SC SM / PC / SVT / SC ECO
LSCH
Saturday, 26 June 2010
CORRECTION OF THE NATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ENGLISH EXAM JUNE 2010
CORRECTION OF THE NATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ENGLISH EXAM JUNE 2010
SC SM / PC / SVT / SC ECO
LSCH
SC SM / PC / SVT / SC ECO
LSCH
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
ADJECTIVE AND PREPOSITION COMBINATIONS
ADJECTIVE AND PREPOSITION COMBINATIONS
HERE IS A SOMEWHAT EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF THE MOST COMMON
ADJECTIVE-PREPOSITION COMBINATIONS
Absent from
He has been absent from school for three days.
Absorbed in
He was so absorbed in reading his book that he didn't notice me enter the room.
Accustomed to
I'm not accustomed to very cold climates.
Acquainted with
She is acquainted with our customs quite well.
Addicted to
So many youths are addicted to drugs.
Afraid of
She is afraid of going out after dark.
Allergic to
My son is allergic to penicillin.
Amazed at/by
We were all amazed at/by her unusual behaviour.
Angry at/about
We were angry at her selfish behaviour.
Angry with someone for something
We were angry with him for his selfishness.
Annoyed at/about
I was annoyed at not being invited to the party.
Annoyed with someone for something
They were annoyed with me for not inviting them to the party.
Anxious about/for
We were anxious about his constantly high temperature.
The little boy was anxious for school to start.
Appropriate for
Do you think this book is appropriate for our goals?
Ashamed of
I felt ashamed of my shabby clothes.
You must be ashamed of yourself for treating
her so rudely.
Associated with
Steven Spielberg is particularly associated with special effects in film.
Astonished at/by
They were rather astonished at losing the game.
Aware of
Most people are still not aware of the extent of environmental pollution.
Bad at
He is bad at repairing things.
Bad for
Eating too much candy is bad for your teeth.
Based on
Educational principles should be based on the requirements of the times.
Beneficial to
Taking regular exercise is beneficial to your health.
Bewildered at/about/by
Judy was bewildered by the complex mathematical problem.
Blessed with
Katie is blessed with a family who are always looking out for her best interests.
Boastful of
She is boastful of her son's achievements.
Bored with
I didn't finish reading the book, for I was bored with the plot.
Brilliant at
He is really brilliant at calculating.
Busy with
She can't come with us because she is busy with her term paper.
Capable of
You are capable of doing better work than this.
Careful about
Be careful about your words even when you are annoyed.
Careful with
You must be careful with money in these economic conditions.
Careless about (not paying attention to}
She is often careless about her clothes; especially when she is depressed.
Careless of (negligent, thoughtless)
Some drivers are careless of the dangers of driving fast.
Clever at
She is quite clever at working out the most difficult problems.
Committed to
He is committed to honest work.
Composed of
End of term parties are usually composed of students, teachers and parents.
Concerned about
People are concerned about the increasing air pollution in Istanbul.
Confident of
Ryan is confident of his safe driving skills.
Confused about something
Anna was confused about the grammatical structure, so she asked the teacher to clarify it.
(Get) sth / sb confused with sth / sb else
Since they were identical twins, the teacher was always getting Jason confused with Jacob.
Connected with/to
A good mood is usually connected with good health.
I think she is distantly connected with/to that family.
Conscious of
A good many parents are not conscious of the importance of reading to their children.
Content with
The teacher seemed content with our exam results.
Convinced of
I'm convinced of his innocence.
Coordinated with
When you are swimming, the movements of your legs should be coordinated with your arms.
Covered with/in
When I looked out of the window, I noticed that everything was covered with snow.
Crowded with
The city centre is always crowded with people.
Curious about
I'm curious about which party will win the election.
Dedicated to
She loves her job; in fact, she is dedicated to it.
Deficient In
You should eat vegetables and fruit regularly so that your diet is not deficient in vitamins.
Delighted with/at
The child was delighted with his new toy.
I'm delighted at all you've done!
Dependent on/upon
Because he hasn't got a proper job, he is still dependent on his parents financially.
Derived from
Most words in English are derived from Latin.
Devoid of
She seems to be devoid of the skills required for this job.
Devoted to
She is devoted to her children.
Different from/than
Your likes and dislikes are quite different from/than mine.
Disappointed with/at/by
She seemed really disappointed with her exam results.
Discriminated against
People should not be discriminated against because of the colour of their skin.
Divorced from
According to the statistics, the number of women divorced from their husbands is increasing.
Done with
Linda was so angry at her boyfriend's behaviour that she swore that she was done with him.
Dressed in
She was dressed in a skirt, which was unusual for her.
Eager for
He seems eager for a quick recovery, so he is doing whatever the doctor says.
Efficient in
The production manager is really efficient in his job.
Engaged to
She is still engaged to Jonathan, and they are thinking of getting married soon.
Enthusiastic about
Jenny is very enthusiastic about coming to the concert with us.
Envious of
I'm envious of people who can speak three or more languages fluently.
Equipped with
Big offices are usually equipped with a burglar alarm.
Excellent at
My mother is excellent at knitting,
Excited about
The children seem quite excited about going on holiday.
Exposed to
If hands and face are exposed to extreme cold, they may get frostbite.
Faithful to
Dogs are known to be faithful to their owners.
Familiar with
I'm not familiar with any of the books by that author.
Familiar to
The man in the corner seems familiar to me.
Famous for
Turkish people are famous for their hospitality.
Fed up with
The teacher was fed up with the boy's disrespectful behaviour, so she sent him to the principal's office.
Filled with
The room was filled with excited people.
Finished with
The waiter took my dessert dish away before I was finished with the chocolate sauce.
Fit for
Due to his poor health, he is not fit for the race.
Fond of
I'm very fond of children.
Free of
Children under seven can travel free of charge.
Free from
You will be free from pain soon after you've taken two of these tablets.
Friendly to/with
She was quite friendly to me last night.
Frightened of/at
I have always been frightened of heights.
Full of
Your composition is full of grammatical mistakes.
Furious about
She was furious about the news that she hadn't been promoted.
Furious with someone for something
She was furious with the manager for not promoting her.
Furnished with
The agents have been furnished with all the necessary information.
Generous about/with
The host was a bit too generous with the tequilla, so we all became drunk.
Good at
I'm not so good at playing cards.
Good for
Taking regular walks is good for your heart.
Grateful to someone for something
I'm grateful to you for your kind support.
Guilty of
The man was found guilty of the robbery.
Happy about
I’m very happy about your getting this job.
Happy with
1 purchased my dishwasher two years ago, and I'm still happy with it.
Honest with
You should be honest with your clients.
Hopeful of/about
She is hopeful of passing the university entrance exam this year.
Hopeless at
She is hopeless at cooking. She can't even cook the simplest dishes properly.
Hostile to
Since the scandal, the two families have been hostile to each other.
Identical with/to
What a coincidence! Your dress is almost identical with mine.
Ignorant of
She is ignorant of the proper thing to do in such circumstances.
Impressed with/by
We were greatly impressed with her diligence.
Inferior to
I don't think your work is inferior to anybody else's in the office.
Indebted to
I'm indebted to my friends for the encouragement they gave me for this job.
Indifferent to
She seems quite indifferent to what is happening around her.
Innocent of
She was found innocent of the charge.
Interested In
I've always been interested in folk music.
Involved In
He has recently been involved in a bribery case.
Kind to
She has always been kind to the people around her.
Known for (famous for)
Mr. Jones is known for his honesty.
Known as
Mr. Jones is known as an honest man.
Late for
You've been late for work twice this week.
Limited to
The time given for the university entrance exam is limited to three and a half hours.
Lucky at
He is usually lucky at cards.
Mad at (angry with)
Don't be mad at me! I was just trying to help you.
Mad about (very fond o/j
She is mad about pop music.
Made of
Tables and chairs are usually made of wood, [if there is only physical change in the raw material}
Made from
Paper is made from wood. (The raw material changes chemically as well as physically.)
Made out of
It's difficult to believe that this lovely vase was made out of a bottle, (if you alter an item, and use it with a different purpose)
Married to
She is married to an American.
Mindful of
You should be mindful of your responsibilities.
Mistaken about
You are mistaken about the extent of her capabilities.
Nervous of/about
She is nervous about the job interview she will have this afternoon.
Notorious for
She became notorious for her extravagance.
Obliged to
I'm obliged to you for being beside me during all that trouble.
Opposed to
I'm opposed to giving so many responsibilities to a small childT
Jealous of
She has always been jealous of her brother's success.
Keen on
He is very keen on football.
Patient with
A teacher should be patient with his/her students.
Pleased about
She seems very pleased about being put in charge.
Pleased with
I'm pleased with the progress you've made.
Polite to
You should be polite to the customers.
Popular with
She is very popular with her students.
Prepared for
I'm buying these boots so that I'll be prepared for the snow this winter.
Proud of
She is rightly proud of her success.
Provided with
The young should be provided with jobs after graduation.
Ready for
Everybody seems ready for the journey.
Related to
Are you related to the headmaster; because your surnames are the same?
Relevant to
Your question isn't relevant to the subject we are discussing.
Remembered for
Audrey Hepburn is remembered for her classic style and grace.
Responsible for/to
I think air pollution in big cities is responsible for the increase in respiratory diseases of late.
Rich in
Vegetables and fruit are rich in vitamins.
Right about
I was right about her low chances of getting the job.
Sad about
She was sad about losing the chance of giving a party, having failed the exam.
Satisfied with
Are you satisfied with your present job?
Scared of
She was scared of the growling dog.
Shocked at/by
He was such a good driver we were all shocked at the news that he'd had an accident.
Short of
I'm a bit short of money these days, so I can't come with you to dine out.
Sick of
I'm sick of this ceaseless rain.
Similar to
This scheme is quite similar to the one I prepared.
Skilful at
The Inuit people are known to be skilful at using their harpoons.
Slow at
The new secretary is quite slow at typing.
Sorry for someone
I feel sorry for Sue, because she hasn't been able to find a job yet.
Sorry about something
I’m sorry about my rude remarks yesterday.
Sorry for doing something
I’m sorry for hurting you with my rude remarks yesterday.
Subject to
The southeast of Turkey is subject to extreme weather conditions.
Successful in
He was successful in marketing the product to a wide area.
Suitable for
I don't think jeans will be suitable for such a formal party.
Superior to
Do you think this job will be superior to your current one?
Sure of
If you are not sure of your facts, don't make them public.
Sure about
I'm not sure about the time of the train.
Surprised at/by
I was really surprised at her treating us so strangely.
Suspicious of
The guard became suspicious of the youth standing on the corner.
Synchronized with
The ballet dancers were perfectly synchronized with each other.
Terrible at
She is terrible at cooking.
Terrified of
The little girl was terrified of the huge dog.
Thankful to someone for something
I'm thankful to them for taking the time to help me.
Thrilled with
The employees were thrilled with the promise of a high pay rise given by the boss.
Tired of/from
I'm tired of your complaints.
I was tired from spending the entire day at the zoo with my son.
Troubled with
He was deeply troubled with the situation in the office.
Typical of
Do you like eating food typical of the region in which you are travelling?
Upset with/about
She was upset about the trouble she had caused.
Used to
She is not used to staying at home alone.
Worried about
I'm worried about his being so withdrawn.
Wrong about
Many people were wrong about their predictions for the results of the election.
Wrong with
I think something is wrong with Sue. She is in the next room crying.
HERE IS A SOMEWHAT EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF THE MOST COMMON
ADJECTIVE-PREPOSITION COMBINATIONS
Absent from
He has been absent from school for three days.
Absorbed in
He was so absorbed in reading his book that he didn't notice me enter the room.
Accustomed to
I'm not accustomed to very cold climates.
Acquainted with
She is acquainted with our customs quite well.
Addicted to
So many youths are addicted to drugs.
Afraid of
She is afraid of going out after dark.
Allergic to
My son is allergic to penicillin.
Amazed at/by
We were all amazed at/by her unusual behaviour.
Angry at/about
We were angry at her selfish behaviour.
Angry with someone for something
We were angry with him for his selfishness.
Annoyed at/about
I was annoyed at not being invited to the party.
Annoyed with someone for something
They were annoyed with me for not inviting them to the party.
Anxious about/for
We were anxious about his constantly high temperature.
The little boy was anxious for school to start.
Appropriate for
Do you think this book is appropriate for our goals?
Ashamed of
I felt ashamed of my shabby clothes.
You must be ashamed of yourself for treating
her so rudely.
Associated with
Steven Spielberg is particularly associated with special effects in film.
Astonished at/by
They were rather astonished at losing the game.
Aware of
Most people are still not aware of the extent of environmental pollution.
Bad at
He is bad at repairing things.
Bad for
Eating too much candy is bad for your teeth.
Based on
Educational principles should be based on the requirements of the times.
Beneficial to
Taking regular exercise is beneficial to your health.
Bewildered at/about/by
Judy was bewildered by the complex mathematical problem.
Blessed with
Katie is blessed with a family who are always looking out for her best interests.
Boastful of
She is boastful of her son's achievements.
Bored with
I didn't finish reading the book, for I was bored with the plot.
Brilliant at
He is really brilliant at calculating.
Busy with
She can't come with us because she is busy with her term paper.
Capable of
You are capable of doing better work than this.
Careful about
Be careful about your words even when you are annoyed.
Careful with
You must be careful with money in these economic conditions.
Careless about (not paying attention to}
She is often careless about her clothes; especially when she is depressed.
Careless of (negligent, thoughtless)
Some drivers are careless of the dangers of driving fast.
Clever at
She is quite clever at working out the most difficult problems.
Committed to
He is committed to honest work.
Composed of
End of term parties are usually composed of students, teachers and parents.
Concerned about
People are concerned about the increasing air pollution in Istanbul.
Confident of
Ryan is confident of his safe driving skills.
Confused about something
Anna was confused about the grammatical structure, so she asked the teacher to clarify it.
(Get) sth / sb confused with sth / sb else
Since they were identical twins, the teacher was always getting Jason confused with Jacob.
Connected with/to
A good mood is usually connected with good health.
I think she is distantly connected with/to that family.
Conscious of
A good many parents are not conscious of the importance of reading to their children.
Content with
The teacher seemed content with our exam results.
Convinced of
I'm convinced of his innocence.
Coordinated with
When you are swimming, the movements of your legs should be coordinated with your arms.
Covered with/in
When I looked out of the window, I noticed that everything was covered with snow.
Crowded with
The city centre is always crowded with people.
Curious about
I'm curious about which party will win the election.
Dedicated to
She loves her job; in fact, she is dedicated to it.
Deficient In
You should eat vegetables and fruit regularly so that your diet is not deficient in vitamins.
Delighted with/at
The child was delighted with his new toy.
I'm delighted at all you've done!
Dependent on/upon
Because he hasn't got a proper job, he is still dependent on his parents financially.
Derived from
Most words in English are derived from Latin.
Devoid of
She seems to be devoid of the skills required for this job.
Devoted to
She is devoted to her children.
Different from/than
Your likes and dislikes are quite different from/than mine.
Disappointed with/at/by
She seemed really disappointed with her exam results.
Discriminated against
People should not be discriminated against because of the colour of their skin.
Divorced from
According to the statistics, the number of women divorced from their husbands is increasing.
Done with
Linda was so angry at her boyfriend's behaviour that she swore that she was done with him.
Dressed in
She was dressed in a skirt, which was unusual for her.
Eager for
He seems eager for a quick recovery, so he is doing whatever the doctor says.
Efficient in
The production manager is really efficient in his job.
Engaged to
She is still engaged to Jonathan, and they are thinking of getting married soon.
Enthusiastic about
Jenny is very enthusiastic about coming to the concert with us.
Envious of
I'm envious of people who can speak three or more languages fluently.
Equipped with
Big offices are usually equipped with a burglar alarm.
Excellent at
My mother is excellent at knitting,
Excited about
The children seem quite excited about going on holiday.
Exposed to
If hands and face are exposed to extreme cold, they may get frostbite.
Faithful to
Dogs are known to be faithful to their owners.
Familiar with
I'm not familiar with any of the books by that author.
Familiar to
The man in the corner seems familiar to me.
Famous for
Turkish people are famous for their hospitality.
Fed up with
The teacher was fed up with the boy's disrespectful behaviour, so she sent him to the principal's office.
Filled with
The room was filled with excited people.
Finished with
The waiter took my dessert dish away before I was finished with the chocolate sauce.
Fit for
Due to his poor health, he is not fit for the race.
Fond of
I'm very fond of children.
Free of
Children under seven can travel free of charge.
Free from
You will be free from pain soon after you've taken two of these tablets.
Friendly to/with
She was quite friendly to me last night.
Frightened of/at
I have always been frightened of heights.
Full of
Your composition is full of grammatical mistakes.
Furious about
She was furious about the news that she hadn't been promoted.
Furious with someone for something
She was furious with the manager for not promoting her.
Furnished with
The agents have been furnished with all the necessary information.
Generous about/with
The host was a bit too generous with the tequilla, so we all became drunk.
Good at
I'm not so good at playing cards.
Good for
Taking regular walks is good for your heart.
Grateful to someone for something
I'm grateful to you for your kind support.
Guilty of
The man was found guilty of the robbery.
Happy about
I’m very happy about your getting this job.
Happy with
1 purchased my dishwasher two years ago, and I'm still happy with it.
Honest with
You should be honest with your clients.
Hopeful of/about
She is hopeful of passing the university entrance exam this year.
Hopeless at
She is hopeless at cooking. She can't even cook the simplest dishes properly.
Hostile to
Since the scandal, the two families have been hostile to each other.
Identical with/to
What a coincidence! Your dress is almost identical with mine.
Ignorant of
She is ignorant of the proper thing to do in such circumstances.
Impressed with/by
We were greatly impressed with her diligence.
Inferior to
I don't think your work is inferior to anybody else's in the office.
Indebted to
I'm indebted to my friends for the encouragement they gave me for this job.
Indifferent to
She seems quite indifferent to what is happening around her.
Innocent of
She was found innocent of the charge.
Interested In
I've always been interested in folk music.
Involved In
He has recently been involved in a bribery case.
Kind to
She has always been kind to the people around her.
Known for (famous for)
Mr. Jones is known for his honesty.
Known as
Mr. Jones is known as an honest man.
Late for
You've been late for work twice this week.
Limited to
The time given for the university entrance exam is limited to three and a half hours.
Lucky at
He is usually lucky at cards.
Mad at (angry with)
Don't be mad at me! I was just trying to help you.
Mad about (very fond o/j
She is mad about pop music.
Made of
Tables and chairs are usually made of wood, [if there is only physical change in the raw material}
Made from
Paper is made from wood. (The raw material changes chemically as well as physically.)
Made out of
It's difficult to believe that this lovely vase was made out of a bottle, (if you alter an item, and use it with a different purpose)
Married to
She is married to an American.
Mindful of
You should be mindful of your responsibilities.
Mistaken about
You are mistaken about the extent of her capabilities.
Nervous of/about
She is nervous about the job interview she will have this afternoon.
Notorious for
She became notorious for her extravagance.
Obliged to
I'm obliged to you for being beside me during all that trouble.
Opposed to
I'm opposed to giving so many responsibilities to a small childT
Jealous of
She has always been jealous of her brother's success.
Keen on
He is very keen on football.
Patient with
A teacher should be patient with his/her students.
Pleased about
She seems very pleased about being put in charge.
Pleased with
I'm pleased with the progress you've made.
Polite to
You should be polite to the customers.
Popular with
She is very popular with her students.
Prepared for
I'm buying these boots so that I'll be prepared for the snow this winter.
Proud of
She is rightly proud of her success.
Provided with
The young should be provided with jobs after graduation.
Ready for
Everybody seems ready for the journey.
Related to
Are you related to the headmaster; because your surnames are the same?
Relevant to
Your question isn't relevant to the subject we are discussing.
Remembered for
Audrey Hepburn is remembered for her classic style and grace.
Responsible for/to
I think air pollution in big cities is responsible for the increase in respiratory diseases of late.
Rich in
Vegetables and fruit are rich in vitamins.
Right about
I was right about her low chances of getting the job.
Sad about
She was sad about losing the chance of giving a party, having failed the exam.
Satisfied with
Are you satisfied with your present job?
Scared of
She was scared of the growling dog.
Shocked at/by
He was such a good driver we were all shocked at the news that he'd had an accident.
Short of
I'm a bit short of money these days, so I can't come with you to dine out.
Sick of
I'm sick of this ceaseless rain.
Similar to
This scheme is quite similar to the one I prepared.
Skilful at
The Inuit people are known to be skilful at using their harpoons.
Slow at
The new secretary is quite slow at typing.
Sorry for someone
I feel sorry for Sue, because she hasn't been able to find a job yet.
Sorry about something
I’m sorry about my rude remarks yesterday.
Sorry for doing something
I’m sorry for hurting you with my rude remarks yesterday.
Subject to
The southeast of Turkey is subject to extreme weather conditions.
Successful in
He was successful in marketing the product to a wide area.
Suitable for
I don't think jeans will be suitable for such a formal party.
Superior to
Do you think this job will be superior to your current one?
Sure of
If you are not sure of your facts, don't make them public.
Sure about
I'm not sure about the time of the train.
Surprised at/by
I was really surprised at her treating us so strangely.
Suspicious of
The guard became suspicious of the youth standing on the corner.
Synchronized with
The ballet dancers were perfectly synchronized with each other.
Terrible at
She is terrible at cooking.
Terrified of
The little girl was terrified of the huge dog.
Thankful to someone for something
I'm thankful to them for taking the time to help me.
Thrilled with
The employees were thrilled with the promise of a high pay rise given by the boss.
Tired of/from
I'm tired of your complaints.
I was tired from spending the entire day at the zoo with my son.
Troubled with
He was deeply troubled with the situation in the office.
Typical of
Do you like eating food typical of the region in which you are travelling?
Upset with/about
She was upset about the trouble she had caused.
Used to
She is not used to staying at home alone.
Worried about
I'm worried about his being so withdrawn.
Wrong about
Many people were wrong about their predictions for the results of the election.
Wrong with
I think something is wrong with Sue. She is in the next room crying.
THE NATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ENGLISH EXAM JUNE 2010 SC SCM/PC/SVT
THE NATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ENGLISH EXAM JUNE 2010 SC SCM/PC/SVT
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THE NATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ENGLISH EXAM JUNE 2010 LHSC HSC
THE NATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ENGLISH EXAM JUNE 2010 LHSC HSC
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THE NATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ENGLISH EXAM JUNE 2010 LHSC L
THE NATIONAL BACCALAUREATE ENGLISH EXAM JUNE 2010 LHSC L
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Monday, 7 June 2010
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Living in a community where there are people of various races could be
a rewarding and an exciting experience. Such a community is like a
small world with many types and races of people in it.
Everyone, young or old, enjoys listening to stories about people in
other lands. We read books and newspapers to learn about the habits,
customs and beliefs of people who do not belong to our race, but when
we live in a community composed of many races or ethnicities, we have the
opportunity to meet and talk with people or various races. We can learn about their
customs and beliefs directly from them. In this way, we have
a better understanding of their ways of life.
For example, in Morocco , which is known as a multi-racial country, Arabs, Berbers,
Jews , Moors, Black Africans and many others have lived together for several
centuries. They have learnt a lot about the cultures of one another, more than what
they could have learnt by reading books or newspapers. By living together, they have
also absorbed many of the habits of one another to their common benefit. Thus,
Morocco is a culturally rich country, a melting-pot, a cross-platform of cultures,
customs and beliefs.
Further, living in a multi-racial community teaches us how to respect
the views and beliefs of people of other races. We learn to be tolerant and
to understand and appreciate the peculiarities of those who are not of
our race. In this way, we learn to live in peace and harmony with
foreigners whose ways of life are different from ours. We become less suspicious of
strangers and foreigners.
The relationship that develops among the people from common
understanding in a multi-racial community makes life in such a
community very exciting. Any celebration of any race becomes a
celebration of ail the other races. Thus, there is a lot of fun and
excitement during every celebration. In this way, better understanding is
promoted among the peoples of the world.
It could therefore be said that life in a multi-racial community teaches
us many useful lessons in human relations.
Living in a community where there are people of various races could be
a rewarding and an exciting experience. Such a community is like a
small world with many types and races of people in it.
Everyone, young or old, enjoys listening to stories about people in
other lands. We read books and newspapers to learn about the habits,
customs and beliefs of people who do not belong to our race, but when
we live in a community composed of many races or ethnicities, we have the
opportunity to meet and talk with people or various races. We can learn about their
customs and beliefs directly from them. In this way, we have
a better understanding of their ways of life.
For example, in Morocco , which is known as a multi-racial country, Arabs, Berbers,
Jews , Moors, Black Africans and many others have lived together for several
centuries. They have learnt a lot about the cultures of one another, more than what
they could have learnt by reading books or newspapers. By living together, they have
also absorbed many of the habits of one another to their common benefit. Thus,
Morocco is a culturally rich country, a melting-pot, a cross-platform of cultures,
customs and beliefs.
Further, living in a multi-racial community teaches us how to respect
the views and beliefs of people of other races. We learn to be tolerant and
to understand and appreciate the peculiarities of those who are not of
our race. In this way, we learn to live in peace and harmony with
foreigners whose ways of life are different from ours. We become less suspicious of
strangers and foreigners.
The relationship that develops among the people from common
understanding in a multi-racial community makes life in such a
community very exciting. Any celebration of any race becomes a
celebration of ail the other races. Thus, there is a lot of fun and
excitement during every celebration. In this way, better understanding is
promoted among the peoples of the world.
It could therefore be said that life in a multi-racial community teaches
us many useful lessons in human relations.
TOLERANCE
TOLERANCE
The progress of any community or country depends largely on the
conduct of the people who reside in it. Discontent, jealousies,
prejudices, and intolerance among a few of the people can cause great
damage to the whole community or country.
Sociable by nature, men hate to live in isolation. The urge for
association, therefore, enables men to tolerate the views and habits of
others, to great extent. Most men have come to realise that the cohesion
of society cannot be secured without the exercise of tolerance on the part
of its members.
A community or country is composed of various types of people,
whose psychological social and temperamental attitudes and needs are
not the same. In a great number of cases, there are fundamental
differences even in race, language and religion among the people. This is
the result of the economies and social necessities of the modem age,
which have compelled people to leave their original homes and go to live in other
regions or towns in search for a better life. These diversities in a community or
country necessitate the maintenance of a tolerant attitude on the part of
the people towards one another. They have to respect the cultural and
social habits and beliefs of one another and refrain themselves from
doing, or saying things which might offend other
people. The racial and religious clashes that have occurred in various
parts of the world indicate the damage that the expression of hatred and
prejudice can cause in a country.
That tolerance is essential for peace and harmony within a country could
be illustrated by reference to the people in Morocco, a country in which
people of various creeds and beliefs reside. Despite cultural, racial and religious
differences among themselves, the people here have lived for generations
in peace and harmony. They have also helped one another in various
ways at various times.
In fact, the goodwill that prevails among the different people here in Morocco,
being Arab,Berber or Sahraoui, Muslim or Jew, Black or White, has contributed to the
development of a new nation, which has become the envy of many other Arab, Muslim or
African countries. The racial unity among the people is the main factor that has
contributed to the stability and the progress of the country in all spheres of
activity.
The progress of any community or country depends largely on the
conduct of the people who reside in it. Discontent, jealousies,
prejudices, and intolerance among a few of the people can cause great
damage to the whole community or country.
Sociable by nature, men hate to live in isolation. The urge for
association, therefore, enables men to tolerate the views and habits of
others, to great extent. Most men have come to realise that the cohesion
of society cannot be secured without the exercise of tolerance on the part
of its members.
A community or country is composed of various types of people,
whose psychological social and temperamental attitudes and needs are
not the same. In a great number of cases, there are fundamental
differences even in race, language and religion among the people. This is
the result of the economies and social necessities of the modem age,
which have compelled people to leave their original homes and go to live in other
regions or towns in search for a better life. These diversities in a community or
country necessitate the maintenance of a tolerant attitude on the part of
the people towards one another. They have to respect the cultural and
social habits and beliefs of one another and refrain themselves from
doing, or saying things which might offend other
people. The racial and religious clashes that have occurred in various
parts of the world indicate the damage that the expression of hatred and
prejudice can cause in a country.
That tolerance is essential for peace and harmony within a country could
be illustrated by reference to the people in Morocco, a country in which
people of various creeds and beliefs reside. Despite cultural, racial and religious
differences among themselves, the people here have lived for generations
in peace and harmony. They have also helped one another in various
ways at various times.
In fact, the goodwill that prevails among the different people here in Morocco,
being Arab,Berber or Sahraoui, Muslim or Jew, Black or White, has contributed to the
development of a new nation, which has become the envy of many other Arab, Muslim or
African countries. The racial unity among the people is the main factor that has
contributed to the stability and the progress of the country in all spheres of
activity.
CITIZENSHIP
CITIZENSHIP
Generally speaking, citizenship means balancing rights and responsibilities. So,
almost every modem state, especially a democracy, allows its
citizens several rights ; but in return, it experts its citizens to perform
certain duties.
Among the rights enjoyed by the citizen in a democracy are the right
to pursue his own affairs as he prefers; the right to express his views,
however silly they may appear to others, and the right to move about as
he pleases. The citizen is considered so important that his rights are
protected by the law of the state, and whenever they are infringed, he
can secure redress.
However, in a totalitarian (undemocratic) state, the rights of the citizen are so
restricted that the citizen has practically no freedom. The citizen is supposed to
exist for the state. His interests are always subordinated to those of the state.
Thus, his duties exceed his rights.
Even in a democracy, however, the citizen is expected to exercise his
rights within the limits of the law. He should not do or say anything that
may affect the rights of others. He cannot exercise his right to act as he pleases.
In the same way, his actions should not cause injury or damage to any individual or
his property. He cannot kill as he pleases. If his conduct infringes the rights of
others, then those who have been affected by his misconduct could take legal action
against him and he will be punished according to the law of the state. In this way,
the state protects its citizens and their rights from the thoughtlessness of any
individual in the state. This means, of course, that every citizen in the state is
expected to do his duty to his fellow citizens.
The citizen is also expected to give his services for the protection of
the state in times of war, and to maintain law and order in his state, at all times.
In addition, a citizen should always be ready to volunteer for the common good of
his community by helping the needy and keeping the community safe from any sort of
danger.
Thus, every citizen who is conscious of his rights should also be
conscious of his duties to the state and his fellow citizens in the community.
Generally speaking, citizenship means balancing rights and responsibilities. So,
almost every modem state, especially a democracy, allows its
citizens several rights ; but in return, it experts its citizens to perform
certain duties.
Among the rights enjoyed by the citizen in a democracy are the right
to pursue his own affairs as he prefers; the right to express his views,
however silly they may appear to others, and the right to move about as
he pleases. The citizen is considered so important that his rights are
protected by the law of the state, and whenever they are infringed, he
can secure redress.
However, in a totalitarian (undemocratic) state, the rights of the citizen are so
restricted that the citizen has practically no freedom. The citizen is supposed to
exist for the state. His interests are always subordinated to those of the state.
Thus, his duties exceed his rights.
Even in a democracy, however, the citizen is expected to exercise his
rights within the limits of the law. He should not do or say anything that
may affect the rights of others. He cannot exercise his right to act as he pleases.
In the same way, his actions should not cause injury or damage to any individual or
his property. He cannot kill as he pleases. If his conduct infringes the rights of
others, then those who have been affected by his misconduct could take legal action
against him and he will be punished according to the law of the state. In this way,
the state protects its citizens and their rights from the thoughtlessness of any
individual in the state. This means, of course, that every citizen in the state is
expected to do his duty to his fellow citizens.
The citizen is also expected to give his services for the protection of
the state in times of war, and to maintain law and order in his state, at all times.
In addition, a citizen should always be ready to volunteer for the common good of
his community by helping the needy and keeping the community safe from any sort of
danger.
Thus, every citizen who is conscious of his rights should also be
conscious of his duties to the state and his fellow citizens in the community.
VOLUNTEERING AND CITIZENSHIP
VOLUNTEERING AND CITIZENSHIP
Volunteering a few hours each week to some community activity is an important way of
investing in the future of our society. I chose to spend my time working with
elementary school children helping them to learn to read. Developing good reading
skills will help these students keep up with their classmates, open new worlds to
them, and help them succeed in life.
Students who are not good readers cannot keep up with their studies. They will not
understand the lessons; they will come to school unprepared; they will not be able
to perform. By learning to read, students will be on equal footing with their
classmates. They will be active participants in class.
Books on different lifestyles, occupations, cultures, or governments will open new
doors to students. Students who cannot read will only know what they see around
them. Students who can read will be able to travel to new worlds and experience new
ideas without ever leaving their classrooms.
Today, a person who cannot read is severely handicapped. A non-reader will have to
work at the most menial jobs. Readers, especially good readers, have the whole
universe open to them. They will have the possibility to learn any job that
interests them.
By volunteering to help an elementary school child learn to read, I am helping him
or her not only today, but also for the rest of his or her life. I am helping them
keep pace with their peers and explore the world and themselves through books.
Volunteering a few hours each week to some community activity is an important way of
investing in the future of our society. I chose to spend my time working with
elementary school children helping them to learn to read. Developing good reading
skills will help these students keep up with their classmates, open new worlds to
them, and help them succeed in life.
Students who are not good readers cannot keep up with their studies. They will not
understand the lessons; they will come to school unprepared; they will not be able
to perform. By learning to read, students will be on equal footing with their
classmates. They will be active participants in class.
Books on different lifestyles, occupations, cultures, or governments will open new
doors to students. Students who cannot read will only know what they see around
them. Students who can read will be able to travel to new worlds and experience new
ideas without ever leaving their classrooms.
Today, a person who cannot read is severely handicapped. A non-reader will have to
work at the most menial jobs. Readers, especially good readers, have the whole
universe open to them. They will have the possibility to learn any job that
interests them.
By volunteering to help an elementary school child learn to read, I am helping him
or her not only today, but also for the rest of his or her life. I am helping them
keep pace with their peers and explore the world and themselves through books.
SCIENCE AND LIVING LONGER
SCIENCE AND LIVING LONGER
It is a common phenomenon and an indisputable fact that people are living longer
now. There are many reasons of this phenomenon. Generally speaking, it is due to the
better living conditions people enjoy, the improved medical treatment people
receive, and the healthier lifestyle people adopt.
With the development of science and technology, people's living conditions have been
improved considerably. They have foods sufficient enough to keep them alive, clothes
warm enough to protect them against cold, and houses strong enough to shelter them
from danger. Hunger, cold, and danger no longer threaten the lives of the human
beings. When facing with nature disasters, people can use all available means to
survive.
To human beings, diseases may well be another killer. They took away lives of a
large number of people, some being very young. But things are quite different today.
The quality of medical care has been improved. Doctors know more now about what
causes diseases and how to cure them. Many diseases that were used to be incurable
can be cured now. Patients who get timely and effective treatments may recover in a
couple of months, or even weeks. It is estimated that today's deaths are mostly
caused by unexpected accidents.
In ancient times, people did not care much about their way of living for lack of
knowledge and shortage of daily necessities. Now, thanks to the progress men has
made and the civilization men has built, the present-day people can afford time,
money, and energy to consider their living habits and lifestyles. They are eagerly
seeking healthier ways of life to live longer, such as giving up smoking, doing
physical exercise, and eating low-fat foods such as vegetables and fruits, which are
now available year-round.
It is announced by scientists and doctors that human life expectancy will be
extended to over 150 years. Men and women of longevity, say 100 years old, are
increasing in number. Senior citizens already dominate many cities in developed
countries. Although it may present some problems, living longer is a blessing to
human beings.
It is a common phenomenon and an indisputable fact that people are living longer
now. There are many reasons of this phenomenon. Generally speaking, it is due to the
better living conditions people enjoy, the improved medical treatment people
receive, and the healthier lifestyle people adopt.
With the development of science and technology, people's living conditions have been
improved considerably. They have foods sufficient enough to keep them alive, clothes
warm enough to protect them against cold, and houses strong enough to shelter them
from danger. Hunger, cold, and danger no longer threaten the lives of the human
beings. When facing with nature disasters, people can use all available means to
survive.
To human beings, diseases may well be another killer. They took away lives of a
large number of people, some being very young. But things are quite different today.
The quality of medical care has been improved. Doctors know more now about what
causes diseases and how to cure them. Many diseases that were used to be incurable
can be cured now. Patients who get timely and effective treatments may recover in a
couple of months, or even weeks. It is estimated that today's deaths are mostly
caused by unexpected accidents.
In ancient times, people did not care much about their way of living for lack of
knowledge and shortage of daily necessities. Now, thanks to the progress men has
made and the civilization men has built, the present-day people can afford time,
money, and energy to consider their living habits and lifestyles. They are eagerly
seeking healthier ways of life to live longer, such as giving up smoking, doing
physical exercise, and eating low-fat foods such as vegetables and fruits, which are
now available year-round.
It is announced by scientists and doctors that human life expectancy will be
extended to over 150 years. Men and women of longevity, say 100 years old, are
increasing in number. Senior citizens already dominate many cities in developed
countries. Although it may present some problems, living longer is a blessing to
human beings.
IMMIGRANTS: INTEGRATION OR REFUSAL AND SEGREGATION
IMMIGRANTS: INTEGRATION OR REFUSAL AND SEGREGATION
Nowadays it is quite common for people to move to other countries either for work or
for study. When they move, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new
country, while others prefer to keep their own customs. If I were forced to choose
one of the two positions, my choice would be the former.
To illustrate my point, let us first take a look on why some people dislike the idea
of following the new customs. First, people who have a strong religious background
that are different from that of the new country tend to stick to their own religious
beliefs. Second, older people are usually accustomed to their own life styles, and
it is very hard for them to change their ways of life and accept new ideas and
cultures. Thirdly, some values and phenomena in western countries contradict eastern
values, such as the use of drugs, alcohol and certain behaviours of young people. So
when people move from a traditional eastern country to a western one, they find it
very hard to accept the new customs.
Although I must admit that it is not always necessary to change our own customs, I
believe that the advantages of adapting to a new culture are apparent. In the first
place, by following the customs of the new country, we can learn more about the
country and understand its people more quickly, and can become a real member of the
country. To share the same custom means that having more things in common with local
people, and it can pull people together. Furthermore, we have to adapt to customs of
the new country, if they are written into the law.
In addition, people who stick to their way of life may sometimes feel lonely and
isolated. They tend to complain about the life in the new country and most of them
eventually return to their home countries.
In conclusion, I believe that the advantages of following the customs of the new
country are obvious because you can easily learn about the new country and quickly
adjust to the new life. What is more, you can live more comfortably and avoid
troubles and misunderstandings in a foreign country if you think and behave the way
other people do.
Nowadays it is quite common for people to move to other countries either for work or
for study. When they move, some of them decide to follow the customs of the new
country, while others prefer to keep their own customs. If I were forced to choose
one of the two positions, my choice would be the former.
To illustrate my point, let us first take a look on why some people dislike the idea
of following the new customs. First, people who have a strong religious background
that are different from that of the new country tend to stick to their own religious
beliefs. Second, older people are usually accustomed to their own life styles, and
it is very hard for them to change their ways of life and accept new ideas and
cultures. Thirdly, some values and phenomena in western countries contradict eastern
values, such as the use of drugs, alcohol and certain behaviours of young people. So
when people move from a traditional eastern country to a western one, they find it
very hard to accept the new customs.
Although I must admit that it is not always necessary to change our own customs, I
believe that the advantages of adapting to a new culture are apparent. In the first
place, by following the customs of the new country, we can learn more about the
country and understand its people more quickly, and can become a real member of the
country. To share the same custom means that having more things in common with local
people, and it can pull people together. Furthermore, we have to adapt to customs of
the new country, if they are written into the law.
In addition, people who stick to their way of life may sometimes feel lonely and
isolated. They tend to complain about the life in the new country and most of them
eventually return to their home countries.
In conclusion, I believe that the advantages of following the customs of the new
country are obvious because you can easily learn about the new country and quickly
adjust to the new life. What is more, you can live more comfortably and avoid
troubles and misunderstandings in a foreign country if you think and behave the way
other people do.
HUMOUR
HUMOUR
In my point of view, a sense of humour is as important as, if not more important
than, other characteristics that a person can have to be successful in life.
Firstly, humour helps us to maintain a correct sense of values. It is because that
we are always reminded that tragedy is not really far from comedy, and then we never
get a lop-sided view of things. A small example could get some light on this point.
Once I failed an assignment again, and I told myself that God was on vacation these
days. I did not feel frustrated, and I succeeded the third time. So, if we can see
the funny side, we never make the mistake of taking ourselves too seriously. It is
helpful for us to keep self-confident.
In addition, the sense of humour is associated with happiness, and happiness will
influence people around us. Those who bring happiness to others probably have a good
relationship with people surrounding them, which is essential to a successful life.
We all have the experience that we are inclined to talk and cooperate with humorous
people. We may treat such experience as an enjoyment instead of a rigid work.
However, to be a successful people is a tough thing. We need intelligence, honesty,
determination, a sense of humour and so on. Without intelligence, we could not find
the keys to solve all the intricate problems. Without honesty, no one would trust us
and we could achieve nothing alone. Without determination we would easily bend for
difficulty.
Even so, I still think of humour as the most important part. A sense of humour
supports an active attitude towards life. And it is such attitude that encourages
intelligence, honest and other characteristics in you. To summon up, a sense of
humour is the most important characteristic. If happiness is one of the great goals
of life, then it is the sense of humour that provides the key.
In my point of view, a sense of humour is as important as, if not more important
than, other characteristics that a person can have to be successful in life.
Firstly, humour helps us to maintain a correct sense of values. It is because that
we are always reminded that tragedy is not really far from comedy, and then we never
get a lop-sided view of things. A small example could get some light on this point.
Once I failed an assignment again, and I told myself that God was on vacation these
days. I did not feel frustrated, and I succeeded the third time. So, if we can see
the funny side, we never make the mistake of taking ourselves too seriously. It is
helpful for us to keep self-confident.
In addition, the sense of humour is associated with happiness, and happiness will
influence people around us. Those who bring happiness to others probably have a good
relationship with people surrounding them, which is essential to a successful life.
We all have the experience that we are inclined to talk and cooperate with humorous
people. We may treat such experience as an enjoyment instead of a rigid work.
However, to be a successful people is a tough thing. We need intelligence, honesty,
determination, a sense of humour and so on. Without intelligence, we could not find
the keys to solve all the intricate problems. Without honesty, no one would trust us
and we could achieve nothing alone. Without determination we would easily bend for
difficulty.
Even so, I still think of humour as the most important part. A sense of humour
supports an active attitude towards life. And it is such attitude that encourages
intelligence, honest and other characteristics in you. To summon up, a sense of
humour is the most important characteristic. If happiness is one of the great goals
of life, then it is the sense of humour that provides the key.
PERSONAL LETTER: REPLY TO A FRIEND
PERSONAL LETTER: REPLY TO A FRIEND
5, Market Street, Tabriquet
Salé.
15th May, 2010
Dear Ali,
Thank you for your delightfull letter which came a short while ago.
I am pleased to learn of the new interest you feel in the English
language, for it is the first step in your journey to success. No one, in his right
senses, can deny that proficiency in English is essential to
personal progress and happiness today.
One of the ways of improving your English is to read books on a
variety of subjects. If you read books on one or two subjects only, your
vocabulary will not expand fast enough. As you might know the English
vocabulary consists of more than 600,000 words. Each subject has its
own vocabulary. Therefore, the more subjects you read in English and
more words you will learn to express yourself with greater ease and
satisfaction.
You should also learn the basic rules of Grammar. It is indeed
difficult to write English confidently without some knowledge of
grammar.
Please write to me again if you need any help. Though I am not a
master of the English language, yet I think I can be of some help to you.
All the best,
Taha
5, Market Street, Tabriquet
Salé.
15th May, 2010
Dear Ali,
Thank you for your delightfull letter which came a short while ago.
I am pleased to learn of the new interest you feel in the English
language, for it is the first step in your journey to success. No one, in his right
senses, can deny that proficiency in English is essential to
personal progress and happiness today.
One of the ways of improving your English is to read books on a
variety of subjects. If you read books on one or two subjects only, your
vocabulary will not expand fast enough. As you might know the English
vocabulary consists of more than 600,000 words. Each subject has its
own vocabulary. Therefore, the more subjects you read in English and
more words you will learn to express yourself with greater ease and
satisfaction.
You should also learn the basic rules of Grammar. It is indeed
difficult to write English confidently without some knowledge of
grammar.
Please write to me again if you need any help. Though I am not a
master of the English language, yet I think I can be of some help to you.
All the best,
Taha
PERSONAL LETTER: LETTER OF THANKS TO A TEACHER
PERSONAL LETTER: LETTER OF THANKS TO A TEACHER
Kadi High School
7, Meknes Road,
Salé.
15th May,2010
Dear Mrs. Tahiri,
As you are aware, I did very well in my last examination. I now wish
to thank you for all the good work that you had done for me and for all
the others in the class.
You must believe me when I say that we found your lessons very
interesting, and your kind words were an added inspiration to us to study
hard.
I am sure it was only because of your good work that I and many
others in the class did so well in the examination. I shall always
remember you with affection, gratitude and respect, as well my friends
who passed the examination together with me.
You are indeed a teacher of outstanding calibre and it is a unique
privilege to be taught by you.
Your loving student,
Siham Badri
Kadi High School
7, Meknes Road,
Salé.
15th May,2010
Dear Mrs. Tahiri,
As you are aware, I did very well in my last examination. I now wish
to thank you for all the good work that you had done for me and for all
the others in the class.
You must believe me when I say that we found your lessons very
interesting, and your kind words were an added inspiration to us to study
hard.
I am sure it was only because of your good work that I and many
others in the class did so well in the examination. I shall always
remember you with affection, gratitude and respect, as well my friends
who passed the examination together with me.
You are indeed a teacher of outstanding calibre and it is a unique
privilege to be taught by you.
Your loving student,
Siham Badri
Saturday, 5 June 2010
GLOBAL WARMING
GLOBAL WARMING
Danger:
The World Is Getting Hot!
Danger:
The World Is Getting Hot!
1
What’s the Weather Like Today?
What do you say when people ask you what
the weather is like? If it’s summertime, you might
say, “It’s sweltering.” You might have snow
where you are or torrential rains. The weather
changes day to day, but most areas have pretty
much the same kind of weather from season to
season every year. That is called the climate.
Have you ever been asked, “What is the
climate like today?” You probably have not. The
climate doesn’t change from day to day.
Many scientists, however, ask, “What will the
climate be like in five years? How about in one
hundred years?” They worry that the Earth’s
climate is changing, and that this may be harmful.
2
Because of greenhouse gases, more of the sun’s warmth
stays trapped on the Earth. This makes it hotter.
Some reflected
radiation is captured
by greenhouse gases
and sent back to
warm Earth’s climate.
The Greenhouse Effect
Solar radiation
is reflected by
Earth and the
atmosphere.
The Earth absorbs most radiation.
3
The Earth’s Climate
Of all the planets in our solar system, Earth
has the most hospitable climate for human life.
Earth’s climate has changed dramatically over
time, but these natural changes came gradually.
Scientists worry today because the climate seems
to have changed so quickly in the last hundred
years.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
reports that the Earth’s overall temperature
has risen one full degree Fahrenheit in the last
hundred years. That may not seem like a lot, but
it really is something to be concerned about.
Since the 1800s, there is 30% more carbon dioxide in the air.
4
The Temperature is Rising!
There is scientific evidence that humans are
at least partly responsible for this temperature
change.
The atmosphere is the air around the planet.
Earth’s atmosphere contains gases such as carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor,
and ozone. These are called greenhouse gases
because they act like the glass of a greenhouse,
trapping the sun’s rays in the atmosphere. If
there were no greenhouse gases, the sun’s heat
would bounce back into space, and the planet
would be too cold for us!
Since the early 1800s, factories burning wood,
coal, and oil have poured pollutants into the air.
The carbon dioxide in the air rose 30%.
5
How We Add to the
Greenhouse Effect
Cars, planes, and power
plants all create greenhouse
gases. In the last century,
these gases have increased
in the atmosphere at an
alarming rate.
Whenever we burn wood,
oil, gasoline, natural gas,
or coal, we release carbon
dioxide.
Methane is another greenhouse gas. Landfills
are one source of methane. Methane absorbs 20
times the amount of heat that carbon dioxide
absorbs. Also, when we burn fossil fuels, nitrous
oxide enters the air. Nitrous oxide absorbs 270
times the amount of heat that carbon dioxide
absorbs.
6
Non-Natural Gases
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide
all occur naturally. But because we have so
much industry, we produce three more kinds of
these dangerous gases. These gases are called
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These gases
trap up to 11,000 times more heat than carbon
dioxide!
There are also fluorocarbon gases that are
used as propellants inside spray cans called
aerosols. Many nations around the world have
passed laws to make sure that we produce fewer
aerosols.
7
Is Global Warming a Fact?
Some scientists venture the opinion that
humans are not necessarily the primary cause of
global warming. They believe there may be other
reasons our planet has grown warmer.
They believe that what we call global warming
is just a natural part of our planet’s climate cycle.
Since the beginning of life on Earth, the climate
has changed from hot to cool and back again. At
the coldest point in time, the Ice Age, much of
the Northern Hemisphere was covered in glaciers.
At the warmest times, there were no ice caps at
the North or South Poles. Could we be headed
toward another warm era in this pattern? It’s
impossible to tell for certain, as these patterns
take hundreds of years to unfold.
8
What Do We Know for Sure?
Global warming is a fact. Although we
can’t be certain about its effects, we can try to
predict what is likely to happen. And from these
predictions, we can take actions to help keep our
Earth a safe place to live.
Scientists do know for sure that we are
producing many greenhouse gases. This makes
it highly likely that humans are contributing to
global warming. Some scientists predict that
global warming will make Earth’s weather more
forbidding and more destructive in the future.
9
Predictions About Our Weather
Although they cannot predict specific
outcomes, scientists have made some predictions
about what might happen to our weather if we
continue to pump more greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere.
Meteorologists are people who study
weather. Along with other scientists, they worry
about the harmful effects of global warming.
As a demonstration, think about hurricanes,
tornadoes, and other severe weather events and
consider the damage they cause.
10
How Will Global Warming Affect Our Weather?
Every year, hurricanes tear along the coast of
the southern states and the Caribbean islands,
damaging houses and harming—even killing—
people. These terrible storms occur in the tropics
because of the weather conditions there: they
feed off warm air and water.
11
Meteorologists fear that warmer global
temperatures will allow storms to travel to places
where they have never been before. They also
fear that the storms could become even more
formidable than any we have ever seen. These
storms could reach cities in inland areas that
aren’t equipped to deal with them.
12
How Will Global Warming Affect the Environment?
As the planet warms, our environment will
change. What might these changes be like?
The ice and snow at the North and South Poles
could melt. This would raise sea levels all over
the planet. Over the last century, the planet’s sea
level has risen 4–8 inches. This floods beaches
and wetlands and adds higher salinity to bays
and rivers. Coasts become more vulnerable to
storms.
When icebergs melt, they leave many animals
homeless. The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) studied the ice cover in
Greenland over a six-year period and concluded
that Greenland’s ice cover is thinning rapidly.
Although it is harder to measure the change in
a huge continent like Antarctica, the melting in
Greenland is an ominous sign.
13
How Will Global Warming Affect Our Health?
A warmer planet could be dangerous to
the health of humans. Diseases spread by hot
weather insects, such as mosquitoes, will become
harder to control and spread to more areas.
People with asthma suffer from the heat. As
we add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere,
the lower atmosphere grows thicker and collects
more pollutants.
Global warming is a global problem. Several
nations created the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988. This panel studies
our global climate all over the world. In 1997,
more than 160 nations signed an agreement
called the Kyoto Protocol, agreeing to reduce
their greenhouse gas emissions. The United
States is not one of these nations.
14
Is Help on the Way?
In the United States, the EPA helps collect
information about global warming and also tries
to educate people about its effects.
Along with the IPCC, the EPA encourages
industries to lower their emissions. It also wants
industry to try to use technology, products, and
practices that are better for the environment.
Industry is listening! In the United States,
more than two dozen states have made an
Environmental Protection Plan.
15
New Laws for a Cleaner Environment
The government has passed special laws for
industries, limiting the amount of greenhouse
gas emissions. Factories and power plants must
meet these restrictions.
Meanwhile, scientists and engineers keep
trying out new ideas to protect the planet.
In anticipation of low-emissions laws, car
manufacturers have created low-emissions and
fuel-efficient models. The government supports
Energy Star products, from long-lasting light
bulbs to more energy-efficient washing machines.
Recycling helps cut back on greenhouse gases.
Americans can also help by keeping their cars
tuned up, so they don’t waste fuel. It helps to use
public transportation and to turn off lights when
you leave a room.
16
Poorer Nations
The poorer nations of the world would have a
hard time coping with global warming. Many of
these nations depend on agriculture to survive,
so if storms or weather changes ruin their crops,
many people will go hungry.
With fewer medical resources in developing
nations, diseases could spread. Also, these
nations are less likely to impose laws on their
own industries to curb pollution. Why? Because
they can’t afford expensive new low-pollution
factory equipment.
17
How You Can Help
You can help by recycling. At home, you can
start by watching how much electricity you
use. Turn off the stereo, the television, and the
computer when you are done using them.
You can also help by talking to your family
and friends about conserving energy by
carpooling, keeping cars tuned up and in good
condition, and using buses and subways instead
of driving.
The next time your family buys a light bulb,
a toaster, a computer, or a car, do some research
first! There are lots of energy-saving and lowemissions
products on the market now.
18
Now Try This
Trading Bad Habits for Good
In the battle against global warming, every
person can help. You can help by watching how
you use energy. The less energy you use, the less
greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere.
You can start right away!
19
1. Make a list of things you normally do and
want to change for the better. Write a list and
label it Old Way. Try to go through your day in
your mind and list the things you do that use
electricity or fuel power.
2. Make another column labelled New Way with
ideas for the new way you want to do things.
For example, you may have, “Mom drives me
to school in the car,” in your Old Way column.
In the New Way column, you may write, “Take
the bus instead.” Make sure to leave room for
a third column.
3. Place your list where you can see it often.
Read it over, add new ideas to it, and try to
keep your New Way ideas in your mind.
4. At the end of each day, keep a tally in the
third column of how many times you actually
did something from your New Way column.
Each time you take the bus or walk instead of
getting in the car, make a mark. By the end of
a week, you will be able to show the changes
you have made to help the environment.
5. Share your list with your friends and family to
inspire them to make changes too!
Here’s How to Do It!
20
Glossary
anticipation n. the
act of preparing for
something before it
happens
continent n. one
of seven bodies of
continuous land on the
Earth’s surface: Europe,
Asia, Africa, North
America, South America,
Australia, and Antarctica
forbidding adj.
uninviting or repellent
formidable adj.
giving cause for fear;
dangerous; difficult to
overcome
hospitable adj.
welcoming and homey
icebergs n. detached
pieces of glacier floating
at sea
salinity n. saltiness
Reader Response / Comprehension
1. Think about the book you just read. What are
the main ideas of the book? Also give some
supporting details from the book to expand on
your answer.
2. Does the author present both sides of the issue?
Find places where the author mentions doubts
about global warming.
3. Many of the words used in this book are made
up of many parts, especially the scientific words.
Some of these parts come from Greek or Latin
words. Find words in the text that may have these
Greek and Latin words in them:
Word Meaning
aer air
geo earth
di two
inter between, over, past, or through
How does the Latin or Greek root help you to
understand the meanings of the words you
found?
4. Many different types of scientists research the
problem of global warming. Look through the
text and find information that may have come
from:
a. Meteorologists d. Chemists
b. Paleontologists e. Geologists
c. Zoologists
(Use a dictionary if you are not sure what these
people do.)
Danger:
The World Is Getting Hot!
Danger:
The World Is Getting Hot!
1
What’s the Weather Like Today?
What do you say when people ask you what
the weather is like? If it’s summertime, you might
say, “It’s sweltering.” You might have snow
where you are or torrential rains. The weather
changes day to day, but most areas have pretty
much the same kind of weather from season to
season every year. That is called the climate.
Have you ever been asked, “What is the
climate like today?” You probably have not. The
climate doesn’t change from day to day.
Many scientists, however, ask, “What will the
climate be like in five years? How about in one
hundred years?” They worry that the Earth’s
climate is changing, and that this may be harmful.
2
Because of greenhouse gases, more of the sun’s warmth
stays trapped on the Earth. This makes it hotter.
Some reflected
radiation is captured
by greenhouse gases
and sent back to
warm Earth’s climate.
The Greenhouse Effect
Solar radiation
is reflected by
Earth and the
atmosphere.
The Earth absorbs most radiation.
3
The Earth’s Climate
Of all the planets in our solar system, Earth
has the most hospitable climate for human life.
Earth’s climate has changed dramatically over
time, but these natural changes came gradually.
Scientists worry today because the climate seems
to have changed so quickly in the last hundred
years.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
reports that the Earth’s overall temperature
has risen one full degree Fahrenheit in the last
hundred years. That may not seem like a lot, but
it really is something to be concerned about.
Since the 1800s, there is 30% more carbon dioxide in the air.
4
The Temperature is Rising!
There is scientific evidence that humans are
at least partly responsible for this temperature
change.
The atmosphere is the air around the planet.
Earth’s atmosphere contains gases such as carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor,
and ozone. These are called greenhouse gases
because they act like the glass of a greenhouse,
trapping the sun’s rays in the atmosphere. If
there were no greenhouse gases, the sun’s heat
would bounce back into space, and the planet
would be too cold for us!
Since the early 1800s, factories burning wood,
coal, and oil have poured pollutants into the air.
The carbon dioxide in the air rose 30%.
5
How We Add to the
Greenhouse Effect
Cars, planes, and power
plants all create greenhouse
gases. In the last century,
these gases have increased
in the atmosphere at an
alarming rate.
Whenever we burn wood,
oil, gasoline, natural gas,
or coal, we release carbon
dioxide.
Methane is another greenhouse gas. Landfills
are one source of methane. Methane absorbs 20
times the amount of heat that carbon dioxide
absorbs. Also, when we burn fossil fuels, nitrous
oxide enters the air. Nitrous oxide absorbs 270
times the amount of heat that carbon dioxide
absorbs.
6
Non-Natural Gases
Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide
all occur naturally. But because we have so
much industry, we produce three more kinds of
these dangerous gases. These gases are called
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These gases
trap up to 11,000 times more heat than carbon
dioxide!
There are also fluorocarbon gases that are
used as propellants inside spray cans called
aerosols. Many nations around the world have
passed laws to make sure that we produce fewer
aerosols.
7
Is Global Warming a Fact?
Some scientists venture the opinion that
humans are not necessarily the primary cause of
global warming. They believe there may be other
reasons our planet has grown warmer.
They believe that what we call global warming
is just a natural part of our planet’s climate cycle.
Since the beginning of life on Earth, the climate
has changed from hot to cool and back again. At
the coldest point in time, the Ice Age, much of
the Northern Hemisphere was covered in glaciers.
At the warmest times, there were no ice caps at
the North or South Poles. Could we be headed
toward another warm era in this pattern? It’s
impossible to tell for certain, as these patterns
take hundreds of years to unfold.
8
What Do We Know for Sure?
Global warming is a fact. Although we
can’t be certain about its effects, we can try to
predict what is likely to happen. And from these
predictions, we can take actions to help keep our
Earth a safe place to live.
Scientists do know for sure that we are
producing many greenhouse gases. This makes
it highly likely that humans are contributing to
global warming. Some scientists predict that
global warming will make Earth’s weather more
forbidding and more destructive in the future.
9
Predictions About Our Weather
Although they cannot predict specific
outcomes, scientists have made some predictions
about what might happen to our weather if we
continue to pump more greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere.
Meteorologists are people who study
weather. Along with other scientists, they worry
about the harmful effects of global warming.
As a demonstration, think about hurricanes,
tornadoes, and other severe weather events and
consider the damage they cause.
10
How Will Global Warming Affect Our Weather?
Every year, hurricanes tear along the coast of
the southern states and the Caribbean islands,
damaging houses and harming—even killing—
people. These terrible storms occur in the tropics
because of the weather conditions there: they
feed off warm air and water.
11
Meteorologists fear that warmer global
temperatures will allow storms to travel to places
where they have never been before. They also
fear that the storms could become even more
formidable than any we have ever seen. These
storms could reach cities in inland areas that
aren’t equipped to deal with them.
12
How Will Global Warming Affect the Environment?
As the planet warms, our environment will
change. What might these changes be like?
The ice and snow at the North and South Poles
could melt. This would raise sea levels all over
the planet. Over the last century, the planet’s sea
level has risen 4–8 inches. This floods beaches
and wetlands and adds higher salinity to bays
and rivers. Coasts become more vulnerable to
storms.
When icebergs melt, they leave many animals
homeless. The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) studied the ice cover in
Greenland over a six-year period and concluded
that Greenland’s ice cover is thinning rapidly.
Although it is harder to measure the change in
a huge continent like Antarctica, the melting in
Greenland is an ominous sign.
13
How Will Global Warming Affect Our Health?
A warmer planet could be dangerous to
the health of humans. Diseases spread by hot
weather insects, such as mosquitoes, will become
harder to control and spread to more areas.
People with asthma suffer from the heat. As
we add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere,
the lower atmosphere grows thicker and collects
more pollutants.
Global warming is a global problem. Several
nations created the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988. This panel studies
our global climate all over the world. In 1997,
more than 160 nations signed an agreement
called the Kyoto Protocol, agreeing to reduce
their greenhouse gas emissions. The United
States is not one of these nations.
14
Is Help on the Way?
In the United States, the EPA helps collect
information about global warming and also tries
to educate people about its effects.
Along with the IPCC, the EPA encourages
industries to lower their emissions. It also wants
industry to try to use technology, products, and
practices that are better for the environment.
Industry is listening! In the United States,
more than two dozen states have made an
Environmental Protection Plan.
15
New Laws for a Cleaner Environment
The government has passed special laws for
industries, limiting the amount of greenhouse
gas emissions. Factories and power plants must
meet these restrictions.
Meanwhile, scientists and engineers keep
trying out new ideas to protect the planet.
In anticipation of low-emissions laws, car
manufacturers have created low-emissions and
fuel-efficient models. The government supports
Energy Star products, from long-lasting light
bulbs to more energy-efficient washing machines.
Recycling helps cut back on greenhouse gases.
Americans can also help by keeping their cars
tuned up, so they don’t waste fuel. It helps to use
public transportation and to turn off lights when
you leave a room.
16
Poorer Nations
The poorer nations of the world would have a
hard time coping with global warming. Many of
these nations depend on agriculture to survive,
so if storms or weather changes ruin their crops,
many people will go hungry.
With fewer medical resources in developing
nations, diseases could spread. Also, these
nations are less likely to impose laws on their
own industries to curb pollution. Why? Because
they can’t afford expensive new low-pollution
factory equipment.
17
How You Can Help
You can help by recycling. At home, you can
start by watching how much electricity you
use. Turn off the stereo, the television, and the
computer when you are done using them.
You can also help by talking to your family
and friends about conserving energy by
carpooling, keeping cars tuned up and in good
condition, and using buses and subways instead
of driving.
The next time your family buys a light bulb,
a toaster, a computer, or a car, do some research
first! There are lots of energy-saving and lowemissions
products on the market now.
18
Now Try This
Trading Bad Habits for Good
In the battle against global warming, every
person can help. You can help by watching how
you use energy. The less energy you use, the less
greenhouse gases are added to the atmosphere.
You can start right away!
19
1. Make a list of things you normally do and
want to change for the better. Write a list and
label it Old Way. Try to go through your day in
your mind and list the things you do that use
electricity or fuel power.
2. Make another column labelled New Way with
ideas for the new way you want to do things.
For example, you may have, “Mom drives me
to school in the car,” in your Old Way column.
In the New Way column, you may write, “Take
the bus instead.” Make sure to leave room for
a third column.
3. Place your list where you can see it often.
Read it over, add new ideas to it, and try to
keep your New Way ideas in your mind.
4. At the end of each day, keep a tally in the
third column of how many times you actually
did something from your New Way column.
Each time you take the bus or walk instead of
getting in the car, make a mark. By the end of
a week, you will be able to show the changes
you have made to help the environment.
5. Share your list with your friends and family to
inspire them to make changes too!
Here’s How to Do It!
20
Glossary
anticipation n. the
act of preparing for
something before it
happens
continent n. one
of seven bodies of
continuous land on the
Earth’s surface: Europe,
Asia, Africa, North
America, South America,
Australia, and Antarctica
forbidding adj.
uninviting or repellent
formidable adj.
giving cause for fear;
dangerous; difficult to
overcome
hospitable adj.
welcoming and homey
icebergs n. detached
pieces of glacier floating
at sea
salinity n. saltiness
Reader Response / Comprehension
1. Think about the book you just read. What are
the main ideas of the book? Also give some
supporting details from the book to expand on
your answer.
2. Does the author present both sides of the issue?
Find places where the author mentions doubts
about global warming.
3. Many of the words used in this book are made
up of many parts, especially the scientific words.
Some of these parts come from Greek or Latin
words. Find words in the text that may have these
Greek and Latin words in them:
Word Meaning
aer air
geo earth
di two
inter between, over, past, or through
How does the Latin or Greek root help you to
understand the meanings of the words you
found?
4. Many different types of scientists research the
problem of global warming. Look through the
text and find information that may have come
from:
a. Meteorologists d. Chemists
b. Paleontologists e. Geologists
c. Zoologists
(Use a dictionary if you are not sure what these
people do.)
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