Announcement

We're moving to a new location. 

We have a new name and a new blog. 

Visit us at our new site: Learning English in Libya

A message from the staff at Yethreb

The teachers are on holiday. 

We will resume classes after Ramadan. 

Have a pleasant summer!

A vacation in Libya

Facts:
Libya is a country in the north of Africa. It has a long beautiful coast, it's about 2,000 km. It has also got the big Sahara Desert and it has a lot of mountains and lakes and it's on the Mediterranean Sea. The people in Libya speak Arabic, English and some old people speak Italian. You can visit Libya at anytime, but the summer is very hot.


Places to visit:
Tripoli, the capital city of Libya. You can visit the old city (the Medina), you can also visit the old market where you can buy some handicrafts. You can visit the Red Castle and the museum.
The Green Mountains are on the east of Libya. You can have a picnic or climb the mountain or go hiking.
Benghazi is in the north-west. You can visit Freedom Square and also the lake, the museum and the old suk.
Yefren is south-west of Tripoli. You can visit the Nafusa Mountains and go climbing and hiking and have picnic there.

Feras Abusbita
Elementary B

Libya: Fact File

Facts about the country:

Libya is in north Africa. It has a long coast, about 2,000 km. The main language is Arabic but in some areas people speak Amazigh, especially in the Nafusa Mountains. You can visit the desert and mountains and also beaches in Libya. You can visit all the time, but summer is so hot. Tripoli is the capital of Libya.

Places to visit and things to do:

Sabratha - If you want to enjoy beautiful beaches I advise you to go to Sabratha because it has a very wonderful sea. You can also visit ancient Roman and Greek ruins. Sabratha is west of Tripoli, about 80 km. 

The Green Mountains, in the east have beautiful views. You can have a picnic and climb the mountains.

Ghadames, is in the south-west. In Ghadames you can visit the desert and old houses and also listen to traditional music.

Kofra, the the south has beautiful oasis. The biggest one is called Gaberoun. It has such an amazing view, in the deep desert. You can see many palm trees and beautiful lakes and sweet water. I  recommend to visit there. 

Muah Khalfallh

Elementary B

Things to do, places to see: Libya

Facts about Libya:
Libya is in north Africa. It's famous for it's beautiful scenery, the Sahara Desert, mountains, and the sea. Visit anytime, but summer is very hot. The mountains are very beautiful in winter. People speak Arabic, Amazigh and English and many old people speak Italian.

Places to visit and things to do:
- Yefren is a small town. It's south-west of Tripoli. There's a beautiful mountain, the highest mountain. You can also travel up the mountain by car. 
- Tripoli is the capital city of Libya. It's a crowded old city. There's a beautiful castle in the centre of the city and some interesting museums, Martyr's Square and old mosques and churches.
- Misrata is east of Tripoli (200km). It's famous for beaches and many places in Misrata are very interesting, like Tripoli Street.
- The Green Mountains, in the east of Libya are famous and are very beautiful place to have a picnic. There are old cities and many places near the Green Mountains like Shahat's ancient ruins, Tobruk, Darna and Benghazi.

Mawada Mousa
Elementary B

Libya Facts

• Facts about Libya

Libya is in north Africa and it's famous for the Sahara Desert, mountains, lakes, the Mediterranean Sea and friendly people. It has two languages; Arabic and Amazigh, but also people can speak English and many old people speak Italian.

• Places to visit and things to do

Tripoli is the capital city of Libya. There are beautiful beaches and there's an old city (the Medina). There are old markets and you can go to Martyr's Square.


Sabratha is an old town west of Tripoli (about km). It's famous for ancient Greek and Roman ruins and beautiful beaches.


Yefren, south-west of Tripoli is a great place for picnics, hiking and there are beautiful views in the Nafusa Mountains.


Khoms is an old town east of Tripoli (120 km) famous for Leptis Magna, Siline and beautiful beaches and there is also a museum. 

Maha Hammouda
Elementary B

About Libya

Facts About the Country


Libya is a country on the north coast of Africa. It's got a long beautiful coast about 2,000 km. The people are friendly there. It has it's own language, Arabic, Amazigh, and some people speak other languages (English and Italian), but nearly everyone speaks English. Libya has good places to visit like; mountains, lakes, the sea, the desert and old buildings. The best time to visit is all the time except the summer because it's very hot, but you can visit if you like the sea and the beach.


Places to Visit & Things to Do

• Tripoli is the capital city of Libya. It's busy and has modern and old buildings. You can go to visit old buildings on the sea called the Medina. There's a beautiful old market, it's a good place for traditional things. You can also go to Martyr's Square and the sea.

• Sabratha is an old seaside town on the west coast. It's famous for it's ruins from ancient Greek and Roman times. It's a good place to go sightseeing and you can go swimming.

• Yefren is in the south-west of the country. It's a small town on the Nafusa Mountains. It's a good place for climbing and hiking and you can also go for a picnic because it has nature and high mountains. It has a hotel and you can go to see the traditions of the Amazigh.

• Misrata is on the east coast of the country. It has a beautiful beach. You can go swimming and you can also visit Tripoli Street and the museum about the Revolution of 17th of February.

Rema Mousa

Elementary B

Cairo the capital city of Egypt

My favourite place is Cairo. Cairo is the capital city of Egypt. It's a very big city, there are lots of things to do and have a fun time too. There are lots of parks like Azhar Park, it's very big and beautiful. There's a long river. It's the Nile River. There are amazing restaurants and cafes. The weather isn't so lovely. Cairo is nicer at night than it is in the morning.

Ahmed Beleid
Elementary A

My favourite place: Tripoli

My favourite place is Tripoli. Tripoli is a big city in Libya. It's the city where my family lives. There is a nice park, but there isn't a lake, but there is a beautiful sea. There are nice, interesting markets and there are nice hotels and cheap and expensive restaurants. There are some nice cafes and there is a big university and a good museum. There are interesting shops. Tripoli is my favourite place to live. 

Enas Ahlab
Elementary A

Tripoli, Libya

My favourite place is Tripoli. Tripoli is a big city in Libya. I live there. There are lots of interesting markets. There's a very nice airport and a big beach. There are good hotels, interesting shops, nice restaurants and museums, but there isn't a lake or river. There are some nice parks. 


Tripoli is a nice city. It's quiet at night but it's noisy in the evening.

Sondos Abdallah
Elementary A

Al Ghardaqa in Egypt

Al Ghardaqa is a small town in Egypt. There is a nice sea and beach. There is a very beautiful lake. There is a museum. There isn't a hospital and there isn't a university. There are big hotels. It's a good place.

Tariq Shaker
Elementary A

Tripoli, my favourite place

My favourite place is Tripoli. Tripoli is a big city in Libya. It's the city where my family lives. There are nice parks and beautiful beaches. There are some nice cafes and some interesting shops. There are two museums; Saraya Hamra and in the old king's palace. There are lots of cheap and expensive hotels; Bab Al Baher, Bab Al Jadid, the Corinthia, the Rixos and many more. Tripoli is a nice place to live.

Ahmed Mustafa Al Dernawi
Elementary A

Los Angeles

My favourite place is Los Angeles. LA is a big city in the state of California in the USA. It's the city where I want to live. There is a good beach. It's near the ocean. There are nice shops and there are good places to go at night. There are good universities and there are cheap and expensive restaurants. Los Angeles is an interesting city to live in.

Ehab Abodieb
Elementary A

Tripoli

My favourite place is Tripoli. Tripoli is a big city. It's the city where my family lives. There are nice markets and a beautiful post office. It's near the sea and there is good internet. There are some nice cafes and some interesting shops, but there aren't any good places to go at night. There aren't any bars and there isn't a good cinema. Tripoli is a nice city to live in.

Ayman Kara
Elementary A

Run For Our Children

On the 10th of April we'll be having a marathon under the name 'Run For Our Children' in support of the charity organization 'Safe Children' for the rehabilitation of children after wars and natural disasters. Hundreds of children are suffering from post-traumatic disorders and many of them suffer with diabetes in our dear country as a result of the war. So, our goal is to get as many people as possible to participate in the race to raise money in order to help the children recover.

The 2 kilometre run will take place along Al-Shut Road beginning at Martyrs Square and ending at Tripoli's harbour.

The tickets to be in the race will cost only 2 dinars each, which will go entirely to the Safe Children organization to help with their cause.

For more information feel free to visit our Facebook page, or contact us at our email address.

The press will be covering the event and spectators are more than welcome to watch and cheer for the participants.

The organizer of the event:

Alaa Samir Abd Al-Samad
Upper Intermediate B

* This letter is just for writing practice, the charity doesn't really exist.

Libya's faithful child

Dear Trader,

On next Monday, the 26th or March, we will open our charity bazaar in Freedom Square in Benghazi in support of Al-Zahraa Charity Organization. The charity will help Syrian and Palestinian children.

As you know in the past months we were suffering at the hands of Algadafi. At that time many countries and charity organizations helped us, and now we in return must support the children in Syria who we watch on video clips and can evaluate the volume of their suffering.

Al-Zahraa Charity was established in 2003, post Iraqi war. It was founded to help Iraqi children. The amount of money wasn't substantial, but it was only the start.

We request that each trader reserve a suite in our bazaar and sell their goods with a discount of 50% off the profit price, the rest will go to charity. The trader won't lose as he will sell at cost and also obtain some kind of advertisement with free reservation in our bazaar. Please don't hesitate to send any query to our email address.

Libya's faithful child,

Abduljalil Aref Abuhajar
Upper Intermediate B

* This letter is just for writing practice, the charity doesn't really exist.

Enas's Profile

Hello. My name's Enas and I'm 27 years old. I live in Tripoli and I'm finished with my university study in veterinary medicine. I also study English because I need it for my job. I go to English class on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm in Elementary A level and I like my classes very much.


I'm not married and I'm not in a relationship, but I have a lot of girlfriends.I can't see them a lot of the time because they're busy. In my free time I watch TV and sometimes visit my friends and go to the mosque, read Quran and use my computer.

Enas Ahlab
Elementary A

About Hatem

Hi, my name's Hatem.I'm 31 years old. I live in Tripoli, in Libya, a beautiful and big town. I'm an engineer. I also study English on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays because I need it for my work. It's great, but I don't always do my homework!

I'm married. I've got two children, Moad and Oday. Moad is three years old and Oday's 6 months old. I visit my family at the weekend. In my free time I play with my children and watch TV.

Hatem Taher
Elementary A

All About Masara

Hello, my name's Masara and I'm 18 years old. I live in Tripoli, the capital of Libya, I'm a student at Tripoli University. I study medicine and I'm in my first year. I also study English because I need it. I go to English classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. I'm in Elementary level and I like my classes very much.


I'm single. My mother's name is Noura and my father's name's Mahmoud and I have two sisters; Malak and Marwa. Malak is single, but Marwa is married.


In my free time I read a lot and go out. I don't watch TV very often, but I go shopping every Saturday.

Masara Elgadri
Elementary A

Marwa's Profile

Hi, my name's Marwa and I'm 19 years old. I live in Tripoli, Libya. 


I'm a student at Tripoli University. I study pharmacology and I'm in my first year. I also study English in Yethreb School because I need it for my studies. I go to English classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. I'm in Elementary A level.


In my free time I visit friends and chat on Yahoo. 


I'm single. I have two sisters and two brothers and I have a nephew, his name's Basher.

Marwa Shneba
Elementary A

Ahed's Profile

Hi, my name is Ahed and I'm 12 years old. I live in Tripoli, a wonderful town in the north of Libya. I'm a student at Abdul Rahman Ben-Aoof School. It's a great school. I also study English because I like it and I need it for my future. I go to English classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I'm in Elementary level and I like my classes very much.


I'm not married because I'm a young girl, but I have a girlfriend. In my free time I play computer games or play with my brother or sisters, read and visit friends and family. 

Ahed Nasser
Elementary A

About Mawada

Hello, my name's Mawada and I'm 19 years old. I live in Tripoli, in Libya. I'm a student at Tripoli University. I study medicine and I'm in my first year. I also study English because I need it for my studies. I go to English classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm in Elementary level and I like my classes very much.


I'm not married and I haven't got a boyfriend. In my free time I read a lot of books, visit friends and use my laptop. I want to write to people who study English and live in a different country than me.

Mawada Abukhres
Elementary A

Maram's Profile

Hi, my name is Maram. I'm 20 years old and I live in Tripoli, in Libya. I'm a student and I study medicine in Tripoli University. I study English on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm in Elementary class.


I'm not married. I have a big family, I have 6 sisters and 1 brother. I live with my family. In my free time I watch TV and chat with my friends and use Facebook.


I want to write to English students in another country.

Maram Bhour
Elementary A

All about Ahmed

Hello. My name's Ahmed and I'm 16 years old. I live in Tripoli, a beautiful town in the west of Libya. I'm a student in Tripoli. I study law and I'm in my 3rd week. I also study English because I need it for my course. I go to English classes on Mon, Tue and Wed. I'm in Elementary A level and I like my classes very much.

Ahmed Mustafa Dernawi
Elementary A

Tarek's Profile

Hello, my name's Tarek and I'm 18 years old. I live in Tripoli, in the north-west of Libya. I'm a student at a computer institute and I work in a sweets shop. I also study English. I go to English class on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm in Elementary level. 


I'm not married, but I've got three friends. I see them everyday. In my free time I sometimes play football and visit my friends.

Tarek Shaker
Elementary A

About Sondos

Hello, my name's Sondos. I'm 18 years old and I live in Tripoli, in Libya. I'm a student at Tripoli University. I study in the medical college and I'm in my second year. I study English because I need it for my studies. I go to English classes thee days in the week; Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 4 o'clock. I'm in Elementary level.


I'm not married but I've got a good family. In my free time I watch TV and visit family. I don't go to the cinema, but sometimes I go shopping with my mother.


I want to learn English.

Sondos Abdallah
Elementary A

Hanging out

Hello, my name's Ehab and I'm 21 years old. I live in Tripoli, a beautiful town in the west of Libya. I study English because I need it for my future. I go to English classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I'm in Elementary level and I like my classes very much.


I'm not in a relationship. In my free time I watch TV sometimes or watch a film on my DVD player or hanging out with my friends a lot. 


I want to study English and live in another country.

Ehab Abedeib
Elementary A

About Ahmed

Hello, my name's Ahmed. I'm 19 years old and I live in Tripoli, in Libya. I'm not working because I'm still a student in Tripoli University and I study in an English course on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I'm in Elementary level and I hate my classes.


I'm not married and I haven't got a girlfriend. In my free time I go out with my friends and play football.

Ahmed Beleid
Elementary A

Learning Languages at School

The first ever contact with languages comes in school training. Here students come to know about other civilizations, cultures and languages. The question 'should everyone have to learn at least one foreign language at school?' is controversial. While most teachers think yes, many parents suppose the contrary.

Twenty first century schools teach more than a single language because the job market demands people with multiple skills and language is one of the essentials. So learning a foreign language becomes a necessity that everyone should obtain before starting to look for a decent job and it is the absolute duty of the teaching system to provide options of available languages to the students.

Riyad Abuserwil
Upper Intermediate B

An email to a foreign friend

Dear Hanan,


I received your letter last week and I was so happy for the idea of joining me and the rest of the girls during the weekend. I have many plans and arrangements for a great holiday.


If what you told me about the date of your flight and it's still on schedule, I'll pick you up at 5:20 pm. I'll take you from the airport to my apartment where you can spend the night. The next day we are going to travel with the others by bus to the countryside for a lovely picnic; you know it's spring and the views here are fantastic.


We can also camp out for a few days if you like, but then don't forget to bring a warm jumper because sometimes it gets very cold. You can also bring your fishing gear as I've heard that there is a river there. Who knows, you may catch us one or two for dinner.


Yours sincerely,


Ahlam

Ahlam Zait
Upper Intermediate B

Car Ban in the City Centre

Everybody complains about traffic jams while we all are involved in producing such a dilemma. The problem starts from every one of us, it is inside our thinking, when we decide to take our cars and move around the city, avoiding the public transport system. Secondly, there is a lack of efficiency on our existing public transport system that makes travel inside the city without using private cars nearly impossible. 

I think to solve these problems we need to change our behaviour so we become adapted to the idea of using public transport everyday. While doing that, legislation controls the transport service, allowing the private sector to invest in in-city transportation. This will allow better service via competition.

The above named measures hopefully will reduce urban jams in the long run, but banning cars from going into the city centre will add nothing but making life more difficult to residents.

Riyad Abuserwil
Upper Intermediate B

Fast Food in Libya

Fast food in Libya is the most successful business because Libyans love to eat. I don't know exactly when fast food started in Libya but it was a long time ago.


The most popular fast foods in Libya are shawarma, scallop, hamburgers and pizza. But we don't have big franchises for fast food like the entire world, for example, McDonalds, Hardees, Pizza Hut and KFC. We hope in the future we will have all of them.

Aiman L. Hinshiri
Pre-Intermediate A

The Libyan Way of Life

• We eat traditional food a lot like fish and bazeen. 
• Many Libyan people can speak English.
• They work in the morning at 7 o'clock and finish at 2:30 pm.
• Libyan people watch TV a lot. They usually have dinner and watch TV at the same time. 
• Libyan people don't do sport a lot.

Islam Taher Belhaj
Pre-Intermediate A

Our Daily Routine

My father gets up early at 6 o'clock then he has breakfast and goes out to his job at 8 o'clock. He goes to work by car. He works for the UN. 


My mother gets up early, at 5:30 and then she has breakfast at 8:00 am. She watches TV every day. After that she goes to work at 2:00 pm. She goes to work with her friends. Mom works at a school.


I go to school at 3:00 pm, three days a week and I go to school by bus.

Safa Elghamasi
Pre-Intermediate A

Emails by our Elementary A students

Hi Michael,
Thank you for your email. I'll answer your questions. I am from Libya. I am twelve years old. Yes, I have. I have one sister and two brothers. I like to draw and paint pictures. I like pizza.
I want to ask you about your favourite food? Oh, really, how old are you?


Ahed Nasser

Bazine - libyanfood . blogspot. com 

Hi Michael,
Thank you for your email. I'll answer your questions. I'm from Libya. I'm 18 years old. Yes, I've got three sisters but I haven't got any brothers. My favourite hobby is playing football. My favourite food is bazine. I like playing tennis.
What about you? Where are you from? How old are you?


Your friend,
Tariq Shaker


Hi Michael,
Thank you for your email.
I'll answer your questions. I am from Libya and I am 27 years old. I have got 3 brothers and 6 sisters and my favourite hobby is reading. My favourite food is pizza and I like swimming and walking especially in the seaside.
I have a question for you Michael. What type of sport do you like?


Enas Ahlab


Hi,
Thank you for your email. I'll answer your questions. I'm from Libya. I'm nineteen years old. I've got four sisters but I haven't got any brothers. My favourite hobby is listening to music. My favourite food is Italian. I like all sports.
What about you. Where are you from?


Your friend,
Ahmed Beleid


Dear Michael,

Couscous -  ummobaidahcooks . blogspot . com

Thank you for your email. I'll answer your questions. 
I'm from Libya. I'm 31 years old. Yes, I have got two brothers and three sisters. I like reading. It's my favourite hobby and couscous is my favourite food. I like football.
Well Michael, what about you? Where are you from? How old are you? Have you got any brothers and sisters?


Regards,
Hatem Altaher


Hi Michael,
Thank yo ufor your email. I'll answer your questions. I'm from Libya. I'm eighteen years old. I've got one brother. His name's Mohamed and one sister, her name's Yasmin. My favourite hobby is reading and watching TV. My favourite food is pizza. About sport, I like swimming and watching tennis matches.
I want to ask you. How old are you?


Sondos Abdallah


Hi Michael,
Thank you for your email. I'll answer your questions. I'm from Libya. I'm 19 years old. I have two sisters and one brother. Reading books is my favourite hobby, pizza is my favourite food and I like playing golf.
What is your favourite hobby? How old are you?
Nice to meet you Michael.


Masara Elgadri


Hi Michael,
Thank you for your email. I'll answer your questions. I'm from Libya and I'm 21. Yes, I have got two brothers and I have one sister. And you, have you got any brothers and sisters?
My favourite hobby is anything about editing music, and you?
My favourite food is pizza. I love pizza, and you? What is your favourite food? 
I like basketball. And you? What type of sports do you like?
OK, nice to meet you Michael.


Your friend,
Ehab Altaher

osban - (c) Sammy Naas

Hi Michael,


Thank you for your email. I'll answer your questions. I'm from Libya. I'm 16. I've got one brother and three sisters. I like to play football. My favourite food is osban. I like basketball.
How old are you?


Your friend,
Ahmed  Al-Dernawi



Hi Michael,
Thank you for your email. I'll answer your questions. I'm 17. I've got 2 brothers and 1 sister. I like to play football. My favourite food is pizza. 


Do you like to play football? What is your favourite food?


Ayman Kara

Our Favourite Things

The Elementary A class has been learning about capitalization and punctuation. In class they wrote paragraphs about their favourite things. 

My favourite thing is my laptop. It's one year old. It's black. It's new and big. It's got a good camera, Internet and nice programs. It's made in Japan. I love it.
Sondos Abdullah


My favourite thing is my computer. It's four years old. It's black and grey. It's old but it's fast. It's big and it's also easy to use. It's got a CD player, DVD player, lots of music and games. I love my computer.
Ehab AboDeib


My favourite thing is my camera. It's one year old. It's silver and it's very fast. It takes very good photos. It's digital and it has got a zoom lens and a place for extra memory. It uses four batteries and takes panorama photos and videos too. I love my camera.
Ahmed Mustafa Al-Dernawi

My favourite thing is my computer. It's five years old. It's black and it's very fast. It has got good Internet and it is very big - it's quite old.
Ayman Kara


My favourite thing is my computer. It's two years old. It's big, very fast and it isn't old. It's got a place for extra memory. I love my computer.


My favourite thing is my dress. It's one year old. It's short and very good. It's got a beautiful bow. It's a pink colour. I really like it.
Ahed Nasser


My favourite thing is my laptop. It's two years old. It's grey and it's good and very easy to use. It's got a DVD player, email and music. My laptop is very important to me and I love it.
Masara Elgadri


My favourite thing is my laptop. It's about two years old. It's pink and it's very fast. It's got email, Facebook, Nimbuzz, music, photos and it's beautiful. I love my laptop.
Mawada Abukhres


My favourite thing is my computer. It's a Dell. It's two years old. It's silver and it isn't slow - it's very fast. It's very easy to use and it has got a DVD, Bluetooth, WiFi, and it's heavy duty. I love my computer.
Hatem AlTaher


My favourite thing is my laptop. I've had it for three years. It's a Toshiba and it's colour is grey. It's slow, beautiful and has a lot of viruses! It's got a lot of music because that is very important to me.
Ahmed Beleid


My favourite thing is my laptop. It's two years old. It's black and it's very fast. It's small. It's got a camera, three games, music and movies that are very important to me. 
Tarik Shaker


My favourite thing is my old laptop. It's four years old. It's grey. It's old and fast. It has got Internet, email, Facebook and music. It's very important to me and I love it.
Marwa Shneba

There were thirty cakes!

We had an end of course party on February 29th. The students had a cake baking contest. 

There were thirty cakes!

The students voted for their favourite cakes. Prizes were given for the top five cakes.

• First place: Nora Bader
• Second place: Mahmud Belhaj
• Third place: Dania Asokni
• Fourth place: Najwa Sheeta
• Fifth place: Alaa Abd El-Samad

Special thanks to Mr. Tarek Benrewin and Cambridge University Press for donating three dictionaries that were given as prizes.

English courses beginning the first week of March

Please register before February 29, 2012.

English (all levels) and Spanish (beginner & elementary)

Book Review: Touching the Void - By Joe Simpson

"Suddenly I remembered something. I had a penknife in the top of my rucksack. If I could get it out, I could cut the rope."

With these words from Joe Simpson, the terrible climbing journey of mountaineer Joe Simpson had started.

Touching the Void is simply an autobiographical story, which the author, Joe Simpson, writes about his extraordinary experience when he had a terrible accident on a mountain and fought hard to survive.

The story took place on Siula Grande, a mountain in the Peruvian Andes, in the year 2004, where Joe Simpson and his climbing mate Simon Yates had a challenge to climb the Siula Grande Mountain, which is one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb.

In the beginning everything went as planned until they reached the summit of the mountain, and after feeling elated for doing that, and while they were descending, Joe had and accident and bkoke his leg. In this situation we can imagine how it's impossible for a man to get down the mountain from the height of more that 5000 feet with a broken leg. But with the help of his friend Simon, they planned to tie themselves together with one rope and slowly move down. What happened next is the worst scenario which they never dreamt about. Somehow Joe had fallen in a deep space and Simon found himself in a situation to decide between dying on the icy mountain or cutting the rope, letting Joe fall down to his death. It was a very difficult decision, but he decided. Did he really cut the rope? If so, what happened to Joe? Did they survive? All these you'll know when you read this story.

The story overall is good and well written, even if it was a bit boring in the first four chapters. I spent a lot of time reading the first four chapters but I only spent half that time reading the rest of the book. 

This story is not just about a man who was trying to climb a difficult mountain and had a horrible accident, but it also gives such a wonderful lesson in life about how to fight and struggle to survive in a terrible environment.

I recommend everyone to read this book, just to know how much we are able to do things that we thought at first were impossible. I also advise reading from chapter five if they aren't interested in the story from the first chapters. It's wonderful at the end, just don't leave the book - complete it.

Ehab Salem Loukae

Upper Intermediate A

Book Review: The Pearl - By John Steinbeck

I chose this story as the cover's picture attracted me. I thought it was about native American people and cowboys, and how the native people suffered a genocide.


Instead, the story, which was written by John Steinbeck is about poor people in one South American village which was occupied by Europeans and Spain. In this village the story of 'Kino', who was the main character, with his wife and their single baby who had been bitten by a scorpion. When Kino found a large pearl they thought their prayers were answered and that they would be able to treat their son. Instead, the pearl brought greed, blood and the most sadness in the end, when Kino's son was killed. Finally they decided to return home and get rid of the trouble source 'pearl'.


I don't like the repetitive idea of the story, apart from that the story line was amazing and how the author linked the characters with it made the reader live with them. However, the last two chapters lose track, they finish in a rapid way, but as I thought the cause was because the book is the condensed version and retold to reduce the story's volume.


I believe it is a nice story and I recommend it to be read. So if the reader is patient he will enjoy it, especially if he likes tragic stories.

Abujalil Abuhajar
Upper Intermediate A

The Two Frogs

Two frogs lived in a village all their lives. They thought they would like to go and see the big city that was about ten miles away. They talked about it for a long time and at last they set off to see the city.

It was a hot day and they soon began to feel tired. They had only gone a little way when one said to the other 'We must be nearly there. Can you see the city?' 'No' said the other frog, 'But if I climb on your back I might be able to see it'.

So he climbed up on the back of the other frog to see the city. Now when the frog put up his head his eye could only see what was behind, not what was in front. So he saw the village they had just left. 'Can you see the city?' asked the frog who was below. 'Yes' answered the frog who had climbed up. 'I can see it. It looks just like our village'. Then the frog thought that it was not worthwhile going any farther. They went back and told the frogs around the village that they had seen the city and it was just like theirs.

Ibrahim Baour
Areej Elmeshri
Aya Elmeshri
Mohamed Tarhony
Pre-Intermediate A

Going to & might

I'm going to study in England.
I'm going to play footballl with my friend today.
I'm going to do more exams today.
I'm not going to shop today.
I might go to a party with my friend tomorrow.
I might go to the cinema tomorrow.
I might get a job in the USA.

Mohamed Al Zaidi
Elementary B

Resolutions for 2012

Hi, my name's Mahmud. I'm going to talk about my New Year's resolutions for 2012.

• I'm writing a guide for rugby touch rules right now. This book is for referees, players and other officials. They're going to find the answers for their questions.

• I'm going to register my daughter in a private school. They're teaching her the basics right now. And I'm going to do house maintenance.

• I'm going to study English until I pass the PET exam. And I'm working on a certificate to give it to my English teacher.

Mahmoud
Elementary B

Going to...

I'm going to do the washing up.
I'm going to clean the house.
I'm going to play tennis.
She's going to get a taxi.
I'm going to meet some friends.
I'm going to school in the morning.
I'm going to have dinner tonight.
I'm going to clean the house in the afternoon.
I'm going to watch TV in the evening.

Malak Adel Elghmasi
Elementary B

Going to & not going to

• I'm going to do more exercise.
• I'm going to do another English course.
• I'm going to meet my family next week.
• I'm going to go to a gym.
• I'm not going to do any work tonight.
• I'm going to do my homework now.
• I'm going to watch a film in the evening.

Safa Elghamasi
Elementary B

Some plans

I'm going to buy a new scarf today.
He is going to wash his car tonight.
I'm going to get a new phone next week.
We're going to move to America next year.


Khadija Adel
Elementary B

What are you doing? What are you going to do?

Are you going to watch a movie tonight?
What time are you going to school?
We are going to travel by car.
It's going to rain!
Are you listening to Tripoli FM now?
I am reading Karim's homework now.

Abdol-Karim Forjani
Elementary B

Laila and the wolf

One day, when Laila was playing outside her house her mom called 'Laila come and take this cake to your grandmother's house', 'I'm coming mom' said Laila.


Laila went into the house and put on her coat, 'Be careful darling the woods aren't safe and watch out for the wolf. Don't speak to him' said her mother. Laila already had gone on her way between the trees, holding a full basket of her mother's delicious cake. The wolf smelt the cake and came forward to Laila. 


'Where are you going you beautiful girl?' asked the wolf. 'Go away. I won't talk to you, you are a bad wolf' said Laila. 'No, no Laila. I want to help you. It's very dangerous here' said the wolf. 'So where are you going Laila?' asked the wolf. 'I'm going to my grandmother's house to give her this delicious cake' said Laila. 'Mmm, but you have to take this way, it's much shorter' said the wolf. But the wolf lied to her, that was a very long way to her grandmother's house. Laila agreed to take that way. When she had gone the wolf smiled and said 'Haha! I'll arrive at granny's house first. And the wolf got there first and ate the granny and put on her clothes and glasses and laid on her bed.


Laila finally arrived at her grandmother's house, she knocked on the door. 'zcome in my darling' said the wolf, pretending that he is the granny. Laila opened the door. 'Hello granny. How are you?' said Laila. 'I'm OK. Happy to see you. What's in your hands?' asked the wolf. 'Oh it's the cake my mom baked for you' said Laila. 'Thank you . Put it there honey.'


After that Laila sat by the bed and stared at her granny. 'Why are your eyes so big? asked Laila. 'Because I see you by them' said the wolf. 'And why is your nose so big?' asked Laila. 'Because I smell you by it' said the wolf. 'And why are your ears so big? asked Laila. 'Because I hear you by them' said the wolf. 'And why is your mouth so large?' asked Laila. 'Because I eat you with it!' Then the wolf jumped on Laila to eat her but she escaped and ran to her grandfather screaming 'Grandfather! The wolf ate granny and is going to eat me!' 'What? The wolf ate your granny> asked the grandfather. Then he ran into the house and killed the wolf and also saved the granny.

And they lived happily ever after.

Alaa Elmezoki
Jenna Bader
Sohaib Elrghi
Pre-Intermediate A

Book Review: Diamonds are Forever - By Ian Fleming

James Bond, the secret agent of the British Secret Service, the double 'O' licensed to kill agent, well trained, charming, good looking, men want to be him and women want to be with him, is off on another adventure to save the world. This time the diamond industry is at stake.


In this adventure, James takes on a job to stop the diamond smuggling from Africa. This takes him to England and to the United States of America to take down a big mob responsible for diamond smuggling. James did his homework and was tipped off that these diamonds taken from the diamond mines of Africa into this network of smuggling to the place where they can be sold without the control of the diamond corporations. This is an easy task for the world's top agent. He uses his wealth and charm to get the job done.


This is not your typical James Bond story. In this book it shows how the main character spends a lot of time stalking and trying to life the life of a smuggler just to reach to the head of the 'pipeline' as the book calls it. James meets a lot of interesting people along the trip. Some of them he already knew, some are real life crooks, but as we are used to seeing a love interest in every adventure of his, this time the girl is stuck in the middle of everything.


In my opinion, we are past the age that heroes need to win at the end of a story, but James Bond fans would love this story as it has all the action, secret agent work, gun fights and at the end the hero always gets the girl. This is an entertaining, full of action story that needs to be read to complete the series of James Bond.

Wael Aradi
Upper Intermediate A

Book Review: The Treasure of Monte Cristo - by Alexandre Dumas

"Too good to be true", that old saying is exactly what the life of Edmond Dantes was. The first officer of a ship called The Pharaon was just about to be captain, get married and live happily ever after, when he was sent to prison for a crime that he didn't commit.


The epic story of this man's search for freedom takes place in France between 1815 and 1829. After being sent to prison for a false letter written and sent by his two jealous enemies, he meets an old man in the dungeon in the cell next to his and becomes like a son to him. Then his new friend told him about a treasure that he had the map for. So he escapes and finds the treasure on the island of Monte Cristo and he becomes a rich man. After hearing the awful news of his father's death and his fiance's disappearance, he decides to go back to his hometown, Marseilles, to take revenge on his enemies!


The story was very interesting and well written. It's an adventure story that took place in quite a historical period on time in France. This story is a demonstration of the fact that justice must come along even if it takes too long.

Alaa Samir
Upper Intermediate A

Book Review: Shake hands forever - by Ruth Rendell

My own choice of this novel was because of it's cover. The picture on it indicated that this novel is about a murder; these kinds of books are my favourite because I love puzzles and mysteries.

Anyway, when I read the novel I found it telling a story of a detective who investigates the murder case of a woman and through the chapters we start meeting some of the characters such as the victim's husband who was somehow involved in the crime. This novel and all it's details, which lead to a big surprise in the end when you find out that the husband wasn't the killer, his wife wasn't a victim - she was a criminal and the body was that of another woman.

In this novel you discover that the novelist has tried to make a kind of picture, in this picture there is a series of events, apart from one thing - there weren't that many details about the characters; their interactions, feelings and their internal thoughts. But I must admit, Ruth Rendell made this novel a very interesting one, especially the end when exciting moments changed the facts upside down. Because of that the final chapter was my favourite, meanwhile the 7th chapter was not a very good one for me, maybe because it was very short and didn't give enough explanation of the title's meaning and why the novelist chose it.

The story-line was entertaining and all the characters were connected, although I was disappointed by the incongruity of the characters as there wasn't a strong chemistry between each other, apparently the author's style was realistic, rich but without involving humanitarian feelings. So when you reach the end of the novel you'll know that there isn't a perfect murder, also the truth appears sooner or later.

This is a terrific novel, appealing to most, but for someone who admires puzzles, they may want to look for more action and suspense in another novel.

Ahlam Ziat
Upper-Intermediate A

Tripoli, a good place to live and visit

My favourite place is Tripoli. It's a nice, beautiful city and it's the city where I was born, and it's in Libya.

Tripoli Medical Centre

There are many nice places in Tripoli. I live in a place called Fkany's Sania. It's behind Tripoli University. There aren't any interesting places near my home except the university, Tripoli Medical Centre, Hadba Hospital and the busy motorway, Alsaria Road.

There are many shops, but they are far from us. There is a school near my home, and there is a square whee the boys play football. There aren't any restaurants, markets or hotels. There aren't any lakes or rivers in Tripoli, but there is the sea and a nice beach. There are two museums in Tripoli but they are far from my home. In Tripoli there are many good places to go at night.

I like my city Tripoli, it's a good place to live and visit.

Mohammed Al Zeiat
Elementary A

Zawia is my favourite place

My favourite place is Zawia. It's the city where my uncle lives. There is a famous square called Maydan Al-Zawia where the rebels gathered and fought the Gadaffi mercenaries to free Zawia from them. There are a lot of markets and there is a beach a few minutes away. We go there with bikes or with cars. There aren't any mountains in Zawia, and no rivers. There's a mall in the city centre and there's a university called the Seventh of April. There's a lot of cafes and good places to go at night.

Feras
Elementary A

The places and things I love

My favourite place is Yefren. I love the mountains so much because it's a sweet place and my town is the mountain town called Yefren and it's my favourite place. I love shopping and there are interesting shops there. I can't go swimming there because there isn't a beach. I love my college because it's interesting and also Gharian because it's my future husband's town. I love Rome, Italy and Morocco and nature too.

Mawada Mousa 
Elementary A

Tokyo

My favourite place is Tokyo, Japan. It's the city where my friend lives. There are big markets near her home and long roads. There is a beautiful lake near the city but there aren't any mountains. The is a bus station but there isn't an airport near my friend's home. It's a beautiful place to visit.

Mawada Ali Hashem
Elementary A

Seoul

My favourite place is Seoul, Korea. I like this city. It's very developed and there are a lot of restaurants and there are so many lovely people you can communicate with. There are lots of small cars and there are a lot of buses. There are interesting supermarkets and there are some houses. There are beautiful parks and there are many cinemas and there are karaoki bars.


I like to visit Korea.

Tasneem 
Elementary A

I will love Tripoli forever

My favourite place is Tripoli. There are two nice parks, there are some intereting shops but there isn't a market. There are some restaurants and nice cafes. There are big hotels and there are some small hotels. It's not a good place to go at night. It's a quiet place. I will love Tripoli forever. 

Retaj Zlitne
Elementary A

Yefren - my favourite place

My favourite place is Yefren. It's the town where my parents were born and where my grandparents live. It lies on a high mountain and it's a small town. Yefren is a comfortable place. There are great mountains there and it has a good hotel. It's on the edge of a mountain. There is a nice park in the town and there are interesting shops but it has a little market and there are no restaurants but it has some cafes. There is a museum about the revolutionaries of Yefren and the February 17th Revolution. It's a nice, interesting museum.


There aren't any good places to go at night with your family but boys like to go camping out in the nature because it has a very nice feeling. It's a quiet place to visit.

Rema Mousa Abuqasea
Elementary A

My family's city - Tripoli

My favourite place in Libya is Tripoli. It's the city where my family lives. In Tripoli there are two nice parks near our home and only one shop. There aren't any nice cafes by my home. There is one cinema and a theatre, it's nice. There is a market and there are big hotels. There is a city centre that my family sometimes visits. I like my family's city. It's a quiet place to visit.

Raneem Zleetny
Elementary A

Tripoli - the capital of Libya

My favourite place is Tripoli. It's the capital of Libya. Tripoli is the city where my family live. There are one or two nice parks. There is an interesting museum and there is a five-star hotel. 

Libya has a long coastline. It's about 1,170 kilometres long and in Tripoli there's a beach. There aren't any lakes or rivers. There are malls and shops. There are markets and lots of restaurants and nice coffee shops. There is lots of traffic. It's not a good place for quiet, but it's still my love forever.

Aya Swissi

Elementary A

Tunisia

My favourite place is Tunisia. It's the country where my brother lives. He is a professional basketball player there. There are nice malls near his home and good hotels. I like going there in summer because I meet all my friends there and I like a small city there named Sedi Abosid. It's a nice city and they make traditional food there.


Mahmud Belhaj
Elementary A