Monday, February 29, 2016

MEDITERRANEAN VERSUS NORTHERN EUROPEAN PEOPLE Guided comparison and contrast essay


The world is a very diverse place: some areas are more hospitable, others are less so but human kind now lives everywhere with the exception of The Antarctic. The climate and geographical conditions of the places where people choose to live naturally impact their lifestyles, habits and ways of life. Mongolians, for example, live in a land with a very harsh climate where the going is tough; therefore, they are very hardy individuals. Europe is also a large and diverse continent with the extreme south bordering The Mediterranean, and the extreme north bordering the North Sea and reaching into the polar circle. The people who live in these two very different parts of Europe also vary greatly.
 First developmental paragraph: The Mediterranean people
·         Climate: temperate, pleasant , plenty of sunshine
People: Gregarious, easy-going, talkative, loud, friendly, emotional
·         Agriculture: wine, olives and the like
Varied cuisine, derive pleasure from eating/ drinking, socializing over a meal
·         Concluding statement
Second developmental paragraph: Northern European people
·         Climate: harsh, cold, long, dark winters, less sunshine, inhospitable
People: introverted, reserved, less social, more superstitious, persevering, sober, cool, independent and jealous of their liberties (Give reasons)
·         Concluding statement
To sum up, people living in different parts of the world have different temperaments and different life styles due to the type of life they have to lead. Those whose lives are tougher, like Northern Europeans, have had to learn to cope with all that nature throws at them, while those who live in more temperate zones, like The Mediterranean’s, have become more laid back and sociable. One thing that all people share, however, is the values that make us human like kindness and generosity; such values are shared by all of humanity regardless of country.


TELL THE STORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS AND THE TEXAS REVOLUTION


Did you know that Texas was a republic for a time during its history? Did you know that Texans fought a war against Mexico?  Do your research and tell the incredible and exciting story.
Familiarize yourself with issue
·         Republic of Texas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shObNdzmoQA
Reading material to make notes on
·         The Republic of Texas https://www.tsl.texas.gov/treasures/republic/index.html
·         Republic of Texas  https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/mzr02
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·         The Texas revolution and independence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caJx90o36Ks
·         Causes of the Texas Revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCJtj4TDaqw
·         Republic of Texas Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZWcaFf9xtU

·         The Republic of Texas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkJ4Cn0Cwd8  

TYPES OF WAR Guided classification essay


Unfortunately, most of history seems to be comprised of wars of one kind or another. Bloody conflict, during which people take up arms against their own species and try to annihilate them, is unfortunately our method of choice in resolving disputes. The reasons for war may be religious like in the case of The Crusades, political like in the case of the Turkish War of Independence or ethnic and religious like the Yugoslav Conflict. At first glance, it is quite possible to think that war is war and involves people blowing each other away to kingdom come but this is far from being the case: wars may be classified according to method, according to the nature of the participants and according to the form they take.
First developmental paragraph: according to method
·         War (Active conflict)
·         Cold war (Spies )
·         Cyber warfare
Second developmental paragraph: according to the nature of the participants
·         Civil war
·         War
Third developmental paragraph
·         Pitched battles (Armies facing each other on the battle field)
·         War by remote control (modern warfare using technology)

In conclusion, wars may take place in the battle field or on the World Wide Web; may divide a country into warring factions or may cause worldwide conflagration; may involve arms or computers but whatever the case, they cause death and destruction. It is hoped that mankind will discover less violent ways to resolve their disagreements but it is hard to be optimistic given their track record.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A VEGETARIAN


This is a simple research related writing task
People around the world have very different life styles and beliefs; they also have different eating habits. Some, like Buddhists, are vegetarian; some, like Hindus, don’t eat beef; island people, like the Japanese, eat a lot of sea food. One eating habit which is spreading in the modern world is vegetarianism. Do your research and discover the advantages and disadvantages of a vegetarian lifestyle. When you are done, write an essay in which you present the pros and cons to your readers.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
Famous vegetarians
The reasons for going vegetarian:
·         The top ten reasons for going veggie https://www.downtoearth.org/go-veggie/top-10-reasons
Reading material to make notes on
·         Pros and cons of a vegetarian diet http://www.livestrong.com/article/196211-pros-cons-of-a-vegetarian-diet/
·         Is going vegetarian really better for you http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/vegetarian-diet-better-article-1.1253309  
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·         Being vegetarian: the benefits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7kwBSRvU7A

·         How healthy is vegetarianism really? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrXgElc0Bb8

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

THE PROS AND CONS OF LABOR UNIONS


This is a simple research related writing task and suited for pre intermediate students
Today, workers in the democratic world are mostly members of labor unions, which have become very powerful organizations. Yet what are the pros and cons of joining a labor union? Is it all it is cracked up to be? Do your research and find out. Then, write an essay discussing the advantages and disadvantages of labor unions.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
The history of labor unions:
·         Mini lesson on labor unions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCkyeHYPRVg
·         The history of labor unions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3kJ6OticrY
Reading material to make notes on:
·         The pros and cons of union jobs http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/pros-cons-union-jobs-1.aspx
·         Ten essential pros and cons of labor unions http://nlcatp.org/10-essential-pros-and-cons-of-unions/
·         List of 9 pros and cons of labor unions  http://connectusfund.org/list-of-9-key-pros-and-cons-of-labor-unions
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·         Advantages and disadvantages of unions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIONLn9i_V0

·         Unions pros and cons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFxv26_mkrk

TEA OR COFFEE?


This is the simplest research related writing task on my blog and a good place to start.
In most countries around the world, the drink of choice first thing in the morning is one of two things: tea or coffee but how do they compare? Do they have any health benefits. Do your research and write an essay in which you compare coffee and tea.
Reading material to make notes on:
·         Ten benefits of drinking tea over coffee http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-drinking-tea-over-coffee.html
·         The pros and cons of drinking coffee http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-pros-and-cons-drinking-coffee.html
·         Tea or coffee: which drink is better for you?http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160115-tea-vs-coffee-which-drink-is-better-for-you
·         Health benefits of coffee versus tea: which one is better for you?
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·         Coffee versus tea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOGXe7GN2eQ
·         Your brain on coffee   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YOwEqGykDM
·         Coffee versus tea: which is best?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csSq4emMwGk

·         Top ten benefits of black tea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdmITY0DgtQ
     
         Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

THE IMPACTS OF BAD NEWS


All we see is news of disasters, civil wars, death and destruction whenever we turn on the news or open a paper but is this continual diet of bad news affecting us in ways we are not aware of? Do your research and find out. When you are done, write about the effects of all the bad news we are bombarded with.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Reading material to make notes on:
·         Why we love bad news more than good news https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201411/why-we-love-bad-news-more-good-news
·         Psychology: why bad news dominates the headlines http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140728-why-is-all-the-news-bad
·         What all this bad news is doing to us http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/08/what-all-this-bad-news-is-doing-to-us.html
·         News is bad for you and giving up reading will make you happier
Video to watch and make notes on:

THE SINISTER REASON WHY PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE


“Romance may have existed in some form long before the origin of humanity, and some believe it was born out of death and violence”
By: Melissa Hogenboom
Level of difficulty: *
BEFORE YOU READ
Watch and listen once with the tape script open; then watch and listen a second time without the tape script and make a few notes.
QUESTIONS
1.       Where does the introduction of the article end? What does the introduction of the article mainly focus on? Be brief.
2.       Why did love come later?
3.       The down side of a big brain turned out to be a …………………………….
4.       Why is infanticide so widespread?
5.       How did infanticide impact relationships? How do we know?
6.       Explain in your own words what you think the word “promiscuous” means.
7.       Which of the two solutions to infanticide, monogamy or promiscuity, became more widespread and why?
8.       What does “this” refer to in the sentence “There is evidence to back this up”?
9.       Homo erectus is given as an example of an early human species which………, …………….and………………………………………………………………………….
10.   The ability to love only emerged with the development of ………………………….
11.   Two other reasons for the emergence and spread of monogamy are:
12.   What conclusion can we draw from the description of the first two stages of falling in love?
13.   What is the evolutionary purpose of keeping the serotonin levels of people in love low?
14.   The companionship stage is characterized by ………………..
15.   Which of the sentences below would best be included in the conclusion?
·         Falling in love involves a complex evolutionary and emotional process
·         Monogamy makes evolutionary and chemical sense
·         Falling in love involves a complex chemical process shaped by evolution
·         Infanticide can be prevented by monogamy so it should be supported
WRITING TASK
Write a one paragraph of the evolutionary process that helped shape our capacity to love. Remember, a good summary needs to include all the necessary facts and not the details. If you are not sure how to write summaries check out the following links:
THE SINISTER REASON WHY PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES
This serious scientific text is a simple account of the biological and evolutionary process that shaped our ability to fall in love. The fact that it is straightforward makes it suitable for pre intermediate level students.
1.       What’s more it could have been born out of something quite sinister/ It focuses on the biological and emotional impacts of love
2.       Because life first needed a brain that could deal with emotions
3.       A prolonged childhood
4.       Because a mother with a dependent infant is unavailable to mate until her infant has been weaned
5.       Monogamous male-female relationships were formed. Because infanticide consistently preceded monogamy in evolution.
6.       A person who says yes to just about anything; sluttish
7.       Monogamy; the offspring’s chances of survival improved because males could help out with parenting.
8.       The previous sentence
9.       Had a larger brain size, lived in large groups and cooperated
10.   The angular gyrus or the brain
11.   Mate guarding and female competition
12.   Love tends to grow out of desire; OR you cannot passionately love someone you never desire
13.   For the two individuals to spend a lot of time together to get a pregnancy going.
14.   Normal serotonin and dopamine levels and high levels of oxytocin

15.   The third option

Monday, February 22, 2016

ARE WE LOSING THE ART OF LISTENING?


People seem to spend their lives immersed in their own private worlds to a much greater extent than ever before. Many seem to be living in their own private bubble with their smart phones for company. Is this a misrepresentation or are we losing the art of listening? Do your research and write an essay on the topic.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
Reading material to make notes on:
·         Has listening become a lost art? http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/has-listening-become-a-lost-art
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·         5 Ways to listen better https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_5_ways_to_listen_better
·         Everyone around you has a story the world needs to hear https://www.ted.com/playlists/92/listen_up

·         Listening https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQSBFC_IlVY

Thursday, February 18, 2016

WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT: TALENT OR HARD WORK?


Everybody wants to achieve success but is it hard work or talent that gets them there? Do your research and decide where you stand; then, defend your point of view.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         Which is more important:  talent or hard work? https://prezi.com/ykhqpacmlexg/which-is-more-important-talent-or-hard-work/  
Reading material to make notes on:
·         Which is more important hard work or talent? http://www.debate.org/opinions/which-is-more-important-hard-work-yes-or-talent-no
·         What is more important: talent or hard work http://inspiria.edu.in/important-talent-hardwork/
·         Hard work versus talent the eternal debate   http://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2012/08/hard-work-vs-talent-the-eternal-debate/  
Videos to watch and take notes from
·         Which is more important: talent or hard work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsJ2E9lD_T0
·         Talent versus hard work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auL8spDBBz0
·         Hard work versus talent https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnu9l45uVyc


SHOULD THE JURY SYSTEM BE ABOLISHED?


Justice is delivered in courts in all democracies but whereas in some countries the verdict is delivered by a judge at the culmination of a trial, in others a jury does so and the judge then releases or sentences the defendant. The USA and Great Britain have a long tradition of trial by jury but is this the best way to deliver justice? Do your research and determine where you stand; then write an essay in which you defend your point of view.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         The jury system https://prezi.com/snmfpc88wf6f/jury-system/
Now watch and take notes:
·         Trial by jury: what’s the big deal? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrNw62hsNpM   
Reading material to make notes on:
·         The pros and cons of the jury system  http://www.visionlaunch.com/pros-and-cons-of-jury-system/ Make sure to watch the videos as well.
·         The jury system in Canada   http://thecanadianjurysystem.weebly.com/pros--cons.html
Make sure to read the case studies as well
·         Pros and cons of the jury system http://apecsec.org/pros-and-cons-of-the-jury-system/
Make sure to watch the videos as well
·         Jury versus judge trial http://www.lawstudentatlast.com/jury-vs-judge-trial/  
Videos to watch and take notes from:
·         How juries are fooled by statistics https://www.ted.com/talks/peter_donnelly_shows_how_stats_fool_juries
·         A bench trial versus a jury trial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CokYBHBdlHA

·         The defects of jury trials https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8WzuDuXs80

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

IS ANOTHER HUMAN LIVING INSIDE YOU?


By: David Robson
Level of Difficulty: **
 READ AND MAKE NOTES
·         This man failed a paternity test due to his vanished twin’s DNA http://bigboxofaction.com/science/this-man-failed-a-paternity-test-due-to-his-vanished-twins-dna/  
·         If you don’t know how to make notes, check the following presentations:
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST AND READ
·         Is another human living inside you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbjDTP4cVSs  
NOW ANSWER THE QUESTIONS
1.       The story of the origin of a human described in the beginning of the text is naïve / simplistic / uninformed / unscientific / misleading / superficial / incomplete. Circle the wrong answer.
2.       Humans are “a mosaic of viruses, bacteria and potentially other humans so we can conclude that humans are…………………
3.       What does “That” in the sentence “That may sound alarming” refer to?
4.       Why is Kramer concerned? Use your own words and be brief.
5.       The passing of cells from one individual to another makes the latter a/an …………………
6.       Who is responsible for the second blood group in the case of some twins?
7.       Should Lydia be considered the mother of all her children or not? Open ended
8.       Why would a chimera brain face more problems than a non-chimera brain?
9.       Why do people who have no twins sometimes also become chimeras?
10.   How, for example, can a grown woman become a chimera later in life? By absorbing…………………………………………..
11.   Why should researchers conducting twin studies be careful?
12.   Which of the following sentences would you place in the conclusion to the text?
·         No one is really an individual anymore
·         We are mostly impure to say the least
·         The term individual should be redefined
·         Chimeras make our existence colorful
      WRITING TASK
     Write a response or reaction essay. If you don't remember how to write such essays check out the examples on the blog
IS ANOTHER HUMAN LIVING INSIDE YOU? KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES
This fascinating text describes the real story of where we come from and as such comes up with surprises about our biological make up. The note making exercise at the beginning is very important as it introduces students to an alternative way of exploiting a reading text if there are no questions. The podcast is rather mechanical but after much deliberation I chose to include it; however, you can do as you wish.
1.       Incomplete
2.       Superorganisms
3.       The fact that a very large number of human and non-human individuals which are incessantly struggling inside us for control may influence our behavior
4.       Possible answer: microbes in your gut can have serious disadvantages and even cause death
5.       Chimera
6.       The twin who has been absorbed
7.       Yes, she gave birth to them; No, two of them carry the DNA of the twin she absorbed; she should be considered the surrogate mother of those two.
8.       Because the foreign tissue being directed by different genes carrying a different blueprint, may throw the intricate design of the brain into disarray.
9.       Because the individual started out as two fetuses but the twins merged during early development.
10.   By absorbing stem cells from her own son
11.   Because even non-identical twins may have sapped brain tissue.
12.   The term individual should be redefined




Monday, February 15, 2016

TEACH KIDS TO DAYDREAM


“Mental downtime makes people more creative and less anxious”
By: Jessica Lahey
Level of Difficulty: **
VIDEOS TO WATCH AND MAKE NOTES ON IN PREPARATION FOR THE READING TASK
      * What is Daydreaming in Psychology? - Definition & Disorder
·         The Interview Doctor the Importance of Daydreaming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4ov_8H_eII
QUESTIONS
1.       Which of the statements below would you place at the beginning of the first paragraph?
·         Lack of sleep has physical, psychological and cognitive disadvantages
·         Both kinds of rest, sleeping and daydreaming have numerous advantages
·         Both children’s sleep time and the time they spend daydreaming should be protected.
·         Both kinds of rest sleeping and daydreaming have numerous disadvantages
2.       Television, DVD’s and video games don’t constitute quality downtime because they………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3.       While daydreaming, the brain turns in on itself/ is cut off from the outside world/ is stimulated by input from everyday life. Select the odd man out.
4.       Why does Singer call daydreaming our default state?
5.       Daydreaming is a complex and beneficial neurological process because it has the following advantages: mark as many as you think appropriate
·         Psychological
·         Cognitive
·         Rational
·         Physical
·         Personal
·         Developmental
·         Neurological
6.       People are completely free while daydreaming because the activity is something where…………………………………………….
7.       The text implies that Lubbock would probably agree with Yang that daydreaming is paramount to……………………………………………………..
8.       What surprising solution to test anxiety and accompanying low grades was discovered by experts?
9.       Telling children to have some mental downtime may not be enough; parents may need to ……………………………………….to foster the habit in their children.
10.   It is implied in the text that activities that require / don’t require concentration cannot be accompanied by daydreaming.
11.   Which sentence in the text best summarizes the advice given to parents?
WRITING TASK
Bring together the information you have gleaned from the videos you have watched and the text to write about the importance of daydreaming and why it should be encouraged.
TEACH KIDS TO DAYDREAM KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES
This is a wonderful little text stressing the importance of daydreaming. It flies in the face of all past notions concerning daydreaming and is deeply refreshing.
1.       The third option
2.       Prevent mental wandering
3.       Is stimulated by input from everyday life
4.       Because it can’t operate when we engage our working memory
5.       Psychological, cognitive, personal, developmental, neurological
6.       They (truly) have autonomy
7.       Learning and emotional wellbeing
8.       Simply giving students a few minutes to think about and write down their thoughts on the test significantly increased test scores  
9.       Model the behavior
10.   Require
11.   Teach your kids how to just be.