HOW TREES COMMUNICATE

It may surprise you to discover that trees can and do communicate with each other on a regular basis. Do your research to find out how they do so and write an essay where you describe it.

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

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         The 17 biggest trees in the world https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFBo5bj1tfU

·         How trees secretly talk to each other https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWOqeyPIVRo

Reading material to make notes on

·         Do trees talk to each other? https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/

·         Trees talk to each other in a language we can learn https://upliftconnect.com/trees-talk-to-each-other-in-a-language-we-can-learn/

·         Trees talk to each other, have sex and look after their young, says author

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/31/trees-talk-have-sex-look-after-young-peter-wohlleben-hay-festival

Videos to take notes from

·         How trees secretly talk to each other in the forest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kHZ0a_6TxY

·         How trees talk to each other https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un2yBgIAxYs

WHAT WILL THE WORLD OF THE FUTURE BE LIKE?

We are constantly told to live in the present and seize the moment but it might not be a bad idea to consider the world of the future; 2050 to be specific. Below you will find a host of material including numerous observations and predictions. Read, watch and take notes. When you are ready write an essay on the topic.

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         The world in 2050 in 8 maps and charts https://www.indy100.com/article/what-the-world-will-be-like-in-2050-in-eight-maps-and-charts--gyvUpK2RJZ

   * 17 ways technology will change our lives by 2050

http://www.businessinsider.com/ian-pearson-predictions-about-the-world-in-2050-2016-7/#we-could-start-seeing-delivery-drones-finally-start-making-deliveries-in-the-next-two-years-1

·         Wall Street Journal Demographic http://graphics.wsj.com/2050-demographic-destiny/  

Reading material to make notes on

·         What will life be like in 2050? http://bigthink.com/the-voice-of-big-think/what-will-life-be-like-in-2050

·         Predictions about the world in 2050 http://www.futuretimeline.net/21stcentury/2050-2059.htm#.WMfI79Lyi1s

Videos to take notes from

·         The World In 2050 [The Real Future Of Earth] - Full BBC Documentary HD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_1oiJqE3OI

·         The World in 2050 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEn3fapGfLQ

·         A documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z24Dd1Tcz1Y

WHAT ARE PERSUASIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

If you are worried about your addiction to technology and blame yourself, you need to think again. Do your research on persuasive technologies and describe what they are and how they work.

Familiarize yourself with the issue

·         Tech guilt: 5 'persuasive' technologies to help you be good

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/TECH/innovation/08/13/guilt.gadgets/

·         Faster, stronger, better - A guide for persuasive behavior change https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqqJOMcd2zI  

Reading material to make notes on

·         Technology and persuasion https://www.technologyreview.com/s/535826/technology-and-persuasion/

·         New technologies persuade in old ways https://www.technologyreview.com/s/535831/new-technologies-persuade-in-old-ways/?utm_campaign=internal&utm_medium=readnext&utm_source=item_2

·         The Invisible, Manipulative Power of Persuasive Technology https://psmag.com/the-invisible-manipulative-power-of-persuasive-technology-df61a9883cc7#.wyj4k65dd

Video to watch and take notes from

·         Persuasive technologies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTUWrXJId_Y

DESCRIBING A PLACE

Study the following before you start:

·         http://www.slideshare.net/nuriamen/describing-places-32190635

·         http://www.slideshare.net/aponce4/writing-describing-places

·         http://www.ceotraining.es/blog-ceo-formacion/writing-snack-describing-place

·         http://splitlessonsangela.blogspot.com.tr/2015/10/batx-1-adjectives-for-describing-places.html 

Now you are ready to write:

·         Cities and countries: select a virtual tour, study and write

https://www.google.com.tr/search?q=Real+estate+websites&espv=2&biw=1024&bih=662&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjHnp_u5rHPAhUJPxoKHYHpBgUQ_AUICCgB#tbm=isch&q=Virtual+tours+of+cities+or+countries&imgrc=QqgH2XsuO8kElM%3A

·         Homes: select a virtual tour, study and write

https://www.google.com.tr/search?q=Real+estate+websites&espv=2&biw=1024&bih=662&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjHnp_u5rHPAhUJPxoKHYHpBgUQ_AUICCgB#tbm=isch&q=Virtual+tours+of+houses

·         Alternatively, write about a country, city or building you know well

DESCRIBING PEOPLE

Study the following before you start:

·         http://www.slideshare.net/cristinaramir12/description-of-a-person-12671331

·         http://www.slideshare.net/angelspascual/describing-people-1466915

·         http://amberer.blogspot.com.tr/2013/07/writing-describing-person.html

·         http://www.pearltrees.com/lightspark/describing-appearance/id9824446#item95439700/l998

·         http://slideplayer.com/slide/8089957/  

Check out the examples:

·         http://www.slideshare.net/teacher.loccko/describing-people

Now you are ready to write:

1.       Describe the suspect: study the plan, look at the picture and describe the suspect

http://www.huachuca.org/238.htm

2.       Describing a suspect: http://www.grovecrimewatch.org/describe_person.html

3.       Watch the video and write: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBHPXNS9KZU

REILLY ACE OF SPIES

Sidney Reilly was a famous, or rather notorious spy whose life and exploits are the stuff of legend. He left his mark on the world of espionage, which has never been the same. He lived and was active during the first half of the 20^th century, and the series recounting his adventures takes place against a backdrop of the political and social upheavals of the time. Do your reading, watch the 12 part series and write about what kind of a person you think he was.

Reading material to make notes on:

·         Sidney Reilly http://spymuseum.com/sidney-reilly/

·         Sidney Reilly  http://spartacus-educational.com/SSreilly.htm

Television series detailing the exploits of Sidney Reilly

·         Episode 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTrvj0h8iJY

·         Episode 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXDarWvFlvA

·         Episode 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTYJGjlJzFM

·         Episode 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LI6VG8Hetw

·         Episode 5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBW_LDNqU4A

·         Episode 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHumZo8iqHY

·         Episode 7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lObgOdXV-s

·         Episode 8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=metGNh_1Ld8

·         Episode 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmYQFSGuQiY

·         Episode 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHs8idF1rr4

·         Episode 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8cdhnsBmpo

Episode 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbycfSyJ2x4

THE POWER OF THE PRESS; HOW THE MASS MEDIA INFLUENCES PEOPLE

The mass media is considered the single most powerful institution in the modern world. Do your research and discover how exactly the media exerts this influence. There is no reading material to research this task; there are only listening activities in the shape of podcasts and videos. When you complete your research, write an essay in which you explain your findings.

Animation: familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “Media effects” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvgURfZMGoQ

Exhibition: familiarize yourself with the issue

·         “Media influence on society” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z1eKeWs0MM

Celebrity influence: how the mass media influences people:

·          “Media power on society: Celebrity influence on youth culture” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdtjnbcYB14

Children: how the mass media influences people:

·         “Mass media’s influence on your mind” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2BN0zDFswc

How the mass media influences society:

·         “How mass media influences our society” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzc-jbFI_eM

·         “William Eveland – effects of mass media on knowledge and beliefs” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTS6nbGDbA8

“Mathew C. Nispet – the effects of the mass media on the political process” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEtbz_b4hZ4

WHO WERE THE NEANDERTHALS? DESCRIPTION

Do your research and write a descriptive essay in which you explain who exactly our Neanderthal grandfathers really were.
Extinct human species
10 Mysterious extinct human species https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwQWNpgdP6U

Warm up: Song

·         “Love Story – Neanderthal man” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGWaP7Q5vCI

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “Neanderthal man”  https://prezi.com/9lgaogvwrmgc/neanderthal-man/

·         “Neanderthal man”  https://prezi.com/ajgimk-g2v63/neanderthal-man/  

Reading material to annotate:

·         “Neanderthals may have been artists too” http://www.history.com/news/neanderthals-may-have-been-artists-too

·         “What does it mean to be human? Homo Neanderthalensis” http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-neanderthalensis

·         “Neanderthal man” http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/society/neanderthal-man.html

Documentaries to watch and make notes on:

·         Nova: Decoding Neanderthals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTMEDQmfOLk

·         Neanderthal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_TVm2zKqJc

BECOME A TOUR GUIDE; WRITING ACTIVITY

Below you will see links to virtual tours of various museums, historical cities and sites. Watch them carefully and become the tour guide. Before you start, watch the sample animated virtual tour of a tech museum. 

Sample

·         “Part one: a guided tour of the tech virtual museum” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUDmAiUDiuU

Note to the student:

Naturally you are not expected to produce the kind of description a native speaker would, but you are

expected to use the limited English you know to the full extent to accurately convey the correct impression .

Click the first link and read the beginning to the description below; then continue in the same way: The Smithsonian Natural is a natural history museum. It is in the USA. It has three floors: the ground floor, the first floor and the second floor. On the ground floor there is…… On the second floor there is a rotunda. The rotunda has a marble (stone) floor. In the middle of the rotunda, there is an elephant. There are doors all round the rotunda. If you turn left,….

Now, select your venue and take the visitors on a tour

1.       Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – virtual tour http://www.mnh.si.edu/vtp/1-desktop/ 

2.       Online tours – Louvre museum  http://musee.louvre.fr/visite-louvre/index.html?defaultView=rdc.s46.p01&lang=ENG

3.               100 Incredible & Educational Virtual Tours You Don’t Want to Miss

http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2010/01/100-incredible-educational-virtual-tours-you-dont-want-to-miss/

WHAT IS VINTAGE? DESCRIPTION

What objects that we use in our daily lives today might be considered ‘vintage’ 50 – 60 years later and sought after by collectors or by people curious about a past life style?

This activity has been prepared by Füsun Savcı to whom we owe thanks

According to the dictionary, the word ‘vintage’ means the following:

·         Is used to describe something that is not new but that is valued because of its good condition, attractive design, etc.

·         Used to describe something that has the best qualities or characteristics of the things made or done by a particular person, organization, etc.

         http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vintage

According to the following link, vintage refers to:

·         The time that something of quality was produced

·         Denoting something of high quality, especially something from the past or characteristic of the best period of a person’s work

https://www.google.com/webhp?rls=ig&gws_rd=ssl#q=what+is+vintage&rls=ig

Familiarize yourself with the term:

·         “Is it vintage or antique and why should you care?” http://www.ebay.com/gds/Is-it-Vintage-or-Antique-And-Why-You-Should-Care-/10000000000909361/g.html

·         “Using the present to find collectibles for the future” http://www.ebay.com/gds/Using-the-Present-to-find-Collectables-for-the-Future-/10000000001729293/g.html

Videos to watch:

• “Vintage: the never ending style” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SS0tlK0l2c
• “Brussels’ vintage market” http://www.brusselsvintagemarket.be/

·         “Istanbul’s flea market” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RENXDu711Zc

Look and learn:

·         “Antiques of the future” http://www.antiquesofthefuture.com/

·         “How to find antiques of the future”  http://www.wikihow.com/Find-Antiques-of-the-Future

Reading material to annotate:

·         “Cool and collected” http://coolandcollected.com/collectibles-of-tomorrow/

·         “Vintage London” https://www.northcoteroadantiques.co.uk/vintage-market.html

·         “Why is vintage so popular now? http://julietslace.blogspot.com.tr/2012/03/why-is-vintage-so-popular-now.html

·         “Why buy vintage?” http://www.britaindoesvintage.co.uk/why-buy-vintage/ 

THE GULAGS PAST AND PRESENT

The gulags, the infamous Stalinist prison camps in Siberia, still continue to exist today. What was their original purpose and is this true today? What were the conditions like back in Stalin’s time and has this changed in any way? To be able to answer this and similar questions you will need to do some research. When you are ready, write an essay in which you tell the story of the Gulags. You  can include information about the present towards the end of your development or in your conclusion.

This reading, listening and viewing into writing activity was prepared in collaboration with Füsun Savcı to whom we owe thanks.

The Gulag timeline:

·         “Gulag timeline” http://www.thegulag.org/exhibits/gulag-timeline

The map of the Gulag:

·         “Gulag map” http://www.thegulag.org/exhibits/gulag-map

Familiarize yourself with the topic: the Stalinist period

·         “Work in the Gulag” http://gulaghistory.org/nps/onlineexhibit/stalin/work.php

·         “Women in the Gulag” http://gulaghistory.org/nps/onlineexhibit/stalin/women.php

·         “Living in the Gulag” http://gulaghistory.org/nps/onlineexhibit/stalin/living.php

·         “What were their crimes?” http://gulaghistory.org/nps/onlineexhibit/stalin/crimes.php

Photo Galery:

·         “Gulag photos” http://www.thegulag.org/photos/kizny-1 Make sure to check out the other photos at the bottom of the page.

Virtual tour:

·         Take the virtual tour: http://www.thegulag.org/virtual-tour You will need to install an app for this but it is worth it. The site will direct you; it is idiot proof.

Familiarize yourself with the topic: the current situation

·         “An intimate look at life in a harsh Russian Gulag” http://www.newrepublic.com/article/114113/russian-prison-photos-yertsevo-penal-colony-arkhangelsk

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “Russia:  Siberian Gulag” http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/other-shows/videos/discovery-atlas-russia-siberian-gulag.htm

·         “Videos from the Gulag Museum” http://www.thegulag.org/videos/gulag-production-and-war There are a series  of short two minute talks by a leading Gulag researcher and historian, Anne Applebaum, all of which you should watch and make notes on.

Reading material to annotate:

·         “Life in the Gulag’s” http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/03/life-in-stalins-gulags/273681/  This article covers the past and the present day.

·         “Gulag an introduction” by Anne Applebaum http://www.thegulag.org/content/gulag-introduction-3  This article covers the past.

·         “Vyatlag then and now” https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/ekaterina-loushnikova/vyatlag-gulag-then-and-now This article covers the past and the present.

THE MAGNA CARTER AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

The Magna Carter, or the Great Charter which was agreed in 1215  is the basis of British, US and Canadian democracy today. The significance of this momentous document has never been so great as it is today. Do your reseach and find out why. When you are done, write an essay discussing the Magna Carter and its significance.

Note to the student: it is essential for maximum benefit that you spread your research out over three days.

Definition:

·         “The Magna Carter is the foundation of liberty” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/10548171/Sir-Robert-Worcester-The-Magna-Carta-is-the-foundation-of-liberty.html

Historical Background:

·         “The kings and queens of England- Episode 1: Normans to Magna Carter” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM5AUiicoQo  You will benefit from this video more if you have covered “Tell the story of the Battle of Hastings”

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “Magna Carter” http://prezi.com/w9p5mm2udabs/magna-carta/  

·         “Magna Carter” http://prezi.com/wbpay70nkjun/magna-carta/ Make sure to watch the video

Reading material to annotate:

·         “Magna Carta” http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/magna_carta.htm Make sure to scroll down to find the link to the 63 clauses of the Magna Carter.

·         “What is the Magna Carter?” http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/what-is-the-magna-carta 

·         “Magna Carter: the great charter” http://europeanhistory.about.com/od/ukandireland/a/Magna-Carta-The-Great-Charter.htm

·          “Why the Magna Carter is seen as the key document in the founding of the US?” http://americanhistory.about.com/od/famousdocuments/f/Why-Is-The-Magna-Carta-Seen-As-A-Key-Document-In-The-Founding-Of-America.htm

·         “The meaning of Magna Carter since 1215” http://www.historytoday.com/ralph-v-turner/meaning-magna-carta-1215 This text may interest those who seek more detailed knowledge.

Videos to watch and make notes on

·         “The relevance of the Magna Carter to the 21st century” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B6neLohOCM The first 10 minutes is introduction and not relevant so you may want to skip it.

THE PLIGHT OF REFUGEES

The number of refugees in the world has soared in the last decade as millions move across the globe for a safer life. Who are the refugees? Why do they leave their homelands? What impact do they have on the countries they go to? Do your research and write your essay in which you should:

·         Explain clearly who refugees are

·         Elaborate on the kind of life they end up leading

·         Go into details of the impact they have on the society they become a part of.

What kind of essay will you end up writing? What I can tell you with certainty is that it will be a good and rational one but it will not fit in with any “formula” you have been taught and that is FINE.

Familiarize yourself with the issue:

·         “The refugee experience” http://prezi.com/7bod3tcqzsm5/the-refugee-experience/ This presentation also includes videos.

·         “Refugees” https://www.oxfam.org.au/explore/emergencies/refugees/

·         “Refugees” http://prezi.com/rjv9a_qtflbl/refugees/ This presentation comes with a video

Reading material to annotate: reasons why people become refugees

·         “Refugee” http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/refugee/?ar_a=1

·         “The root causes of refugee flows in a global context” http://motspluriels.arts.uwa.edu.au/MP2102fls.html

Reading material to annotate: impact on host country plus solutions

More challenging resources:

·         “Social and economic impact of large refugee populations on host developing countries” http://www.unhcr.org/3ae68d0e10.html

·         “Impact of refugees on the environment and appropriate response” http://www.odihpn.org/humanitarian-exchange-magazine/issue-04/the-impact-of-refugees-on-the-environment-and-appropriate-responses

Less challenging resources:

·         “Impacts of refugees on society” http://blog.hopesforwomen.org/2013/01/29/impacts-of-refugees-on-societies-by-haya-madanat/

·         “Refugee and host community relationships” http://www.uniteforsight.org/refugee-health/module7

·         “Resettlement and barriers to resettlement” http://www.uniteforsight.org/refugee-health/module8

·         “Education for resettled refugees” http://www.uniteforsight.org/refugee-health/module10

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “To be a refugee” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpwqK3B2ac8

·         “Torn from home: my life as a refugee reflection video” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ifi21XZX_MI

·         “Torn from home: my life as a refugee” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSugg3ZaYBY
       Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

ASTROLOGY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

Man has looked up at the sky and the various heavenly bodies since prehistoric times and believed they had great significance in their lives. In ancient times, astronomy, astrology, magic, rituals and the like were closely intertwined and played an important role in everyday life. Major decisions were taken according to the advice of soothsayers, astrologers and oracles. Do your research and write an essay in which you discuss the place of astrology in ancient civilizations.

Familiarize yourself with the topic:

• “Fortune telling and horoscopes in ancient Rome” http://prezi.com/-ebtamc1o6ih/fortune-telling-and-horoscopes-in-ancient-rome/

Reading material to annotate:

• “Ancient astrology as a common root for science and pseudo- science” http://www.folklore.ee/folklore/vol15/ancient.htm

·         “Ancient astrology” http://www.urban-astrologer.com/ancient-astrology.html#axzz3763wuCba

·         “Historical astrology in Egypt” http://www.touregypt.net/astro/

·         “Ancient civilizations and astrology” http://astrology.about.com/od/thehistoryofastrology/a/AncientsStars.htm

Listening:

·         “Astrology: history and beliefs” http://www.buzzle.com/articles/astrology-history-and- beliefs.html

Videos to watch and make notes on:

·         “Ancient astronomy, astrology and sun worship” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbxzxEIlRmE

·         “Ancient mysteries: astrology: secrets in the stars –Maya Calendar” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWwqM-A56Pw

Documentary to watch and make notes on:

·         “Astrology: is our future written in the stars?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTMl5VjqFq0

WHO ARE THE WHITE SUPREMECISTS? DESCRIPTION / NARRATIVE / PROBLEM SOLUTION ESSAY

The issue of white supremacy is not a specifically American problem as many would like to think. This world view that was born in the US has spawned white nationalism, Neo-Nazism, anti Semitism, xenophobia and many other forms of racism. How did this dangerous, oftentimes violent and highly divisive, movement all start? What are its modern repercussions and how can it be curbed? It is the anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the civil rights act ending segregation in the south despite fierce opposition yet there are still 600 or so white supremacist groups in the US protected by the freedom of speech act. The Ku-Klux Klan is still going strong and the toxic message they and similar groups espouse is spreading as witnessed in the changing atmosphere and radicalization in Europe as well. You will need to do some research to be able to properly discuss the problem. Focus on the following issues in your essay:

• The beliefs of white supremacists
• How it all started
• Modern off-shoots
• Solutions

Power point presentations

• “White Supremacy” http://prezi.com/qe5jgm-akhxi/white-supremacy/ 
• “Three pillars of white supremacy” http://prezi.com/pv5e86xo7ju5/3-pillars-of-white-supremacy/ 

Familiarize yourself with the topic

·         “What are the beliefs of the white supremacists? http://www.publiceye.org/hate/hate99ASA-10.html

·         “What is white supremacy?” http://exitwhitepower.com/what-is-white-supremacy/ 

Reading material: definition

·         “White supremacy” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_supremacy

Reading material: how it all started:

·         “White Supremacy” http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/White_Supremacy.aspx

·         “White supremacy” http://libcom.org/library/white-supremacy-joel-olson

·         “The culture of white supremacy” http://whgbetc.com/mind/culture-white-sup.html

Reading material: solutions

·         “White supremacy: what you can do” https://sites.google.com/site/whitesupremacists/what-you-can-do

Videos to watch and make notes on

·         “Dave and Mike confront their Past” http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Former-White-Supremacists-Confront-Their-Past-Video

Video plus text: a specific, recent example

·         “From a house of hate, an outburst of violence” http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27448720

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