My friend Kamal

My oldest friend is called Kamal. We met twenty years ago when I was fifteen years old. We met on my street because he lives by my house. He's my neighbour and we share the same ideas. Before I always saw him but now it's different because he is married and he moved. He has a baby named Harroun. I like my friend Kamal.

Sharf-Aldeen M. Abudheer
Elementary

IELTS Workshop

Yethreb staff and IELTS preparation students attended a workshop at the British Council. The workshop was presented by Sue O'Connell, author of the book Focus on IELTS as well as other exam preparation books and focused on the grammar and vocabulary necessary for students preparing to sit the IELTS exam.

A resource suggested by Ms. O'Connell was the Academic Word List. The most frequent word list can be downloaded as a PDF file: Most Frequent Words PDF

There are also some online exercises available for each sublist.

You can find them here: Academic Word List exercises

We'd like to thank the British Council, Tripoli for allowing us to attend the workshop and thank you to Ms. O'Connell for sharing with us her knowledge about English and IELTS.

Warm Wishes!

Yethreb Institute wishes you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Happy Eid al-Adha,
Merry Christmas,
and a very Happy New Year!

Improving Poorer Nations

There are times at which wealthier nations share their wealth among poorer nations in their needs. Although we acknowledge the importance of these matters, one should not neglect the negative impact it has. In my opinion, it is the responsibility of the governments to take care of their people and support them.

Firstly, if the poorer nations depend on the wealthy nations for food and education it may lead them to be submissive always to wealthier nations. People will not have freedom to their own way. Whereas the governments of poorer nations support their citizens themselves even if it may be a little of a burden to them, it would improve the status of that country.

Secondly, there are chances to dispose the unwanted, expired items to the poorer nations from the developed countries. For example, at the time of war or natural disaster, there are helping hands of wealthy nations by providing food, clothes, and medical care and many times it may not be useful for the needy.

However, contradicting to the above said, wealthier nations can give guidance for education with modern facilities. It may give not only a better experience to that country, but also to improve the status of the poorer nation.

Iby Sebastian
IELTS preparation

Should Wealthy Nations Help Poorer Nations?

With both wealthy nations and poorer nations the never ending debate of who is responsible for this problem, it is common that the blame is passed back and forth, rarely the blame is shared between them. But should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth? That is a difficult thing to judge.

The wealthy nations, having a strong economy may be expected to help the less fortunate nations in simple matters of food and clean water to drink but they don’t have to share responsibility for all of the people if they should decide to help out its considered charity or volunteer work. They are only responsible for their own nation and their own needs.

Governments of poorer nations are always trying to spread the blame of their poverty elsewhere. They blame civil wars which are a main issue in most territories, disease and the climate may also be contributing factors but the governments themselves have to act and plan how to overcome these obstacles and take action to help revive their people back to their former glory by creating stability and harmony among their citizens because with stability comes order so they can rise up and no longer need to be given handouts by other more fortunate nations.

On occasions it is difficult to say if sharing the wealth will help the poorer nations. Sometimes they might become dependent on these riches being handed out to them that they will never attempt to form their own educational system nor grow and manufacture their own food. As the proverb says ‘Give a man a fish, he has lunch for a day. Teach a man to fish, he has lunch everyday.’

I do believe that wealthier nations should help the less fortunate but only by letting them help themselves. Teach them how to grow crops instead of just giving them food, show them how to get clean water supplies instead of just sending them trucks of water, and to try opening dialogues with their governments on how to improve their school systems. In my personal opinion is that this way will be much more helpful to poorer nations than just sharing their profits.

Nasreen
IELTS Preparation

The Gap Between Rich & Poor

Nowadays the gap between wealthy nations and poorer nations is becoming huge and you can hear a voice here and there demanding to work on decreasing that gap by improving life conditions in those poorer countries and to do so there are two main opinions.

The first one say that wealthy nations are required to make more intensive efforts in helping poorer nations by providing some basic aids like food or education either by donating to the NGOs or contributing to the governments. But some experts oppose this way of helping. They say it doesn’t give real help. On the contrary it keeps poorer nations needy and it just creates countries unwilling to be developed and they will just remain poor; leaning on others to help.

The second opinion says that to develop poorer nations conditions have nothing to do with wealthy nations. It is the responsibility of the governments of poorer countries to work on their problems and find out convenient solutions for their poverty. Those who defend this idea say that most of the poor countries have natural resources and the problem is inside and it can be described as a problem of using the available natural resources for income. Furthermore, whatever wealthy nations provide it will not succeed and that it is like rewarding the governments of the poorer countries for their ignorance and abuse of their natural wealth.

If we take a deeper look into the situation we can say that both of the two parties are correct and wrong at the same time. They are wrong because neither the wealthy nation’s help alone nor the governments of the poor nations alone can provide a good solution, but it is right to have both together; the good will that helps and the governments that are willing to take care in a proper way of their citizens.

Onsy Tamadrous
IELTS preparation

Overcoming Poverty

When looking at the world today you will find that 80 percent of the countries are poor countries. They have no natural resources such as oil, gas or other revenues that they can use. The other twenty percent of countries of the world have good natural resources and good revenues that come from industries and export of goods to other countries. Some countries of the world do have natural resources but lack the knowhow, the technical knowledge, to make use of these natural resources and they try to import such experience from the outside in order to help them utilize such resources but not up to the required level they would hope for.

Governments of such poorer nations must spend much efforts in trying to help their people to get at least a reasonable standard of living, maybe by providing opportunities for jobs and education, raising the general standard of living for their people through various means; good administration, putting the right man in the right place, fighting corruption, equality in distributing the wealth and other opportunities between people.

The wealth, I think, do not have to share their wealth with poorer nations in a direct way ie by giving money and food, although wealthy nations can help poorer nations in overcoming their economic, cultural and educational problems by sending missions of experts to those poorer countries to try to help increase the standard of living in many different fields.

I really think and in the same wish the world will get better by establishing an administration with the United Nations that cares for strengthening relationships between wealthy and poorer nations in a way that leads to providing some subsidies given by wealthy nations to the poor all over the world because man is the man wherever he lives and he should have his dividends in the wealth that God made available for mankind everywhere all over the globe.

In conclusion, I think that overcoming poverty of people in poorer countries in the world can be accomplished primarily by the governments of those nations. The help of the wealthy nations may help with presence of good intentions but it comes as a second priority regarding this matter.

Masoud Abdussalam
IELTS preparation

Wealth and Poverty

Wealth and poverty are the most argued about words in life. These two words apply to every aspect in our world, and most people are either wealthy or poor. Middle class level could be the best level man could ask for; in this level man can secure the minimum of everything if he chooses.

However, it is not our choice to be born wealthy or poor, on this rich, low populated country or that poor, crowded, low resourced country. Moreover, it’s not in our hands to choose the family that is raising us, and if it is a responsible, educated and loving, or an illiterate abusing one that cant maintain the simplest needs in life.

But again there is the part the countries play through their governments and their duties towards their citizens and the equilibrium between duties and rights.

Nations are not the same and opportunities are not equal. We can see a wealthy country but the level of its human resources is low and others just the opposite. The poles of power in the world are those nations who have and also control the economy of the worlds. These nations are held responsible to take the lead in improving the world’s economy by encouraging the buildup of organizations that are able to reach the far most areas to help and improve the low situations for the poor; whether it is food, medicine, shelter or education. Making friendly gestures to the governments of the poor nations by offering all kinds of help in return for money if not for charity.

Zainab
IELTS preparation

Incredibly Fast Online Dictionary

Here is an online dictionary that's incredibly fast! It starts to give you the definition as you are typing the word. You can use the dictionary from the website or as an extension to your browser. Try it here: Definr Incredibly Fast Dictionary

Genius!

Learn English Today

Learning by looking

Here's is an interesting online picture dictionary called The Visual Dictionary.

This website is a great way to learn new vocabulary. Here's the link: The Visual Dictionary

A letter to Nouri

A beach in Libya

Dear Nouri,

How are you? I'm fine. Here's a letter in English. It's good practice for you and me. I have classes in English at Yethreb School. I'm in a class with eleven students. They're all from different cities; Tripoli, Agelat, Benghazi, Tarhouna, Mesrata and Janzour. Our teacher's name is Khadija. She's very nice and a very good teacher.

I live in a flat with my wife, son and two daughters. My son is two years old and my daughters are four and six years old. They're very friendly.

Tripoli is very big, very exciting but very cheap. The bus to Benghazi isn't difficult and it's not expensive. It's very hot now, but the beaches are lovely in the summer. I'm very happy here. Write to me soon.

Love,
Mohamed

Mohamed Ali Ligher
Elementary

A letter to Kimo

Dear Kimo,

How are you? I'm fine. Here's a letter in English, it's good practice for you and me. I have classes in English at Yethreb School. I'm in a class with ten students. They are all from Libya but all of them are from different cities. We have a good teacher. Her name is Khadija. She is a good teacher.

I'm living in a big house with my family in Tajoura. It's a very small town on the outskirts of Tripoli. All my brothers have different jobs. The weather in Tajoura is very lovely. There's a lot of farms around our house.

I'm eager to see you soon. Remember me to your family.

Yours sincerely,

Sharf-al-deen

Sharf-al-deen Abudheer
Elementary

Having Fun in Class

Learning English should be fun and it is thanks to Yethreb's wonderful students and staff.

Rustom from Mrs. Khadija's FCE class is a talented cartoonist!

Here's a closer image of Rustom's cartoon:

English Exam Preparation Courses

Preparation courses for Cambridge University English as a Second Language (ESOL) as well as preparation for IELTS are offered at Yethreb Institute. Below is an overview of the exams and some practice tests. For information about enrolling in exam preparation courses please drop by the office or call us 360 4565.

• Cambridge Key English Test (KET)

Difficulty level: 1 elementary
The Key English Test is the easiest of the Cambridge exams.

Who is it for?
Do this test if you want to know your studies have started well and you have a basic knowledge of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

What is the KET test like?
The test has three sections:

1. Reading & Writing - 70 minutes
2. Listening - 25 minutes
3. Speaking - 8-10 minutes

You can do these free practice tests: Grammar Test, Vocabulary Test


Yethreb Institute offers Cambridge University KET preparation courses. For information about enrolling in courses please drop by the office or call us 360 4565.

• Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET)

Difficulty level: 2 low intermediate
The Preliminary English Test is one of the Cambridge exams.

Who is it for?
Do this test if you want to know that you have an intermediate level of English. With this level of English you will enjoy holidays in English speaking countries. You should probably continue studying once you have passed the PET exam.

What is the PET test like?
The test has three sections:

1. Reading and Writing - 90 minutes
2. Listening - 30 minutes
3. Speaking - an interview, 10 minutes

You can do these free practice tests: Reading Test

Yethreb Institute offers Cambridge University PET preparation courses. For information about enrolling in courses please drop by the office or call us 360 4565.

• Cambridge First Certificate of English (FCE)

Difficulty level: 3 upper intermediate
The First Certificate in English is the most important of the Cambridge exams.

Who is it for?
Pass this test and everybody knows you have an acceptable level of English. You can operate effectively in a business or social context.

What is the FCE test like?
The test has five sections:

1. Reading - 75 minutes
2. Writing - 2 essays, 90 minutes
3. Use of English - 90 minutes
   
4. Listening - 40 minutes
   
5. Speaking - interview, normally with another candidate, 15 minutes

You can do these free practice tests: Use of English Test, Listening Test, Writing Test


Yethreb Institute offers Cambridge University FCE preparation courses. For information about enrolling in courses please drop by the office or call us 360 4565.

• IELTS, the International English Language Testing System

Designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK and other countries.

Who is it for?
IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
More than 700,000 people a year take the test.

What is the IELTS test like?
You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates do the same Listening and Speaking sections.
The test has four sections:

1. Listening - 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes
2. Speaking - interview, 15 minutes
3. Reading - different for Academic or General Training - 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes
4. Writing - different for Academic or General Training - 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes

You can do these free practice tests: Listening 1, Listening 2, Reading 1, Reading 2, Reading 3, Writing 1, Vocabulary 1, Vocabulary 2

Yethreb Institute offers IELTS preparation courses. For information about enrolling in courses please drop by the office or call us 360 4565.

Thinking of taking TOEFL? Think again!

IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English.

• Close to 5,000 education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.

• The test is taken every year across 120 countries.

Use this free tool to find out if the university or institution that you plan to attend recognizes IELTS and what score you need to achieve:

IELTS Recognition System

IELTS - Academic Reading

Here is a website that has some IELTS reading tests to practice online: IELTS SELF ACCESS

Vocabulary Game - Free Rice

Play this vocabulary game to help end world hunger!

For each word you get right ten grains of rice will be donated through the United Nations to help feed hungry people all over the world.




Here's how to play:

• Click on the answer that best defines the word.
• If you get it right, you get a harder word. If wrong, you get an easier word.
• For each word you get right, we donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program.

WARNING: This game may make you smarter. It may improve your speaking, writing, thinking, grades, job performance... (more)

Click here to play: FREE RICE

Test Your Grammar

Take an online test to check your grammar. Click on the picture above or click here to visit the website.

Exam Dates for Nov/Dec 2007

The following is the schedule for the next set of University of Cambridge English exams that will take place at the Cambridge Centre, Elite School, Tripoli, Libya. If you are interested in registering to take a Cambridge exam or would like more information please speak with Mrs. Khadija.

Key English Test - KET
Saturday 24th November @ 1pm. reading/writing/listening
Speaking Saturday 24th November @ 2.30pm
Final date of entry 15th October.
Price: 135 LYD

Preliminary English Test - PET
Saturday 24th November @ 9.30am reading/writing/listening
Speaking Thursday 22nd November @ 9.30am.
Final date of entry 15th October.
Price: 145 LYD

First Certificate of English - FCE
Saturday 8th December @ 9.30am reading/writing/Use of English
Sunday 9th December @ 9.30 listening/speaking
Final date of entry 20th October.
Price: 195 LYD

Business English Certificate - BEC
Saturday 17th November @ 9.30 am reading/writing/listening
Saturday 17th November pm speaking.
Final date of entry 8th October.
(this is the preliminary exam)
Price: 145 LYD