Monday, December 30, 2013

IS UGANDA’S DRACONIAN NEW LAW AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS OR NOT? ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY


Uganda has just passed a draconian new law, which has drawn protest from all over the world. Is the world right to condemn the law or does Uganda have a point? To discover what the law is, do your research and then write an argumentative essay supporting or opposing the bill.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
    Reading material to annotate
1.       “Ugandan MPs pass live in jail anti homosexual law” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25463942
2.       “Homophobia in Africa condemned” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23033423
3.       “Uganda’s gays fear mounting violence in wake of anti gay bill’s passage” http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/23/world/africa/uganda-anti-gay-bill/index.html?iref=allsearch 
5.       “African homophobia has complex roots” http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/may/21/complex-roots-africa-homophobia
6.       “From colonialism to kill the gays”
Videos to watch and make notes on
2.       “US, Richard Branson slam Uganda’s  anti gay bill” http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/24/world/africa/uganda-anti-gay-bill/index.html?iref=allsearch


Thursday, December 26, 2013

VIDEOS ON INDEPENDENT LEARNING PRESENTED BY YOUR BLOGGER

Below you will find the links to two videos in which I discuss "Independent Learning". The videos are on our university website and on youtube. I hope you find them useful

Part I:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqAXApXcKgY

Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFVwPwfUTVg

Here is the link to a talk delivered a couple of years ago. My talşk has beeb incorporated into a project. I am not responsible for the grammar mistakes in the power point, which was prepared later. Go on clicking until you reach the tasks. You will see the title "task selection" accross the top. Click the icons in order and listen to my talk:

http://selimhanciftci.net/

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

MOVIES OR BOOKS? AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY


Some people claim that when a book is turned into a movie, the book is almost always (there are a couple of exceptions) better, others ask why they  should bother to read since they can just wait for the movie watch the story faster and with less effort.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
This activity was prepared in its entirety by Mustafa Erdoğan to whom we owe great thanks. It is also my great pleasure to announce that Mustafa  passed the IELTS with flying colours two weeks after posting this writing task.
Reading material to annotate
Are books better than films?
Are movies better than books?

Videos to watch and make notes on
Persuasive Speech (Movies are better than books)
Movies are better than books
Fun

Friday, December 20, 2013

THE GENDER GAP IN PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTS; CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY


Gender inequality still remains a problem in certain parts of the world -developing and uderdeveloped countries - especially in business, but is becoming less of a problem in certain others - developed countries - as roles merge. Do your research and discuss:
  • The current situation
  • The changes that are taking place
  • The reasons for the changes
  • The possible repercussions of the changes
Graphs to study and draw conclusions from:
1.       “The gender gap is muted in the professional setting” http://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/thomson-reuters/2013/12/diminishing-gender-gap/53/
Poll findings:
1.       “The professional revolution: poll findings” http://blog.thomsonreuters.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/The-New-Professional-Poll-Findings.pdf
Reading material to annotate
1.       “The knowledge effect: the professional revolution” http://blog.thomsonreuters.com/index.php/the-professional-revolution-2/
2.       “Gender differences within the workplace” http://smallbusiness.chron.com/gender-differences-within-workplace-10512.html ( Make sure to access the related articles on the website)
Videos to watch and make notes on
1.       “What should a woman’s role in the workplace be?” http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/office-moms/5154a3edfe344451e4000113

2.       “Gender roles: women and equality in the workplace” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGspHs2F0gg

      Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

GYPSIES PAST AND PRESENT; A COMPARISON CONTRAST ESSAY


Gypsies have been around for centuries as indigenous nomadic people who live in close knit societies with a culture and tradition of their own. They have figured in art and literature with their colorful garb and unique way of life as free spirits who live on the fringes of society. Yet the kind of life they lead has changed drastically over the years. Do your research and compare and contrast the gypsies of the past and those of the present. When you start writing your essay, you will find that it has the narrative qualities as well as discussing problems and suggesting solutions; this is perfectly normal. You could plan your essay in the following way:
In your introduction, introduce the Romani people.
In your first developmental paragraph, discuss the Romani people in history.
In your second developmental paragraph, discuss the Romani people in the current century.
In your conclusion, suggest solutions
This activity has been provided by Özlem Gündoğdu to whom we owe thanks.
Reading material to annotate
  1. “My gypsy childhood” http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/sep/07/gypsy-childhood-prejudice-education
  2. “Romania’s child brides” http://www.theguardian.com/journalismcompetition/roberta-radu-shortlist-2011
  3. “A history of Romani people” http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/american-gypsies/articles/a-history-of-the-romani-people/
  4. “The history and origin of the Roma” http://romove.radio.cz/en/article/18158
  5. “The gypsy life” http://the-gypsy-life.com/gypsy-history/
Documentary to watch and make notes on:
  1. “Gypsy child thieves” http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/gypsy-child-thieves/
Videos to watch and make notes on:
  1. “Gypsy child thieves” BBC documentaryhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGDj0B5WQaA
  2. “Who are the Roma?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyIJuWwe9fQ
  3. “Saving Roma children” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btd6Fpxr23k
Animation plus text to explore:
  1. “Gypsies. Roma, Travelers: an Animated History” http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/gypsies-roma-travellers-animated-history
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Monday, December 16, 2013

FAMINE AND STARVATION IN AFRICA; A PROBLEM SOLUTION ESSAY


Famine and resulting starvation and malnourishment have become endemic in Africa continuing from generation to generation. A new generation of young people are now growing up under appalling conditions, plagued by this persistent problem. How can this never ending cycle be finally ended?  Do your research and write a problem solution essay.
This activity was prepared in total by Halil İbralim Aydın and İlyas Üstünkaya to whom we all owe thanks
Reading material to annotate:
  1. “A Strategy for Cutting Hunger in Africa- Part IV” http://fsg.afre.msu.edu/africanhunger/wolgin_eng4.htm
  2. “A  Home Grown Solution to African Hunger” http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0201/p01s03-woaf.html
  3. “Ending Africa’ Hunger” http://www.foodfirst.org/en/node/2556
  4. “The Concordia Index” http://www.theconcordiasummit.org/index/?gclid=CLa_lY7stLsCFQy33godf1YAnQ#/overview/OVER
  5. “Is Biotechnology the Answer to Africa’s Hunger Crisis?”
Videos to watch and make notes on
  1. “Obesity +Hunger = One Global Food Issue” http://www.ted.com/talks/ellen_gustafson_obesity_hunger_1_global_food_issue.html
  2. “Aid for Africa? No Thanks” http://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_mwenda_takes_a_new_look_at_africa.html
  3. “How to Solve Africa’s Hunger Problem” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPNv73rZOcA
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  


WHAT IS BITCOIN? DEFINITION ESSAY


Bitcoin is an open source peer to peer payment network and digital currency. It was invented in 2009 by incognito developer Satoshi Nakamoto. It goes into circulation without being connected to any central authority. We can invest or purchase goods and services with Bitcoin. Yet are there any potential pitfalls? Do your research and write a definition essay on the issue.
This activity was prepared in total by Taha Dikici to whom we all owe thanks

Reading material to annotate:

2. “Bitcoin Miners Cash in on Digital Gold Rush” http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/522612/20131115/bitcoin-mining-explained-profit-virtual-currency-cloud.htm

3. “What is Bitcoin and How does it work?” http://moneyweek.com/bitcoin/

Videos to watch and make notes on:

1. “Bitcoin. Sweat. Tide. Meet the future of branded currency.” By: Paul Kemp-Robertson

http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_kemp_robertson_bitcoin_sweat_tide_meet_the_future_of_branded_currency.html

3. “What’s a Bitcoin?” http://live.wsj.com/video/what-a-bitcoin/D79FF38C-7816-435B-B3B0-F9B177BCA0A8.html#!D79FF38C-7816-435B-B3B0-F9B177BCA0A8

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Saturday, December 14, 2013

SNOOZERS ARE, IN FACT, LOSERS


By: Maria Konnikova
Level of Difficulty: ** with a twist
Thanks are due to my friend and fellow teacher Nick O’Gara for this fascinating text and the first set of questions: ‘questions, the first batch’. He also inspired me to come up with this new reading activity so I owe him thanks for that as well.
BEFORE YOU READ
  • Do you wake up on your own? If not how do you wake up?
  • How do you feel when you first get up in the morning? Groggy, energetic, zombie- like, firing on all four cylinders and ready to go or do you like to take things slowly?
  • Do you have a morning routine? How long does it take you on an average morning to really get going?
  • Do you feel your natural sleep pattern corresponds to the sleep pattern you have to stick to?
  • If the answer is no, what effect does this have on you?
  • What do you think the following means: you snooze, you lose?
QUESTIONS: THE FIRST BATCH
Directions: Read each question and underline the answer in the text. Work as fast as you can!
1. Instead of giving you more time to collect yourself, what effect does hitting the snooze button have?
2. What is sleep inertia?
3. Though we feel we have woken up, why is the process instead more gradual?
4. Why are we bad at making decisions at this time?
5. What does the word 'mitigate' mean as it’s used here?
6. What basic activities can help speed the process of waking and barring sleep inertia?
7. What factors is waking without an alarm clock mainly based on?
8. What is social jet lag?
9. What are some of its negative consequences?
10. How serious is this problem according to some?
11. What is the most important factor in terms of sleep for academic performance?
12. Is it possible to reverse sleep inertia? If so, how?
QUESTIONS: THE SECOND BATCH
Directions: go back to the beginning of the text and try your hand at this second set of questions. These are harder so keep your wits about you.
1.      Hitting the snooze button on hearing the alarm is a mistake since……………………….
2.      There is a positive correlation between the severity of sleep inertia and……………………
3.      Problems linked to response time, attentiveness, memory, focus and the like emerge during the transition period described as sleep inertia because………………………………is not yet fully activated.
4.      What conclusion can we draw from paragraph 5 ( the one beginning: “Other research…”)?
5.      Social jetlag is directly due to the fact that …………………..and………………….don’t overlap.
6.      What conclusion can we draw from Till Roenneberg’s study?
·       *   30% of the population have a serious problem with social jetlag
·         * Two thirds of the population have a less serious problem with social jetlag
·        * Social jetlag is a more serious problem than we think
·        * All of the above
·       *  None of the above
7.      The case of the night shift workers is provided to support the contention that……………..
8.      What conclusion can be drawn from paragraph 8 (the one beginning: “ Roenneberg…”)?
9.      Read the case of the campers carefully. What general conclusion can be drawn from this example concerning the sleep problems that have been discussed thus far?
10.  Wright feels that all the problems related to displaced melatonin could be solved if we agreed to………………………………………………………………………………………………..
11.  Which of the statements by Roethke, quoted in the last paragraph, best supports the above view?
WRITING TASK; THE FIRST ALTERNATIVE: SUMMARY
You work for a big daily and your editor has told you he needs a piece of about 150 to 180 words for the back page on sleep inertia and social jetlag. Summarize the text and get published or lose to your co-worker! The best summary sent in will be published on this blog.
WRITING TASK; THE SECOND ALTERNATIVE: THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL JETLAG AND SLEEP INERTIA
In your introduction, introduce the concepts of sleep inertia and social jetlag. Then state that it is important to become better informed concerning the negative effects in order to increase attentiveness, decisiveness, vigor and efficiency in the business world, academia and in private life.
In the first developmental paragraph, discuss the effects in the workplace. Discuss the possible effects of lack of attentiveness, decisiveness vigor and efficiency in the case of jobs that require precision, quick reflexes, instantaneous decisions and how a less than perfect performance can even endanger lives. Consider factory workers, machine operators, air line control, doctors and similar medical staff, security agencies and the like.
In the second developmental paragraph, discuss the effects in the academic world. Discuss the effects of below optimum cognitive skills on students, teachers, academics and researchers. Explain that this will ultimately rebound on the wider society.
In your last developmental paragraph, discuss the effects on the individual. Discuss the psychological and physical effects of being out of sync. Mention the harmful habits that may be adopted and the possible ultimate effects: cancer, heart disease.
In your conclusion, suggest compromises to minimize these effects like managing shifts and off days better in the case of factory staff, the security forces and other shift workers, planning student schedules more realistically and the like.
SNOOZERS ARE LOSERS KEY AND TEACHER’S NOTES
I have tried something new with this activity: after the usual pre-reading section, students work through a relatively straightforward set of questions to familiarize themselves with the text; an activity that needs to go pretty fast. Once they have done this, they continue with the second set of questions which are a good deal more challenging. Hopefully, this approach will help students gain insight into text analysis. When they have finished, they first write the summary and then the effect analysis essay. If this being done in class, I would give it two hours.
KEY: THE FIRST BATCH
  1. It makes the wake up process more difficult and drawn out.
  2. It is a period between waking and being fully awake when you feel groggy
  3. Because the cortical regions, especially the prefrontal cortex, take longer to come on board.
  4. Because the prefrontal cortex is involved in decision making and self control
  5. Allay, calm
  6. Eating breakfast, showering, turning all the lights on
  7. The amount of external light and the setting of our own internal alarm clock
  8. It is the difference between our actual socially mandated wake up time and one’s natural biologically optimal wake up time.
  9. Increase in alcohol, cigarette and caffein use; obesity
  10. Very serious.
  11. Sleep timing
  12. Yes; by reverting to hyperlocal time zones.
KEY: THE SECOND BATCH
  1. It makes the wake up process more difficult and drawn out
  2. The abruptness with which you are awakened
  3. The cortical regions; especially the prefrontal cortex
  4. No matter what, our brains take far longer than we might expect to get up to speed
  5. The internal clock and the external clock
  6. Three
  7. The practice of going to bed and getting up at unnatural times could be the most prevalent high risk behaviour in modern society.
  8. It is bad to sleep too little; it is also bad, maybe worse, to wake up when it is dark.
  9. The effects are reversible
  10. Revert to hyperlocal time zones
  11. The last








Friday, December 13, 2013

"THE MORAL LIMITS OF MARKETS" VIDEO BASED REACTION / RESPONSE ESSAY:

Harvard professor Michael Sandel discusses a very topical issue which most people don't think about much in their everyday lives: "The Moral Limits of Markets" in this wonderful video presented by The Institute for New Economic Thinking. Watch and listen carefully, make notes and write a reaction or response essay. You will find examples of such essays posted on this blog under "Sample response / reaction essays" if you need to check out the organization. Thanks are due to my dear friend and fellow teacher Shayn McCullum for this wonderful video. The link is as follows:
http://www.social-europe.eu/2013/12/moral-limits-of-markets/

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

A TOXIC FEELING: PREJUDICE AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT; A PROBLEM SOLUTION ESSAY


Prejudice against a particular group of people, based often on atrocity myths or similar groundless views, has longed plagued human societies. Untold pain and suffering and pain have been inflicted on members of various ethnic and religious groups in many parts of the world. What are the roots of this toxic feeling and how can it be tackled? Now in December 2013, while commemorating the life and beliefs of the great civil rights activist and former president of South Africa, it is appropriate to research this topic and write a scholarly essay. There are many more sources than you usually get this time so a much longer essay will be required. The research should be spread out over three or four days at the end of which a 500 to 750 word essay could comfortably be written. The sources are all provided by academics who teach at respected universities. It is suggested that you introduce the problem, discuss it, present some of the causes and then the solutions. In your conclusion, have a restatement. This is one long writing activity so enjoy yourselves and get cracking!
Reading material to annotate
1.       “How to deal with prejudice” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_deal_with_prejudice
2.       “Top ten strategies for reducing prejudice” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/top_10_strategies_for_reducing_prejudice
3.       “Warning: racism is bad for your health” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_racism_is_bad_for_your_health
4.       “Juan Williams and the psychology of prejudice” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/juan_williams_and_the_psychology_of_prejudice (This is a very objective article so be patient and read it through; I was put off at first but revised my opinion)
5.       “The egalitarian brain” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_egalitarian_brain
6.       “Policing prejudice” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/policing_bias
7.       “What does prejudice reveal about what it means to be human?” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_does_prejudice_reveal_about_what_it_means_to_be_human
8.       “Does empathy reduce prejudice or promote it?” http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/does_empathy_reduce_or_promote_prejudice
One film and two videos to watch and make notes on
1.       “Twelve angry men” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RelOJfFIyp8 (This is a complete movie all about prejudice)
2.       “11 Ways to reduce prejudice” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQohvfz8SA0

3.       “A class divided" http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/a-class-divided/ (This is the complete experiment involving eye color and prejudice and is very interesting to watch)

     Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Saturday, December 7, 2013

PAPER, PLASTIC OR NEITHER? ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY


The plastic carrier bag has long been vilified by environmentalists as a menace but is its popular alternative, the paper bag, as innocent as it seems? Do your research and write an argumentative essay supporting plastic, paper or cloth carrier bags. Make your choice clear in the thesis statement you provide in your introduction. Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
We owe this interesting activity to Özlem Gündoğdu who did all the research and sent in the links. Thanks very much Özlem.
Reading material to annotate:
1.       “Microplastics pose toxic threat to marine biodiversity” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25186871
2.       “Are plastic shopping bags a problem in our environment?” http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Are_Plastic_Shopping_Bags_a_Problem_in_Our_Environment  Scroll down and check out the related links as well.
3.       “Paper versus plastic” http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Paper_vs._Plastic Scroll down and check out the related links as well
4.       “All about bags” http://www.allaboutbags.ca/papervplastic.html Check out the links on this page as well
5.       “Paper or plastic? A new look at the bag scourge” http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB124473522987806581
Videos to watch and make notes on:
1.       “Seven reasons to say no to plastics” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obl6bPqd3sQ
2.       “The plastic bag debate” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x37H0gsOVnk
3.       “The big bag debate- part 1” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ73nn8SS3M
4.       “The big bag debate – part 2” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMT1eyupRJg

5.       “The big bag debate – part 3” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lUZn8EQl0A

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

NEW AUDIO BOOK WEBSITE: LIVRIVOX

A follower of this blog, İrem Kaynamış, has sent in the following link for audio books which I have checked out too. You can download as an app, or you can search Google Play Store or App Store for "LivriVox Audio Books". The stories are original and unsimplified but very good. Thanks are due to İrem for this find.

https://librivox.org

A NEW WEBSITE: NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO

Selin Burgaç, an intermediate student at our university, has drawn attention to a wonderful website which provides superb opportunities for listening. I have checked it out and it looks great. The link is as follows:

http://www.nprnews.org/

SELECTIVE LISTENING EXERCISE: FIGHTING WORKPLACE BULLIES


We owe thanks to Oya Özağaç, our resident expert, for this wonderful activity.
The selective listening exercise below should be done before or after covering the related reading, “The Silent Epidemic: Workplace Bullying” listed under “Level ** reading tasks”. The activity can be done in the following ways:
1.       If you are a teacher covering this in class, give the students five minutes to read the questions, deliver the text at a natural pace and then give the students 5 more minutes to check their answers.
2.       If you are on your own, copy paste the text on to google translate and answer the questions as you listen. Alternatively, download as an mp3 and listen in your own time, more comfortably.
3.       If you use word to write your answers and remember to switch to English, you will also be able to benefit from the spell check and the grammar check.

 SELECTIVE LISTENING: Fighting Workplace Bullies –
From your readings, you may have understood that bullying can take many forms. It can happen at school, at a workplace, even on a public bus. Today I am going to cover a small part of a really big problem: bullying at work. First, I am going to explain what bullying at the workplace means and second, I am going to explain the ways to fight bullying.
 According to the WBI Definition of Workplace Bullying, workplace bullying is repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons by one or more perpetrators that takes one or more of the following forms: Verbal abuse, offensive behaviors which are threatening, humiliating, or intimidating, and lastly work sabotage, which prevents work from getting done. Let me repeat the definition for you to be able to take notes: the forms of  workplace bullying can be verbal abuse as well as offensive behavior, which may even extend to work sabotage.
On the way to fighting workplace bullies, the first thing is preparing yourself to respond. The first question you should answer is “Are you ready to fight back against a bully at your work place?” It’s tempting to confront him immediately, now that you understand his motivations and recognize his behaviors. But that usually isn’t a good idea. It will be difficult enough to deal with the bully without adding lack of preparation. In other words, before confronting a bully, it is necessary to get prepared.
That’s not to say that you couldn’t respond right now. It might even work out well. But otherwise it’s better to hold your fire, particularly if the bully is highly skilled and well-entrenched.
Preparation has to have two forms: mental and financial preparation, after which you can prepare a strategy for fighting back, covered in the next lecture.
As for mental preparation, you should be ready to accept the fact that you will face many problems. You are likely to experience many ups and downs as you battle a workplace bully. To be effective, you need a resilient attitude. What is meant by resilient attitude is that you must recover easily and quickly from the hardship you will live through. That will allow you to endure difficult circumstances without feeling overwhelmed. Being resilient will also make you far more effective in your daily interactions with the bully. To sum up, being ready to recover has two advantages: first, you do not feel overwhelmed and second, you become more effective when dealing with the bully.
When you display a positive demeanor, it shows everyone--especially the bully--that you aren’t bothered by his aggressive tactics. You may even convey slight amusement at his more obvious bullying behavior. By displaying calmness and poise, and staying in good humor, you become a more difficult target.
An interesting finding about workplace bullying is that you are alone in fighting your own battle. You need to expect to be on your own in your fight with a workplace bully, with no support from within the company. Even if you have colleagues you consider close friends, they may not support you. They may stay loyal to you, but don’t count on it. They are more likely to distance themselves from your problems, hoping to preserve their own position and opportunities. In other words, they want to keep their own position and opportunities by putting a distance between themselves and you.
And how does the management react against bullying? You should prepare for the possibility that fighting a bully will get you fired. If you are alone in fighting a bully, management has an easy way to resolve the situation. However, the management almost always supports bullying because first, they do not like victims and second, bullies get the job done. Well, it is really an interesting fact that the management will support the bully rather than the bully’s targets.
As for financial preparation, you should accept the fact that taking on a workplace bully can get you fired, or drive you to the point of quitting. Take some time to consider the consequences. Are financial pressures making you desperate to hang on to your job? If so, you will be in no position to calmly and effectively fight a bully. So what’s the solution?
The solution is finding another job before you start fighting back. You could line up a new job in advance, which will make you feel more powerful because then, you will not have to keep on working at a workplace that does not protect your rights. You have other options. There is the possibility that a vindictive workplace bully will harm your ability to find a new job. Let’s say, for example, that as you fight back, you either get to the point of being fired or you resign before finding a new job. In this situation, the bully may provide negative feedback on your performance to any prospective new employers. This negative feedback on your performance may affect your chance of finding another job because he would be poisoning the well, which means he can cleverly paint a negative picture of you without being explicit. For this reason, you may be better off lining up a new job before you get too far down the road in fighting a workplace bully.
When you talk to prospective employers, be careful not to complain about your current situation. Instead, explain your motivation in positive terms. Explain that you are generally satisfied with your current job but you are seeking to improve your prospects. Don’t mention that you can’t stand your boss. One common pitfall  for  job seekers is that they complain about their previous employers, which leaves a negative impression. Instead, try to find companies you admire, and then describe that admiration as your reason for interviewing. Alternatively, you could simply explain that you want a job closer to home. Networking also proves to be a highly effective method of finding good jobs. Your network of friends and former co-workers help you in providing a positive impression by giving a personal introduction to a prospective employer.
So far, we have looked at the definition of workplace bullying and two ways of preparation to fight it, namely mental and financial preparation. Workplace bullying may appear as an individual problem; however, it may also reflect on your life after work. If you are married, the upsetting work environment may reflect on your family life as well. So, there are one or two things you can do to make sure your family is less affected by your problems.
First, you need to get your family on board. This means, when bullying starts affecting your life, share this information with your family. They may not know much about your workplace or the intensity of the bullying but you can reduce problems of miscommunication to a minimum. Do not keep secrets from your family. They need to know what is happening with the other part of your life. To solve miscommunication problems and find support, educating your family is a must.
Thank you for listening.



FIGHTING WORKPLACE BULLYING – SELECTIVE LISTENING
Answer the following questions while listening to the talk.

1. What are the different forms of workplace bullying? (write one).


2. What is the initial step to stop workplace bullying?


3. What advantages does being ready to recover have? (write one).


4. Why do your colleagues want to put a distance between themselves and you when you are bullied?


5. In case of a workplace bullying, who does the company support?


6. What is the solution to not having any financial pressures?


7. How does a bully harm your ability to find a new job?


8. What is one common mistake that jobseekers make?


9. When bullied, how can you solve miscommunication and find support from your family?



Monday, December 2, 2013

SYRIA’S LOST GENERATION; A PROBLEM SOLUTION ESSAY


The number of children who have suffered loss of family members, been orphaned, suffered physical and psychological trauma the effects of which are probably impossible to get rid of. The world is now faced with a problem: how to help these innocent victims of a brutal civil war? Do your research, describe the problem and provide solutions.
Audio and video material to make notes on
  1. “Syria’s lost generation” http://www.newyorker.com/sandbox/portfolio/syria/ Remember to click to listen to the stories of these children.
  2. “Syria’s lost generation” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25149487
  3. “Syria’s lost generation” http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2013/11/29/pkg-jamjoom-syria-refugee-children.cnn.html
  4. “Inside Syria: the lost generation of Syria” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4EErph4JG0
Reading material to read and annotate
  1. “Syria: UN child specialists warn of new lost generation amid crisis” http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/24/syria-crisis-refugee-children-un
  2. “Inside a refugee camp with Syria’s lost generation” http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/26/20201103-inside-a-refugee-camp-with-syrias-lost-generation
  3. “Syria’s children: a lost generation” http://www.refworld.org/docid/514308422.html
  4. “Greening: Syrian children must not become a lost generation” https://www.gov.uk/government/news/greening-syrian-children-must-not-become-a-lost-generation
  5. “Syria’s children to become lost generation” http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/syria-s-children-to-become-lost-generation-1.1338828
  6. “Syria’s children a lost generation” http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/laura-padoan/syrias-children-a-lost-generation_b_3790631.html
  7. “Groups warn of lost generation of refugee children” http://www.dw.de/groups-warn-of-lost-generation-of-syrian-children/a-17011237
Suggested plan:
In your introduction, explain how the problem came about in general terms.
In your first developmental paragraph, discuss the problem with all its repercussions. Discuss the devastating effects and give examples.
In your second developmental paragraph, discuss both short term and long term measures.

In your conclusion, stress the urgency of the problem


Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Friday, November 29, 2013

VIDEO: THE HUBBLE ULTRA DEEP FIELD 3D

This brilliant video was sent in by my dear friend and fellow teacher Yağız Tanlı. Watch it carefully and write a brief summary.Try also to state the main idea.
http://www.flixxy.com/hubble-ultra-deep-field-3d.htm

Thursday, November 28, 2013

REACTION ESSAY: “OVERDOSE KILLS RIGHT O DIE MAN” and “VINCENT HUMBERT’S LETTER TO JAQUES CHIRAC”




bbc. co.uk /news
Fatal accidents and injuries cause a lot of people’s death every day. But there is something worse than death: paralysis and incurable injuries. Is euthanasia acceptable in situations such as this? The issue became topical once again following the case of Vincent Humbert.
Vincent Humbert had a terrible accident that left him mute, blind and completely paralyzed except for his right thumb three years ago and he described his situation as a living death. He wanted to die because he was completely dependent on others. He wrote a letter to president Chirac asking for the right to die. Euthanasia is illegal in France so his request was turned down but his mother gave him what he wanted by putting an overdose in his drip. Two days later, the young man was dead. Before his death, he had written a book using his right thumb which is called “I ask for the right to die”.
In these conditions, Vincent Humbert must have felt desperate and wished to escape from the eternal darkness and empty life. He couldn’t move or see; he could only hear and think so it’s normal for to have wanted to die. The president might have thought that he was right to want it but he had to obey the law. He turned down Vincent’s request but he could have helped him to cross the border to another country where euthanasia is legal. Forcing someone who doesn’t want to live and has a logical reason for wanting to die to live is not fair. Vincent’s mother, Marie Humbert, did the hardest thing for a mother: she killed her son. By doing so she showed that she understood Vincent’s feelings and respected his decisions.
Which is better to allow someone in this situation to die or to force him to live? It is very hard to say. One is as bad as the other. One thing is certain: Marie Humbert shouldn’t be arrested but probably this is impossible according to the law.
                                                                                           İREM GÜNGÖR / INT; third week of