Access the Ladder to English Advancement

English courses beginning the first week of March

2012-03-01T16:00:00.000+02:00

Please register before February 29, 2012.

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

Book Review: Touching the Void - By Joe Simpson

2012-02-15T09:34:00.001+02:00

"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

2012-02-13T08:51:00.002+02:00

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

2012-02-08T12:40:00.001+02:00

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

2012-02-08T12:36:00.004+02:00

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

2012-02-08T12:36:00.000+02:00

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...

2012-02-08T12:34:00.000+02:00

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

2012-02-08T12:33:00.000+02:00

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

2012-02-08T12:31:00.004+02:00

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?

2012-02-08T12:30:00.003+02:00

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

2012-02-08T12:30:00.000+02:00

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

2012-02-06T09:02:00.001+02:00

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

2012-02-04T19:12:00.002+02:00

"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

2012-02-04T18:45:00.001+02:00

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

2012-02-04T15:02:00.000+02:00

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

2012-02-04T14:59:00.001+02:00

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

2012-02-04T14:57:00.000+02:00

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

2012-02-04T14:49:00.000+02:00

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

2012-02-04T13:51:00.002+02:00

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

2012-02-04T13:38:00.000+02:00

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

2012-02-04T13:24:00.000+02:00

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

2012-02-04T13:22:00.002+02:00

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

2012-02-04T10:59:00.001+02:00

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

2012-02-04T10:42:00.001+02:00

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

Martyr's Square

2012-02-04T10:28:00.001+02:00

My favourite place is Martyr's Square. It's the place where my grandfather lives in Tripoli. There is a big hotel called AlKabira and a park near the flat. There are lots of shops and cafes by the flat and there are lots of expensive restaurants. There are two small fountains and two museums just five minutes away by car. And there's a small square in front of the flat. There's a cinema only ten minutes away by car. There are lots of things you can do. It's a good place and I love it so much.

Maha Hamouda

Elementary A

A birthday meal with friends

2012-02-01T11:55:00.003+02:00

The last time I had a special meal was last month. It was my best friend's birthday. She decided to have her birthday party in a restaurant called Ewan Express. Our friends were there too.

All of us wore black jackets and pink scarves. It was lunchtime so we ordered rice with chicken wings, kebab, shawarma and of course pizza. The meal was very delicious and we had a wonderful time chatting and laughing.

After the party, we went to her house where her mother had prepared another meal for us. It was an unforgettable day.

Aya Elmishre
Pre-Intermediate A

A graduation celebration

2012-02-01T11:46:00.001+02:00

The last special meal I had was three weeks ago. We went to a very nice restaurant and celebrated my graduation from high school. My family and I were so happy that night. We got to the restaurant at 8:00pm, but we didn't get home early. Actually we went back home at 12:00am. We spent four hours there and I tried to be dressed up. I wore a nice jacket that my uncle brought to me and a beautiful pink scarf. Also, I wore my mom's expensive watch.

At dinner we had some very delicious grilled beef and Pepsi for all, and cheesecake for dessert. Oh.... I met my favourite teacher there. She was so happy to see me - I was happy to see her too.

Alaa El-Mezogi
Pre-Intermediate A

A birthday meal adventure

2012-02-01T11:31:00.001+02:00

My mom made the best meal on my birthday. We were at home - my brother, my sister and I. I can't remember exactly when but I think it happened on a Saturday. I wore ordinary clothes, and the party started at about 7 o'clock and ended at about 8:30 pm. I remember we ate a very delicious trifle and swiss-roll and a lot of chocolate.

My mother burned herself in the kitchen and most of the trifle and candies were eaten by my brother. I didn't cry - just letting you know because nothing is perfect in this life. I forgot, that night I didn't sleep, not because I was sad that my brother ate everything or we didn't have a candle and no one remembered to buy it, I didn't sleep because I had a toothache. I suffered until the morning you know what's really interesting is when I went to the doctor and he said don't eat chocolate. When he finished he gave me a smile and said God help us all and this is my advice - try to be happy.

Radwan Zait
Pre-Intermediate A

A birthday meal

2012-02-01T11:09:00.001+02:00

My special meal was last night for my friend's birthday in her home. All of my friends were there. It was very cold so I wore my heavy black dress. We ate some sweets and pizza. It lasted from 6:30 pm until 11 pm. I had a really nice time.

Marwa Ayad
Pre-Intermediate A

A restaurant in London

2012-02-01T11:05:00.002+02:00

In 2006 I visited my uncle who lives in England, in Ipswich, and one day my uncle's family and I decided to visit London. One of the places we visited was a restaurant called Sandoz, I think, I'm not sure about the restaurant's name.

We had a chicken meal, and it was really amazing. One of the advantages of Sandoz is that it's halal and drinks are free. So once you enter the restaurant you can drink whatever you want without paying for them.

I hope there will be a Sandoz in Libya one day. Then I think I will not eat at home at all.

Ibrahim M. Baour
Pre-Intermediate A

Corruption

2012-02-01T10:32:00.002+02:00

Corruption is a broad term that can apply to so many behaviours, also corruption can involve people or institutions. Broadly we can say corruption is any act that is against the law, from which some benefit could be harvested. Generally it is government personnel who are usually incriminated in such acts.

As a matter of fact, many countries are economically and scientifically retarded as a result of the spread of corruption in government sectors. It is the main reason behind the failure of reform projects as it may drain the financial support of any project and leads to it's death.

On a smaller scale, corrupt government personnel usually try to gain benefit from their positions at work to earn money, using twisted methods and bribery. In Libya, for example, nobody can have his business run without facing such problems. On the other hand, the loose hand-grip of the judicial system promotes such corrupt activities and persuades others to commit such crimes.

To fight corruption we should build a strong judicial system and well-equipped monitoring body that will pick any corruption that may rise in government circles.

Riyad Abuserwil
Upper Intermediate A

Should everyone have to learn at least one foreign language at school?

2012-01-29T13:58:00.002+02:00

It is an important thing to make progress in education systems, especially for developing countries and one of the most important factors is supporting and building a strong, modern, highly educated generation.

Multilingualism has become a passport for all prized jobs. More and more often English is becoming a global language, so for that reason we must include it in the learning programme. Indeed, some countries, such as America, are now entering Spanish as a second official language to be learnt in school.

In my opinion, time is changing and no one can turn this fact at all. So why don't we move on and enhance our schools with a huge amount of programmes and courses to make sure that all students have got one extra foreign language?

Ahlam Zait
Upper-Intermediate A

A special birthday meal

2012-01-29T13:47:00.000+02:00

My special meal was in October last year for my birthday. It was a very nice meal, it was at home.

When I finished my work in the hospital it was 8:00pm, so it started at 9:00pm. Mummy made rice, pizza and she bought cake from the market.

I didn't know about the party because it was a surprise. Once I opened the door my family were there waiting for us (me and my twin Areej). My little sister took me to the site of the party. Everything was perfect to me.

We cut the cake, ate the pizza and the rice and drank Pepsi of course. I wore my blue hospital uniform because I didn't have time to change. We finished at 11:00pm.

I liked it so much. My favourite part was the opening presents time. I liked them all.

Before the party, I was so tired. When I was in the car I was sleepy and I couldn't keep my eyes open, but once I reached home and saw my mother waiting and what she had done for me I forgot everything and enjoyed the party.

Ainour Elmishre
Pre-Intermediate A

Travelling Abroad - Safety Tips

2012-01-29T09:28:00.001+02:00

Travelling abroad is a very exciting thing to do, especially if it's with your family or your friends. However, small tips and precautions before travelling could help in keeping your property safe from burglars while you are away.

If you have a vehicle and you don't have a garage, take it to relatives or friend's house and ask them to keep it until you come back.
You might like to ask a friend to take care of your pets and your garden because these things need daily care, especially during summer when the days become hot and long.
Don't ever take your house keys with you when you are travelling, they may get lost in between your suitcase and your hotel room. Think about whether you would like to keep them in a safe place, such as with an honest neighbour, or whether you would prefer to keep a copy under the doormat.
Try to turn off all electrical appliances in your house before travelling and make sure that you've informed the electric and phone company about your trip.
You should always think about taking out your valuables and money and keep them in the bank or with someone you trust.
If you're still worried about being burgled, be aware that installing a security system may help a lot.

Ahlam Zait
Upper Intermediate A

The last meal out

2012-01-24T23:18:00.000+02:00

I think it was last month. I went with my family and my aunt to a pizza shop, Pizza Family. We went there for lunch before my English course. It was at 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. We only stayed for an hour.

I wore a red shirt with a grey scarf and a pair of pants. We ate pizza and drank cola. We had a nice time and we enjoyed the meal. It was raining that day, too.

Sara Bader
Pre-Intermediate A

Special meal for a special occasion

2012-01-24T23:13:00.000+02:00

Actually, this occasion was a dinner invitation. It had been arranged by my friend Tarek when he got a new good job with an electrical projects company as an engineer.That was 4 months ago. So Ali, Marwan and I were invited to attend this occasion. That was in Tarek's farm and we all shared to prepare that dinner meal. We got started at 8pm until midnight. Then we left the farm to go back home.

By the way, we wore summer clothes because the weather was still warm. I wore a checked short sleeved shirt and black short pants with abrown cap and slippers.

Actually the meal was a barbeque. It consisted of roasted meat and three types of salads and some fried potatoes. We drank soft drinks and some juice. So first we slaughtered the sheep, after that we started to chop the meat into small pieces to be ready for roasting on a quiet fire.

Oh, I can never forget that special meal. It was really enjoyable occasion, to be honest it was a big banquet. The meal was extremely delicious, and we are looking forward to doing it once again.

Ashraf Othman
Pre-Intermediate A

A Most Special Meal

2012-01-24T23:11:00.004+02:00

A friend of mine invited me and some other friends to a picnic and we had a special meal. That was at his farm. I can't remember when it was exactly but it wasn't a long time ago. I think it was on a Friday. The friends gathered were classmates from our university. There was Ahmed, Sliman, Hatem, Mohamed and me. I hadn't seen Sliman since I graduated. I arrived about 6 pm and it finished about 11:30pm.

I wore blue jeans with a coat because it was cold and a scarf around my neck. We ate grilled fish with seafood salad and fresh orange juice. The funny thing was that Ahmed doesn't like fish so he stayed without dinner. He only had a glass of juice.

Mohamed Tarhoni
Pre-Intermediate A

Special Meal

2012-01-24T23:10:00.002+02:00

My special meal was last Friday for my friend's new job.

When my friend Kaled got a new job he invited me for a special meal on Tuesday evening and I stayed with him until friday afternoon. The meal was in my friend's new house and it consisted of barbeque with salad and some bread. After that we made macarona imbakbaka (a Libyan dish). It was very delicious and we had some drinks with that like Miranda, Seven-up and pear juice.

There were some friends with me at the meal; Ahmed, Osama, Mohamed and Hatem. The meal started at nine pm and finished the next day at about four pm. We were very happy when the picnic was finished and we had a nice time together.

Mohamed Alalem
Pre-Intermediate A

What's Korea Like?

2012-01-24T23:09:00.001+02:00

Korea is one of the most beautiful countries that I'd love to visit. It lies in the northeastern part of the Asian continent. It consists of South and North Korea. Korea is a small country with different cultures. The climate is hot and humid in summer and too cold in winter.

Koreans like to build their homes from wood to protect them from the cold. They speak a different and the stangest language I've ever known in my life. But I think it's beautiful and I'd love to learn it one day. Also they have a traditional dress for a woman of course for wearing on special occasions. But on normal days they just wear normal clothes just like us.

Koreans like to spend their time with family and buiding emotional bonds.

Last but noit least, Korea is a beautiful place. You'll want to vist and know everything about it.

Sara N. K.
Pre-intermediate B

A Dream House Like No Other

2012-01-24T23:00:00.001+02:00

Jeef: Good evening everybody and a big welcome to our guest tonight, Miss Rahged Derriga.

Raghed: Thank you Jeef.

Jeef: Can you tell us about your newest house design?

Raghed: Yes, of course. You see this house isn't just my newest design it is also my dream house. The house is on top of a mountain so that when you look out of your window you'll see an amazing view.

Jeef: It sounds so high but beautiful.

Raghed: Hhhhhhh... ya ya. In this design I'm concentrating on the natural elements, you know, like wood and marble. I also want a big amount of sun beams to get inside the house so there are large windows with thick glass.

Jeef: That's very healthy too.

Raghed: Yes, it is, and I love the sound of water falling so there will be a fountain that looks like a waterfall and a big cage with different kinds of birds in it.

Jeef: How many floors is the house going to have?

Raghed: It's going to be four floors with half circle balconies. On the ground floor there will be the reception hall and other rooms and there will be a chandelier hanging from the forth floor. On the underground floor there will be a swimming pool and sport equipment.

Jeef: What about bedrooms?

Raghed: The bedrooms will be divided between the second and first floor. 6 bedrooms with their bathrooms.

Jeef: What about the colours?

Raghed: The colours are maroon, oil painting, dark yellow, dark green and black. I love mosaics so you'll find many parts of the house are decorated with mosaics.

Jeef: That sounds like a wonderful house.

Raghed: Yes, it is. This is my dream house and I'd love to share it with my family and beloved ones.

Jeef: Thank you Raghed. That was the famous engineer, Raghed Derriga, and thank you for watching our show, Dream House. And remember you too can build your dream house with some help from us.

Raghed Derriga
Pre-Intermediate B

My Trip to London

2012-01-24T22:57:00.001+02:00

I travelled to the UK two years ago as a tourist. I vivsited London the capital of the UK. The city itself is very beautiful and the center is touristy, especially Picadilly Centre. It is very cosmopolitan so you can buyt anything from different shops of origins and you can eat any kinds of food from multi-cultural orgins, such as Indian restaurants which serve very spicy, hot food.

You can feel you're in your country especially when you go to Edward Road which means Arab Street. There you can smell, eat and drink everything related to our tradition from Turkish, Syrian, Lebanon, Moroccan restaurants. In these restaurants you will be in safe site about what you eat because all of them serve hallal food, which means there isn't any sources of pork. Sometimes you can eat from an English cafe, like healthy delicious sandwiches that consist of basel and tomatoes with cheese and meat. Also you can have very tasty cakes free of gellitin.

In most cases or conditions you will not be confused because the people are very honest and helpful. They are a welcoming people, they like foreign visitors. Also they are very friendly and kind with children. So they always say hello and kiss my children. They are really respectable people.

In London everything is smooth, even their weather. When I was there in the summer season it was sometimes foggy and quite wet, but usually it was warm and sunny wonderful days. We stayed in a hotel located in Basely Water Street in Prince Square close to Hyde Park.

Hyde Park is the biggest park in the UK. It's very fantastic place with amazing nature, however there are many small cafes everywhere and restaurants withg fast food with a big area especially for children with different kinds of games and toys and all the ways of fun and comfort. It is important to mention that in this place many people come at the weekend to express and talk about their thinking and opinions for hot topics and about everyone, even in political and government topics. The discussion is open for anyone and no one can hit or hurt or even stop you.

Also I visited there the most famous sightseeing, such as Madam Tussad's Wax Museum. There everytime the place is crowded by the tourists and you have to wait in queue until you can reach inside. I took many photographs with some famous and popular people like the President of France, Sarcozi, and of the USA, Obama and Lady Diana. The most interesting thing there was seeing films in 3D (three dimentions) which describe the city and in the smae place you can see some models of previous charecters that look like they are breathing; you see their chest move up and down as normal breathing.

We also went on a package trip that included different places (on a big bus) which is one of the most tourist transportation. It consists of two stories and it's red or blue in colour.The second level is exposed so you can see, smell and hear while the guide explains everything that has an important meanign by different languages as you want (by using an earpeice presentin every chair).

During this trip we saw the palace of Queen Elisabeth (Buckingham Palace), Big Ben and Picadilly Centre. After that we directed to another trip with the same programme but it was different and more exciting because it was on the river on a huge boat. On this trip we passed by the most historic and traditional sights in London. One of the interesting things was London Bridge where it had been opened it was very wonderful veiw and rare to happen as the guide said we were very lucky tourists.

On this same day we went on the Eye of London, from which you can see the whole city from the top while you drink and eat some snacks. I think the strangest thing was when I saw a group of people (friends) had enjoyed their time and anm groom and his bride on their wedding day. Really is was very strange and exciting to see, more than the view of the city from the top.

Then, for sure like any normal woman in the world loves shopping so you should go to Oxford Street where there are really all the better national shops and department stores. Don't forget to go to Harrod's department Store. It is very amazing and I amazed by it and I did not believe I was on the planet Earth!

As Muslims we decided that we had to go to the International Islamic Centre which is one of the most common places you should visit. First we did our prayers and then had a look in it's big library which explains the nature of Islam and the distribution. Behind the mosque is a rose garden which contains all the kinds of flowers of the world. You can see there many of them with different colours and smells.

We were advised to visit the London Zoo but unfortunately when we arrived we found the place closed and it was the last day before the day we had to leave. So at this time I hoped and asked God that one day my country, Libya, becomes like the UK. Maybe, why not?

Dakera Abubaker Ben Amer
Pre-Intermediate B

Some things about my city

2012-01-24T22:43:00.001+02:00

The Problems In My Neighbourhood

There's too much traffic.
There aren't enough places for children to play.
There aren't enough places to park.
There's too much noise in the daytime.
There are too many children in the streets all the time.
There's no place to park my car.
There's too much rubbish beside my neighbourhood's houses.
Next door to me there's a house where the people make too much noise at night. It's a big problem for me because I can't sleep.

Things I'd Like To Do To Improve My City:

I'd like to improve my city by building new places for children to play.
Improve public transport
Improve and build new car parks
Improve bus stations
Improve drivers' skills because I think there are a lot of accidents all the time.
Build new places for free time activities like new places for playing football.
Build new streets.

Sara N. K.
Pre-Intermediate B

My Neighbourhood

2012-01-24T22:39:00.001+02:00

There aren't enough cinemas in ny neighbourhood.

There aren't enough plaqces to play.

There is too much noise at night.

There aren't many places to park.

There aren't many parks in my neighbourhood.

There aren't enough sport centres around.

Hawa Altomi
Pre-Intermediate B

I'm too busy!

2012-01-23T14:40:00.000+02:00

I'm very embarrassed in front of my friends because I haven't got enough free time to connect with them. I can't even say hi.
I can't go out with my family these days because the weather is too cold.
I am always tired because I am mother of three small children so I have got too much work to do.
I've got enough money to do activities but I haven't got enough free time to do them.
I am stressed and depressed because I haven't got someone to help me at home.
There aren't many babysitters in our country.

Dakera BenAmer

Pre-Intermediate B

What's Lebanon like?

2012-01-23T11:47:00.000+02:00

Lebanon is a very beautiful historical and religious country and it has so meany beautiful landscapes. There are some famous places you can visit with your family and friends.

First in the capital Beirut visit Al Hamra Street. It's an unusual street with nice buildings and a very big and beautiful mosque, but it's a very expensive street. You can visit the American University, then you can visit Jaata cave. It's the most famous place in Lebanon and it's a candidate to be one of the wonders of the world. And if you are interested in philosophy and art you should visit the home town Bchara of the philosopher and artist Jobran Kaleel Jobran. But if you're looking for excitement you can drive an all terrain vehicle (ATV) up the mountain and go jet skiing. You can visit the monuments of Baalbak. The people there are so friendly and welcoming.

The most special thing about Lebanon's weather is that it's hot enough in the summer but cold in the winter, so you can do summer activities. Also you can do winter activities. So in the summer it's as amazing as in the winter.

About the food: The traditional dishes are so delicious and the national dishes are available.

So I hope you have a great time in Lebanon!

Raghed S. P.
Pre-Intermediate B

Too many, too much, enough, not enough

2012-01-23T10:54:00.002+02:00

Yesterday I bought a new jacket but it's too big for me.
She drinks too much coffee everyday.
Can you turn the radio up? It isn't loud enough.
There were too many people at my party.
They haven't got enough sponsors.
This is very expensive. I don't think there's enough money.
We found a house for my sister yesterday. But it's not clean enough from inside.

Sara N.K.

Pre-Intermediate B

Some thoughts...

2012-01-23T10:02:00.001+02:00

I'm very stressed because I've got too many responsibilities.
I'm confused because I have to do many things but I haven't got enough time.
I'm worried about my country these days because there are too many problems which need urgent solutions.
I feel depressed and I have to go on holiday to change my mood but I haven't got enough money.
I'm worried about my future because nothing is clear yet and I can't continue my career or my pursuit of my objective in life.
Finally, I'm tired of thinking about my future because there are too many changes taking place which I can't control and making my life upside down.

Rabie Mostafa

Pre-Intermediate B

Happy to write to you!

2012-01-16T13:42:00.000+02:00

Dear friend,

I'm really happy that it's the first time to write to you. I'm 21 years old and I'm a student at dentistry college. My daily routine is nearly the same as yours.

In the week I get up very early, at 7 o'clock. I always have breakfast at about 7:45 at the university. I go with my friend Ibtehaj by her car. We study until 2 o'clock but we sometimes finish classes at 4 o'clock. We have lunch in the cafeteria of the university but we have another course after that at about 5 o'clock. I usually have lunch in a pizza house before I start the course. I finish the course at 8:30 pm and I usually get back home at 9 o'clock. After that I often watch TV for one hour, then have dinner at about 11 o'clock. I go to bed at about 1 o'clock.

I don't do my homework or reading everyday but I study once a week.

Please write to me soon.

Your friend,
Rema

Rema Mousa Abuqsiea
Elementary A

Some things about my daily routine

2012-01-16T13:17:00.001+02:00

Dear friend,

I'm really happy that you are my new friend. I'll tell you some things about my daily routine. I'm 18 years old and I'm an accounting student. I really like university.

In the week I get up very early, at 6:30. I always have breakfast at 6:50; milk and a sandwich. I go to university at 7:15. I go with my friend - she has a car. We study until 2:00 but sometimes finish at 3:00 and then I go home. After that I have lunch at 3:30. I often take a nap until 5:00, then I get up and do my homework.

I eat dinner with my family at 9:00. After that I watch TV and then I open Facebook chat. I go to bed at 12:00 because I'm usually very tired. That's it.

I'm happy to send you this letter. Please write to me very soon.

Your friend,
Sarah

Sarah Mousa
Elementary A

My very busy day

2012-01-16T13:07:00.001+02:00

I'm really happy that you are my new pen friend.

I'll tell you some things about me. I'm 20 years old and I'm a student at university. I really like university but I have a very busy day!

I usually get up at 7 o'clock. I sometimes have breakfast at 10:00, orange juice and cake. I go to university at 8:00. I go by bus. We study until 2:00 and then have lunch in the cafeteria. They have Pepsi and pizza!

I finish university at 2:30 then I go home. My family always eats dinner together at 9:00. After we watch TV. I go to bed at 11:00 because I'm very tired.

Good luck,
Mawada

Mawada Mousa
Elementary A

My daily routine

2012-01-16T12:50:00.002+02:00

Dear Hameda,

I miss you so much. Say hello for all your family and a big hug. My daily routine, I'm always at work, and I get up at about 8 o'clock and I'm back home, I finish work at 2:30. I eat lunch then I usually take a nap. In the afternoon I go with my sister for a walk until 8:00. So after that we eat fast food for dinner and then I go to bed at 12:00.

We will visit the museum next week. Please come with us if you can. Write me. See you soon.

Your friend,
Nahed

Nahed Aleman
Elementary A

What about you?

2012-01-16T12:49:00.001+02:00

Dear friend,

I'm really happy that you are my new pen friend. I'll tell you some things about me. I'm 16 years old and I'm a student at school. I really like school but I have a very busy day!

In the week I get up early at 7 o'clcok. I sometimes have breakfast at 7:20, milk and a sandwich. I go to school at 7:40. I go by car with my brother Moein. I finish school at 1:00 then I have lunch at home. I sometimes take a nap until 4:00. I get up and go to work.

My family always eats dinner together at 8 o'clock. After that I do my homework. I go to bed at 10:00.

What about you? Please write and tell me about your day.

Your friend,
Mohammed

Mohammed Nasser
Elementary A

Happy to write

2012-01-16T12:47:00.002+02:00

Dear Hameda,
I'm really happy to write this letter for you. I want to tell you something about me. I'm 16 years old and I study English mow. I don't like to study but I have to study. I get up early in the week but in the weekend I get up so late. I always have breakfast at 2 o'clock, coffee and biscuits. I go to school at 8 o'clock and I leave it at 1:30. I don't eat at school.
I have five sisters but I don't have any brothers.

Love,
Tasneem

Tasneem Hasan Alrmali
Elementary A

Let me tell you about my life

2012-01-16T12:46:00.000+02:00

Dear Hameda,
I am fine. How are you? Let me tell you about my life. I am 15 years old. I first get up at 7 o'clock. I have breakfast at 7:30, tea and a sandwich and juice. I go to school at 8 o'cloock. I finish school at 1:15. My favourite friend's name's Sabren.
I have lunch at 4:30. I study for the rest of the day and I have dinner at 11 o'clock.
I go to bed at 12 o'clock because tomorrow I have school.
Thanks for your message.

Good bye,
Retaj

Retaj Zlitne
Elementary A

I'll tell you something about me

2012-01-16T12:45:00.000+02:00

Dear Hameda,

Thank you for being my friend. I'll tell you something about me. I'm 17 years old and I'm a student at high school. I really like to study in the school with my friends. In the week I get up early at 7 o'clock. I have breakfast with my family and I do sport with my sister. I go to school at 7:45.

I have lunch with my friends. I stay at school until 1:30 and then I get back home at 2:30. I go to bed. I sleep for five hours and then I get up and start to study. When I finish I listen to music. At 10:30 I visit my friend. We have a lot of fun and at 12 o'clock I go to bed.

Best wishes,
Mawada

Mawada Ali Hashem
Elementary A

Nice to meet you

2012-01-16T12:42:00.000+02:00

Dear Hameda,

Thanks Hameda. I'm so happy. I'll tell you some things about me. I'm 13 years old and I'm a student at school. In the week I get up very early, at 7 o'clock. I always have breakfast at half past seven, coffee and a sandwich. I go to school at 8:30 and I get home at half past one and then I have lunch at 3:00. I usually take a nap until 4:30. Then I get up and after an hour I do my homework and after that I watch TV. I go to bed at 12:00.

Nice to meet you.

Your friend,
Heba

Heba Altwil
Elementary A

Busy days

2012-01-16T12:40:00.001+02:00

Dear Hameda,

Hi. How are you? I'm not happy because I have very busy days.

On Mondays I get up very early, at 6 o'clock. I never have breakfast. I go to school at 7:30. I go by car with my sister. We study until 9 and then we have breakfast inthe school cafeteria. I finish school at 1:30. Then I go home. I usually have lunch at 3:00. I do work at 4:30. I finish at 7:30. I have a break at 7:45 and I watch TV.

My family always eats dinner together at 8:15. I go to bed at 9:30.

What about you? Please write and tell me about your day.

Good bye,
Tasneem

Tasneem Zlitni
Elementary A

A letter for Noha

2012-01-16T12:38:00.001+02:00

Dear Noha,

Thanks so much for your SMS. It's the weekend so it's a good time to writie a letter. We're all fine here, and all my family say hi to you, and we really miss you honey!

You know I had my birthday party last week! It was wonderful... I'll send you pictures to see them.

Oh! I forgot to tell you that my mother's studying to get a PhD in family medicine. As for me, I'm good, just still studying as you know. My exams will start soon, so wish me luck!

Tell me how is everything there? How is the weather? Here it is so cold!!

So I'll be happy if you reply as soon as possible. Take care.

Best wishes,
Dania

Dania Sokni
Pre-intermediate B

Visit Cairo

2012-01-16T12:36:00.001+02:00

It's very big and busy, characterized by archetecture. It has very wonderful popular places. It's always crowded and there's no difference between morning and night! However, there're other quiet places and usually away from the city centre.

The streets are very wide, but they're polluted. You can see various tourists in different seasons. The people are welcoming and the food is spicy and delicious.

When you want to go anywhere you shouldn't have to wait, because the public transport is very abundant, but it's too expensive!

The shops are fills the streets and there are different prices depending on where it is. The shops in public places are cheap but in malls are expensive.

The weather's hot and dry in summer, moderate with little rain in winter.

I think the best time to visit iis in Ramadan!

Dania Sokni
Pre-intermediate B

Turkey is amazing!

2012-01-16T12:30:00.000+02:00

Turkey is an amazing country with historical cities like Istanbul. Istanbul is where I wish I could live in because it has got lovely streets and the people are nice too. The weather there is great, not so hot in summer and icey in winter. Food is a piece of heaven, everything there has got another taste.

The have got a lot of shops like 'Jawaher Mall'. I love it there... I really wish that someday I'll live there.

Sondos Gabroun
Pre-intermediate B

A reflection on me - my dream home

2012-01-16T12:18:00.000+02:00

My dream house would be a reflection on me. Where you look at this house it would be almost as if you were looking into my soul. My dream home is a place of beauty, serenity and inspiration.

It is a big house with a huge garden planted with fruit trees and flowering plants. There is a dining room with a large screen television and a private room for my kid's toys. Of course, a large swimming pool and a private room to myself. I also want to have a cinema in my house because I like watching movies any time. And of course a room for sport. Last but not least, there is a room for music because I can't live without it.

I hope that I design my home myself and live my dream, I've waited for years. And I can't wait to sharte this beautiful house with my family and all my friends.

Sara N.K.
Pre-intermediate B

Rome

2012-01-16T12:15:00.003+02:00

Rome is a beautiful city but it's freezing in the winter, warm in the summer and windy some seasons. It's not polluted and sometimes it's crowded. It's people are helpful of course. Italian food is very delicious, especially Italian pizza. It's an old hitoric city. The best time to visit Rome is in spring and fall.

Zeid Al-Saywan
Pre-intemediate B

My Dream House

2012-01-16T11:48:00.000+02:00

My dream house would have at least 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms upstairs. It would also have a wide living room connected with an open kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a guest room on the ground floor. It would have air conditioning in the summer, while central heating in the winter.

I'd like to have a game room with table tennis, a pool table and video games... etc in the basement and a big garden arround the house with green grass, flowers, a hammock, a swimming pool and a basketball court.

Dania Sokni
Pre-intermediate B

My Castle

2012-01-16T11:45:00.003+02:00

As everyone, I want a dream house with a special design.

My dream house is a big one of a kind house with a pool in the middle of it. So it's like a circle and with an open kitchen and a large living room and an underground cinema.

It's a 3 floor house, 'My Castle' as I would like to call it, it has a big garden. I want it to be an unusual inspiring house. Stone from the outside and hand made wood inside. I want a fabric room for all kinds of fabric, and a music room too, you can record anything in the studio.

The house is a warm place in winter and cool in summer. You can control the security and electricity from the 'master room'. In thew master room there are only three walls, the 4th one is made of glass, 'unbreakable glass'.

I hope I can make my dream come true.

Sondos Gabroun
Pre-intermediate B

Visit Jordan

2012-01-16T11:43:00.001+02:00

The country that I'm going to talk about has a positive impact on my life and it's one of the best places I have ever been to because it's rich with touristy places such as Jarash city which is one fo the oldest Greek cities and the Dead Sea. Also, I can't forget the city which is considered one of the seven wonders of the world, Petra city.

I think by now you know what country that I'm talking about, it's Jordan. When I first arrived there I felt at home because of the hospitality of the people, They are so kind and welcoming and they have a beautiful way of speaking. Also I found very easy to visit a lot of places because the transportation system is very organized and cheap. Moreover, in Jordan there are many famous restaurants cooking delicious traditional Jordanian food, which I really like. This country has healthy weather with no pollution and that makes Jordan a target by the tourist from all over the world.

At the end I strongly recommend to any one who hasn't seen the beautiful Jordan to visit it to relax and enjoy.

Khawla Albokary
Pre-intermediate B

2012-01-15T00:41:00.000+02:00

Dear Hamed,

I'm really happy that you are my new pen friend. My name's Feras. I'm 20 years old and I'm in architect and art college. I also study computer engineering in night school. I have a very busy day. I wake up at 8:30 and I have breakfast at 9 o'clock. I go to college at 10:00 until 3:00pm. Then I go to work in my coffee shop until 1:30 am. That's all.

Best wishes, your friend,
Feras

Feras Abusbita
Elementary A

My usual day

2012-01-15T00:23:00.000+02:00

Dear Hameda,

Thanks Hameda for the letter. I am fine. I'll tell you about my usual day. I am 14 years old. In the week, first I get up at 6:30am, then I have breakfast. It's usually a sandwich and milk. I leave home at 7:30 and go by buss with my friend and my brother. We start class at 8:30 and I finish school at 1:00. I have lunch at 2:30 then I study for the rest of the day. I have dinner at 10:30 and I go to bed at 11:00pm because I am very tired too. I have a busy day more than you. So that's my usual life.

Thanks for your message. I love you. Take care of yourself.

Bye,
Aya

Aya Swissi
Elementary A

A bit about me

2012-01-15T00:03:00.002+02:00

Hi! I'm 15 years old. I usually have a busy day. I get up at 9 o'clock, have breakfast at 9:12 and then do sport. My school is boring. My teacher's name's Sondos. She's difficult. I'm an English student in the evenings. On the weekends I have coffee with friends. I have got a beautiful long dress. It's red. I like Thursday because I visit my friends. Oh, and my grandmother is going to get false teeth. Good bye!

Raneem Zlitni
Elementary A

To my new pen friend

2012-01-14T23:42:00.001+02:00

Dear Hamed,
I'm really happy that you are my new pen friend. I'll tell you something about me. My name is Mahmud Belhaj. I'm 20 years old and I'm a basketball player and I'm a student too. I want to tell you about my life. Everyday I get up at 7:00 and I often have breakfast at 7:30am. I go to training at 7:45 am. I go back home at 12:00. When I come back home I turn on the Internet. I talk to my friends. After we chat I have lunch. I go to an English course at 4:00pm. I go to bed at midnight. That's all about me.

Your friend,
Mahmud

Mahmud Belhaj
Elementary A

My daily routine

2012-01-14T23:40:00.000+02:00

Dear Hameda,

I'm really happy that you are my pen friend. I'll tell you something about my daily routine. I'm 18 years old and I'm going to university after 1 month. I'm not excited to be in university because I think it's so hard and boring.In the week I don't get up early, at 10 o'clock. I don't have breakfast because I get up late. When I get up I clean the house, after that I have lunch.

After lunch I go to an English course from half past three to eight o'clock. When I get back home I feel so tired. Thanks God not every day, just Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays. On the other days I sometimes go out or stay in. In my free time I watch TV, use my laptop and listen to music.

At night I also go to sleep very late - around midnight. That's all the things in my life. I hope to see you soon.

Best wishes,
Maha

Maha Hamouda
Elementary A

Some days I'm busy, some days I'm sleepy

2012-01-14T23:38:00.003+02:00

My Dear Hameda,

Thank you for the letter. So I'll tell you some things about me. I'm 22 years old and I'm going to be 23 years old on the 15th of February. I'm a student at dentistry college, in the 4th year. On some days I am busy, and on other days I'm sleepy.

In the week I sometimes get up at 8:30, but on other days I get up about 10:00 or 11 o'clock. I often have breakfast at about 9 o'clock. I leave home about 9:15 and go to university and I reach there at about 9:30 or 9:45. I go by car with my friend Abd Allah. We study until about 12 or 1 o'clock and then I go home. I hardly ever take a nap. Then I go to an English course in the evening. The course starts at 6 o'clock and finishes at 8 o'clock on Saturdays, Mondays and Thursdays. On the other days I go to the gym at about 7 o'clock and stay until 10 o'clock. At the end of the day I have dinner at 11 o'clock and then watch TV from 11:30 to 1 or 2 o'clock and then I go to bed and sleep. That's my day.

Your friend,

Mohammed

Mohammed Alzeiat
Elementary A

Hi Dears

2012-01-12T13:39:00.000+02:00

Hi Dears,

We're happy that you and your wife accepted our invitation. There is an apartment with one room, one kitchen and one bath with a beautiful garden. If you don't like it I can book a hotel room mearby. I can come take you from the airport - just call me before your plane takes off. Or you can get a taxi to Zawia then to Al-Motred village then ask for the El Akrami family, or call me on 0921234567.

You can hire a car or you can use mine. I can arrange an excellent vacation for you.

First we can go on a boat trip for more than 4 hours.We can have lunch in the seafood restaurant and in the afternoon we can go to the museum. The next day we can rent a bike to go cycling around the national park, but we can't take food with us.

Don't worry there are a lot of things to do just come.

See you on the 12th of May.

Salam,
M. El Akrami

ps. Can I ask for the price of a spear gun?

Mahmoud El Akrami
Elementary B

Dear Tark

2012-01-12T13:38:00.001+02:00

Dear Tark,

Thanks a lot for inviting me to your precious birthday. I'm glad to be there. I will make myself free. I can stay with you three days. Actually, I went to buy a gift yesterday and I didn't make up my mind so I won't bring you one but I promise I'll take you out to buy those sneakers you like as a present, if that's okay with you. Don't worry about the price. Also, do you know where I can rent a car before the birthday party? Too get around with, if not, I can borrow my brother's car.

See you later alligator,
Moez

ps. Where will you have the birthday party? In your house or in your parent's house?

Moez Ezubeik
Elementary B

Changes in Libya and my life

2012-01-12T10:41:00.000+02:00

Food is more expensive than last year.
Libya is more dangerous than five years ago.
The food is safer than two years ago.
My life is quieter than it was five years ago.

Ahmed Mahmoud Gadgoud
Elementary B

My town, my life

2012-01-12T10:36:00.002+02:00

My town - city

It's more dangerous than it was six months ago.
A car is more expensive than it was last year.

My life

My life is more boring than it was six months ago.
My car is more beautiful than it was last week.

Mohamed Al Zaid

Elementary B

Dear Norah and Sarah

2012-01-12T10:23:00.000+02:00

Dear Norah and Sarah,

Thank you for your letter. I'm so happy that you will visit me in Tripoli. I hope that you will enjoy the trip. I shall meet you in the airport and I will pick you up. You can stay in any hotel, but you are most welcome to stay in my house. You can rent a car, but you don't have to. You can use my car and go anywhere you want.

I will show you around Tripoli. We can visit the old castle, I'm sure that you will like it because it's interesting and you ccan visit Bab Alazeza to see Gadaffi's house, who was the worst dictator. We will also rent a four wheel motorbike to go to the desert. When you get here we will see many other different places.

See you soon. Good bye.
Tasneem

Tasneem Elgabroun
Elementary B

My friends Aziz and Elyas

2012-01-12T10:16:00.001+02:00

My friends Aziz and Elyas,

First, thanks for the visit. Second, there are a lot of places to stay. You can book a hotel or stay at my home. Third, you can get to my place by taxi; it's 15 minutes away from the airport. Fourth, yes you can rent a car, it's very easy. Fifth, you can do a lot of things. We can go to Martyrs' Square and visit the Tripoli Museum.

Ahmed

Ahmed Gadgoud
Elementary B

Dear Randa

2012-01-12T10:03:00.001+02:00

Dear Randa,

Hi Randa, how are you? Would you like to see my country? You can stay with me in my house. How long do you want to stay? When you get to the airport just call me. I will pick you up and you can have lunch with me. After that if you'd like to rent a car you can if you need it and I can help you if you want to go to anyplace like the museum, the mountains, the Sahara Desert, or Leptis. We have a lot of places you can visit and we can do many things. So just call me when you want to come.

See you.
Best wishes and lots of love,
Islam

Islam Taher Belhaj
Elementary B

Dear Aunt and Uncle

2012-01-12T10:01:00.002+02:00

Dear Aunt and Uncle,

Thanks very much for the invitation to cousin Oliver and Becky's wedding. Of course I'd love to come. I'm on holiday then so I can study in England for three months. I booked my flight yesterday and I arrive (?) If that's not possible don't worry I can stay in a hotel. I can rent a motorbike after the wedding, if not, I can rent a car.

See you soon,
Mohamed

Mohamed Al Zaidi
Elementary B

Dear Kholod

2012-01-12T10:00:00.002+02:00

Dear Kholod,

Thank you for your letter. I miss you so much. It's been a long time. I'm really pleased that you can come to the wedding. You can stay in my house and you can rent a car. I'm sorry but I'm busy so can you get a taxi from the airport? See you soon.

Love,
Safa

Safa Adel Elghmasi
Elementary B

Some of our Pre Intermediate students

2012-01-08T11:58:00.002+02:00

Aya is an eye doctor. She has three brothers and three sisters and she is the oldest one. She is 26 years old. She is a student in Tripoli. She is busy studying English. She lives in Hay Alandoles. Her best friend is Bellcises. She is studying English too because she needs it in her work. Her future plan is finishing her English studies.

Jenna Bader

Eman is a Libyan girl living in Tripoli Libya. She is 18.

Eman lives in Tripoli. She is studying English in Yethreb School because English is important and an international language. In addition, she is going to be a dentist in the future and this is another reason for studying English.

In her free time she likes playing on her computer. On holidays she tries to learn something new.

Ibrahim Baour

Genna is a beautiful 15 year old girl. She is one of my English classmates.

She has got three sisters and two brothers. She finished her primary school last year in Nagea Twier School in Tripoli. She has a close friend; her name is Noor. Genna and Noor go shopping every weekend.

Aya Elmishre

Marwa Altelesis is a Libyan girl born in 1990. She lives in Tripoli with her family. She is a student in medical school. She is going to be a dentist. Marwa has four brothers and four sisters. She loves her family. She is engaged and planning to get married and stay at home to raise her children.

She likes travelling. She has been to German, Tunisia and Mali. In her free time she likes reading Bottany books. She is going to livein Misrata with her future husband.

Areej Jomaa

His name is Ibrahim and he's 25. He's not married. He lives in a housein Tripoli, in Libya.

He's an intern now and he's going to be a doctor. He's studying English because he's preparing himself for the IELTS exam. He likes playing footbal and reading the Koran in his free time.

Eman Eshmila

Ainour is one of my classmates. She is 24 years old. She livesin Hai Andelos in a house.

Ainour has got three sisters and three brothers and she is still single. By the way, she is a good cook, especially in desserts. The best thing that she can cook is cake.

Nowadays Ainour is studying English language in Yethreb School because she is preparing an IELTS exercise while she is studying in university in medical college. Ainour will be a doctor in the future.

Ainour always spends her free time watching TV. She visited Egypt last holiday. She intends to travel to London in the future to study.

Ainour has got a veery kind spirit. She is looking forward to helping sick people when she becomes a doctor. She also likes kids very much.

Ashraf Othman

Areej Elmishre is one of the students in the English course. She is Libyan and she livesin Hai Andolus.

Areej was born in Moscow, Russia but she didn't live there for a long time. When she was 18 years old she went ot Tipoli college and she studied medicine. She was eminent and studious in her class.

Areej is a twin with her sister. She is single and she lives with her parents and her three sisters and three brothers. She said 'I have a really nice family and I love them all'.

In her free time she likes writing and reading for culture, watching TV and browsing the internet.

Areej is a doctor, now she is working in the hemotology section. She dreams of having a good job and maybe working outside of Libya. She likes her job but she said 'It is very heavy work'. About her future plans, she said 'Sometimes I feel that I'm going to hate medicine because it takes a lot of my lifetime. So if the chance comes I'll get married and have a family!'

Also she is going to learn the Koran. Areej likes learning languages but she can't speak any other language except English and of course Arabic. She's learning and studying English to help her in her work.

Marwa Ayad

Some of our beginner students

2012-01-04T12:06:00.002+02:00

Hi I'm Mosab. I'm 15. I'm Libyan. I'm from Tripoli. My family live in Znata. I'm a student. My favourite food is bazin. My hero is Joma Gtet. He's from Beda. He's a footballer.

Hi! I'm Auob. I'm 14. I'm Libyan. I'm from Tripoli. I live in Korgy. I'm an English student at Yethreb School. My hero is Ali Dernawi. He's from Benghazi. My favourite food is pizza.

Hi! I'm Sheiam. I'm 16. I'm Libyan. I'm from Tripoli. I livein Ainzara. I'm a student at Al-Entefada School. My heroine is Selena Gomez. She's from the USA. My favourite food is hamburger and my favourite football team is Real Madrid.

Hi! I'm Ayman. I'm 17. I'm Libyan. I'm from Hoon but I live in Treksor with my family. I'm a student in university. My hero is Messi. He's from Barcelona. My favourite food is hamburgers.

Hi! I'm Hoda. I'm 15. I'm Libyan. I'm from Tripoli. I live in 11th of June Street. I'm a student at Ali Siala School. My hero is Tamer Hosny. He's from Egypt. My favourite food is pizza.

Hi I'm Ahmed. I'm 16. I'm Libyan. I'm from Tripoli. I live in Benashor. I'm an English Student at Yethreb School. My hero is Ali Dernawi. He's from Benghazi. My favourite food is Osban.

Hi! I'm Marwan. I'm 14. I'm Libyan. I'm from Banghazi. I live in Tripoli with my family. I live in Hadba. I'm a student in university. My hero is Jamal Rizik. He's from Hadba. My favourite food is hamburger.

Do you want to learn Spanish?

2011-12-18T09:29:00.000+02:00

Breaking News

2010-07-25T15:17:00.004+02:00

Yethreb will be closed from Wednesday August 4th until after Ramadan and Eid. We will have new courses beginning when we return from the break.

General English Courses
Preparation for the Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET)
IELTS Preparation

For further information please contact us: 021 360 4565 (after 5pm) or visit us at Yethreb.

Thank you!

Emailed homework.. yes, email is a verb too!

2010-07-16T09:37:00.002+02:00

Abdulbasset

PET preparation

Future forms - going to, will and when + infinitive

2010-07-02T15:50:00.005+02:00

1- I'm going to have some coffee. It 'll be very useful when I feel sleepy in the morning.

2- My brother is going to sleep outside. My father will be worried when he hears about it.

3- My friend is going to fail the exame. He won't be happy when we meet.

4- We are going to make party for my mother. She'll very glad when we suprise her.

Khalifa Alwani

PET preparation

1- I'm going to buy an old car. I will be on time to class when my work starts at the site.

2- I'm going to improve my skills in my field because I will be staying to watch what people do without do anything when I speak English fluently.

3- I'm going to travel over the sea. I'll get married to a foreign Muslim girl when I have a house and enough money for travel and a wedding.

Name withheld at the request of the student

PET Preparation

They Make Up My Day

2010-06-12T01:26:00.002+02:00

They Make Up My Day

When I first wake up I just take five minutes, holding these two photos and keep looking at them as though it's the first time I've seen them in my life. They bring back to me the very good and the bad memories, but what matters most is that they are not coming back anymore and that makes me think how wonderfully life changes.

One of the photos is a picture of me back when I went on a visit to America. I was seven at the time, the photo was taken while I was playing on a ride in Bush Gardens in Florida. It was summertime, I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt with butterflies on it. I was very happy, playing with an innocent smile. I love this photo because it makes me think of my childhood and how things change in life and how I used to see life back then.

The other photo is of me in high school, wearing my school uniform and going out the door to school. It was a strange period of life I've been through. Since then I've learned a lot of things and experienced very much, I learned a lot about my friends and how it's not easy to find the right true friends, and I learned about taking responsibilities and of course high school was one of the best times I had in my life.

I look at those photos everyday and wish those days would come back because then I could fix things that I regret and live those moments again and again.

Nora - FCE Preparation

Keeping Fit

2010-06-11T13:09:00.006+02:00

Dear Mrs. Khadija,

Of course there are places in my area to keep fit. I've already joined a sports club called Al-amal Club. It's very close to my house - It takes about ten minutes to walk there. I really like it there because the people are friendly, you can do sports there, play tennis, football and volleyball, you can go to the gym and do yoga. Also you can play chess. There are many good players and there are even some professionals.

You can also find a nice restaurant and there's a concert at the club every Thursday night.

Keep in touch,

Khalid

Khalid - PET Preparation

IELTS Preparation Course beginning in June

2010-05-28T19:24:00.003+02:00

The next IELTS preparation course will begin on June 13, 2010.

60-hours
Course fee: 250 Libyan Dinars
Fee includes classroom materials but not the exam fee
Extra self study practice material is available to students at no additional cost
The course will finish before Ramadan begins

If you are interested in joining the course please visit us Sundays to Thursdays between 5:30pm and 7:30pm to take the required assessment test and register for the course.

Yethreb Institute for English & Vocational Studies | 021 360 4565

Located in Benashur, Tripoli, Libya – near Mukhtar Clinic

Exam Preparation Courses

2010-03-27T15:29:00.003+02:00

Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET) and First Certificate of English (FCE) preparation courses will begin in April at Yethreb.

Course fees: 250 LD (price includes books but not the exam fees)

Please see Mrs. Khadija if you have any questions or would like to join the next course.

Thank You!

Yethreb Institute for English & Vocational Studies | 021 360 4565

Located in Benashur, Tripoli, Libya – near Mukhtar Clinic

Codes of conduct for visitors to Libya

2010-01-06T19:33:00.002+02:00

Here are some tips that the upper intermediate students thought would be helpful for visitors to Libya.

Behaviour on public transportation

Avoid paying the bus driver the fare until you reach your stop.

If you're taking a taxi you should negotiate the price before getting in the taxi.

Learn the proper hand signals for hailing the right bus.

Queuing

Libyans are jumping the queue all the time so you need to be a bit aggressive if you want to get to the head of the queue.

Dress codes

Dressing modestly will gain you more respect.

Wearing hijab for women is not necessary.

Saying please and thank you

People like saying 'please' and 'thank you' and it's a good idea to learn how to say the words in Arabic.

please = min fadlak

thank you = shokran

Starting conversations

Starting conversations is easy by asking where someone is from, or directions to places.

Talking to strangers

If you are a man, avoid talking to women you don't know in the street. It may be ok in some public places.

Libyans like meeting and talking with foreigners.

Talking loudly in public

Talking loudly is usually considered impolite.

Subjects you shouldn't talk about

Avoid using dirty words.

Steer clear of discussing local politics.

Things that might cause offence

Saying something bad about Islam or Muslims.

Eating or smoking in front of people in the daytime during the month of Ramadan.

Drinking alcoholic beverages (they're forbidden in Libya).

Upper Intermediate Students

Face2Face unit 6

Abdallah's news

2009-12-20T15:42:00.002+02:00

- I like most fruit, apart from grapes.

- Even though I read grammar over and over again, it's still difficult for me.

- I couldn’t be ready for the exam last week due to my brother’s wedding.

- Since I couldn't go to Ali’s party I tried to send a message to him, but there was no coverage.

- While my best friend was talking on his cell phone someone came up quickly on a bicycle and stole his phone.

Abdalla Ben Nji

Upper Intermediate

A very wonderful garden

2009-12-17T13:08:00.002+02:00

Yethreb's upper-intermediate students are learning about the Eden Project in Cornwall. It's a garden that uses exhibits, events, workshops and educational programmes to remind people what nature gives to us and to help people to learn how to look after it in return. In class we'll discuss the possibility of having a similar project in our community.

The Eden Project's website is here: Eden Project

What's in my future?

2009-12-08T21:20:00.003+02:00

I've got a shop, so I work as a shopkeeper. It's hard work but it's good. I might open another one next month. But I want to work as an engineer for a government company. It will be interesting there. I won't be married before that. Now I'm studying an English course. I'll be able to speak fluently with Mrs. Khadija. God willing.

Khaled Alhemaly

Pre-intermediate

In the future....

2009-12-08T21:15:00.003+02:00

I'll stay at home all day.
we'll have robots in our homes.
we might be able to fly without pilots.
I won't stay at home all day only.
I'll be able to do a computer degree.

Mohamed Tantoush

Pre-intermediate

My dreams for the future

2009-12-08T21:10:00.003+02:00

I won't want to have lots of children because life is becoming more and more difficult everyday. I know it's out of my reach, but that's my opinion at the moment. I'll do Umra and Hajj, God willing, if I have enough money. But the first thing I might do is build a beautiful house with a nice garden. These are not all of my dreams.

Abdulbasset Tantoush

Pre-intermediate

IELTS Preparation students - look here!

2009-12-06T12:57:00.000+02:00

The IELTS prepartion students are learning to write about graphs, trends and changes. Click on the image above or this link: http://www.eclecticenglish.com/applets/Graphs.html to play a game to help you learn some useful verbs used to describe graphs.

More for IELTS - Describing Graphs

2009-12-06T12:30:00.000+02:00

This is a helpful website about describing graphs for IELTS. Click on the image above to visit the website or click on this link: http://adw.hct.ac.ae/site_ilc/sites_ielts/graphsite/index.htm.

University Information

2008-09-22T01:47:00.004+02:00

Many students have questions about different universities and often ask their teachers for help in finding answers to their questions. Here is a website created by Google to help people find information about different universities and colleges: Google University Search

It's easy to find out specific information about a particular university. For example if you want to find out whether the IELTS exam is required for admission, and what band is needed, you can choose the university you are interested in and then simply enter IELTS in the search box. A list of links will be given showing you what information is available for that particular university.

Help with Spelling

2008-08-10T23:22:00.003+02:00

Many students have problems with spelling. Here's a fun way to improve your spelling - it's an online spelling program that you can play. Here's the link: Spelling City

Have Fun Spelling!