, Russian is the official and the only language in some areas. Currently, approximately 30 percent of the Kazakh populations, according to data from www.eurasianet.org, do not speak Kazakh. At the same time this can be seen as positive if compare with the situation 20 years ago, when the Soviet Union collapsed and the Kazakh population of the Kazakhstan area was only 40 percent and had an even lower number of Kazakh speakers. For country to be independent and one cultural unit, it is important to save and use its own language, which is the most significant heritage of nationhood. Today, the native Kazakh population is growing and the usage of the language is changing. Nevertheless, modern Kazakhstan is a multicultural country to be a Kazakh-speaking country not only its native population but also other ethnic groups should learn and use the original language of the country. Now, the young generation is becoming more Russian -speaking rather than Kazakh. Kazakh-speaking communities can only be found in rural places and Southern cities, but the majority of citizens live in Russian-speaking surroundings. Work in any field is mostly conducted in Russian. Thus, our country has a risk of an identity crisis, when people will not be able to decide what and who they are … From the very beginning of Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, a new page of history was started, and Kazakh language issues took central stage. Kazakh was included not just in school program, but also in kindergartens. Moreover, all governmental positions required mandatory knowledge of Kazakh, and all companies were required to maintain documentation in Kazakh, even though these reforms 26
were not successful in practice. As a result, the number of language leaners increased, even though the number of practical users was stable. The solution for this issue should be done in stages. Family is the first line: children need to be educated in the home about the importance of Kazakh. For instance, discussions around the dinner table, held in Kazakh and about Kazakh issues would be more effective “language lessons”, rather than theoretical in class lessons. Another approach to the problem of declining use of Kazakh is to not invent new words, but integrate more foreign words in modern Kazakh; only language scientists and professors, whose sign is the final in “language laws” should be responsible for this. Because of the long inactivity in development for several centuries, since uniting with USSR, Kazakh currently is one of the oldest in the Turkic family. Therefore, its language is missing a lot of commonly used modern words. The language experts launched translations for hundreds of words, which are generally hard to learn and remember, because they were never in use. For example, the word “internet” is “internet” in any language except Kazakh, where it is translated and hard to pronounce. As a consequence, people cannot become true Kazakh users and tend to mix their language with others. If we want to save our identity, we need to realize the importance of language, and both family and government must be involved.
issue 86, June 2014
Violent Games By
Guilherme Milhomem da Silva of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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he common belief that violent games make children violent has become a very well-known issue in many developed countries around the world. According to Douglas Gentile, a Ph.D. in psychology at Iowa State University, in 2008 the average American youth spent about 13.2 hours per week playing videogames or on the computer. This is a considerable number because in 1998 a family rarely had a computer. However, playing videogames have various benefits such as encouraging team work and the development of strategies and skills in games similar to Call of Duty and Age of Empires, respectively. Although the number of citizens who are concerned about violent behavior caused by videogames has increased, not only have violent games made players, especially, children, more aware about the world, but also these games do not influence aggressive behavior in child players, according to some recent research. In 2008, a study conducted by Harvard University illustrates that 97% of American teens had played videogames that year; besides this, the situation in which children in their free time stay at home has made parents feel worried. Indeed, this could lead to negative effects such as psychological stress and a sedentary lifestyle in children. Nonetheless, according to this same article, 62% of parents of the 97% of kids who played videogames affirm that violent games do not affect childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behaviour. On the contrary, games entertain children for many hours helping their parents relax after a long work day. Parents, for example, often use the videogames to cover the lack of attention; consequently, they do not feel really concerned about how much time their sons and daughters are spending playing videogames. Psychologists in developed countries claim that children usually demonstrate aggressive behavior after playing tough videogames. Some biologists state that after playing these kind of games, several hormones, such as cortisol, increase significantly and this increase could lead players to demonstrate anger. Nevertheless, cortisol, according to biologists too, is essential to health and quality of life because it plays a significant role in the immune system. Furthermore, playing videogames is enjoyable because players can live in a fantasy world doing things that they cannot do
in the real world. On the other hand, some television programs which contain blood, drug abuse, sexual content, and intense violence show situations that could influence childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actions, and these programs can affect children psychologically. Although the games where characters are unreal have some violent content, the television programs generally show real person who can motivate the viewer easily. Most people in North America have heard about cases when a young person has entered in a school and killed many students brutally, and the police found that this person had played violent video games. It is clear that in these situations the killer has psychological problems. Although, according to the American Psychological Association, playing fierce games makes some adolescents more hostile, Dr. Christopher Ferguson, an important psychology professor from Stetson University, concluded in his research that violent people and violent games are not related to each other. Furthermore, just because an insane killer used to play war games does not mean that this is the reason for the murder. Actually, federal crime statistics assert that violent crimes that young people committed decreased between 1996 and 2010; in other words, when the sales of games became popular, the crimes committed by young decreased. Moreover, children who play violent games know the consequences of the bad actions since in many games, for instance, if the player kills someone, he will lose all his money and sometimes experience in game. As a result, players seldom do the wrong action because they do not want to spend time retrieving their past achievements. Therefore, facts like bullying could be the real reason for that guy having killed the students because according to Nobullying.com 75% of school shootings in the US are related to bullying against the killer. Statistics and research have shown that violent games rarely lead children to demonstrate violence or aggressivity. Even if children have been spending much time on the computer, they can learn substantial things. Thus, violent behavior in children should be attributed to the lack of parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention, violent television programs, or how individuals treat others. 27
world of words
Weak Password, Big Problem By Samuel Pereira de Souza of Brazil Academic English Level 60
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he way that we use the computer has become more complex since the services offered on the Internet have changed from simple websites that at least, would show some pictures, to sophisticated ones that allow people to make bank transfers, payments, and share personal information. The result of this development is that the necessity of using passwords has become essential. Many services such as Facebook, Google, and Twitter require strong passwords to protect users’ data, and this has created issues for their users. The problem is that users are creating weak passwords because it is complicated to manage many accounts using different and strong passwords. As suggested by the magazine “Info”, from Brazil, in its article “How technology is destroying your memory”(2014), technology is turning the human brain lazy. It has a direct impact on how users choose their passwords. For instance, they intend to use the same password for every online service. Usually, they create a password based on their names. According to the website http://www.networkworld. com, the most used password around the world is the simple sequence of numbers 123456. The results of using the same password for every service can be a disaster for the user. For instance, if individuals have their password stolen, they may lose all the money from their account. Hackers could request a money transfer transaction by the bank’s online service and send the money to their account. A weak password can be easily cracked by a hacker. By using brutal force, a cyber-attack in which the hacker tries every possible password, the password could be found quickly, and if the attacker integrates in his attack a password dictionary based on the victim’s mother language, the time will be reduced 79 per cent according to “Expert in Network and Cyber Crime” (ENCC). Moreover, when quantum computers are ready to be sold, using passwords, even strong ones, will not be enough to protect data. Some blogs on the Internet related to information security such as the www.rt.com are claiming that the National Security Agency (NSA) is building a quantum computer capable of cracking any kind of cryptography. This information is based 28
on Edward Snowden’s reports. Some non-experts would argue that only powerful corporations would obtain such technology. However, quantum computing is the solution to most complex problems involving computing because it is not possible to put more microcontrollers on the chip in order to improve the computer’s speed. The previous solutions to these problems were based on users’ data. Those systems have implemented mechanisms that would detect personal information. For example, the mechanism would identify if individuals use their name or even one that was close to it. This idea in theory would work. However, it did not happen. Instead of using only basic information, users started to use personal data combined with special characters or numbers. As the systems got smart enough to detect that, many users opted for the easiest one: using the same passwords for every service. The evidence is clear: it is too dangerous to use the same password. Another solution implemented was that users should base their passwords on their life story. This supposedly would solve the problem of forgetting the passwords but not the problem of using the same password. One potential solution is combining biometrics with IPv6. Both technologies already exist. However, none has implemented biometrics to be useful on the Internet. A fingerprint cannot be copied; it is unique. The question is: how can it guarantee that the person who is logging on the services is really that person? The main purpose of IPv6 is to give a unique address. The Internet Protocol (IP) is the address that each computer uses to communicate through the Internet. We can calculate the quantity of IPv6 by doing a simple math operation. According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the quantity is 2 elevated to 128. With an address to each “person” on the planet, it would be easy to associate the address with the biometric to provide a strong “e-ID”. Although this is no guarantee that this security mechanism will be available soon, it could certainly make the hackers “job” difficult and the users’ lives much easier.
issue 86, June 2014
Niagara Falls
By Yuki Okamura of Japan, Academic English Level 30
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went to Niagara Falls on May 30th. I had always wanted to see Niagara Falls since I came to Toronto, so I was so happy to be able to go to Niagara Falls. Before going to Niagara Falls, I went to Konzelmann Estate Winery, and I tasted some wines. However, I didn’t appreciate good wine before this trip, but the ice wine from there was very good wine. This was precious and expensive because it needs eight times as many grapes as usual wine. I thought, “I’ll buy ice wine for my mother”, but I couldn’t buy it. Therefore, I bought white wine, which was award winning, and it was reasonable
price. There were many kinds of wine in the winery, and there were vineyards all around the winery. After that, finally, I arrived at Niagara Falls, which was so beautiful and vast. I got close to Niagara Falls on boat, so I became soaking wet. However, I felt great because I could feel force of nature, and I could see a rainbow, which was wonderful. I was genuinely touched by Niagara Falls. It was even more amazing than I thought. I received big power of nature, and I thought, “We should protect nature”. I really enjoyed beautiful nature.
Advantages of Pet Ownership By Amal Alosaimi of Saudi Arabia, Academic English Level 30
Pet ownership has many advantages. First, they affect our mental state. For example, when some people feel sad, they talk their pet as therapy. In addition, for my experience, when my family and I moved to another house, we missed our neighbor, so we bought a cat. After that, we got better, and my younger sister is not upset anymore. Second, pet ownership makes our life happier because they do not criticize as people do, and I think their owners have more health and less loneliness. In addition, pets are pleasant, so they are really beneficial, especially with quiet people. Third, they understand our feeling or can help us. For example, if your house or apartment has
mice or snakes, and you have a cat, it will find them. Fourth, they affect our moral or get us to be more social. For example, after you feed your pet, you may feel kind or do something valuable for someone. In addition, people with pets seem more relaxed, healthy and loving. Finally, animal companionship can help with children’s education because of the effect on their mind such as how the pet grow up, eat the food and sleep. Not only do they help us with education, but they also delight our life. In conclusion, animal companionship has many advantages, which can make our life more delighted. 29
world of words
Scenery in Canada
Modified image of Banff National Park
By Keiko Noiri of Japan, English PLUS Low-Intermediate
Good morning everybody! My name is Keiko. Today, I will talk to you about two places which have nice scenery in Canada. One place is Banff National Park, which is in Canadian Rocky Mountain Park. The other one is Yoho National Park, Which is also in Canadian Rocky Mountain Park. First, I will talk to you about Banff National Park in the province of Alberta. Lake Louise is the most famous and beautiful lake there. Photographers come from all over the world to see Lake Louise. In the summer the place is filled with many bright colours. The glaciers are blue, the lakes are emerald green, and the wildflowers are a rainbow of different colours. In September, the leaves change colour from green to bright gold. The whole valley becomes a beautiful scene of deep gold. The first time I came to Canada, I went to Banff. I have never seen such a beautiful view. It was just like a movie. It was breath-taking! I was speechless! You can see huge panorama of wilderness and glacier ice. Because Banff is high in the mountain, at night you have a 360 degree view of the bright stars. You feel like you are being drawn into an ocean of stars. Near Lake Louise there is a wide-open view of gorgeous Lake Moraine. Lake Moraine is a glacially-fed lake which is situated in the Valley of Ten Peaks. Lake 30
Moraine used to be on the old Canadian 20 dollar bill. The water colour changes depending on where you are standing. The colour is due to the reflection of light off the rock floor deposited in the lake. It is a mysterious lake and its beauty is far more amazing than any picture. Next, I will talk about Yoho National Park in the province of British Columbia. It is also in the Rocky Mountains and it is considered to be one of the world’s most scenic places. Takakkaw Falls is in Yoho National Park, which is the second tallest waterfall in Canada and located in Yoho Valley. “TAKAKKAW” is Cree, an Indian name meaning “magnificent”. Takakkaw Falls comes from glacier meltwater and is 380m tall. How high do you think Niagara Falls is? Niagara Falls is just 54m tall. Can you imagine where this water comes from? It comes from a glacier----a huge sheet of ice high in the mountain. That means the water in the falls is thousands of years old and has absolutely no pollution for me, it sounds awesome. Summer vacation is just around the corner. If you have never been to any of the places we have talked about, you should definitely try to go to one of them. In conclusion, I have presented two of the most beautiful places in Canada, Banff and Yoho National Parks.
issue 86, June 2014
Things That Are Special About Canada By Kétuli Guimaraes of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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eaving the country where you were born and grew up and moved to another with different customs, even temporarily, broadens your horizons and allows you new habits or concepts. If the destination is Canada, there are some things that you will do sooner or later: 1.
2.
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5.
Drinking tap water: the water of residential or commercial properties is clean and perfectly adequate for consumption. When you go to a restaurant or coffee shop and they offer you tap water, you do not need to feel insulted by being giving tap water for you to drink. Nevertheless, if you are skeptical about the water quality, you may buy jars with a filter inside, ensuring the purity of your water. Experiencing the four seasons and its attractions: Associating cold with Canada is the same that to link football with Brazil. Even having a winter with remarkably low temperatures, Canada is not only snow. During spring, it is possible to see trees blooming and colorful landscapes. When summer comes, the temperature may reaches between 30 and 40 degrees. This season changes the people’s mood: everyone gets relaxed and enjoys outdoor activities. Also, there are several festivals and concerts during summer, besides the famous Canadian BBQ with hot dog and burger. After the euphoria of summer, autumn comes and covers the streets with leaves and a beautiful reddish color. Winter brings snow and its sports. You will be able to ski, ice skating, and indulge in a hot chocolate. Tasting food all over the world: Only in Toronto are nearly 6,500 restaurants serving food from Jamaica, Ethiopia, Greece, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Hungary, among others. French, Italian, Brazilian, Japanese and Chinese cuisines are also present, of course. There are options for all tastes! Having friends or neighbors from countries you had only heard about in geography lessons: have you ever imagined having a classmate from Mauritania? In Canada there are people from so many countries and it is a great opportunity to learn a lot about different cultures, religions, opinions, and geography! Checking the weather forecast before choosing
the clothes you will wear: It is not uncommon to see temperatures plummet from one day to another. Likewise, it can increase without any warning. Therefore, it is extremely important to check local news or your weather forecast app in order to do not freeze when you go out. 6. Never wear socks with holes: Canadians have the habit of taking off their shoes when they come home and when going to visit friends. It is rude to enter someone else’s house without asking the owner if he wants the shoes left at the entrance. To avoid embarrassment, no socks with blunt, wrong feet or weird drawings. 7. Living in a house without high walls, electric fences or security cameras: If you are strolling the streets, whatever the neighborhood will be difficult to find homes or buildings with high walls and railings 8. The cars are parked on the sidewalk without the slightest problem. The sense of security is present even in major Canadian cities like Toronto. 9. Typically, cell phone plans offer unlimited text messaging. Consequently, most people prefer to send messages instead of calling. Because it is cheaper and less invasive, the text message is often used and this is the reason you see so often people laughing alone in public places. 10. Watching the sunset after 9pm during the summer: This is one of my favorites “Canadian attractions”! It’s amazing practice outdoor sports and walking in the parks watching the sunset. Moreover, the levels of vitamin D on our body. Feels great!
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world of words
East meets Middle East By Yuko Taniue of Japan, Academic English Level 40
Yuko Taniue (front row, centre) with her Academic English classmates and instructor, Effie Touchings (front row, left).
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n my class, there are 7 students from Saudi Arabia and Libya, and they have many differences from Japanese students. For example, during a class, certain student ate some foods. Another student was occasionally late a few minutes for class. In addition, some women in my class have a scarf on their head and wear an Abaya in order to hide their skin; as a result, sometimes we can see just their eyes and hands. At first, I thought they are mysterious. However, the more I communicate with them, the more I like them. In fact, they are really smart, amicable and rational. For example, they are fast thinkers. During a class they answer teacher’s question immediately and ask without hesitating whenever they cannot understand anything clearly. The speaking time is more frequent than Japanese. Another example is that they are friendly. Indeed, one of my classmates shared his celebration with other classmates. He entertained us with celebration cakes. It was amazing for me because in Japan I haven’t seen such a person who may be celebrated prepare the cake and entertain others personally. I have also noticed 32
that they have similar customs to Japanese. My friend from Saudi Arabia talked to me about their marriage system. The way to look for a wife is same as it used to be in Japan. In other words, in both countries, parents often searched for their children’s partner through acquaintances, and they arranged the marriage. However, recently, most men and women in Japan find their partner by themselves. In addition, women can choose any variety of traditional clothes, like Mlaya, Hijab and Abaya, according to individual interests. For instance, whether or not a woman wears an Abaya, which covers everything but her eyes and hands, is her choice and it shows her taste of fashion and personality. Similarly, Japanese women wear various kinds of clothes like pants or skirts and cute or cool clothes. From now on, I might meet many another from Saudi Arabia and Libya. Whenever I come in contact with them, I’d like to keep in mind not only differences but also these similarities that I noticed in Toronto. Then, they would willingly cooperate and sympathize with me, which is a result of their friendliness!
issue 86, June 2014
How HR Professionals Help you Succeed By Dr. Xunjing Huang (Ted) of China, International Leadership Development Program
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ndoubtedly, as College graduates, no matter what kind of institutions you are searching for jobs, you will absolutely confronted Human Resource Professionals. Actually, HR Professionals are not only responsible for recruitment, but also for creating good environment for talents to fulfill their potentials in order to pursue organizational success together. In other words, you can’t succeed at corporate ladder without HR Professionals’ help. Therefore, getting a close look at what HR professionals concern will be helpful to your career. What are Modern HR Professionals New Guidelines? Nowadays, driven by economic globalization and high-tech evolution, severe changes have taken place at our workplaces. Internationalization, integration, collectivization, informatization are increasingly prominent. Talents have become the major determinant of the strength. These changes have brought modern HR Professionals with critical challenges. Faced such challenges, HR Professionals have changed their traditional roles of personnel management into the role of CEO advisers, policy supervisors and strategic supporters. Therefore, Strategic Planning, Humanization, Systemization and Professionalization serve as the four fundamental guidelines for HR Professionals
HR Professionals try to establish an efficient human resource management platform. 4) Professionalization Being a Modern HR Professional is not that easy. The job requires professional skills as well as easy-going personality. Modern HR professionals are trying to use professional instruments and technology to improve the HR professional lever. At the same time, building up a professional HR team and enhance the HR capabilities of line managers. What are Modern HR Professionals most concerns? Based on above guidelines, modern HR Professionals most concern the following 4 issues: Competency, job, performance and training which I describe as “3+1” triangular HR framework.“3+1”Triangular HR Framework includes the 1 core and 3 angles. See the picture below.
1) Strategic Planning HR professionals think and act from the outside and inside. They are deeply knowledgeable about external business trends and able to translate them into internal decisions and actions. HR professional are trying to figure how to put forward the organization success through effective HR Planning. HR Planning is a process that identifies current and future human resources needs for an organization to achieve its goals. It serves as a link between human resources management and the overall strategic plan of an organization. 2) Humanization
Figure 1 Triangular HR Management Platform
Employees are the core of humanized management. HR Professionals take good consideration of employees’ needs and pay attention to their growth and development.
“1”core: Competency Model
3) Systemization Modern HR Professionals hold a systematic view of human resource and abandon the departed view. Focusing on the relationship and integration between different parts and modules in HR management,
Competency is the core of the whole HR. Competency model simply means that not only hard skills but also soft skills needed for the organizations’ success. HR Professionals focus involve in finding, using and maintaining employees’ skills according to different kind of jobs. Taking competency model as a core, HR Professionals reconstruct a personnel selection and allocation system, employee training system, performance evaluation system and career 33
world of words planning system. Angle 1: Processed-Based Job Classification System The processed-based job classification system is a basic system that provides the corporation with technical support for constructing the scientific personnel system. It is normally consisted of analysis of organizational structure and job, personnel recruitment and selection. Basically, HR Professionals are concerned about differences requirements for different jobs. Angle 2: Performance-oriented Evaluation System Today, building a Performance-oriented evaluation system tends to be more challenging. HR Professionals are supposed to build and improve the comprehensive performance evaluation system based on performance orientation. Focusing on the employees’ competency improvement and job classifications, different jobs may have different evaluations standards. Therefore, HR Professionals are supposed to design differentiated performance evaluation system based on the various job nature. Angle 3: Classification-oriented training System The development of staff training system is an important way to improve professional skills. Faced new challenges, Modern HR Professionals concentrate on solving three problems: “who to be trained”, “what to be trained” and “how to be trained”. They are trying to build a classification-oriented training system that includes management system that promotes
the development of learning organization, course system that is oriented by capabilities of positions, implementation system that makes use of various resourses and evaluation system that promotes the conversion of training into the improvement performance. How can you take advantage of HR platform? It’s absolutely right that the more you know your HR professionals and HR platform, the more likely you are going to succeed at corporate ladder. Since we have known what modern HR Professionals are concerned about, it’s time for you to take advantage of it. First of all, trying your best to improve your competency or soft skills. Your soft skills (people skills) can be as important as the hard skills that are required to achieve success on the job. Strong Work Ethic, Good Communication Skills, Time Management Abilities, Problem-Solving Skills, Acting as a Team Player, Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism, Flexibility/ Adaptability and Working Well Under Pressure are those most needed soft skills. At the same time, don’t forget “3+1” Triangular HR Framework’s three angles: job, performance and training. It’s worthwhile to experience different jobs and obtain different skills. Furthermore, you should make sure that that you get full understanding about your organizations’ performance evaluations’ system. Knowing what are encouraged would help improve your job results. Last but not least, getting as many training as possible is also a constructive way towards your career success.
The End of Human Privacy By Nathalia Cristina de Melo Correa da Silva of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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n her article “Smart robots, driverless cars work - but they bring ethical issues too”, Nicola Davis (2013) says that artificial intelligence (A.I.) can be a concern, but that it also has the power to change the world positively by introducing this type of technology in people’s lives. However, according to recent research, more than half of the people who use online services have data stolen by governments, companies or hackers. These people have their emails read and their internet traffic monitored, demonstrating that electronic systems are not safe. In fact, the reality is that the world needs to know that the application of A.I. leads to a huge number of issues about privacy in various areas including medicine, law and human rights. A.I. applied in everyday environments has a close relationship with information theft and legal dilemmas. In the medical field, patient records are becoming virtual data; consequently, personal information about patients is now available in online systems. Thereby, these medical files can easily be stolen since all the information is stored on computers, which are machines exposed to virtual attacks or spying. Another 34
point of concern is whether electronic systems work with or against the laws. Davis (2013) reports that the dilemma of A.I. exists because technology is flowing faster than laws. However, the real problem of the use of A.I. is the disrespect for the existing laws. Perhaps more important than data theft or legal questions is the issue of privacy. According to Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, (UDHR), privacy is a human right ; nevertheless, the application of A.I. can violate this right. Information theft is occurring under the excuse that this act can protect social well-being; moreover, around the world, governments intensified this kind of practice after the attacks of September 11th, since terrorist intentions can be detected by monitoring online systems. In fact, these types of approaches are actually other ways of violating the right to privacy. While artificial intelligence can be useful in many ways, it also may lead humanity to a situation in which electronic machines can control the world society by stealing and violating the right to privacy. People need to carefully think about this issue. A.I. can start a new era in the world, but this technology requires caution.
issue 86, June 2014
Enjoy the Summer
By Isadora Ferraz Semionatto of Brazil Academic English Level 60
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n both of the hemispheres, summer arrives, raising the temperature. This increase not only affects the temperature, but also affects peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives. During the summer, peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyles suffer many changes because of the sun. Light clothes, much solar protection, big hats, and liters of bottled water are necessary to face the warm climate. In addition, the summer has the power to affect peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior. In the summertime, human warmth is accompanied by many friendly smiles, tight hugs, long kisses, and happiness. For these reasons as well as many others, summer is clearly the best season. Some people argue against summer being the best, saying that other seasons are preferable. Those who are passionate about the severe cold weather claim that winter is a special period. During the snow days, reading books under a blanket and drinking hot chocolate are achievable wishes. Moreover, skiing is possible only when the winter arrives. This may be true, but summer is an excellent opportunity to read in a hammock, drinking hot chocolate and feeling the fresh breeze. Perhaps one question is who drinks hot chocolate in the summer? The answer, of course, is that if people drink hot coffee and tea, then why not drink hot chocolate as well? Skiing is also possible in the summer. Many ski resorts use modern technologies to conserve the snow in their areas and to guarantee this entertainment over the summer. Spring and autumn are also the passion of others. Spring is the most colourful season. Many people love this because the heat is not too intense, and after a colorless winter, flowering trees create a new landscape on streets, avenues and parks. However, the summer also has days during which the heat is not too extreme, even somewhat cool days, and beautiful, colorful scenery is not only possible, but
plentiful, during the summer. In addition, people who prefer autumn claim that the red, brown and yellow dry leaves are among the beautiful wonders of the world. This distinctive characteristic of the autumn, the orange and brown landscape, is undoubtedly fascinating, but it cannot compare with the colors of summer when trees are bright green, and the flowers bloom. Although many people prefer the winter, fall, or spring, these seasons cannot compare to the most desirable season, summer. During the warm days, the best activity is enjoying beaches. Swimming in the ocean, hearing the wave crashing, feeling the sand between toes, and collecting seashells while the skin can feel the hot sun rays is wonderful and exclusively available in the summer. The longer days are another reason that supports why summer is the best season. These days give more time to enjoy the parks, to have a picnic with family, or have adventures with friends such as camping or canoeing which are not practical or enticing when the weather is cold or cool. In addition, any other season cannot combine fresh fruits, relaxing, ice-cream, heat, and the blue sky in the same way that the summer can. Summer is the time that most fruits are accessible, ice-cream cars are on the streets, people take a vacation, the heat is excessive, and the sky is so blue that people become happy just by looking at it. Winter, spring, and autumn have several special, pleasurable characteristics. However, all the benefits of these seasons, including the sports, treats and colour, can be enjoyed during the summer. Furthermore, the beach and park days combined with the blue sky are the particular reason that summertime is the most special. So, why not go out and enjoy the beauty of summer? 35
world of words
Technology in Education By
Mohammed Masoud Albagholy of Saudi Arabia, Academic English Level 60
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ducation is considered an important factor of development. For a long time, governments and societies have realized the value of knowledge. As a result, they have focused on this sector and tried to improve it constantly. Before the twentieth century, education had traditional ways and tools, and people used what was available at that time. Since the technology revolution, education has been improved dramatically. Technology has contributed to making knowledge more accessible and creating smart ways of study. Opponents of using technology in education claim that by using it, the attainment of education no longer requires effort. This makes students more dependent on technology; ultimately, they become illiterate without technology since they rely completely on it. In reality, technology such as the Internet and e-books help students to find information in a short time and without wasting their energy. This extra time could be used in other useful activities and tasks, for instance, exercising in order to stay healthy, or working part-time, giving them experience and making them more independent. Secondly, there is no point in saving data in a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain and make it merely a storage medium. Dealing with data by analyzing and understanding is more important than just saving. Thus, technology helps students by providing them data, but they still have to do their part, which is understanding and analyzing. Critics of online courses claim that these courses lack 36
a significant element, which is the direct interaction between teachers and students. They believe that education is a combination of knowledge, values, and manners, rather than just getting information. In general, online courses are designed for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This means students who are taking these courses already had finished high school and they had been in direct contact with teachers roughly 12 years. As a result, they are fully qualified in terms of general principles; what they need at this stage is simply more knowledge. Additionally, for workers, online courses are the best choice to develop their skills and complete their education. Recently, online courses have opened the door wide for workers to enroll in any course around the globe, as long as they do not interfere with their work hours. This gives them a chance to be promoted to higher positions and have high salaries. As stated above, education has evolved significantly through technology. At present, students can access sources of information easily by using the Internet or other types of technology, and this saves time and effort. Furthermore, with online courses, workers do not need to quit in order to study; they have an opportunity to achieve higher degrees while they work. Generally, technology has enhanced education and helped people to overcome all difficulties that could prevent them from acquiring knowledge.
issue 86, June 2014
Next Stop…
By Nicoletta Marciello of Switzerland, English PLUS
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hen people leave their home to go to a different country, they may experience “culture shock”. “Culture shock” is something that captures your attention because it’s different from what you’re used to. It’s considered to be “shocking” because you don’t expect it to be that way or because you’ve never seen that before. Before I came to Toronto to study ESL at the University of Toronto, I didn’t think I would experience culture shock. First of all, it would be my third visit to Toronto. That’s why I kind of knew what to expect. Furthermore, my home country (Switzerland) and Canada are very similar in their social customs. However, they are poles apart in the organization of the public transportation system. In Switzerland people don’t really need a car, as buses, trains and streetcars can take you everywhere. Toronto, however, has a subway system and taking the subway is like opening an Easter egg; you never know what you’re going to find inside. Taking the subway means: sitting next to a very old “artist” who pretends to be a “movie director – looking for the female protagonist of his next movie” and drawing a very abstract portrait of the girl sitting in front of me (a face with two big boobs) - it means: sitting next to a very scary person who is twitching all the time and making strange Kung Fu movements in the air - it means: sitting next to homeless people, tired people, smelly people, business people and it also means sitting next to very nice, helpful and inspiring people, like a mom, who doesn’t need an iPad to keep her child busy, but who carries children’s storybooks with her. A mom who doesn’t care who is around because she reads the stories aloud and in front of everybody. She makes her little son laugh so much that everybody starts laughing,
because he is so cute. Everybody is impressed because she is such a good storyteller. Everybody is entertained because people like her have become so rare. I wonder what people think about me when they see me sitting in the subway. They probably think that I am lacking sleep. I’m pretty sure they think that. Or maybe they don’t even look at me, as if I look around, almost everyone is listening to music, reading a book or the Metro newspaper. Even though the subway is filled with so many people, young, old and international people, it is quiet. And if I think about why people are quiet, probably it’s because, like me, they are thinking. We are under the ground. We are under the earth and there is no connection to the outside. Taking the subway is almost like taking a break from what is outside, from your duties and from your daily life. It’s a place where, for a short distance, every kind of person, culture and nationality comes together. I may be an exception if I say that I like to take the subway in Toronto, but it’s the truth. The subway system is a world of its own and very interesting for me. It was culture shock in the beginning, because I don’t experience this feeling of being under the earth in Switzerland. In Toronto it doesn’t matter who you are outside, what you were doing before entering the subway or what you will do as soon as you get off. Once you’re on the subway and under the earth, you’re just a stranger and maybe you will be the next stranger sitting next to me. 37
world of words
Antibiotic Resistance By
Abiane Maria Gomes de Souza Silva of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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hen the first antibiotic, Penicillin, was discovered in 1929 by Alexander Fleming, the world benefited from one of the most incredible breakthroughs so far. The fact that this drug was discovered accidentally made this event more interesting, and it is possible to affirm that antibiotics were the best accident in history. Antibiotics have saved the lives of millions each year, as this medication is able to treat a wide range of diseases such as a simple wound infection or even the most complicated case of pneumonia. However, bacteria have become resistant to these current antibiotics: two main factors are strongly contributing to this. First, bacteria are very resilient microorganisms compared to others such as fungi and viruses. They have sophisticated mechanisms to acquire genes from other bacteria and they can also undergo a process called mutation which also enables these bacteria to change their DNA. When bacteria change their genetic material, the antibiotic that is used to destroy them is no longer able to do this. In addition, the use of any antibiotic triggers a process called “Natural selection”, in which vulnerable bacteria are eliminated while only the strongest ones survive, those with the resistant genes. It is believed that these bacteria started to transmit these resistant genes since the first antibiotic was created; as a result, the development of a second antibiotic was necessary, which was not sufficient to destroy certain bacteria, and thus a third one was required, a process which has been occurring periodically. Moreover, now it is difficult to treat diseases even with a combination of two or more antibiotics. Currently, microorganisms with many resistant genes, also named “Multidrug resistant” (MDR) or popularly known as a “Superbug”, are reproducing very quickly; consequently, the development of new antibiotics is not keeping pace with this process. This fact has been aggravated because of a secondary factor: The abuse and misuse of these medications. The misguided use of these substances is strongly affecting the increasing numbers of these resistant organisms. This fact stems from unnecessary prescriptions, mistaken diagnoses of diseases and even from the incorrect use of antibiotics by patients. In 1998, in the United States only, about 80 million antibiotics were prescribed (Todar, 2008). In other words, these factors are contributing to the development of one of the most troublesome public health problems, as the world can suffer a regression, and the problems existing before the development of antibiotics can emerge again: the most common 38
diseases might become untreatable once more. In order to mitigate this threat, several countries are creating regulations to hamper the purchase of antibiotics; therefore, an antibiotic prescription is no longer as easy to obtain as it was two decades ago. It seems that health professionals, in general, are absorbing the idea of the dangers of overprescribing antibiotics. However, it is not sufficient since the consumers, who are the majority of the population, must also address this issue by starting to use this medication properly. Thus, campaigns should be launched in order to guide and alert these patients; in addition, as this is a global problem, the government from each country could work together with health organizations, such as WHO (World Health Organization) developing these campaigns and ensuring that this alert will be understood by everyone. This is only a start to avoid a huge regression: a world without antibiotics again. Todar, K. (2008). Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics. http://textbookofbacteriology.net/resantimicrobial. html Accessed May 28, 2014.
issue 86, June 2014
The Danger Behind the Cure By Luis Mario Rezende Junior of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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he discovery of antibiotics is one of the most important advances in healthcare in the twenty century. These new medicines could cure a vast number of diseases which previously killed thousands; as a consequence, it increased life expectancy about ten years at that time. However, these remedies are losing their efficiency because bacteria have acquired resistance against them. This resistance comes from the ability of the bacteria to mutate; in other words, bacteria can produce small changes in their structures which make antibiotics inefficient. According to the report, “Antibiotic Resistance Threats in The United States” (2013), each year in the United States at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The World Health Organization in its report “WHO Global Strategy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance” (2001), reports that the use of antimicrobials leads to resistance. In fact, a combination of their overuse; patients who practice self-medication; doctors who give prescriptions of antibiotics indiscriminately; misuse, because poor countries have no access to appropriate treatment; and underuse, when some patients do not finish their treatment; are responsible for the faster growth of bacteria resistance. The main effect of bacteria resistance is that patients may die from simple diseases because of the lack of efficient antibiotics. According to The World Health Organization, deaths from acute respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, measles, AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis account for more than 85% of mortality from infection worldwide. The problem is that the resistance to first-line drugs of these pathogens ranges from zero to almost 100%. This means that millions can die because their diseases have no treatment. Another important implication is in economic terms. Because of the resistance to antibiotics, patients need to take stronger medicines, which tend to be more expensive.
Also, patients may spend more time at hospitals in recovery; consequently, governments have to spend more money to treat them. Some solutions have already been utilized to solve this problem. First, educational programs have been developed in order to teach patients the importance of correct drug usage and ensure that they complete the drug therapy on time. This effort is important because the overuse of drugs can accelerate the process of resistance. Another important action is the regulation of antibiotics, including the proper prescription and minimizing the use of these medicines in animals. Like the educational programs, this process of antibiotic’s regulation seeks to decrease the overuse of antibiotics. Both programs had considerable results in the beginning; however, as drug resistance occurs naturally in microorganisms, the resistance is still spreading and killing patients. Although developing new medicines has a significant cost, this is the best solution in striving against these mutant bacteria. New remedies are crucial because these advances would eliminate them. There are new fields of study such as nanomedicine which are able to attack bacteria with mechanisms that these microorganism do not have resistance to. Also, improving old antibacterial remedies could be another important alternative. These improved medicines would eliminate bacteria which could not previously be killed by traditional remedies. To summarize, it is clear that mutation in bacteria is a natural process; thus, it is inevitable. For this reason, efforts in researching new medicines should be continued and supported by politicians in order to provide the most updated medicines possible against all kinds of bacteria and their resistance; otherwise, we all may suffer from more powerful and deadly bacteria.
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world of words
Under Pressure By
Yuri Lopes of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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igh-performance sports require both extremely physical and technical capabilities from athletes. They are astonishingly well prepared in these attributes. Nonetheless, exceptional athletes who are expected to win the most important competitions sometimes are not able to do it and fail in achieving the high spots. Thus, it can be questioned whether being skilled at these aspects is enough to succeed in relevant competitions, or it is not sufficient. Some experts argue that these athletes are physically and technically well prepared, but they are not mentally capable enough to deal with the pressure of the contests; therefore, the insertion of psychological support in the sports is necessary. For the former Olympian swimmer and head-coach of the Auburn University Swimming and Diving team, the Australian Brett Hawke, the main reason why athletes struggle with the pressure is the lack of mental strength. He gives the example of his own experience as an elite swimmer when he failed to earn a medal in 2000 Sydney Olympics because he was not psychologically ready to compete against the other swimmers. Since then, he decided to retire and started to study sports psychology, which is a specific field of psychology that emphasizes improving â&#x20AC;&#x153;mental skills necessary to perform consistently in training and competitionâ&#x20AC;? (Association for Applied Sports Psychology), and help competitors with lack of confidence to succeed. As a head-coach, Hawke realized that several athletes had similar mental weaknesses as him, and these limitations were causing some unfortunate consequences. First, the results in competitions started to drop significantly fast in a way that the competitors could not reverse them positively, and it often led to insomnia, depression or even drug addiction. As a result, this sequence of unsatisfactory results led to an accentuated decline in the career of these athletes causing significant losses in world sports spotlight and sponsors financial support. Finally, the combination of these factors unfortunately caused the athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; early retirement from sports. Apart from Hawke, some others sports famous names left professional sports due to mental problems. The five-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Ian Thorpe gave up professional swimming after the 2004 Athens Olympic Games declaring that he could not handle the media pressure anymore. Nowadays, Thorpe still suffers from depression and alcohol addiction. Another example is the former NBA player Dennis Rodman, who was used having problems with the North American justice because of alcohol abuse. The most recent case of mental problems associated with sports is also the most shocking one. The German soccer goalkeeper Robert Enke committed suicide because of depression resulting from the pressure imposed by his club managers regarding his poor performances in the matches. 40
According to sports psychologists, a well-developed mental training in addition to the physical and technical training altogether are the most appropriate combination to avoid emotional problems and make the athletes succeed in a high-pressure scenario. They argue that transforming the training situations into simulated competition situations is a successful method of mental training; if the athletes are encouraged to train in a competitive environment everyday, they would take advantage of the daily and constant pressure to become familiar with these challenging situations, and they would be able to perform better in the events. Another solution is to give a periodic mental and physical rest to the athletes in order to ease them from that high-stress atmosphere. The resting period depends on the sport; individual sports require more inactive time than team sports because when the workload is divided, the mental pressure is also shared. For some exercise experts, the resting period is an essential stage that contributes to the success of elite athletes. For instance, they also believe the success of the Auburn University Swimming Team in the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) contests is mostly endorsed by the work of Brett Hawke as a head-coach who predominantly focuses on strengthening the mind of his competitors. As a problem that affects the performance of athletes, mind-related difficulties are starting to become considered when the failure of exceptional athletes in relevant competitions is concerned. The key reason why these problems happen strongly points towards the preparation based only on improving physical and technical skills instead of adding mental features to the training. This lack of mental preparation can lead to a series of negative events that initiate with cases of depression, go through a decline in career, and end in premature retirement by the athlete. Because psychological assistance is necessary to add the component of psychological strength, the managers of clubs, universities and national teams are increasing the number of sports psychologists in the staff or capacitating the coaches for them to be able to work not only on the body skills, but the mental skills as well. REFERENCES Auburn University Athletics Department. (n.d.). Retrieved from A.U.A.D. website http://www.auburntigers.com/ sports/c-swim/mtt/hawke_brett00.html Association for Applied Sports Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from A.A.S.P. website http://www.appliedsportpsych.org/about/ about-applied-sport-and-exercise-psychology/
issue 86, June 2014
My Role Model By
Leticia Munoz of Mexico, English PLUS, Intermediate
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y role model is not famous but I chose him because he has changed my life and other’s lives. Many years ago, he worked at NASA and other important companies like Microsoft, IBM, etc. However when he was working for all these companies he noticed that people weren’t efficient enough in their jobs. They usually spent a lot of time in meetings and worked without any motivation in their lives. So, he decided to change the way that people usually work. He did some research, spoke with specialized people in different fields related to efficiency, psychology and productivity. After three years researching these topics, he opened a company specialized in productivity called
“Un día extra” and nowadays he help people, teams and companies to reach achievable goals, overcome obstacles and be successful in their professional fields. It’s not an easy job, because it’s really hard to take people out of their comfort zone. In my case, I used to have a good job in Mexico even when I thought it was not exciting at all and my life was pretty steady. But when I met him, I noticed that I had forgotten my goals and stopped pursing them. So now, I’m studying English and I have an acceptance letter by a University in Canada in order to start my master in September. This is the reason why I decided to choose my best friend Hugo as my role model.
GreatBy Experiences
Ayaka Futami of Japan, Academic English Level 30
We can go to a lot of places. Especially, I enjoyed spring camping and some volunteers. In spring camping, we could do special experiences. kayaking, canoeing, archery, biking, etc… I will never forget these experiences. My school often suggest volunteers. I participated some volunteers. It was interesting! After that, we could get some fruits and T-shirts.
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world of words
Robo-Law: The Ethics of Driverless Cars By Artur Lima Oliveira of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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n her article entitled “Smart Robots Driverless Cars Work – But They Bring Ethical Issues Too”, Nicola Davis (2013) discusses some ethical issues which improvements in technology can raise in our society. The author informs her readers that artificial intelligence is ready to completely modify the world, making specialists discuss possible benefits and disadvantages of such systems. To illustrate this point, Davis gives the IBM’s intelligent system Watson as an example of improvement in technology. After being used for recreational purposes, Watson has become an instrument to detect some human diseases faster and better than doctors can; for this reason, 42
it has been used to analyze medical information and make decisions in clinics. Nevertheless, privacy and security is a significant issue when intelligent systems have access to patients’ records. Davis asks how far people should trust in robots, highlighting the importance of trained staff to understand how the systems really work. Another ethical issue in the article involves legislation and technology. There are many kinds of robots, and each of them has particular controversies. For instance, driverless cars are expected to revolutionize the future of technology, but if an accident happens who would be the responsible: owners or car producers? To answer this and other difficult questions, a research project called RoboLaw was created in Europe. The author continues exploring this matter, debating the concerns which prosthetic devices and brain chips would raise. For instance, if individuals just wish to use these kinds of technology to “improve themselves”, should it be permitted or regulated? This question exemplifies how technology is faster than legislation, and how it would be a possible problem because data is everywhere, but legislation is different all over the world. Open discussions about this topic are fundamental because intelligent systems help people in different areas, such as education. It is suggested in the article that children can learn faster and better when they use technology, and that hospitals would use robots to help patients with information about medical conditions and daily exercises. To conclude, Davis emphasizes the importance of the public in defining and discussing policies and priorities that will transform lives through the improvements in technology.
issue 86, June 2014
The Pipe Organ By
Saya Ojiri of Japan, Academic English Level 60
The pipe organ, a large musical instrument with keyboards and pedals, and one of the most essential parts of church music, has several unique features. First, the exterior of the organ, which has a large number of pipes and ornaments, may astonish the audience. No two pipe organs are exactly the same; therefore, we can enjoy looking at it to discover its characteristics or originality. In addition to the beautiful exterior, the pipe organ also has a significant number of discrete sounds which are produced by air forced through pipes. Organists create sounds by combining several tones such as flute, oboe, strings, or trumpet in order to achieve a dramatic performance. Listeners never get bored during the organ concerts or worship
services because of the variation in sounds. Finally, the pipe organ provides great benefits not only for the listeners but also the players. To illustrate, when organists perform music, they simultaneously use their hands, legs, eyes and brains. Although organists need special techniques and stamina, it is a good exercise to keep their bodies and brains healthy. Clearly, many unique aspects define the pipe organ.
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world of words
Brazil and Its Biggest Pride By
Nathalia Cristina de Melo Correa da Silva of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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razilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion about soccer is unquestionable, and it can be noticed in many streets, school and leisure areas around this country; consequently, the year of 2014 means to many Brazilians the dream coming true: it is the year of the FIFA World Cup Brazil. Many critics believe that this event only leads to money spent on a specific hobby; moreover, many believe that Brazil
should invest money in education or in safety instead of in a stadium. However, people should understand that only an event as a World Cup has the power of bringing certain benefits such as development of important areas including economy and infrastructure. First of all, Brazilian economy will be transformed by the soccer World Cup in a beneficial way since this type of event is also a profit. Being the focus of a huge event means being an excellent place to invest. The numbers indicate that the main consequences of a World Cup event are an increase in the number of jobs and new tourists. A second area which would be affected is infrastructure. The group of requirement from FIFA solicits a sound structure around the stadium areas. Consequently, the Brazilian government desire is to spread the soccer matches around its entire country leading to many roads built. In addition, it is needed to say that Brazil preferred to use ecological material at theses constructions. The FIFA World Cup is a event that can result in positive consequences to Brazil. The only matter is that both society and government need to know how use this profit in a beneficial way. Soccer also can leads Brazil to the economic success.
Reading By
Faisal Alhabashi of Saudi Arabia, Academic English Level 50
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anguages contain of four basic skills : reading, writing, speaking and listening. The most important skills is reading because it developing the language skills, which is understanding the concept in short time and developing vocabulary. Further, reading have many effects: the type of reading, generally or academically and the mentally effect. Reading type divided in to two purposes either academic or general. For general purpose, which is daily reading like stories or newspaper, improving reader to understand the concept in less time. In addition, English as a Second Language, students â&#x20AC;&#x153;ESLâ&#x20AC;? need to spend more time in reading to 44
understand the meaning of new vocabularies. Yet, reading academically is about critical thinking and linear topics, for instance, master degree and PHD students, their reading materials are related to their major. In the other hand, there is mental benefit of reading which is developing the power of imagination and further it restructuring the readers thinking and behaviours. All in all, reading, says is the foods for brain which mean more reading the more the brain will grow. If the ESL students want to improve reading skills, is nothing but build reading as a daily habit.
issue 86, June 2014
Six Rules to Success By
Faisal Alhabashi of Saudi Arabia, Academic English Level 50
To wish something or want something, which is not enough to be successful in life, is called desire. To dream of your future, what you want or what you want to be, is called hunger and that what is common between successful seniors. The 21st Century education conference in 2013, in Australia hosted the world wellknown celebrity “Arnold Schwanzenegger” where he gave a speech of six-rules to success, that guaranty a successful life. First rule is to discover your vision. Vision is the ability to see something you imagine, a picture that lead to see your future in advance. By looking deep into your self and start ask your self what you want to be in the future. Trust your self and start to make a vision, a life that make you satisfied not how other want you to be after 20 or 30 years like friends, relative, families, or parents. Live your future through your dreams, which give you a purpose to keep working, and start claiming to reach your vision. It is not easy and this is only the first rule to be successful. Second rule is break the rules not the laws. show respect to the law because it is important to have a law in modern civilization life, remembers there are always a way to go around the law, so you can precede your future. It is too impossible to reach your dreams if you are to well behave or to original. Think outside the box to reach your dreams because what is the point of being in this earth if you want to be like others. Break some of the rules, so you can precede your dreams. Third rule is never think small. If you want to enjoy your future, build a huge vision that no one ever believe it is possible to make. See your self in the top of your dreams. Meanwhile, always be willing to fail, even if your dreams are doom to fail don’t give up, get up and try again but this time you getting up with experience and knowledge that give you an advantage to reach your dreams with steady steps. Fourth rule is ignore what are people saying about
approaching your dreams. In fact, however many times people said it is impossible, you cant do it, or you are dreamer; turn those people off and make your dreams a reality, so then you might be the first to do it. Don’t pay attention to a people who saying it can’t be done and always tell your self it can be done. Fifth rule is work your ass off. In another words work with all your energy. Success says, development depend on the amount of effort that dreamers gave of their time, life, and sacrifice to reach their dreams. Successful people know that without pain there is no gain. It is important to have fun from time to time, but remember there is always someone out there working hard, getting smarter, and getting stronger. Therefore, if you want to win then there is no way than work hard and give all what you have. Remember, that you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket. Sixth rule, which is a very important rule, is to give back because people will judge you by not how much you take but they will judge you with how much you gave. In some point you must to give something back to the people, specially, the people who helped you to proceed your dreams like family and community. Remember, that people who make major changes in the world like Mohammad Ali and Nelson Mandela they start by taken single action in their community and they give it back to their community after they reached their dreams, they shared their dreams with their community. At the end, at this stage you will be through discovery moments feel how strongly you been created, before you hold your dreams. These sixrules discover your vision, break the rule, never think small, ignore what are people saying, rock your ass off or work with all your energy, and give something back made him, the governor of California “ Arnold Schwarzenegger “, what he is today. 45
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BetterBySafe than Sorry
Abiane Maria Gomes de Souza Silva of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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he use of food additives can lead to various and dangerous effects on the human body. In the article “Too safe for our own good?” Henry Miller and Gregory Conko (2010) warn about the dangers of excessive and sometimes unnecessary regulation around numerous products including the additive BPA. However, the regulation for many products should be, in fact, more rigorous, as the use of food additives has been shown to be harmful to human health. First, several studies have proved that these additives can cause a range of problems including headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, weakness and even damage to the immune response; these symptoms are the immediate effects. For instance, monosodium glutamate (MSG) - the food additive that can cause all the symptoms cited and also rapid heartbeat and chest pain – is now identified on food labels because of its potential risks (US FDA 1995). Second, the long-term effects are unknown, as these additives can be considered a new invention; however, it is speculated that these effects could increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and also degenerative diseases. One interesting recent study shows a link between an ingredient used in buttered popcorn flavoring and Alzheimers (More et al 2012); this substance, also used as a flavoring in margarine, may be one factor that influences the development of this degenerative disease. Finally, many additives are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); in fact, some of them are never even tested and when testing does occur, they are tested in isolation, instead of in combination with other additives, which is a problem. For example, a recent study shows that the combination of specific foods and additives can damage nerve cells in the human body (Lau et al, 2006). Thus, it is the duty of the FDA to thoroughly test new food additives, as a prevention method, in order to avoid future problems. Unfortunately, these modern food additives will not be banned from the market unless sufficient research proves the harmful effects that they can cause in humans. For this reason, consumers should be aware of the danger that they are exposed to: they should start buying healthy organic products even if they are relatively expensive. Sources Karen Lau, W., McLean, G., Williams, D., Howard, C. (2006). Synergistic interactions between commonly used food additives in a developmental neurotoxicity test. Toxicological Sciences, 90(1):178-187. http://health. 46
howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/ dangers-of-food-additives1.htm. Accessed May 17, 2014. Miller, H. I., & Conko, G. (2010, July 21). MILLER & CONKO: Too safe for our own good?. The Washington Times. Retrieved June 9, 2014, from http://p.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/21/ too-safe-for-our-own-good/. Swati S. More, Ashish P. Vartak, and Robert Vince (2012). The Butter Flavorant, Diacetyl, Exacerbates -Amyloid Cytotoxicity. http://www.nydailynews.com/ life-style/health/popcorn-butter-flavoring-triggeralzheimer-disease-article-1.1135225. Accessed May 17, 2014 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). August 31 1995. http:// www.sustainabletable.org/385/additives. Accessed May 17, 2014.
issue 86, June 2014
Skin Deep
By Pierre Edward Luc of Haiti, Academic English Level 60
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he question of skin colour in social identity is one of the most burning issues discussed for centuries. Today, while black people fight to eliminate the wall of exclusion which separates them from other ethnic groups, advertisements subtly propose white people as the archetypes of beauty and success. Consequently, a huge number of the black population attempt to become lighter by using certain whitening creams or similar products. Faced with this dilemma, many experts debate about whether the sale of these whitening products in African and other black countries should or not be banned. In fact, they should not be banned. The first argument of supporters of banning the sale of whitening creams is that these products are very dangerous for the skin, and that they might result in certain skin diseases, including cancer. Although it is important to recognize that there are dangerous ingredients in the whitening creams, this is no reason to ban them; today every chemical product has both positive and negative impacts on health. However, governments in African and other black countries could enact laws to force the beauty industry to write in the instruction of those products that they have ingredients that are harmful to the skin so that people would be informed, as it is done for cigarette and alcohol, both of which have ingredients harmful to health. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that even though governments ban certain drugs, people continue buying and selling them. Therefore, banning these products may cause their counterfeit versions to appear, which might be even more dangerous for the consumers. Another claim which is put forward to support the ban of the whitening creams is to limit the impact of neocolonialism, which allows the beauty industry to imply that beauty and success are linked to the colour of the skin. However, recent research shows that a long time ago, Asian and African people considered the concept of beauty and success in relation to skin colour; in other words, they believed that lighterskinned people had more success than darker-skinned. As a result, it can be said that this attitude toward skin colour existed long before neocolonialism, and thus that it requires a solution other than banning whitening creams. A last group maintains that it is the responsibility of governments in African and other black countries
to protect black people from the invasion of Western culture; thus, banning the sale of the esthetic products is the best way to promote the strong identity of black people. Certainly governments have the responsibility to protect their population from a threat; however, banning the products in question has little to do with the promotion of identity of an ethnic group. Using any type of product is an individual choice, which includes knowing its consequences to health. In fact, African and other black nations have to demonstrate their responsibility by educating their citizens to accept themselves as black, by creating campaigns in the media and at school. In this way, they may ensure the continuity and permanence of African or black culture. It is inappropriate to ban the sale of the whitening creams as a method of endorsing African or black identity. Buying this type of product depends on individual responsibility; thus, if African governments and those of other black countries want to help their citizens with accepting their identity, they must fight to eliminate more pressing issues such as corruption and poverty in those nations through educational and cultural initiatives. Through such initiatives, black people would learn to be proud of their colour, and they would not be misguided by advertisers to attempt to change the colour of their skin. In other words, African and other black nations must work with their citizens at a higher level to promote the tremendous value of African or black culture. 47
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The Dangers of Legalizing Cannabis By Julia Signor of Brazil, Academic English Level 60
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he prohibition of cannabis consumption began in the thirties, and currently its legality varies from country to country. In some states in the United States, Holland, Spain, and Portugal, marijuana is already legalized not only for medical purposes, but also for limited personal consumption. The first country in the world to legalize the use of this drug for medicinal purposes was Canada. According to Health Canada, the herb can be planted and consumed if Canadians have a prescription and letter of authority issued by the government. Most Canadians believe that marijuana use should be decriminalized because smoking is an individual choice that no one should control. Although liberty is a right of human beings, a variety of reasons show that cannabis should not be legalized. Firstly cannabis should not be legalized because its consequences are uncertain. An article from the Lancet magazine relates that cannabis is less prejudicial for individual consumers and for society than legalized drugs such as alcohol and tobacco, the harms of which are well-known. However, there is not enough well-researched knowledge about the exclusive use of cannabis to make these claims. For example, addicted users, who are hospitalized in clinics, consume other drugs with marijuana; as a result, just the combined effects are studied by scientists and doctors. Some research in fact does show that there are negative effects of marijuana use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cannabis consumption can affect brain development, can increase heart rate, and can decrease body temperature. Additionally, according to the World Health Organization, cannabis can cause other future problems such as infertility, schizophrenia and psychosis, and social disintegration. Although cannabis has less negative effects on health than alcohol and tobacco, it does not mean that marijuana`s effects should be disregarded. Marijuana’s legalization is the wrong choice because it will bring negative repercussion to society. The first problem is that legalization will increase marijuana consumption because it will become socially acceptable, and people will smoke the drug more. Recent studies from Organization of American States 48
show that in all countries where cannabis is legalized, the consumption increased, especially among young people. Furthermore, marijuana is a “gateway drug” because consumers are more vulnerable to move on to more dangerous drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, which can seriously affect individuals’ health. According to World Health Organization, Cannabis encourages users to experiment with other drugs, both legal and illegal, because their effects will be more powerful. With more individuals smoking, more will experience adverse physical and mental health effects, and more individuals will be likely to try more harmful drugs. Legalizing cannabis means respecting individuals’ freedom, but it is a dangerous choice if all the reasons against it are considered. Although all of the effects are not certain, evidence of some negative effects exists. Legalizing marijuana will make consumption increase and the search for more potential drugs increase as well. Improving the knowledge about the effects of this drug is the best solution to make people aware of its mental and physical consequences. In fact, for the benefit of society, instead of legalizing the use of cannabis, the police should increasingly control in its illegal distribution in order to prevent more individuals from becoming addicted to marijuana and more dangerous drugs as well.
issue 86, June 2014
About Turkey By
Gökçe Akar of Turkey, Academic English Level 30
Left: Maiden’s Tower. Right: Bosphorus Bridge. Images from wikipedia.org
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am going to tell you about my country. Turkey, the Republic of Turkey, is a contiguous transcontinental country between western Asia and southeastern Europe. The western Asia part of Turkey is called Anatolia, and the southeastern Europe part is called east Thrace. The capital of the Republic of Turkey is Ankara. Other important cities are Istanbul and Izmir. I live in Istanbul, but I was born in Izmir. Istanbul is fantastic city between Asia and Europe. The Asia side of Istanbul is connected to the Europe side of Istanbul by Bosphorus Bridge. The Bosphorus Bridge has beautiful scenery. You can see at the historic view while driving on the bridge. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It has many historic heritage buildings because it was the capital of the Roman, the Byzatine, the Latin and the Ottoman empires in history. There are many mosques, churches, palaces and historic places in Istanbul. I most like the Maiden’s Tower. (Turkish: Kız Kulesi) According to Wikipedia, it is built in the sea in 1110. There are many legends about building of the tower. During the history, it often used as a lighthouse, and it also used many things from time to time. Today, Maiden’s Tower is open for visitors. It is used as a restaurant and café. Transportation to the Maiden’s Tower can only be made by boat because the tower is built on the small island in the sea. In addition to historic importance, Maiden’s Tower’s ımportance for me is different. I and my husband got engaged in Maiden’s Tower. I think that it is very romantic place. If you will go to Turkey one day, I recommend going to the Maiden’s Tower. Another important city is Izmir. Izmir is west in Turkey. I lived in Izmir for 27 years. I think Izmir is the most beautiful city to live. When I go to Izmir, I feel at ease. Izmir has friendly people and is pretty close to the most
beautiful seaside in the world. When I went to university, I went to different seasides each weekend during summer time. Sometimes, I went to the seaside after school with my friends. All seasides of Izmir are really wonderful. There are many historic and natural places around Izmir. For example, historic Ephesus city is within Izmir’s border. There are many places where visit during weeks around Izmir. If you like hot weather and to travelling, Izmir is perfect for you. Turkey has a population of 76 million, and 30 per cent of the population lives in Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara. Turkey is very rich in cultures. Turkey was divided seven regions, and all regions have different cultures. I think that the reason for this situation is different climate in Turkey. The west and south of Turkey is near the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea and hot almost all year. The east of Turkey is surrounded by mountains and too cold, especially winter time. In the north, there is a long range of tall mountains. It is rainy almost all year. Parallel with this situation, kitchens of Turkish have also the diverse cuisine. While vegetable dishes are preferred more in the west, meat dishes are preferred in east. Both meat and vegetable dishes are very rich cuisine of Turkey. Actually, Turkish cuisine is too hard to explain because it has different taste and a variety of dishes. There are also different vacation opportunities in Turkey. If you want, you can do simultaneously the summer and winter vacation. In the morning, you can go skiing in the mountains, and in the afternoon, you can swim in the sea. If you would like, you can hike in the northern and southern mountains, or you can look at sunrise in the sky from balloon in the Kapadokya district of Turkey. My country has very rich cultures, nature and history. Turkey is like a bridge between Asia and Europe. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who was founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, left Turkey’s young people the heritage of the Republic of Turkey. I hope we can look after with this heritage.
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ENGLISH OUTSIDE 50
issue 86, June 2014
THE CLASSROOM 51
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Toronto Island BBQs By Mustafa Ersin Sarier, ELP Cultural Assistant
Master’s of Applied Science Candidate, Civil Engineering, University of Toronto
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all the way there. In our events, we usually cook all kinds of meat, burgers, vegetables and potatoes. Also it is really good to bring some fresh fruit. In particular. eating watermelon on the beach of the island is really good. The best part of the Island is almost all public services are free and really convenient there. For example, they have free and clean washrooms, changing rooms, showers around the island. There is a ferry service every half an hour on weekends for just 7$ round trip price. Also you shouldn’t forget to bring your sport and recreational equipment for beach volleyball, football, playing frisbee, softball, baseball, etc. I am sure you will have an enjoyable and great day out there. To summarize, Toronto Island is on the Blog.TO website as one of the top five parks with outdoor BBQ grills in Toronto. You can also check out a great things to do list on the Toronto Islands from this website at the end of the page. Toronto is a great city with great people to live and study. You are all so lucky to be studying at really enormous place, University of Toronto English Language Program. Enjoy your time in Toronto while learning English. Photographs by Mustafa Sarier
have been to almost all Toronto Island BBQ events at the ELP. Frankly, it is one of my favorite events at the ELP. In this article, I will write about BBQ preparation and the ELP Toronto Island BBQ event. Firstly, I want to give brief information about the Toronto Islands of Toronto. According to information from Wikipedia, the Toronto Islands (formerly known as Island of Hiawatha and is also known as Menecing) are a group of small islands in the city of Toronto, Ontario. Comprising the only group of islands in the western part of Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands are located just seaward of the city centre, and provide shelter for Toronto Harbour. The islands are a popular recreational destination, and are home to a small residential community and to the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. They are connected to the mainland by several ferry services and, as of 2014, an underwater pedestrian tunnel will be completed. Moreover, I want to mention about BBQs in Toronto. It is one of the best summer events you can do in Toronto among natural beauties and nice view of the city with delicious food. There are BBQ grills located on the Island, so you don’t need to carry your own BBQ
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issue 86, June 2014
Guide to Summer in Toronto By Aakanksha John, ELP Cultural Assistant
Studying Diaspora and Transnational Studies and Criminology, University of Toronto
Taste of Lawrence Festival; July 4-6 This is a three-day food and cultural fest showcasing the Scarborough community! Enjoy midway rides, live music and fun activities for kids! Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto (Caribana); July 8-August2 An exotic display of Caribbean culture for those of you who are yet to experience the tropical paradise of the Caribbean Islands! There will be parades, dancers, lots of music and food and a ton of fun to be had! Salsa on St. Clair; July 14-20 Salsa dancing, free salsa lessons and a great way to let your hair down, come experience the live magic of this fantastic dance form! BIG on Bloor; July 19-20 This two-year old festival displays fascinating local arts and crafts while serenading its visitors with live entertainment. Chinatown Festival; July 19-20 This festival located on Dundas St and Huron St will definitely be hard to miss: enormous amounts of street food, live chinese music, chinese dragon and lion dances! Beaches Jazz Festival; July 24-26 Featuring 50 Canadian bands that will take over Queen St E from 7pm to 11pm, this international jazz fest will feature the diverse vibes of not just Toronto but Canada as well! AUGUST Taste of the Danforth; August 8-10 Come experience Hellenic food, culture and music on Danforth Avenue! As one of the city’s most popular
festivals, it is one way to watch Toronto’s Greek community come alive but also, a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture! Festival of South Asia; Aug 23-24 Mainly situated on Gerrard St., this festival celebrates various South Asian cultures like those from the countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. Revel in authentic South Asian khana (food) and lose yourself to the beats of the Bhangra, while partying it up Bollywood style! Scotiabank Buskerfest; August 21-24 From Yonge St. to College and Carlton, the Buskerfest is open to both the live busking performances of pedestrians and featured musicians! So fine tune those vocal cords, leave your shower-singing, hairbrushmicrophone days behind you and step onto the street! Hot N Spicy Festival; August 15-19 If you like spicy food this festival will be a dream come true! Thai, Indian, Cajun, Caribbean food cultures will bring the heat on these Mid-August nights at the Harbourfront Centre. SEPTEMBER Taste of Kingsway; September 5-7 A different kind of taste with live music, outdoor patios and local goods, the taste of Kingsway will be situated on Price Edward Drive up to Montgomery Road. Cabbagetown Festivals of the Arts; September 6-7 From Wellesley St East to Gerrard St East, this delightful festival will feature local artists and special artisans. Come see what Toronto’s art scene has to offer as you wander the streets surrounded by the busting creativity of our beautiful city! 53
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Enjoying Life By
Elis Batistella, ELP Cultural Assistant
Studying Arts and Science, University of Toronto
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t is early in the morning and the alarm rings. Breakfast, cellphone, keys and one more day is spent on daily obligations. You go back home, study or finish a couple of things that were left behind, check emails, social media, the news, set the alarm again, and then rest your body for the next few hours. This is the reality of several individuals that clearly do not have many options left that can fit into their organized daily routine. This is mainly the day-to-day of students and professionals that are starting their careers, when all the effort is required to reach a successful life. It was no different for me; however, after coming to Canada to study, I started to change some points of view that I had always claimed as being the best in my life. Firstly, now I can understand that it is possible to succeed every day when we accomplish our small goals and make the world at least a bit better to live in. Indeed, success goes further than having the perfect job, partner, or house. If one excessively rushes trying to do several improtant things at the same time, one will have to give up time for oneself or those that are important to their life. Thus, the peculiarities of the routine have to be enjoyed; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow the desire to shine block the path that you step to reach the main goal! Obviously, daily tasks have to be done, but paying attention to the surrounding nature and to what everyone is saying to you makes a huge difference without occupying extra time - It is a matter of quality, not quantity. Furthermore, I realized that meeting and talking to distinct individuals, no matter whom, can bring pleasurable moments and valuable lessons- knowledge that is not acquired from books! This happens because 54
the familiar niche where each individual was nurtured is potentially distinctive from the one we are used to and every person carries a baggage of teachings incorporated throughout life. Living in a foreign country and experiencing different values and cultures raises many possibilities to see the world from another perspective. From that point, I started to analyse things that we all have in common, and I realized that sometimes language is not a barrier because the way that we express happiness, satisfaction, pain or embarrassment is impressively similar, regardless of the nation one comes from. Living abroad is such a tremendous experience that can potentially influence personal choices for the future. More than profession, it is necessary to choose the way we live our lives. It is crazy to spend an entire existence without knowing who your neighbour is, viewing the world only through the screen of the television, making no time for family and friends. Thus, the next morning when the alarm sounds, remember that you woke up and you can choose how to spend your day and how to see the world. Grab your keys and pay attention to your surroundings. The world is out there, your coffee has a flavour, and people continue to need your smile. It is possible to resolve all types of problems by either being bitter or being in a good mood. The way you choose to live is at your own discretion!
issue 86, June 2014
#slang
By Andrea Sriskandarajah, ELP Cultural Assistant
Studying Women & Gender Studies and Equity Studies, University of Toronto
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n recent years, technological advancements have allowed for an increase in the ways through which we communicate with each other. The popularization and pervasiveness of smart phones, tablets and laptops makes it possible for people around the world to be conveniently connected to each other via social media at their finger tips. Whether you are chatting, texting, e-mailing, Tweeting, Facebook-ing, Instagram-ing, Tumblr-ing, or YouTube-ing, social media is rapidly changing the face of communication on a global scale and having a significant effect on language. Just like the distinctive patterns and peculiarities found in languages like English, Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, or Spanish for example, social media, too, has its own language. Just as different languages continue to evolve and transform depending on a given historic period and the dynamics of each generation, the language of social media continues to change as more technological devices and social media outlets become available. Remember the good ol’ days of MSN Messenger when the only social media slang used to simply include just “sup?” (what’s up); “n2m” (not too much); “gr8” (great); “jc” (just chillin’); “brb” (be right back); “lol” (laugh out loud); “ilu” (I love you); “jk” (just kidding); “ttyl” (talk to you later). Today, with IM, BBM, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, and Snapchat, the vocabulary of social media slang has expanded to include a myriad of slang. Here is a compilation of popular social media slang in current existence. • Abt (about) • B4 (before) • B/w (between) • Btw (by the way) • B/c (because) • bd (big deal); nbd (no big deal) (best friends for life) • Bibi (bye-bye) • Btw (by the way) • Crew (group of friends) • C/O (courtesy of) • Cud (could) • Da (the) • Deets (details) • FTW (for the win) • IDEK (I don’t even’t know) • FYI (for your information) • Fav/fave/favsies (favourite) • G2g (got to go) • IMY/IMU (I miss you) • IRL (in real life) • KIR (keep it real)
Btw. I need deets. SMH. NVM.
Nbd. Totes confusing.
IDEK. TMI, right?
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
KIT (keep in touch) Lil (little) L4L (Instagram: like for like) Mwah/mwua (kisses) Nvm (never mind) Obv/obvi (obviously) Q (question) Selfie (picture of yourself) SMH (shaking my head) S/O (shout out) Stoked (excited) TBH (to be honest) TBT (Throw Back Thursday) TC (take care) TMI (too much information) Totes/tots (totally) Ugh (frustrated) Unfriend (remove friend) Vacay (vacation) W00t (yay) W/ (with) Y (why?) YOLO (you only live once) 55
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Chatting Casually, Learning Together By Graham Shular, ELP Cultural Assistant
Masters of Teaching Candidate, University of Toronto
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here are many opportunities for students to practice their English while living in Toronto. Students get lots of time in class to practice their English speaking skills, and when they travel to restaurants, museums, or other places in Toronto they will have even more opportunities to speak English. However, the English Language Program also has a fantastic program for students to practice their English in a fun, comfortable, and relaxed atmosphere. This program is called Conversation Café. Conversation Café has been my way of getting more involved with the ELP. I have enjoyed it very much because it gives students an opportunity to get to know their fellow classmates. It also provides students with a safe space to practice their speaking skills. While it may seem like fun and games, Conversation Café is actually very structured and there are plenty of opportunities for students to engage in good, productive conversation with each other. Conversation Café is an excellent place for ELP students to chat casually, and learn together. The Conversation Café is a weekly program that invites students in the English Language Program to come together for two to three hours to partake in structured conversations (or chats). These Cafés are organized by the Cultural Assistants who choose fun, and engaging activities to get people started in conversation. Common activities include fun icebreakers (How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice!), and games to help students learn everyone’s names. For example, we play “Find Someone Who,” which not only teaches everyone’s 56
names but also helps students to get to know each other a little bit as well. Once everyone feels comfortable, then we engage in activities that spark good conversations. Many of these conversations end up becoming debates! All the while, the Cultural Assistants help students to learn new words and common Canadian phrases. For example, did you know that if you say, “my treat” in a restaurant that you’re saying you will be the one paying the bill when it comes? There are also many opportunities during Conversation Café for students to use the new phrases and words that they learned that day. Common examples include participating in skits, or small plays, or short presentations. The activities are always a lot of fun, and engage everyone by getting students to casually chat, and learn together. Conversation Café really has something for everyone. We talk about many different and very diverse topics. For example, we chat about relationships, food and culture, Canadian idioms, travel, music, sports, television shows and even school. Personally, my favourite topic is food. It is amazing to hear what people from other countries have to say about Canadian cuisine. Many of our students are also very eager to hear about particular Canadian foods, and because of Conversation Café, want to try them before going home. For example, students love to talk about their first time eating poutine. Poutine is a traditional Quebecois dish of fried potatoes, fresh cheese curds and beef gravy. Another favourite Canadian food is real Canadian maple syrup. However, the main reason why I
issue 86, June 2014
enjoy talking about food so much is because everyone, no matter where they come from, has an opinion about food. What is particularly fascinating is seeing how many students share similar likes and dislikes when it comes to food. Many students get an opportunity to learn about the different cuisines from different countries while at Conversation Café. Of course, we don’t always talk about food, but we try to structure the Café so that we stay on one topic. Food may be my favourite topic, but every subject can be just as fun! Speaking of food, one thing you can count on during Conversation Café is a great selection of delicious, tasty treats. Of course, we serve tea and coffee, but what makes the Café extra special are all of the extra treats to snack on while we chat. Good conversation always works up a person’s appetite, so we make sure that there are plenty of snacks to go around. The famous carrot cake loafs are by far the most popular, but we also serve granola bars, cookies and muffins. Having snacks during Conversation Café makes the space feel more comfortable. If people are in a rush to get to class, they don’t have to worry about getting a bite to eat, because they’ll have gotten a good helping
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of food during the Café. I always find that once people have one or two things to eat, then they’ll feel more comfortable. Sometimes learning a new language can be stressful; the Conversation Café is anything but stressful. It’s fun, you get a chance to practice your English speaking skills and you get to munch away the time with friends. At the end of the day, Conversation Café is so important to the English Language Program because it gives all of us an opportunity to practice speaking English in a fun, casual, yet structured setting. It provides each and every one of us a space to feel comfortable, and to kick back and relax. However, the Café also allows us to practice our conversational English. So, while we are always learning and practicing our skills at Conversation Café, it feels more casual, and many students get a chance to take risks that they might not have otherwise taken in a more formal classroom setting. Thank you to everyone who came out to Conversation Café these past few months! It has been a blast.
onversation
Café
Join us Thursday afternoons from 2:00-4:00 PM for an opportunity to practice your English speaking skills! Enjoy some refreshments while you talk with other students!
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Ask Rosa
Kind advice for student life
By Rosa Leo, ELP Program Administrator
Dear Rosa Do you have any advice on sunscreen protection for sensitive skin? - Beach Bum Dear Beach Bum: or allowable time spent in the sun. This is a common misconception. Higher SPF’s indicate higher protection from UV rays (97%, 98%, 99%).
S
ummer has finally arrived and sunscreen products are key to keeping your skin protected from harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiation that leads to skin cancer. A sunscreen with an SPF 15 blocks out approximately 93% of UV rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98%. No sunscreen blocks 100% UV. If you’re someone with fair skin that roasts easily, you will want to increase the SPF on your sunscreen lotion so that your skin does not burn. Sunscreens come in various levels of SPF (sun protection factor) that can range from 4 to 60 and above. What this means is that a lotion with an SPF of 15 will allow you to stay in the sun 15 times longer than you would normally be able to without burning. If your skin is prone to burning within 10 minutes, a sunscreen with an SPF 15 should keep your skin from burning for 150 minutes. If you’re someone with acne prone skin, select a sunscreen that will not clog skin pores or cause acne. Look for key words on the packaging such as: ‘non-comedogenic; non acnegenic; non poreclogging’. Award-Winning and dermatologistrecommended Neutrogena and Aveeno offer a non pore-clogging option, for example. •
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TIP #1: There is no sunscreen that is actually sweat or water-proof. These claims are not true. You must re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours; more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. TIP #2: When purchasing a sunscreen, make sure the package indicates protection from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA is responsible for skin aging and wrinkling. UVB is responsible for burning. Both damage skin cells and can lead to the development of skin cancer. TIP #3: Sunscreen should be placed on the skin directly, before you apply make-up. TIP #4: A higher SPF sunscreen does not mean double or triple protection from burning
Dear Rosa, Can you talk about ICE? I think it’s very important for everyone to know. -Spreading the Word Dear Spreading the Word,
I
absolutely agree and I would be happy to help spread the word. ICE stands for (In Case of Emergency). By entering ICE numbers into your cell phone, first responders such as police, fire fighters and paramedics are able to call your list of ICE contacts to inquire about your medical condition, medical history, drug allergies, etc. In the event that you are injured or unresponsive, emergency personnel are able to connect with your ICE contacts and receive crucial information that can help in your medical treatment as well as inform your contacts about your situation. You can enter more than one ICE contact into your phone and I strongly suggest that you do, in the event that your first ICE contact cannot be reached. For example: ICE1 MOM, ICE2 Dad, ICE3 John, ICE 4 Anne. For ICE to be effective, your cell phone must be unlocked. Refer to your cell phone manual or contact your cell phone manufacturer to check if there is an ICE override on your phone while in ‘locked’ mode.
Rosa Leo has been serving the students
of the English Language Program for over 10 years. Visit Rosa in the office for student services or registration information.
issue 86, June 2014
world of words June 2013, issue 82
“The English Language Program’s student magazine – a compilation of the Spring session’s highlights, student opinions and other features.”
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issue 86, June 2014
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM 252 Bloor St. West, Suite 4-106 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1V6 t: 416.978.5104 f: 416.971.2839 e: learn.english@utoronto.ca w: learn.english.utoronto.ca SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES 158 St. George St. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2V8 t: 416.978.2400 f: 416.978.6666 e: learn@utoronto.ca w: learn.utoronto.ca
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