Saad - Ielts preparation
Friday, April 29, 2005
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS of the PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia. Roughly four-fifths of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church, and another tenth belongs to the Philippine Independent Church or other Christian churches. The Muslim people, called Moros, comprise a minority of the population and live mainly on the southern islands, particularly Mindanao. In the highlands and more remote islands, the indigenous groups are heavily influenced by traditional beliefs and worship a variety of gods.
Initial greetings are friendly and informal, and are usually accompanied by a handshake. If people shake hands and wish to show additional respect or enthusiasm, they place the free hand on top of the handshake or use it to pat the other person’s shoulder.
Most people marry before they are 30 years old. The groom and his family pay for the wedding ceremony and reception. The bride often does not see her bridal gown until the day she is married. Grooms often wear a “barong”, an embroidered shirt that hangs over the trousers, made of pineapple fiber. At the reception, during the newlyweds’ first dance, relatives may take turns clipping money to the groom’s shirt or the bride’s gown.
Loyalty to the extended family is fundamental, as is the concept of mutual support and self-sacrifice when the family or a member of it needs help. The close-knit network of relationships even extends to honorary kinships, usually referred to as godparenthood. Particular respect is shown to more senior members of the family. Traditionally, the nuclear family has been large, often with four or more children, but today, particularly in urban areas, people are having fewer children. Many Filipinos work overseas to earn money for the extended family at home.
Filipinos enjoy visiting as often as possible, especially in the barrios, which are small villages or suburbs. Guests do not typically take gifts, since the visit itself is considered a gift. However, a guest who has been away for a long time is expected to bring a small, inexpensive gift called “pasalubong” to the family.
Although socializing in the home is most popular, people also enjoy gathering in public areas. Urban neighborhoods often have a central area where people socialize. Villages nearly always have a plaza where political events, dances, meetings, and socializing occur and basketball can be played nearby.
Women hold some important positions in government, business, and industry and in rural areas, work alongside their husbands in the fields. Many also manage the family finances. However, women still suffer from male dominance in economy and society, and violence against women remains an important social problem.
Homes built from cement and hardwood are preferred, although bamboo structures are used by the poor in rural areas. Most rich businessmen live in exclusive residential subdivisions and villages. Standards of housing range significantly, but squatter areas with substandard housing still persist in most cities.
Lucena “Nini” Jaramillo
FCE preparation
Initial greetings are friendly and informal, and are usually accompanied by a handshake. If people shake hands and wish to show additional respect or enthusiasm, they place the free hand on top of the handshake or use it to pat the other person’s shoulder.
Most people marry before they are 30 years old. The groom and his family pay for the wedding ceremony and reception. The bride often does not see her bridal gown until the day she is married. Grooms often wear a “barong”, an embroidered shirt that hangs over the trousers, made of pineapple fiber. At the reception, during the newlyweds’ first dance, relatives may take turns clipping money to the groom’s shirt or the bride’s gown.
Loyalty to the extended family is fundamental, as is the concept of mutual support and self-sacrifice when the family or a member of it needs help. The close-knit network of relationships even extends to honorary kinships, usually referred to as godparenthood. Particular respect is shown to more senior members of the family. Traditionally, the nuclear family has been large, often with four or more children, but today, particularly in urban areas, people are having fewer children. Many Filipinos work overseas to earn money for the extended family at home.
Filipinos enjoy visiting as often as possible, especially in the barrios, which are small villages or suburbs. Guests do not typically take gifts, since the visit itself is considered a gift. However, a guest who has been away for a long time is expected to bring a small, inexpensive gift called “pasalubong” to the family.
Although socializing in the home is most popular, people also enjoy gathering in public areas. Urban neighborhoods often have a central area where people socialize. Villages nearly always have a plaza where political events, dances, meetings, and socializing occur and basketball can be played nearby.
Women hold some important positions in government, business, and industry and in rural areas, work alongside their husbands in the fields. Many also manage the family finances. However, women still suffer from male dominance in economy and society, and violence against women remains an important social problem.
Homes built from cement and hardwood are preferred, although bamboo structures are used by the poor in rural areas. Most rich businessmen live in exclusive residential subdivisions and villages. Standards of housing range significantly, but squatter areas with substandard housing still persist in most cities.
Lucena “Nini” Jaramillo
FCE preparation
A day in my life
I usually get up at 7 o'clock and I have a shower. I have breakfast at 7.30 and I watch Euronews on television.
I leave home at 7.55 and I go to the hospital. My work starts at 8 o'clock. I leave the hospital at 2.30 pm and go home. I have lunch at 3 o'clock.
I go to Tripoli to English school 3 times a week at 3.20 and I start my studies in Yethreb School at 4.30 pm. I leave the school at 6.30. I arrive in Spea at 9pm. I have dinner and watch television. Finally, I go to bed at 12 o'clock.
Natalia
Beginner
I leave home at 7.55 and I go to the hospital. My work starts at 8 o'clock. I leave the hospital at 2.30 pm and go home. I have lunch at 3 o'clock.
I go to Tripoli to English school 3 times a week at 3.20 and I start my studies in Yethreb School at 4.30 pm. I leave the school at 6.30. I arrive in Spea at 9pm. I have dinner and watch television. Finally, I go to bed at 12 o'clock.
Natalia
Beginner
My diary
I wake up everyday at 9 o'clock and take a shower at quarter past nine. After that I eat my breakfast and go to the cyber cafe. I sit and browse some internet sites. Usually I sit about 2 hours everyday. When I'm finished I go with my friend Mohamed to the university when he passed by to take me with him in his car. At 3 o'clock I come back home again, have lunch and watch some news on TV and relax. After this I go out with my friend Mohamed to English school where I take my lessons from the best teacher I ever met in my life. Her name's Alea, she's beautiful and I love her so much. When I finish my lesson at 7 o'clock I meet my friends at the cyber cafe. It's called Atlas Center. We sit there for a while. Then we go out to play. We have a band. We practice playing music and singing. It's like a party! We drink ... to change our mood and free our feelings. I don't feel the time pass away till 2 am. Everyone goes back home and I go to bed.
Khairi
Beginner
Maha's day
I get up at 7.30. I go to work at 8.30 and have breakfast at work at 9.00. My breakfast is coffee and chocolate. I work until 2.30, after that I go to school at 4.30, then I go home. Sometimes I go by bus, other times with my brother.
In the evening I have different activities to do like going to the Internet, going shopping with my friends, or visiting my relatives. Then I have dinner with my family. After that I watch TV for a little bit. Then I go to bed at 12 o'clock.
Maha Saad
Beginner
In the evening I have different activities to do like going to the Internet, going shopping with my friends, or visiting my relatives. Then I have dinner with my family. After that I watch TV for a little bit. Then I go to bed at 12 o'clock.
Maha Saad
Beginner
My day
First, I get up at 6 o'clock. After that I wash my face and brush my teeth. Then I pray the morning prayer. Next I wear my clothes and then I have my breakfast. After that I go to school. When I come back from school in the afternoon I'm very hungry, so I have my lunch. Next I write my homework and I sleep for an hour. I get up at four o'clock and go to Yethreb School. I leave school at half past six. Then I read my books and have my dinner. Finally, I sleep in my bed.
Abdulraoof
Beginner
Abdulraoof
Beginner
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Saturday, April 23, 2005
One hundred and seventy dinars to be buried alive!
Well I always thought that I was a tough old bird!!! Life certainly hasn't been a bed of roses and I always thought that now I have reached the grand old age of half a century (not as anyone believes I'm that old - gosh it does sound rather ancient come to think of it) I would be prepared for anything life could throw at me. Well how wrong I was and what a coward I was over such a little thing.
After being given the bad news that I had a prolapsed disk in the cervical area of my spine I was asked to do an M.R.I. Shopping around as women do for the cheapest best place (and believe me there is a vast range of prices, the Swiss Libyan Clinic charging more than a junior house doctors salary) I chose wisely as I thought Mukhtar Clinic being with in walking distance to my beloved school and having 'wasta' (Arabic expression meaning special inside help).
I informed my class (IELTS 1 foundation) that I needed to leave 15 minutes early as I had an appointment for an M.R.I. Of course my loving caring doctors, who I was teaching asked if I would be OK. Why wouldn't I? It was an x-ray and I've had quite a few of them during my lifetime I can tell you. "We'll come with you", they offered. "What on earth for?", I said. "You'll need sedating", they said. "Rubbish!" was my reply. But little did I know I was going to be buried alive.
Off I went along with my cortège (husband & son). Now as educated as I am I just assumed you passed slowly through the tube, the whole process taking no more than a few seconds. Little did I know! The technician at Mukhtar Clinic was very nice. V.I.P. treatment for Mrs Alea the famous EFL teacher. Being a good patient, I had previously removed all my jewelry (which was just the bare essentials) and unpinned my fair locks. NO METAL the doctor said.
I entered the 'tomb of death'. "You will be alright" the technician said. Why was everyone asking if I would be OK? Of course I would be. I lay down, had my head fixed in a cage and was off for a quick ride on the ghost train - or so I thought. Nobody had informed me how long this thing would actually take so I was surprised when I stopped inside this tube. Don't move at all, not even blink, I had been informed. If I did everything would be ruined and I would have wasted the price of a 3 month English course at Yethreb. I waited. Then the clicking and humming started. Lie still, lie still, but I was getting short of breath. I was finding it difficult to lie flat on my back. How much longer, perhaps they had forgotten me. But surely my husband wouldn't leave without me, would he. . !? My mind was playing tricks. The bright light overhead was hurting my eyes. A tear trickled out of the corner of my eye. I couldn't wipe it. I closed my eyes but it didn't help. I could feel my heart pounding. I began sweating. Why didn't someone speak to me? Even some soft background music might have relaxed me. I was in an illuminated coffin.
I was beginning to get more and more claustrophobic and that's when I remembered my watch. NO METAL the technician had said. I knew I was going into a panic attack. Why didn't anyone speak to me, reassure me, tell me how much longer? I knew I was going to die.
After being given the bad news that I had a prolapsed disk in the cervical area of my spine I was asked to do an M.R.I. Shopping around as women do for the cheapest best place (and believe me there is a vast range of prices, the Swiss Libyan Clinic charging more than a junior house doctors salary) I chose wisely as I thought Mukhtar Clinic being with in walking distance to my beloved school and having 'wasta' (Arabic expression meaning special inside help).
I informed my class (IELTS 1 foundation) that I needed to leave 15 minutes early as I had an appointment for an M.R.I. Of course my loving caring doctors, who I was teaching asked if I would be OK. Why wouldn't I? It was an x-ray and I've had quite a few of them during my lifetime I can tell you. "We'll come with you", they offered. "What on earth for?", I said. "You'll need sedating", they said. "Rubbish!" was my reply. But little did I know I was going to be buried alive.
Off I went along with my cortège (husband & son). Now as educated as I am I just assumed you passed slowly through the tube, the whole process taking no more than a few seconds. Little did I know! The technician at Mukhtar Clinic was very nice. V.I.P. treatment for Mrs Alea the famous EFL teacher. Being a good patient, I had previously removed all my jewelry (which was just the bare essentials) and unpinned my fair locks. NO METAL the doctor said.
I entered the 'tomb of death'. "You will be alright" the technician said. Why was everyone asking if I would be OK? Of course I would be. I lay down, had my head fixed in a cage and was off for a quick ride on the ghost train - or so I thought. Nobody had informed me how long this thing would actually take so I was surprised when I stopped inside this tube. Don't move at all, not even blink, I had been informed. If I did everything would be ruined and I would have wasted the price of a 3 month English course at Yethreb. I waited. Then the clicking and humming started. Lie still, lie still, but I was getting short of breath. I was finding it difficult to lie flat on my back. How much longer, perhaps they had forgotten me. But surely my husband wouldn't leave without me, would he. . !? My mind was playing tricks. The bright light overhead was hurting my eyes. A tear trickled out of the corner of my eye. I couldn't wipe it. I closed my eyes but it didn't help. I could feel my heart pounding. I began sweating. Why didn't someone speak to me? Even some soft background music might have relaxed me. I was in an illuminated coffin.
I was beginning to get more and more claustrophobic and that's when I remembered my watch. NO METAL the technician had said. I knew I was going into a panic attack. Why didn't anyone speak to me, reassure me, tell me how much longer? I knew I was going to die.
So I yelled "Help. . . Help . . . Help!"
Nothing. But the bond between mother and child is strong - Younis my son heard me (notice not my husband!) "That's mum." he informed his Dad. "Don't be silly." was my husband's reply. "Listen! It's her!" said Younis. Abduz jumped up. The thought of losing my salary had kick started him into stopping my torture, but just before he spoke to the technician Younis stopped him. "She'll have wasted her money if you stop the x-ray now." So they sat down again.
I went through hell in that tube. I met death face on and it was only the wise words of Dr. Ahmed Carra who told me whenever you panic take deep breaths. That stopped my lovely English heart from giving up. I don't know how long I was motionless in that tube, but it was a long scary time. My knees were like jelly, my blood pressure was sky-high and I needed oxygen, but I'd have preferred the kiss of life. I just wish somebody had told me what to expect so I would have been prepared and not made such a fool of myself.
Final words from my son - "Why did you shout for help? You should have said your Muslim vows and died a true Muslim." As for me, please, please make sure I am truly dead before you put me in my coffin.
Doctors please take the time to explain to patients what will happen to them. It might just prevent a heart attack! And a microphone would help so somebody could talk you through the nightmare.
I went through hell in that tube. I met death face on and it was only the wise words of Dr. Ahmed Carra who told me whenever you panic take deep breaths. That stopped my lovely English heart from giving up. I don't know how long I was motionless in that tube, but it was a long scary time. My knees were like jelly, my blood pressure was sky-high and I needed oxygen, but I'd have preferred the kiss of life. I just wish somebody had told me what to expect so I would have been prepared and not made such a fool of myself.
Final words from my son - "Why did you shout for help? You should have said your Muslim vows and died a true Muslim." As for me, please, please make sure I am truly dead before you put me in my coffin.
Doctors please take the time to explain to patients what will happen to them. It might just prevent a heart attack! And a microphone would help so somebody could talk you through the nightmare.
Mrs Alea
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
About Me
When asked to introduce himself in class in 150 words he told his teacher that he didn’t think he could write that amount. Being the lovely teacher she is, Mrs Alea told him to do 200 and finally this is what he produced!
1700 Words About Me
I was born on September 25h 1983 in a beautiful city called Tripoli. My parents wanted to name me Ameer, but thank God my brother and sisters insisted on naming me Ahmed. I really think that the name Ameer is some kind of sissy name for a male.
Our family consists of 2 brother, 2 sisters and my kind and beautiful parents. My father’s name is Mehdi. He works for the World Islamic Society. I like his job so much because he never stays a long time in Libya – every 4 years he moves to another country so that he can be the man in charge of the Islamic office in the country he was sent to.
My mother’s name is Aisa and she is a housewife and she takes care of us. So that’s another great job. My older brother is Osama. He is married and waiting for his baby which is going to be very soon, (insha Allah). My older sister, Elham is married and has got two wonderful kids. My second sister, Entesar is married too, and she has a cute, lovely baby. So obviously I am the only one who is not married yet, still looking for the right lady to come (if you have got something let me know).
I spent the first three years of my life in Libya. After that my dad took us to a very beautiful country in Africa called Zimbabwe. There I first learned to speak English because I had no Arabic friends, all were African and Indian.
We lived in a very nice and big house were we had a large swimming pool and a big garden full of flowers and trees. I used to spend the whole day playing in our garden with the neighbors and the servant’s kids. There was a big tree that we liked to climb and stay for hours on top of it. My father used to shout at me and never wanted us to climb the tree, but we kept on doing it till we decided to order the servants to build a tree house on top of it. Also there was a small jungle where we had some banana and mango trees growing very well. It was a good spot to play hide and seek.
I spent the most beautiful five years of my life living in Zimbabwe. After that we came back to Libya and lived here for three years. That’s where I met and had Libyan friends who could understand me, because it was 50% of what I said in English and none of them could speak English. But I got used to it and I learned how to speak Arabic after that. I also had the first fight of my life in the first year I was back in Libya. I was a jungle boy raised in Zimbabwe. I was very naughty and I was making lots of problems with other kids. Most of the kids feared me and never wanted to bother me or make me upset.
So after we came back from Zimbabwe we spent three years and then moved to Europe. We lived two years between Rome and Berlin. I made some friends but I could never learn their language. Europe was a new adventure for me. I wasn’t used to the city and crowded places. I saw tall buildings and big malls. I was lost in the city for hours many times my parents had to get the help of the police to find me. After spending two years in Europe my father decided that I should go back to Libya and stay at my grandfather’s house for a few years because they thought it was better for me to stay in Libya, better than being lost forever in Europe. Also because there were no good schools that taught in Arabic.
So I spent two years living at my grandmother’s house away from my parents. But it was OK, my grandmother was so kind and sweet to me so that I didn’t miss being away from my parents.
So after I moved to live with my grandmother I joined an old famous school on Mizran Street where I knew that the Libyan teachers were so evil. I used to be beaten by the stick almost everyday for some stupid reasons at that school, also I had the first accident when in the yard the kids were playing with some wood boards left after completing a small building with it by going round and round as fast as we could. I was playing catch me if you can with the other kids. I was running and I didn’t see this guy who was playing with the board. I crashed into his board with my head and I was very wounded and I felt so dizzy that I couldn’t move for an hour. The kids took me to the first-aid lady and she took care of me. I didn’t feel much pain but there was a huge scar on my forehead which bothered me for months. But thank God it has slowly disappeared till it vanished for good.
Three years after that my parents came back to the country and they took me again to live with them abroad, but this time it was in an Asian country called Sri Lanka. There I met new friends from different places in the world, such as Korean, Italian, Sri Lankan and Libyan of course, from my school. Sri Lanka was great for me. I had fun and enjoyed my life every day. It’s a small place but it was very interesting. There I knew that every tree that has a fruit must be eaten. I saw plenty of new fruits that I never saw in my whole life, lots of tasty and delicious fruits that you can find only in Asia.
In Sri Lanka I learned about computers and technology and I learned how to swim, and I saw the most beautiful beaches in my life.
The first time I joined school was in Zimbabwe. There I joined an English school near my home. I studied my primary education between Zimbabwe, Italy and Libya. The elementary was all in Sri Lanka at a Libyan school, also I joined the British Council – Sri Lanka for two years. My high school was all in Libya a famous and old school called Ali Waraith Secondary School. This is where I met my best friends. After that I joined Ghout Al Shaah Institute for Computer Science where I got my high diploma in computer science as a software engineer.
I worked for my brother at his company called Ali Wesal Computer Service, where I upgraded my knowledge of computing. I used t be the network administrator engineer, and the Internet café director.
After five years of working with my brother, I had this offer from a huge gas company called Elhuria . . For production of industrial and medical gasses were I became the overseas marketing director and the man in charge of online service, also as the company representative in the foreign oil and gas companies in Libya. I like my job so much and until today I am working for Elhuria Co. Ltd.
After my parents moved to South Africa last year I decided that I wanted to go for post graduate study in the University of Capetown, and get a higher acceptable overseas degree – MSCIT (Master Information Technology). I am intending to join the university in January 2006. After which, God willing, I want to teach at the University of Al Fatah and become a useful teacher for the new generation.
I’ve spent 10 years of my life living and traveling around the world; away from Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka which were both more like a home to me. I visited the Maldives Islands and stayed for one week on one of their most beautiful islands; also I visited India once and saw the magnificent Taj Mahal. I’ve been to Italy and Germany. I’ve visited Egypt and the great pyramids. I’ve been to Dubai and Bahrain. I’ve been three times already to Saudi Arabia for umrah. Two months ago I traveled to Switzerland to visit a very good friend of mine in Geneva and stayed there for 2 weeks, where for the fist time I played with the snow and made a snowman. My friend took me to see other cities outside Geneva as well, such as Lausanne and Montrose.
I am very much addicted to computers and technology. I spend hours on the Internet looking at every new development in electronics that will be useful for me. I also spend hours playing with my PlayStation 2.
I enjoy having a new girlfriend all the time. I like to talk to girls because they make me feel human, and happy. I listen to their secrets and problems and try to get them to share mine as well. I never spend a day without having a girlfriend. Some people say that I am a playboy because I used to have more than three girlfriends at the same time.
I’m not much of a sport fan. I like to play football once in a while; also I enjoy swimming so much. And of course the most important hobby of mine is eating; no one can live with out food.
I also enjoy watching at least two movies every day, and I listen to all kinds of music, especially western music such as the American classics and Rock.
Finally, I can’t spend 1 year of my life without traveling to other countries.
Ahmed Mehdi
Ielts 2 preparation
I am very much addicted to computers and technology. I spend hours on the Internet looking at every new development in electronics that will be useful for me. I also spend hours playing with my PlayStation 2.
I enjoy having a new girlfriend all the time. I like to talk to girls because they make me feel human, and happy. I listen to their secrets and problems and try to get them to share mine as well. I never spend a day without having a girlfriend. Some people say that I am a playboy because I used to have more than three girlfriends at the same time.
I’m not much of a sport fan. I like to play football once in a while; also I enjoy swimming so much. And of course the most important hobby of mine is eating; no one can live with out food.
I also enjoy watching at least two movies every day, and I listen to all kinds of music, especially western music such as the American classics and Rock.
Finally, I can’t spend 1 year of my life without traveling to other countries.
Ahmed Mehdi
Ielts 2 preparation
Where is the truth?
426 Libya children from Benghazi were found in a period of 2 years to be infected with HIV. Some of them already are dead, most of them are in very bad general condition. The tragedy cannot be measured. Almost 500 innocent souls, the sweetest and dearest, the love of everyone are going to die. They will not finish school, they will not go to university, and they will not become mothers and fathers. They are going to suffer and to die just when the life begins. But their mothers will suffer even more . . .
So how did it come about this tragedy? These children were not included in so called risky groups of prostitutes, homosexuals or drug users.
Somebody is to be blamed. But who?
For about 5 years, 6 Bulgarians were accused of doing it on purpose. Who would have had an interest in these children to live or die? If it is truth, if it was done on purpose, it must be done by somebody with severe psychological damage, extreme personality deviation, someone mad. Could be. And it will not be related to the profession or nationality.
But 6 pediatric nurses and one pediatrician who had devoted their lives to take care of children, all together six! To do it intentionally, all six are crazy, six together not normal, six have decided to kill?!!!
I don’t believe. One – it is possible and the profession and nationality do not matter. But 6 – NO!
I am a doctor myself. We’ve been prepared to help others, to save life, to risk ourselves, but not to harm.
It is impossible for all six to be guilty. The court must find out the truth!
Sue Dyakova
FCE preparation
So how did it come about this tragedy? These children were not included in so called risky groups of prostitutes, homosexuals or drug users.
Somebody is to be blamed. But who?
For about 5 years, 6 Bulgarians were accused of doing it on purpose. Who would have had an interest in these children to live or die? If it is truth, if it was done on purpose, it must be done by somebody with severe psychological damage, extreme personality deviation, someone mad. Could be. And it will not be related to the profession or nationality.
But 6 pediatric nurses and one pediatrician who had devoted their lives to take care of children, all together six! To do it intentionally, all six are crazy, six together not normal, six have decided to kill?!!!
I don’t believe. One – it is possible and the profession and nationality do not matter. But 6 – NO!
I am a doctor myself. We’ve been prepared to help others, to save life, to risk ourselves, but not to harm.
It is impossible for all six to be guilty. The court must find out the truth!
Sue Dyakova
FCE preparation
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Favourite Person – Guess who he / she is!
This person is everything to me. He is my life. I can’t imagine how my life will be without him, “It will be a very bad life. He made me happy in all the stages of my life, and responded to all my wishes, and he gave me nice gifts. So I hope to make him happier than me. He stayed with me most of my time and we learn a lot of things together. If I have any problem he stands with me and he understands me. When he looks in my eyes and gives me a big hug and a beautiful smile it is such a wonderful gift.
This person is an imaginary person. I invented him to collect all my favourite persons in my life into one person.
“My family, my friends – anybody who meet him will like him.”
Hyfa Shoupana
Elementary
This person is an imaginary person. I invented him to collect all my favourite persons in my life into one person.
“My family, my friends – anybody who meet him will like him.”
Hyfa Shoupana
Elementary
My Country Iraq
From the eyes of one Iraqi living in Libya
. . . . Iraq . . . Mesopotamia . . . the land between two rivers, where the oldest civilizations on this planet rose. Where words were written for the first time in history. Where poetry, beauty and art were highly appreciated. Where Gods met man for the first time and fell in love with him. Despite the wars, massacres, invasions, floods and tyrants this country has always managed to survive. Even in these hard times it will survive . . . Iraq . . .will exist forever.
. . . . Iraq is located in the Middle East, surrounded by Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Turkey. Iraq occupies a land of 437.072 sq km and has a population of about 25 million. Baghdad is the capital; it’s located in the middle between two rivers. The administrative divisions are 18 governorates. The biggest and most famous cities after Baghdad are Mousel, Basra, Najaf and Anbar.
. . . . The people in Iraq consist of different ethnic groups: Arabs, Kurdish and Turkoman. They are of different religions: Muslim (Shi’a and Sunni) and Christian. Iraq is like a mosaic picture, but when you are there you can’t feel the differences because the people live in peace with each other and melt into one society.
. . . . Iraq has a beautiful different nature, the mountains are in the north, the reedy marshes in the south with large flooded areas and a wide area of desert o the west. There are 2 rivers in Iraq: Euphrates and Tigris. Between them there is a very fertile land rich with plants which make a good source for the agricultural products like wheat, barley, rice, cotton, dates and many kinds of fruits and vegetables. The climate in Iraq is mild to cool winter with dry, hot and cloudless summers. North mountainous regions along the Iranian and Turkish border experience cold wind with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq.
. . . . Iraq’s economy is dominated by the oil sector which has traditionally provided about 95% of foreign exchange earning. Iraq exports about 1.7 million gallons per day. There are other natural sources like natural gas, phosphates and sulfur. The currency is the Iraqi dinar. The transportation in Iraq is by railways, highways and waterways.
. . . . Iraq is a blessed land of goods, fortunes, cultures and civilizations which have extended for thousands of years.
Dr. Dalia Al-Kahtab
Ielts preparation
. . . . Iraq . . . Mesopotamia . . . the land between two rivers, where the oldest civilizations on this planet rose. Where words were written for the first time in history. Where poetry, beauty and art were highly appreciated. Where Gods met man for the first time and fell in love with him. Despite the wars, massacres, invasions, floods and tyrants this country has always managed to survive. Even in these hard times it will survive . . . Iraq . . .will exist forever.
. . . . Iraq is located in the Middle East, surrounded by Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Turkey. Iraq occupies a land of 437.072 sq km and has a population of about 25 million. Baghdad is the capital; it’s located in the middle between two rivers. The administrative divisions are 18 governorates. The biggest and most famous cities after Baghdad are Mousel, Basra, Najaf and Anbar.
. . . . The people in Iraq consist of different ethnic groups: Arabs, Kurdish and Turkoman. They are of different religions: Muslim (Shi’a and Sunni) and Christian. Iraq is like a mosaic picture, but when you are there you can’t feel the differences because the people live in peace with each other and melt into one society.
. . . . Iraq has a beautiful different nature, the mountains are in the north, the reedy marshes in the south with large flooded areas and a wide area of desert o the west. There are 2 rivers in Iraq: Euphrates and Tigris. Between them there is a very fertile land rich with plants which make a good source for the agricultural products like wheat, barley, rice, cotton, dates and many kinds of fruits and vegetables. The climate in Iraq is mild to cool winter with dry, hot and cloudless summers. North mountainous regions along the Iranian and Turkish border experience cold wind with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq.
. . . . Iraq’s economy is dominated by the oil sector which has traditionally provided about 95% of foreign exchange earning. Iraq exports about 1.7 million gallons per day. There are other natural sources like natural gas, phosphates and sulfur. The currency is the Iraqi dinar. The transportation in Iraq is by railways, highways and waterways.
. . . . Iraq is a blessed land of goods, fortunes, cultures and civilizations which have extended for thousands of years.
Dr. Dalia Al-Kahtab
Ielts preparation
My favourite person
Sometimes we find a person playing important roles in our life, directing us to do perfect things.
This person is very near to my heart, she has made many changes in my life. So that is why I have her in my mind.
Actually it is very difficult for me to make a comparison with her because she is more cultured, intelligent, beautiful, stronger and wiser than me. This person spends a lot of time with me, allowing me to do many of my dreams that are like wishes for me. It’s very difficult in this time to find a person with superior ethics like her, because she gives without rewards.
This person is my best friend.
This person is ‘My mother’.
Omaima Sherif
Elementary
This person is very near to my heart, she has made many changes in my life. So that is why I have her in my mind.
Actually it is very difficult for me to make a comparison with her because she is more cultured, intelligent, beautiful, stronger and wiser than me. This person spends a lot of time with me, allowing me to do many of my dreams that are like wishes for me. It’s very difficult in this time to find a person with superior ethics like her, because she gives without rewards.
This person is my best friend.
This person is ‘My mother’.
Omaima Sherif
Elementary
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Question Time!
Q: What's the name of Abduz's mother?
(You won't find the answer on Google! You'll have to ask Abduz when you see him.)
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Five things I don't like
This subject is not as difficult as the things I like because I know which things I don't like.
The first:
I don't like the time because I want to do many things but I feel it goes fast. I wish it would go back and I always dream to spend the time doing many things.
The second:
I don't like the routine in the life because it kills the skills of the people and makes their life dull.
The third:
I don't like and actually hate cheating because it is very bad thing and most of people do it. It makes them dependant on others. I always fight it strongly but most of people think that I am crazy.
The fourth:
I don't like rush hour because it makes me very angery and actually it is boring.
The fifth:
I don't like separating from my family because I will miss them very much (like my sister, I miss her too much).
Omima
Beginner 2
The first:
I don't like the time because I want to do many things but I feel it goes fast. I wish it would go back and I always dream to spend the time doing many things.
The second:
I don't like the routine in the life because it kills the skills of the people and makes their life dull.
The third:
I don't like and actually hate cheating because it is very bad thing and most of people do it. It makes them dependant on others. I always fight it strongly but most of people think that I am crazy.
The fourth:
I don't like rush hour because it makes me very angery and actually it is boring.
The fifth:
I don't like separating from my family because I will miss them very much (like my sister, I miss her too much).
Omima
Beginner 2
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
My Family
This is Abd Raof's family.
Abd Raof is Alea's youngest student. He's in Beginner 1.
The Beginner students are learning about 'The Family'.
What a lovely family you have, Abd Raof!
Saturday, April 09, 2005
What I would like to achieve in my life
If you had asked me this question just a year ago I would have answered in a completely different way.
But now I have changed my philosophy and I have no ambitions. It is due to perhaps my age. I am 45, exactly as David - Solomon's son who said that for 45 years of life he's been to many places, seen many things and understood one - that everything, what is now, was before and will be the same, that there is nothing new under the sun and what ever we do is for nothing. The end is the same for the wise and honourable one and for the insane and foolish.
I knew this before but didn't influence my life. Now I am not sad or depressed, I am not going to give up and not to live but now I have achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience so I agree 100% with this postulate from the Bible.
For the next part of my life I pray to be peaceful and to be able to perform my duties perfectly. To keep good relationships with others and to not suffer a lot when the end comes.
No expectations, no disappointments, just existence.
Sue
FCE preparation
But now I have changed my philosophy and I have no ambitions. It is due to perhaps my age. I am 45, exactly as David - Solomon's son who said that for 45 years of life he's been to many places, seen many things and understood one - that everything, what is now, was before and will be the same, that there is nothing new under the sun and what ever we do is for nothing. The end is the same for the wise and honourable one and for the insane and foolish.
I knew this before but didn't influence my life. Now I am not sad or depressed, I am not going to give up and not to live but now I have achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience so I agree 100% with this postulate from the Bible.
For the next part of my life I pray to be peaceful and to be able to perform my duties perfectly. To keep good relationships with others and to not suffer a lot when the end comes.
No expectations, no disappointments, just existence.
Sue
FCE preparation
Likes and dislikes
5 things which I like
1. I like to teach small children because it is interesting.
2. I like to listen to music because it makes me relax.
3. I like to chat with my friends because it makes me happy.
4. I like to wear new dresses because it makes me stylish.
5. I like to read newspapers because it gives me more knowledge.
5 things which I don't like
1. I don't like to iron clothes.
2. I don't like to cook food.
3. I don't like to tie my hair back.
4. I don't like to travel.
5. I don't like to write.
Rajani Premial
Beginner 2
1. I like to teach small children because it is interesting.
2. I like to listen to music because it makes me relax.
3. I like to chat with my friends because it makes me happy.
4. I like to wear new dresses because it makes me stylish.
5. I like to read newspapers because it gives me more knowledge.
5 things which I don't like
1. I don't like to iron clothes.
2. I don't like to cook food.
3. I don't like to tie my hair back.
4. I don't like to travel.
5. I don't like to write.
Rajani Premial
Beginner 2
Five things I don't like
I think the mentality overrules how we see things. So if I am in depression I hate everything, but I have some things I hate all the time.
1. Wars:
I don't like wars in any place in the world because they kill people and destroy the land, buildings, and lives, even the hearts of people. I don't like to watch the news on TV because I found a lot of die or sick and poor.
2. Broken families:
I don't like the breakdown of families because the family is a world basis, and we can't make a good country without a good family. I don't like to see sad mothers and when their sons leave them alone, and children without parents. So if I see these things I feel very sad, and I cry a lot.
3. Diseases:
I hate diseases, for me or for anybody else, because if I feel sick I can't do anything, and I don't like medicine.
4. Some food:
I don't like fish very much. I can't eat it because the taste is very bad and I don't like some kinds of fruit - pears, mango, and melon.
5. Trouble:
I hate trouble and I don't like to think about it, and I can't hold out if I see anybody in my family or my friends in trouble and I can't help them.
Also:
I don't like liars.
I don't like many kinds of animals - I don't like to touch them.
Hyfa
Elementary
1. Wars:
I don't like wars in any place in the world because they kill people and destroy the land, buildings, and lives, even the hearts of people. I don't like to watch the news on TV because I found a lot of die or sick and poor.
2. Broken families:
I don't like the breakdown of families because the family is a world basis, and we can't make a good country without a good family. I don't like to see sad mothers and when their sons leave them alone, and children without parents. So if I see these things I feel very sad, and I cry a lot.
3. Diseases:
I hate diseases, for me or for anybody else, because if I feel sick I can't do anything, and I don't like medicine.
4. Some food:
I don't like fish very much. I can't eat it because the taste is very bad and I don't like some kinds of fruit - pears, mango, and melon.
5. Trouble:
I hate trouble and I don't like to think about it, and I can't hold out if I see anybody in my family or my friends in trouble and I can't help them.
Also:
I don't like liars.
I don't like many kinds of animals - I don't like to touch them.
Hyfa
Elementary
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Things I don't like to practice.
1. I don't like much talk, unless it is useful.
2. I don't like staying over night outside my home.
3. I don't like careless work.
4. I don't like to spend money for silly things.
5. I don't like non smart girls.
6. I don't like dishonest people.
Mohamed Rohem Alshkmany
Elementary
2. I don't like staying over night outside my home.
3. I don't like careless work.
4. I don't like to spend money for silly things.
5. I don't like non smart girls.
6. I don't like dishonest people.
Mohamed Rohem Alshkmany
Elementary
Very Funny!
Joke only!!!!
Hey!! It's 3pm now . . . let’s start the lesson:
What part of a watch is never new?
Well, "the second hand"
Why do bees hum?
Because they don't know the words.
Have you seen Stevie Wonder's new car?
No.Neither has he.
Stop, Look and Listen
That sums up life for me is . . .How?
Well, you see a pretty girl, you STOP, you LOOK and after you marry her, and for the rest of your life, you LISTEN.
A bank employee once asked his husky boss how he came to be in such a fine shape.
"It's due to the argument I made with my wife when we got married, the splendid specimen of manhood replies". We agreed that is one of us got mad with each other, the other will just leave the house until the storm is over. And that's why I'm in such a splendid physical condition. I've spent the last 20 years of my life out of the door.
Jokes provided by: Connie - FCE preparation
What I want to achieve in my life
In our life there are many things I hope to achieve.
The first one is complete the long FCE course and pass the exam.
The second, is complete my post graduate studies and improve my skills and experience.
Finally, when you live happy with your family in good health away from Libyan doctors and their faults, from my opinion this is the biggest achievement in your life.
Feras
FCE preparation
The first one is complete the long FCE course and pass the exam.
The second, is complete my post graduate studies and improve my skills and experience.
Finally, when you live happy with your family in good health away from Libyan doctors and their faults, from my opinion this is the biggest achievement in your life.
Feras
FCE preparation
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
I don’t like . . .
I don’t like traffic jams.
I don’t like fizzy drinks.
I hate coconut.
I don’t like people who gossip.
I hate dogs.
Najla
Beginner 2
I don’t like fizzy drinks.
I hate coconut.
I don’t like people who gossip.
I hate dogs.
Najla
Beginner 2
Five things that would make me incredibly happy
Well, maybe it won’t be so easy to write exactly about five things, because five is such a little number, when someone is going to think over such a boundless subject. I mean, that I can speak and speak, and write and write and never get to one gratifying conclusion. Because I can look at all these from different sides.
But still I won’t give up before at least I try.
So, the first thing is mostly my relative’s happiness. I know it sounds a little bit banal but . . . it’s true!
The second thing is my own success, health and finances, of course. I am absolutely sure that it is very selfish in comparison to the first one, but there is nothing I can do about this.
The third thing is . . . hm, yes – a brilliant result on my matriculation at school, because I would prove not only to me my devotion, but to my parents too.
The fourth one is, perhaps, to become thinner by five or six kilos. And right now I have realized how stupid that wish is. I mean, look: it’s not so easy to access a thing that it’s a shame to be called a dream (because I am writing some kind of list with dreams, aren’t I?)
And finally, the fifth thing. Oh . . . I’m going to write about these guys who are going to leave Libya forever. (My friends, I mean). I really, really hope to have someday a chance to gather together with them again.
So as a conclusion, I have to say that only number five would make me incredibly happy (because I know 90% of it won’t happen . . . unfortunately!)
Simona
FCE preparation
But still I won’t give up before at least I try.
So, the first thing is mostly my relative’s happiness. I know it sounds a little bit banal but . . . it’s true!
The second thing is my own success, health and finances, of course. I am absolutely sure that it is very selfish in comparison to the first one, but there is nothing I can do about this.
The third thing is . . . hm, yes – a brilliant result on my matriculation at school, because I would prove not only to me my devotion, but to my parents too.
The fourth one is, perhaps, to become thinner by five or six kilos. And right now I have realized how stupid that wish is. I mean, look: it’s not so easy to access a thing that it’s a shame to be called a dream (because I am writing some kind of list with dreams, aren’t I?)
And finally, the fifth thing. Oh . . . I’m going to write about these guys who are going to leave Libya forever. (My friends, I mean). I really, really hope to have someday a chance to gather together with them again.
So as a conclusion, I have to say that only number five would make me incredibly happy (because I know 90% of it won’t happen . . . unfortunately!)
Simona
FCE preparation
A dream
Last night I had a dream. It was a nice and good indicator of a bright future. This morning when I got up I felt happy, but I forgot everything about the dream except one picture was stuck in my mind. It was my new house.
It was a spacious double-floor timber house, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, one bathroom and a beautiful living room in the middle. This is the first floor. On the second floor there is my own bedroom and its magical balcony.
I remembered the whole picture because it was very beautiful. My family photographs were placed in the living room. My wedding gift, which is a traditional old vase, was situated near the fireplace in the middle of the living room. Also, I remembered this house because of its position which is situated in a natural forest with big, tall, old trees. Everything was green except in winter, when snow coloured everything white.
I can hardly describe the beauty of the place in springtime. The flowers are gorgeous and the view from my magic balcony is almost unbelievable. There is a clear lake in front of you, with a green field below it. Swans swim serenely in the lake, and birds are singing and flying around this magical place. The natural music from the trees boosts the beauty there.
Maybe it was a dream, but I believe dreams can come true.
Yousef Zaid
Ielts foundation
It was a spacious double-floor timber house, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, one bathroom and a beautiful living room in the middle. This is the first floor. On the second floor there is my own bedroom and its magical balcony.
I remembered the whole picture because it was very beautiful. My family photographs were placed in the living room. My wedding gift, which is a traditional old vase, was situated near the fireplace in the middle of the living room. Also, I remembered this house because of its position which is situated in a natural forest with big, tall, old trees. Everything was green except in winter, when snow coloured everything white.
I can hardly describe the beauty of the place in springtime. The flowers are gorgeous and the view from my magic balcony is almost unbelievable. There is a clear lake in front of you, with a green field below it. Swans swim serenely in the lake, and birds are singing and flying around this magical place. The natural music from the trees boosts the beauty there.
Maybe it was a dream, but I believe dreams can come true.
Yousef Zaid
Ielts foundation
What happened to me the last three lessons?
Mrs Alea,
I decided to write to you why I’ve missed the last three lessons. It’s some kind of return for those homework assignments that I didn’t make.
Well, on Sunday, as I told you the lesson before, I couldn’t come, because I was in Sbea visiting a friend. It was a necessary visit in order to support and comfort her through the death of her granny last Thursday.
Next, on last Monday, as in the Russian school we had a spring vacation, I had a party. I invited over twenty-five friends from school and we were rocking in the house till morning. Then I had to clean up the whole house! And at the same time I wanted to sleep so much. So after a brilliant tidying up, I just fell to my bed and slept for 24 hours! . . . That’s why I missed the lesson Tuesday.
And about Thursday . . . hmm, I’m not actually sure what happened then. I just . . . just . . . just forgot about the lesson! . . . I realized how stupid this excuse sounds but, that’s the truth.
So . . . that’s my story!
And as a conclusion, I just want to mention that to miss English lessons in the twenty first century is deadly bad! And I’m extremely sorry for that!
Simona
FCE preparation
I decided to write to you why I’ve missed the last three lessons. It’s some kind of return for those homework assignments that I didn’t make.
Well, on Sunday, as I told you the lesson before, I couldn’t come, because I was in Sbea visiting a friend. It was a necessary visit in order to support and comfort her through the death of her granny last Thursday.
Next, on last Monday, as in the Russian school we had a spring vacation, I had a party. I invited over twenty-five friends from school and we were rocking in the house till morning. Then I had to clean up the whole house! And at the same time I wanted to sleep so much. So after a brilliant tidying up, I just fell to my bed and slept for 24 hours! . . . That’s why I missed the lesson Tuesday.
And about Thursday . . . hmm, I’m not actually sure what happened then. I just . . . just . . . just forgot about the lesson! . . . I realized how stupid this excuse sounds but, that’s the truth.
So . . . that’s my story!
And as a conclusion, I just want to mention that to miss English lessons in the twenty first century is deadly bad! And I’m extremely sorry for that!
Simona
FCE preparation
What would you like to achieve in your life?
One day . . .
I would like to achieve more in my life and one of the things is to become rich and somebody important someday, but not to become famous. I want to help the people who really need help. Giving good education to those children who cannot afford to go to school. To give help for those sick children that cannot afford to pay for medicine and hospital bills. To become, in short, a philanthropist, one day.
Nini Jaramillo
FCE preparation
I would like to achieve more in my life and one of the things is to become rich and somebody important someday, but not to become famous. I want to help the people who really need help. Giving good education to those children who cannot afford to go to school. To give help for those sick children that cannot afford to pay for medicine and hospital bills. To become, in short, a philanthropist, one day.
Nini Jaramillo
FCE preparation
Describing a house . . .
My house is located on 11th of June Street here in Tripoli. It’s 850 square metres so it’s quite a big house, but not huge. I think it’s big enough to have two floors. The first floor has a nice big kitchen with a good-sized rectangular table in the centre. Perhaps the kitchen is the most important room in many houses, that is simply because it’s the place where we can cook and eat, but it always ends up being the fullest and noisiest room in the house. Also we have a dining room, a small bathroom, and a big room for guests beside a small room for my computer which is my favourite room. I have so many happy memories of times spent there. The second floor has three suites, each one of them consists of two bedrooms. Next to the garden there’s a big garage that takes about five cars. Without a doubt, some of the happiest times of my life have been spent in our house, especially in my favourite room. So where ever we go (home is sweet home)!
Hajer Bashir
FCE preparation
Hajer Bashir
FCE preparation
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Question Time!
What is the only word in the English language that ends in 'mt'?
Do you know the answer? Tell your teacher next time you go to class.
You will earn a gold star!
Here's the answer!
Q. A farmer and his hired help were carrying grain to the barn. The farmer carried one sack of grain and the hired help carried two sacks. Who carried the heavier load and why?
A. The farmer's load was heavier. His hired help only carried two sacks, while the farmer carries one sack, but his sack is a sack of grain. The hired help only carried 2 sacks - both empty.
The right to take a life
We are in the 21st century. The science has reached a point that in the old days it was completely impossible to achieve. The human footprints on the moon are the best example of modern scientific achievement. Can you imagine how far the moon is, how difficult it is to go there and visit the unknown, but the human being made it.
Despite all the successful achievements mankind has done, we still do some things inhumane. Killing the soul of a human being on the base of what is called mercy death, which is against all things that belongs to the humanity, is one.
All of us have seen a cute lady on her bed, her eyes smiling and saying all the beautiful words she would have said if she could. Her innocent facial expression looks like a baby who wants to talk but can't. Is it right to kill a baby who isn't able to talk, walk or eat by himself? Is it possible to kill someone by starving him or her to death?
She has a problem, which has made her handicapped. All we have to do is to help her and to treat her dignity as suppose to treat it. I know it is impossible to make her illness disappear. This is not an excuse to kill her by depriving her of food and water. This is cruel and inhumane. There is no one on our planet that has the right to take her life from her body, and say I will kill her to help her. This is ridiculous.
You go backwards when you get a common cold or mild injury. You are sick physically and psychologically, but you know they are curable. But Mrs. Schiavo knows she will not be cured any more. So she struggles with her organic disease, psychological impacts of illness and now from a new law to let her die from thirst and starvation.
Human beings are the highest creatures on earth. This grace came from our God. Our spirit is part of Gods spirit. So under which law, under which setup does someone come to you and take your life away. This is nonsense.
Dr Yousef Zaid
Ielts foundation
Five things that make me so happy
It's a great feeling when you provide help to your patient and free them of pain by giving them as much as you can of your time and efforts to treat their esthetic and medical problems. Also I feel so, so happy when I draw a smile on children’s faces – especially those with congenital body problems, handicapped, and the poor ones, by talking and spending time with them and giving them gifts.
Another thing that makes me happy is when I meet my parents and all my family members all together through social events and holidays like 'big and small Eid' and sharing with my family all happy and sad events.
Everybody can get success in his life, work, education, etc. especially if he has worked hard to get to that level, so it was a great moment when I have got my Bachelors degree of dental science and was the first in my class which was a big surprise to me.
It's an incredible feeling when you find someone who cares about you, looks after you, loves you, always thinking of you, also when you think of this person 'girl friend or future wife', and hope you will share together in building a family and opening a house, entering a new life.
Finally, I feel so happy when I do good things honestly, just for God and not for someone else.
Ali Arrabty
FCE preparation
Another thing that makes me happy is when I meet my parents and all my family members all together through social events and holidays like 'big and small Eid' and sharing with my family all happy and sad events.
Everybody can get success in his life, work, education, etc. especially if he has worked hard to get to that level, so it was a great moment when I have got my Bachelors degree of dental science and was the first in my class which was a big surprise to me.
It's an incredible feeling when you find someone who cares about you, looks after you, loves you, always thinking of you, also when you think of this person 'girl friend or future wife', and hope you will share together in building a family and opening a house, entering a new life.
Finally, I feel so happy when I do good things honestly, just for God and not for someone else.
Ali Arrabty
FCE preparation
Five things which I like
When I was thinking about how can I write this subject, I was very confused, because I like many things that makes me important, strong, clever, educated, cultured and to make my parents proud of me and to give them something good. Finally I got the answer about the things which I like most:
The first -
I like accountancy very much because it's my specialization and my job and I want to continue my studies in this specialization and with that I can make a career for myself.
The second -
I like computers. I spend a long time on the computer. I feel it is a special friend for me. I forget the entire world, it makes me happy.
The third -
I'd like to learn and speak many languages - English, French, especially Italian, because I can
exchange culture with other people.
The fourth -
The important one I like to stay a long time on the beach and listen to music. It makes me very
comfortable.
The fifth -
I like to travel and go on picnics and go out with my friends to eat breakfast and lunch and
spend a long time together. . .
Omaima Sherif
FCE Preparation
The first -
I like accountancy very much because it's my specialization and my job and I want to continue my studies in this specialization and with that I can make a career for myself.
The second -
I like computers. I spend a long time on the computer. I feel it is a special friend for me. I forget the entire world, it makes me happy.
The third -
I'd like to learn and speak many languages - English, French, especially Italian, because I can
exchange culture with other people.
The fourth -
The important one I like to stay a long time on the beach and listen to music. It makes me very
comfortable.
The fifth -
I like to travel and go on picnics and go out with my friends to eat breakfast and lunch and
spend a long time together. . .
Omaima Sherif
FCE Preparation
Things I don't like
I don't like cigarette smoking. Actually it makes me annoyed, especially when somebody starts smoking in a closed place. Indeed smoking kills 2.5 million people every year, many of them die from lung cancer. Some of them are not even smokers themselves.
I don't like fatty food. It makes me feel heavy along with bad burps. Actually I'm afraid from being overweight.
I don't like humid, stifling weather where I can hardly breathe. My first experience with real summer weather was when I came to Tripoli. It was boiling, with temperatures around 42 or 43 degrees. I wished it would rain to cool us down. Actually, Tripoli has hot weather in comparison with my home town, Derna.
I don't like bribes. Actually, I hate rotten bribers who think only of their own gains.
I don't like poverty. Unfortunately it can breed crime in addition to lack opportunities for education.
Majdi Elakari
FCE preparation
I don't like fatty food. It makes me feel heavy along with bad burps. Actually I'm afraid from being overweight.
I don't like humid, stifling weather where I can hardly breathe. My first experience with real summer weather was when I came to Tripoli. It was boiling, with temperatures around 42 or 43 degrees. I wished it would rain to cool us down. Actually, Tripoli has hot weather in comparison with my home town, Derna.
I don't like bribes. Actually, I hate rotten bribers who think only of their own gains.
I don't like poverty. Unfortunately it can breed crime in addition to lack opportunities for education.
Majdi Elakari
FCE preparation
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Things that make me happy
The day begins
I’m still alive,
I’m full of joy,
My spirit is high!
What else you need?
A smile, a friend,
A helping hand
And you’re content.
Delighted more
I’ll be today
If someone’s pain
I’d managed to save.
But more and best
Which makes me happy,
Is being a woman,
And being a mother.
To give birth,
To have a child
Is magic bliss
I’m gonna fly! . . .
I beg you Lord!
I pray, I cry –
Please help me now
To keep her fine!
My dear daughter,
My precious stone,
The only sunshine
I have at all.
The day has gone
I’m satisfied –
She’s great
And full of health!
It was enough –
A merry day! Felicity!
Thanks God!
That’s what I’ve prayed!
Sue Dyakova
FCE preparation
I’m still alive,
I’m full of joy,
My spirit is high!
What else you need?
A smile, a friend,
A helping hand
And you’re content.
Delighted more
I’ll be today
If someone’s pain
I’d managed to save.
But more and best
Which makes me happy,
Is being a woman,
And being a mother.
To give birth,
To have a child
Is magic bliss
I’m gonna fly! . . .
I beg you Lord!
I pray, I cry –
Please help me now
To keep her fine!
My dear daughter,
My precious stone,
The only sunshine
I have at all.
The day has gone
I’m satisfied –
She’s great
And full of health!
It was enough –
A merry day! Felicity!
Thanks God!
That’s what I’ve prayed!
Sue Dyakova
FCE preparation
A day in the life of a Bulgarian medical student
The grossest thing I’ve ever seen.
I was a student in the medical faculty and we had a lesson on surgery. The doctor teaching us, a young and ambitious woman, took us into a small room in the Septic Department. There was only one bed. It was a hot summer day and although the window was open – the air was heavy and full of odour. Thirteen students were crowded around the patient in about 2 or 3 square metres. It was a 36 year-old man, blond, handsome and intelligent. He was alert, leaning his back on 2-3 pillows. The doctor took off the bed sheet covering his body in order to show us . . . Oh my God – his abdominal wall was open and full of yellowish creamy material. She quickly explained that he was a teacher of English language, a diabetic who underwent a cholecystectomy and as a complication of his diabetes he developed septic peritonitis and his operative wound was not able to heal. To prove that it was thick puss, our surgeon, using a special sterile instrument, entered the abdominal cavity and took out some puss.
I felt horrified. I imagined that I had an open abdomen . . . One of our colleagues asked me if I was OK. ‘Yes’, I replied. But he interrupted the teacher informing her that I looked very pale. She ordered me to go out.
What I remember is that I went out . . .
I don’t know after how long I found myself on a stretcher, with a drip and some doctors and students asking a female patient if I had hurt my head when I had fallen. After the drip finished I was advised to go outside the department and wait until the lesson finished.
I sat on a bench next to the outside door so I wouldn’t miss my group. After a few minutes a family came out carrying a discharged male patient who had both his legs amputated. I burst out crying. I couldn’t stand the others suffering. I was in doubt as to whether I should continue to study.
At this moment my colleagues came out. They looked worried. They wondered what had happened, seeing me crying. When they heard, they laughed.
Sue Dyakova
FCE preparation
I was a student in the medical faculty and we had a lesson on surgery. The doctor teaching us, a young and ambitious woman, took us into a small room in the Septic Department. There was only one bed. It was a hot summer day and although the window was open – the air was heavy and full of odour. Thirteen students were crowded around the patient in about 2 or 3 square metres. It was a 36 year-old man, blond, handsome and intelligent. He was alert, leaning his back on 2-3 pillows. The doctor took off the bed sheet covering his body in order to show us . . . Oh my God – his abdominal wall was open and full of yellowish creamy material. She quickly explained that he was a teacher of English language, a diabetic who underwent a cholecystectomy and as a complication of his diabetes he developed septic peritonitis and his operative wound was not able to heal. To prove that it was thick puss, our surgeon, using a special sterile instrument, entered the abdominal cavity and took out some puss.
I felt horrified. I imagined that I had an open abdomen . . . One of our colleagues asked me if I was OK. ‘Yes’, I replied. But he interrupted the teacher informing her that I looked very pale. She ordered me to go out.
What I remember is that I went out . . .
I don’t know after how long I found myself on a stretcher, with a drip and some doctors and students asking a female patient if I had hurt my head when I had fallen. After the drip finished I was advised to go outside the department and wait until the lesson finished.
I sat on a bench next to the outside door so I wouldn’t miss my group. After a few minutes a family came out carrying a discharged male patient who had both his legs amputated. I burst out crying. I couldn’t stand the others suffering. I was in doubt as to whether I should continue to study.
At this moment my colleagues came out. They looked worried. They wondered what had happened, seeing me crying. When they heard, they laughed.
Sue Dyakova
FCE preparation
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