Joanna's corner

REPORT

2010-06-10T15:07:00.001+03:00

To: Student body
From: Manager of the catering service
Subject: A report concerning the improvement of the college catering service.
Date: Friday 7 May 2010

INTRODUCTION
Having considered the comments which I received from the students in order to improve the catering service the upcoming school year, I am writing this report to explain my suggestions on how the catering service can be better.

RECEIVED COMPLAINTS BY THE STUDENTS
The students are disappointed with the college catering service in many ways. First of all, they maintain that there is no range of healthy food. On the contrary, the food is prepackaged without any nutritional details. In addition, they claim that the place where the meals are provided is uncomfortable with no sense of attractiveness. Moreover, it is mentioned that the food which is offered is very expensive without any discount. The students’ final reference is to the unending lines of students who are waiting to be served and the limited working hours of the food service.

RECOMMENDATIONS
It is generally felt that we have to make efforts in order to improve the college catering service. For this reason, I suggest that, at first, we have to stop providing unhealthy food to the students. We have to provide a range of healthy food as a great salad bar with fresh vegetables. Additionally, we should decorate the place by painting the walls and adding funny pictures and paintings. Also, we should organize a new relaxing area including comfortable sofas and tables where students can relieve their stress, enjoy watching TV and listening to music. What is more, it is advisable to provide controlled meals combined with allergy warnings. Furthermore, I recommend a discount for some students with low incomes. For instance, we can provide them with a card and every time they have a meal they ought to show that card. Last but not least, we should hire staff in order for the catering service to remain open through the evening till late at night and serve the students rapidly.

CONCLUSION
To sum up, I feel sure that if all the above recommendations are taken into account we will achieve quality service combined with healthy and economical food which will be provided by the service of the college.

ESSAY

2010-06-07T13:57:00.001+03:00

It is a fact that a teacher of a young person is able to influence them. In my opinion, a good or bad teacher can affect the student’s life in a positive or negative way.

A good teacher is sociable, talkative, understanding and with a good sense of humor. They give the students the liberty to express theirselves and at the same time they help them to develop their skills and abilities. Additionally, they stimulate the students to search more in books and even more by surfing the Internet. On the other hand, a bad teacher discourages the students by scaring them. Therefore, they abhor school and feel discontented with it. Moreover, a strict teacher does not make efforts to get to know the children in order to create a warm atmosphere.

Based on my own experience, my teacher o English is an absolutely good teacher who urges me to express myself, my thoughts and my feelings. She finds various ways to help me to practice my knowledge in English and gain more of it. For instance, she encourages me to watch films without subtitles in order to practice the language. Furthermore, she motivates me to create a blog. This helps me to organize my learning and enhance my knowledge in English. She is a really well-organized and a true professional!

In conclusion, I firmly believe that the teacher’s influence on students is very important and all teachers should be aware of this before entering a classroom.

ESSAY

2010-03-16T19:37:00.000+02:00

Today, in many English-speaking countries, there are immigrants (adults and children) who do not speak English. At present in some of those countries only, school-age children are given free language tuition but, if all immigrants are to be integrated into their new society, language tuition should be available for all. What is your opinion of this suggestion?

In many countries there are immigrants who do not know how speak the native language. Nowadays, in more of those countries only the government's educational programs help children to reach the basic level of the native language. Hence, the students learn to listen more than speak and read more than write in order to get a low level job. On the other hand, I do believe that, the adult immigrants need to learn to speak the native language.

First of all I believe that immigrants must be entitled to learn the native language for the simple reason that they are, for example, in Greek speaking country. So, if the immigrants learn to speak fluently the language of the host country, they will be able to grab many opportunities there. For instance, the immigrants can communicate with other people in the host country and have the chance to find a well-paid and dignified job, which will match their qualifications.

Moreover, the immigrants need help from the indigenous population in order to adapt to their new society. To succeed in it, they have to be urged from the local government to learn more about the literacy, the history and the culture of the host country. Thus, the immigrants can feel as an important part of the host country and they can even help in the country's further development!

In conclusion, for all the above reasons, I firmly believe that the local people should urge all immigrants, especially the adult ones to gain knowledge of the host country's language and culture in order to help them to have a better integrate in their new society and make a fresh start as members of it!

ESSAY

2010-03-16T10:53:00.002+02:00

Many children with serious learning difficulties or physical disabilities are excluded from mainstream classes and, in some cases, are sent to special schools so that they rarely come into contact with their "ordinary" peers. What is your opinion of this type of schooling?

Many children are mentally or physically disabled. For this reason, these children are excluded from traditional schools and they are sent to special schools to be educated. In my opinion, the children with serious mental disorders have to be sent to special schools. On the other side, I believe that the children who are physically challenged could be sent to traditional schools.

Special schools are designed to ensure that students with mental disabilities will be educated effectively. In this kind of schools children are provided with an environment which allows them to develop friendships with similar children, so they will not feel add, due to the prejudice which grows into the school against children with disorders Also, the special education can include a range of support services which depend on the special educational needs of the students. In addition, the probability to fall prey to bullies is decreased. Another,benefit of special schools is that the children there can participate in games and activities and learn how to cooperate with other kids.

On the other hand, the physically-challenged children could be sent to traditional schools so as to be offered equal opportunities which most of the children enjoy today. Also, we must take into account that if the children with physical disabilities are sent to special schools, they will be deprived of the wide education which is offered in all of the children in traditional schools. Furthermore, in the special schools there is no opportunity for them to meet other "normal" children, who do not suffer from any health problems. Moreover, if the kids with physical disabilities go to special schools, they will not ever be possible to become part of our society, due to the fact that they will have been shielded from the real world.

In conclusion, I think that all the above make clear that the children with serious mental dificulties can cope better if they attend lessons in special schools, whereas the children with physical disabilities should enroll in traditional schools. This type of education could help these children to lead the quality life they deserve!

TASK

2010-03-16T09:57:00.001+02:00

With technology advancing more rapidly than ever, it is hard to keep track of the latest new computer game. let alone the huge advances being made in industries. But now is this effecting the workplace with technology and machines taking the place of humans? It is now becoming increasingly hard to fing a job for life. Some argue that industries are more productive and efficient than ever before, whilst others remain more skeptical of the advances.

In recent years, there have been many technological innovations. Alot of them, such as the computers, the robots and the machines have put people out of a job. To tell you the truth, I can not urge that the development of technology eliminates the jobs bacause innovations do not fire people but bosses do! I believe that there must be a cooperation between technology and people. So, the companies have to use technology and people in a balanced way. I am saying that for many reasons.

First of all, technological innovations make workers more efficient and productive. That happens bacause when people use the technology, they work rapidly, effectively and profitably. So, people who have skills to use the technology gainfully and have a desire to be better, they will have no fear of replacement.

On the other side, when the technology is used ineffectively, it leads to the elimination of jobs and work insecurity. As a result, joblessness is increased by replacing people in many workplaces. For example, a software which is offered free on the net can replace people!

In conclusion, for all the above reasons, I believe that the managers and all of us in our everyday life have to use the advanced technology for the best!

TASK

2010-03-16T09:28:00.001+02:00

Do you think there is equality between men and women in the workplace?

I believe that, today, there is not equality between men and women in the working environment. I am saying that because it is believed that the woman's role within the family is to stay at home, take care of her children and do all the housework. Moreover, the typical career options for a man is to be a doctor, a lawyer or a builder. In contrast, the typical career options for a woman is to be a teacher, a nurse or a paediatrician. These are professions which are related to children. So the woman have limited options! In terms of the inherent roles, the man is supposed to be the bread winner and the woman to be the tender mum! Taking all the above into consideration, we can understand that there are not equal opportunities for the two sexes.

REPORT

2010-02-26T19:03:00.003+02:00

To: Mr George Karampourniotis
From: Joanna Sfiga
Subject: A report about the quality of the "Villas are us!"
Date: 16 February 2010

INTRODUCTION

Having spent two weeks in Greece checking the quality of accommodation and services provided by "Villas are us!", I am writing this report to explain my findings.

INFORMATION ON THEIR HOLIDAY BROCHURE

On their holiday brochure they promote the quality of the provided services in villas. Firstly, they mentioned that the luxury holidays villas are located in a quiet area. In addition, it is said that every villa offers hospitality for up to six people. Moreover, the villas are cleaned every day to a high standard. It is, also, said that the swimming pool is in a perfect condition and that a luxury welcome basket will be in every villa. Finally, it is mentioned that they offer transfer to and from the airport.

WHAT I OBSERVED DURING MY STAY

After spending two weeks in "Villas are us!" in Greece, I committed to paper numerous of shortcomings. To begin with, the villas are located in a noisy area, near a nightclub. Additionally, there are many stray dogs outside the villa and during the night I heard them barking. Another point to take into consideration is that there was a damp wall in one room and it smelled disgusting. Moreover, the villas were cleaned only on five days in two weeks and the swimming pool had never been cleaned before! As for, the "luxury welcome basket", it comprised of a cheap wine and sandwiches. Last but least, I had to wait for two hours in the airport when I arrived, while it is claimed on the brochure that their services aim at making everything easier for the guests of the villas.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Finally, it is clear that the resort "Villas are us!" does not provide the luxury facilities which are promoted on the brochure. I feel discontented with the organization in this resort and I believe that our company does not what to offer this kind of quality to our customers. So, the facilities of the "Villas are us!" do not meet the requirements of our company.

ESSAY

2010-02-25T22:35:00.004+02:00

What are the characteristics of a good teacher?

When I was younger I wanted to become a teacher. In fact, everyone can be a teacher, but to be a good teacher you need "work"! In my opinion, there are many characteristics which a good teacher should have in order to be a well-organized and successful professional.

Firstly, a good teacher must be a good-listener and absolutely fair. He/She has to give the students the liberty to express their opinion and at the same time to recognise their efforts.

Furthermore, a teacher should have specialized knowledge, be patient and intelligent. For example, when the students don't understand what the teacher says, the teacher should explain them the same thing in a different and more simple way! A good instructor has the right knowledge to do this.

Moreover, effective teachers encourage the students to study and to try to search more in books or even better by surfing the net. For instance, my teacher in English pervaded me to create a blog to practice the language!

In addition, other important characteristics of a competent teacher is to be sociable, talkative, understanding and with a good sense of humour. In this way, the teacher can be friendly with the students while teaching them.

In conclusion, a good teacher should have all the above positive characteristics and even more in order to succeed!

Vocabulary Calendar of January

2010-02-18T17:47:00.001+02:00

1. As we were driving to Elouda, we stopped to admire the scenery.
2. She tidied her room scrupulously.
3. These days, I seek for employment in order.
4. Try to be sensible don't talk like that.
5. I sat under the tree's shade.
6. I shielded her with my body
7. I have just rented a single-story house.
8. I would like you to sketch my face.
9. I didn't recognize him! He is very slim now!
10. I like to have solitary moments in my life!
11. I am suspicious that he is a robber!
12. My teacher Christina drives a "swift" car!
13. I love my new decoration in my house because of the symphony of colours in there.
14. Where did the accident take place?
15. What's the temperature today?
16. This movie is terrifying so I don't suggest it to you.
17. I don't agree with him. He has his own theories.
18. He will not come and talk to me because he is very timid.
19. I started crying when I watched the most touching ecene of the movie.
20. I will not tolerate your inappropriate behaviour.
21. My boss threatened to fire me.
22. On the first day at work he told me what my duties will be.
23. They decided to construct a church near to house.
24. I find difficulty in learning a new language.
25. I am proud of his victory.
26. I am opposed to his plans.
27. She is determined to succeed.
28. He is always punctual, as he arrives on time.
29. I admire my teacher bacause she has a resourceful mind.
30. The old man signed with his initials.
31. We must co-ordinate our efforts.

SIMILAR FUNCTIONS WITH SUBORDINATE CLAUSES

2010-02-10T13:13:00.003+02:00

= linking word + subject + verb

gerund:
e.g. Looking at the mirror, I decided to wear the blue skirt.
While I was looking at the mirror, I decided to wear the blue skirt.

infinitive:
e.g. The bridge, to be constructed in 3 years, will cut down on traffic.
The bridge, which will be constructed in 3 years, will cut down on traffic.

past participle:
e.g. Blood tranfusions, first used in World War I, are now common medical practice.
Blood tranfusions, which were first used in World War I, are now common medical practice.

SO - SUCH

2010-02-09T17:45:00.003+02:00

So + adj/adv (+ that + clause)
e.g. You look so beautiful today that I want to kiss you.

Such (+a/an) +adj + noun (+ that + clause)
e.g. You are such a good boy that you deserve a present.
It is such a good weather today!

FOR EMPHASIS:
So + adj + a/an + noun
e.g. It was located in so industrial an area.

INDIRECT QUESTIONS

2010-02-09T17:43:00.002+02:00

I don't know what you are talking about.
Can you tell me what time it is?

FORCING

2010-02-09T17:35:00.003+02:00

Make sb do sth.
Have sb do sth.

Get sb to do sth.
Force sb to do sth.

SUBJUNCTIVE

2010-02-05T15:49:00.002+02:00

Necessity:
It is important, vital, necessary, essential, crucial..+(that)+subject+bare infinitive+(should)+clause.
e.g. It is crusial that he be on time.
It is necessary that he work hard.

I insist, suggest, recommend...
e.g. I insist that he go there.
I recommend that she buy the flat.
I suggest that we be relaxed at work.

INVERSION

2010-02-05T15:35:00.003+02:00

Not only...but also...
e.g. Not only did he cheat on me, but he also yelled at me.

Barely, Hardly, Scarcely...
e.g. Scarcely had I opened the door when I saw him.

Always, Never, In no way...
Under no circumstances...

Only if/after/when..., inverted main-clause.
e.g Only if I see that, will I believe it.

INVERTED CONDITIONALS

2010-02-05T15:07:00.004+02:00

FIRST CONDITIONAL
If you see John, sai hi.
Should you see John, say hi.

SECOND CONDITIONAL
If I were you, I would apologize.
Were I you, I would apologize.

THIRD CONDITIONAL
If You had studied, you would have passed.
Had you studied, you would have passed.

WORDS INSTEAD OF "IF"

2010-02-02T19:00:00.003+02:00

FIRST CONDITIONAL

If + Present Simple --> will + verb

e.g. If we don't do our homework, our teacher will be furious.
Unless we do our homework, our teacher will be furious.

Provided (that)...
Providing (that)...
As long as...
e.g. Provided that the weather is good, the match will take place as usual.

NOTE: No "will", even if they refer to the future!
If-clause
Time-clause
e.g. If you go Paris make sure you visit the Louvre.

when, while, before, after, as soon as -->
Present Simple, Present Continuous, Present Perfect -->
to refer to the future!!

TIME CLAUSES
While you stay in Paris, make sure you visit the Louvre.
When I am sitting on the beach, I love reading books.
As soon as you have arrived home, please call me.

ESSAY

2010-02-01T15:30:00.004+02:00

Compare yourself today and yourself five years ago. In what ways are you the same or different?

All the people as they get older undergo changes. Comparing myself today and five years ago, I find a lot of differences. I believe that I have changed in many aspects personally and professionally.

Five years ago, I was a 20-year-old spontaneous easy-going girl. I was in the second year in the University of Crete. At that time, I did not have any job experience and I was thinking in a difference way. I didn’t care about the future; I was just living for the present. I trusted everyone without taking into account the consequences. I also used to spend money without thinking about how to gain it. I lived in my family’s house and I was totally dependent on my family. Moreover, I was mad about reading books and going to the cinema to watch the latest films.

Five years later, I have evolved into a responsible and mature woman. I have graduated from the University of Crete and I am planning to apply for a postgraduate degree on Economics. Furthermore, I sell products by Avon cosmetics. I don’t gain much money but I make enough money to obtain the cosmetics I need free of charge. That kind of work has a lot of fun because it is a cause to keep in touch with your friends and also to communicate with other people. What is more, I feel more mature and confident. Now, I am thinking a lot before making the next step. As far as my personal life is concerned, today, I am engaged! After, two years of relationship, we decided to live the rest of our lives together. What is more, I have more experience which helps me to make the right decisions. I have, already, bought my own house and I live together with my partner. The only sad thing is that I haven’t got much free time to read books or to go to the cinema or to go on a trip due to today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Generally, I lack the time to do all my hobbies, which I did five years ago.

In conclusion, I reckon that all the things in my life have changed for the best. However, even more changes would be welcome!

CONDITIONALS

2010-01-29T16:28:00.003+02:00

ZERO CONDITIONAL

Form:
If - clause: Present Simple
Main-clause: Present Simple

Use: a general truth or situation

e.g. If you heat water, it boils.

FIRST CONDITIONAL

Form:
If - clause: Present Simple
Main-clause: will + bare infinitive / can, may, might, should, ought to + verb / imperative

Use: sth possible to happen in the future

e.g. If I tell you the secret, Anna will/may be furious.
If you see John, tell him to call me.

SECOND CONDITIONAL

Form:
If - clause: Past Simple
Main-clause: would, could, might, should, ought to + bare infinitive

Use: sth what is unlikely to happen in the future or a hypothetical situation

e.g. If I were rich, I would buy a villa in Dubai.

THIRD CONDITIONAL

Form:
If - clause: Past Perfect (had + p.p.)
Main-clause: would (or modal) + have + p.p.

Use: sth that could have happend differently in the past

e.g. If you had brought a map, we wouldn't have been lost.

MIXED CONDITIONAL

Form:
If - clause: Third conditional (If + Past perfect)
Main-clause: Second conditional (would + verb)

Use: the result of a past action to the present

e.g. If you had eaten that sandwich, you wouldn't be hungry now.

WISH (IF ONLY)

2010-01-29T16:18:00.005+02:00

1. wish for a present situation to change
wish + past simple
e.g. I wish I were younger. (we use "were" instead of "was" for all persons!)

2. wish for a past situation to change
wish + past perfect
e.g. I wish I had studied more.

3. wish for an annoying habit to change
wish + would
e.g. I wish you would stop smoking.

HABITS

2010-01-29T16:09:00.003+02:00

Present habit

be accustomed to doing sth = be used to doing sth / noun
e.g. I am used to getting up early.

get used to doing sth or noun
e.g. Did you get used to getting up early?
I am getting used to working late.
I finally got used to my boss’ complaints.

Past habit (that no longer exists!)

used to + verb
e.g. We used to go to the beach everyday when we were kids.
We didn’t use to go to the beach everyday when we were kids.
Did we use to go to the beach everyday when we were kids?

TWO MORE WAYS TO EXPRESS PAST HABITS
1. Past Simple
2. Would + verb
e.g. We went / we would go / we used to go to the beach everyday when we were kids.

NOTE: “Would” is not used with stative verbs!
e.g. He used to be a teacher.(not “would”!)

ESSAY

2010-01-26T18:05:00.004+02:00

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
“Haste makes waste!”

“Haste makes waste” is a common phrase which means that if you try to do something in a hurry, you will probably waste time, money and effort. I couldn’t agree more with what this statement expresses.

In our days, the lifestyle and the way we live pushes us to hurry to get to work, to drive, to walk, to eat or to do everything quickly without thinking about the consequences which will arise later. For example, due to the fact that we do things quickly, a lot of waste has been created which destroys the planet. We don’t think about recycling, but we use the things once and we throw away all of them, afterwards. That wrong mentality is responsible for the increase of the amount of waste in landfills and the gradual death of our planet.

Another example is that when we go out to a restaurant or a bank or to the supermarkets, we demand a fast service, but we don’t realize that the result will be some hasty service of bad quality.

Moreover, in our everyday life another example could be the way we drive. We drive very fast and thoughtlessly. So, this way of driving leads to the accidents and destruction of our cars. In addition, we put our life and the lives of other people at risk due to our carelessness and we lose money in order to fix the damage.

In conclusion, I totally agree with the above statement. You have to schedule what you have to do, to put everything into order and not to hurry without important reason. It is better to be safe than sorry!

ESSAY

2010-01-25T13:13:00.008+02:00

More and more people are spending time working abroad these days. They go in search of better pay and work experience. Also many people enjoy experiencing a different culture for a period of time. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of working abroad and state your personal opinion.

Nowadays, numerous people move abroad due to various reasons. The most important reason is to look for a good job. It goes without saying that there are many benefits of living and working away from the home country. However, working in other countries also involves certain disadvantages.

Firstly, I would like to refer to the positive aspects of working in a foreign country. The first one is that a person who is employed in a foreign country will be able to grab more employment chances than in their home country. So, they will get knowledge and experience which can be useful to build up a career in a better way. Moreover, they will be paid much better than in their own country. So, they will be able to help their family and improve their living conditions. Another benefit of working abroad would be to experience a different culture. Living abroad gives them a chance to see another way of life in a way that they can’t experience when they just travel through a place. Also, getting to know the new country where they are working, seeing a different way of life and experiencing, the way the other people do daily things such as how they behave or the way they talk to each other would help them to improve their knowledge of the country’s language and customs.

On the other hand, as it is said, the beginning of something new is always the most difficult part. So, leaving their hometown also poses difficulties. First of all, when they live and work in a new country, they are unable to speak their native language; therefore, they are forced to learn that country’s language. In addition, the traditions are different from their country, so it’s difficult for them to follow their home country traditions. Furthermore, sometimes working abroad can be dangerous. Occasionally, employers abuse foreigners! This mainly happens because the foreigners don’t know the country’s language very well to communicate efficiently, so that fact makes it easier. Also, there is no one to ensure them that they will find a job which fits their qualifications. Last but not least, they have to take into account the financial circumstances under which they will work there because they will probably have to pay higher taxes or a private insurance for medical attention.

In conclusion, travelling in other countries to work entails both positive and negative aspects. However, it seems to me that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I could say that all the above difficulties can be overcome and that traveling abroad for work is really worth it!

TOEFL Speaking Part 3

2009-11-23T21:46:00.015+02:00

1. If your teacher makes a mistake, is it better to correct the teacher or ignore the mistake? Use reasons to support your response.

In my opinion, we should correct the teacher. There are many reasons for that.

First of all, all the students will listen to the correct answer. Otherwise, the other students will believe that it is the right one because it was said by our teacher.

Another reason is that, it will be an opportunity to start a discussion among students and teacher in order to broaden their horizons.

In addition, the teacher will appreciate that I paid attention on what she said.

For all the above reasons and many more, I believe that we have to correct the teacher and not to ignore a mistake, which could even be accidental.

2. Is it better to take chances in life or play it safe?

I believe that it is better to take risks in life. There are two reasons for this.

Firstly, if someone takes chances in life he leads an interesting life.

Secondly, when you take risks you never know what future has store for you. It could be something positive, for example, a good job or a romantic relationship!

So, I think we should get every chance that arises!

3. Is it better to have a career that pays a lot of money but keeps you away from your family or a career that does not pays so much but allows you time with your family? Use reasons to support your response.

I consider it is better to have a career that doesn’t pay so much but allows me time with my family. There are many reasons for that.

One of them is that, when you are far away from your family, you suffer, because you miss the care and warmth of your family.

Another reason is that I wouldn’t need the money I gained because I would be lonely without my family. I would have no-one to spend it on.

4. Do you make decisions quickly or take your time making them? Use details and examples to support your response.

Irrespective of the discussion, I believe that we should consider them carefully before taking them.

The first reason is that by devoting time to reflect on a decision, you make a safer choice. For example, I gave it serious thought before leaving my job for another one.

The second reason is that if you don’t take the necessary time to think things over, you run the risk of choosing the wrong option, which will probably affect your life but also, people around you, for instance your family or colleagues.

5. Do you think children should always obey their parents, or are there times when it is not necessary for children to obey?

In my opinion, the children should always obey their parents. There are many reasons for that.

One of them is that, the obedience shown by a little child is very important. If they follow their parents’ rules they will be very successful when they grow up. Only with discipline and self-control do you succeed in life professionally and personally.

In this way, I believe that the parents are responsible for teaching their children to obey to them, by using rules and advice.

Vocabulary Calendar of November

2009-11-16T19:44:00.003+02:00

1. I try to take advantage of every chance I meet.
2. I am influenced by horror films and I have nightmares at night!
3. I have to work diligently in order to achieve my aims.
4. I sat in a shaded place to rest after 2 hours of running.
5. I contribute to the decrease of the exhaust fumes by getting about on foot.
6. A major feature of a devastated area is the lack of water.
7. The company that I have sent an application to is internationally acclaimed.
8. We have already sent the invitation to the prominent author “…”.
9. Last night I didn’t sleep due to the anxiety I had.
10. After 5 years of hard work, he managed to have his own house.
11. This book gives advice ti parents on discipline.
12. These days a lot of people live under difficult circumstances.
13. She noticed that the night life was thriving.
14. He has a respectable family.
15. The old man who lives next to me has an enormous amount of money.
16. I came up with an innovative idea in the meeting.
17. Many companies search various ways of attracting potential customers.
18. Research demonstrates that many young people are disappointed with their job.
19. This road has been under construction for over a year.
20. She became rich due to a bequest of $5.000.000.
21. Next year I am going to implement the rules of a healthy lifestyle.
22. The instructions I have to follow are very strict.
23. I am trying to convince her to come with me, but she doesn't want to do so.
24. The polling is decided to start at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
25. I have doubts whether she tells me the truth or not.

TOEFL Speaking Part 2

2009-11-16T19:42:00.009+02:00

1. Do you prefer to take essay exams or multiple choice exams?

I prefer to take multiple choice exams. There are two reasons for this.
Firstly, I believe that it is easier to find the correct answer, because you have three or four options and the correct answer is one them.
Secondly, you don’t need to spend much time in order to justify your response.
For these two reasons, I find the multiple choice exams more manageable!

2. Would you prefer to take a trip by plane or by train?

I love the route by train! There are many reasons for that.
First of all, I could sit and relax. Otherwise, I could meeting other people and have fun!
In addition, I would have a chance to take a look at the spectacular scenery which I couldn’t do if I travelled by plane.
For the above reasons and many more, I find the trip by train more interesting!

3. Would you like to live in a big city or a small town?

I would like to live in a small town. There are many reasons for that.
One of them, is that I could get about without using a car and going whenever I want. I love walking, so, a small town is ideal for me. In this way, I would avoid the traffic!
Furthermore, in a small town I would have an easy life, with more friendly people and a closer circle of friends.
To sum up, the above reasons are the most important ones, but there are many more!

4. Do you think it is better to study alone or study with friends?

In my opinion, it’s better to study alone for many reasons.
Firstly, when you study alone you can concentrate better on your work because there isn’t anyone to disturb you.
Moreover, you can have a break whenever you want, without having to follow the others’ programme. Therefore, you can function independently.
For these two reasons, I believe that it’s more effective to study alone than to study with other!

5. Do you prefer to play sports or watch sports?

I prefer to play sports for many reasons.
First of all, you can keep fit and healthy. Otherwise, the life we lead is sedentary.
Additionally, you can have fun by acquainting other people. Team sports, especially, enhance cooperation and develop new friendships.
So, playing sports, instead of watching them, is fulfilling and intriguing!

Vocabulary Calendar of October

2009-11-02T22:33:00.001+02:00

I will borrow money to go on holiday.
The policeman came into the house by force.
My boyfriend is emotional!
When I was going to work, I met him by chance.
The disease has killed thousand people in last months.
I made a crucial decision about my future.
The little boy’s behavior wasn’t proper.
Which is the amount of money we have to pay for that?
I moved in Heraklion 3 years ago.
In the meeting with a novel client I involved in a lively debate.
He accepted my offer spontaneously.
Today there were two serious incidences at the hospital.
His behavior was violent.
The detective was searching for evidence.
She failed the exams due to a lack of confidence.
The little children imitate the behavior of their parents.
This weekend I will visit my relatives in Thessaloniki.
I focus my attention on finding a solution for the problem that I face.
The policeman couldn’t correlate the two facts.
I like reading books of all sorts.
We are approaching our destination.
The children are influenced by theirs peers.
My views differ from yours.
Next week I’m going to go sightseeing in Acropolis.
She tried to express her feeling but he didn’t seem to realize anything.
The little guy has an inherent talent.
He behaved without dignity.
I drew the conclusion after I read the text.
Yesterday was a national holiday.
Working out in a gym I released all my energy.
The confrontation of problem needed a method to be followed.

Challenge week 7: If you had a choice of a country to holiday in, where would it be and why?

2009-10-23T17:22:00.030+03:00

I would choose to go on holiday in Dubai. Dubai is actually one of the best places I have come across in travel magazines.

What is more, based on the TV documentaries that I have seen, I believe that Dubai would be a very interesting place to visit. So, I would like to go sightseeing there. I would have a private tourist guide to explain me the architecture of the buildings and help me see the sights.

Specifically, the highlights of the sights are “The Palm Islands” and “The world”. The Palm Islands, named Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali, are man-made islands which are built in the shape of a palm tree! These two islands are primarily destinations for relaxation and entertainment. The other sight is called “The world” due to its shape. “The world” is consisted of thousands small private artificial islands whose shape looks like the continents of the world!

However, Dubai would be a fantastic destination where I could go to relax and enjoy the sunny weather. This place contains the most expensive of first class hotels, luxury villas and apartments, famous beaches, restaurants, café and malls. So, I would go shopping, swimming and I would do water sports.

Furthermore, I am curious to meet the local people and find out more about their lifestyle and culture.

If you want more information you can visit this page of the Lonely Planet site!

TOEFL Speaking Part 1

2009-10-17T12:28:00.008+03:00

1. If you could have any job in the world what would it be? Use details to support your response.
If I could have any job in the world, I would love to be a guide for tourists. There are many reasons that I would choose this job.
First of all, I would often travel! I like very much to go in places that I have never been there before.
Moreover, I would speak 5 or 6 languages fluently! This would significantly expand my horizons.
For these two reasons and even more I would want to choose this job.

2. At what age should a person be allowed to drive? Use reasons to support your response.
In my opinion, a person should be allowed to drive at the age of 25. There are two reasons that I believe that.
Firstly, it should be based on the skill of the person. A person at the age of 25 has the physical ability to co-ordinate his brain with his body.
Furthermore, an individual at the age of 25 has reached an age of maturity to drive affectively.
However, everybody is different at any age… For example, there are some people that I don’t think should ever drive!

3. What is the best excuse to give your teacher when you have not done the homework? Use reasons to support your response.
If I haven’t done my homework I think of some excuses! Some examples follow bellow.
Firstly, the phrase: “Oh, no! I forgot it!” is a common excuse as we have a lot of things to do everyday.
Secondly, the phrase: “Did we have homework?!... I didn’t note it down!” is a human excuse because sometimes people are absent-minded.
These are two common examples of excuses, but there are many more.

4. What is your favorite day of the year? Use reasons to support your response.
My favorite day of the year is the day in which I met the love of my life for the first time. That’s the day of our anniversary! We celebrate every year by giving gifts to each other.

5. What change would you like your government to make? Use reasons to support your response.
I would like the government to protect the environment by taking measures.
Firstly, this can be achieved by promoting the renewable energy. Hence, we would save a considerable amount of energy.
Secondly, the government should teach the people the importance of recycling. If we learn how to recycle at home we will cut down on the amount of rubbish we throw away daily.
To sum up, these are the measures I would like the government promote in order to protect the environment and have a greener future!