LETTER

Dear David, I was really happy to receive your letter and to read that you are going t to the same adventure centre I went to. I had a fantastic time and I am sure you will too. You will love it. The centre has a very wide range of quite difficult activities, such as r rock climbing, canoeing, diving and they have an assault course. Some o of the activities are scary but they are quite safe and I had a lot of fun. However, I don't think you should worry about being scared. It's true that some of the activities like the rock climbing and the diving need h y you to be brave, but you are always with qualified teachers and there is never any real danger. You are much more adventurous than me and I don't think you will have any problems. I wish I was going with you and am sure you will have as good a time a as I had. Please write back soon to tell me how everything went, what y you did and all the new friends you made. I made many and I am sure you will too. I hope you have a good time. Best wishes,

REPORT: Report on The Career Conference I recently attended a two-day conference on careers and this report considers ways in which the conference was good and ways in which the conference was disappointing. It then concludes with recommendations as to how the conference could be improved for next year.

There were some aspects that were very good. It had an excellent exhibition of over 100 different jobs and there were talks on a wide range of careers with experts available to answer questions and to give advice where needed. But, on the other hand, there were also some problems. Some of the speeches were very good, but there were also some that were very boring and confused. There were not enough experts available to help and advise students, and so long queues developed. Also, the experts that were available were very good on advice for science and maths subjects but were weak on careers for languages or history. I would recommend that some minor changes be made for next year's conference. The structure and the organisation of the conference does not need to be changed, but at least three times more experts than this time should be made available to give advice. Also, the kinds of experts needs to be carefully considered so that there is a balance and all kinds of careers advice can be given.

REPORT Report on my exchange visit to London In July I went to London to stay with Mary Jones and her family for three weeks as part of the exchange programme. Mary had previously stayed with me for three weeks in March. Mary and her family made me feel welcome from the beginning. They encouraged me to feel at home and to come and go as I pleased. They cooked wonderful meals and made me feel part of the family. In view of this, it is probably wrong for me to criticise, but, the problem I had was that I had no idea where to go and what to do. Mary took me out once or twice but most of the time I was alone and felt I wasted a lot of time.

When Mary stayed with me, my family and I took her somewhere almost every day, and she said how much she appreciated our efforts and how much she had learnt about our city. I had been expecting something similar to happen when I stayed with her. So, although I enjoyed my trip, I recommend that people taking part in the exchange programme should be told that they are expected to provide some sort of programme of activities for their guests. They should at least give them information about what there is to do and see in their area.

PROPOSAL Proposal for Improvements to the Library This proposal looks at how the library facilities at the international college library could be improved, bearing in mind that money is limited. It considers different aspects like the opening hours, the work space and the condition of the resources and gives suggestions and recommendations as the conclusion. Firstly, one of the main problems with the library are the opening hours. Students can't always choose the hours they need to study and many times they have to study at inconvenient hours. The opening hours at present are too short which makes it difficult for the students to use it. Secondly, the work space available is not enough. often students have to cramp into tight spaces to be able to work, or sit on the floor. Finally, the resources are extremely limited. There are very few computers with limited and outdated software and the few books and videos there are are old and boring. It would be great to have some english magazines. In conclusion, without spending a lot of money, the library could be made much more useful by making the opening hours longer, by

making more space available so students can sit and work comfortably and if possible by purchasing a few english magazines and maybe some more computers. PROPOSAL Proposal to Improve College Environmental Policy

Introduction The student committee of the college feels that the environmental policy of the college is not as it should be because little attention is given to the recycling of waste and energy conservation by both the students and the college authorities. This proposal looks at the problem and in the conclusion makes some suggestions and recommendations to improve this situation.

Efficient use of energy There is considerable waste in terms of energy in all areas of college life, from . lighting . water heating . refrigeration B Both staff and students seem unaware of the need for conservation and oblivious to its importance. Waste L Little attention is given to ways of reducing waste and the practice of recycling is non-existent, as for . paper . glass . aluminium and plastics This indicates a lack of responsibility on the part of the college authorities who should be educating the students in these practices and are failing to do so.

Suggestions and Recommendations We propose that a group of environmental consultants be brought in to examine what we do and to suggest ways in which our community can

become more environmentally sensitive. This would identify specific areas of concern which would then allow the college to implement policies to change practices that are causing concern and negatively affecting the environment. ARTICLE:

What I read every day

In today's high tech, internet society, the latest information is available instantly, for free. So what need is there to waste money buying newspapers? The reason is the special pleasure you get when you open your own crisp copy of your favourite newspaper and feel the pictures and headlines jump out at you, tempting you to read each one.

The most widely read newspapers in my country are the sports newspapers. There are two, MARCA and SPORT, and they compete with each other to discuss everything relating to the two main football teams in the country. Each leaves a few pages at the back to discuss other sports, but football is their main reason for existence.

We have two other newspapers, ABC and Vanguardia, which cover much less interesting subjects, politics and the economy. Again these take sides and compete to tell the public what the main parties want them to believe. The content has no relation to the truth. That's why the sports newspapers are more popular.

I only read MARCA which covers my team. I have no time for the lies about the other team and the politicians trying to fool me into believing they are doing a good job. Only god tells the truth, and he plays for my team.

ARTICLE

Technology a curse in disguise The technological revolution is a paradox. It has enabled us to communicate more easily, yet it is killing conversation. It has supposedly freed up more time for leisure, yet it has made us slaves to our work. Let me explain. Without a mobile phone, I would not be able to respond to the d demands of my job. My clients would abandon me and my boss would sack me. So, regrettably, and much to my family's annoyance, I have it on 24 hours a day. As a consequence, I can spend whole weekends without saying a word to my family, either because I am on the phone, or because they are too angry to speak to me. I have the same relationship with my computer. Thanks to my laptop, I can reply to emails from almost anywhere, as soon as I receive them. However, the faster I work, the greater my client's expectations of me become, and consequently, the more pressure I create for myself. Even in the home, the computer creates more problems than it resolves. My husband and I now do our shopping on the internet, which means we have more time to watch a dvd or one of the 200 or so digital tv channels we have access to. Unfortunately, it also helps to cut us off from human contact and turn us into anti-social, overweight couch potatoes. In conclusion, I feel that mobile phones and computers should carry a government health warning: technology can seriously damage your health and your personality.

LETTER OF APPLICATION Dear Sir, I am writing in answer to your advertisement for staff to work in an international rock festival this summer in the west of England. I have worked in many rock festivals and would like to work for you because I love the atmosphere at these events. I realise that the work is very hard, but, I enjoy how everybody gets involved to do whatever

is necessary and the team spirit that develops. I feel I would be suitable for you to employ me for several reasons. Firstly, my English is perfect. Although my parents are French, I was born in England and went to school there since the age of 12. I have many friends who live in the west of England and so I know the area very well. Secondly, I have experience in all the areas you are looking for. I have worked in several restaurants in my summer holidays and have experience of working in the kitchens and as a waiter. I would have no problem working in your catering section serving food and drinks. Finally, I worked as a lifeguard for a few seasons and passed all my basic first aid courses. Your first aid section would not give me any problems and I am fairly tall and well built in case you needed me to work in the security area. I really hope you will give me the chance to have an interview so that I can explain how dependable I am and to demonstrate how useful I could be working in the festival. Thanking you, Yours faithfully,

ESSAY We live in an age when many people are admired simply for being famous, rather than for the way in which they achieved that fame. But, does fame brings happiness? I will look at two sides of this question and finally give my opinion as the conclusion.

Fame can attract both positive and negative publicity. The media sometimes chooses to praise a star one week, and then attacks them the next week with critical articles and unflattering photographs. Moreover, it is probably true to say that some celebrities do not have genuine friends who they can rely on, and who are unlikely to exploit them for their own gain. It is also the case that fame does not last, and obscurity must be extremely hard to deal with if you have been used to the spotlight. But, on the other hand, being famous can bring some marvellous opportunities. It allows stars to indulge themselves with luxury homes and travel to exotic destinations, or to help others through charity work or simply by lending their name to a project. Additionally, if you are famous for being a heart surgeon or civil rights activist, for instance, then hopefully the pride you take in your work must equate to some form of happiness. In conclusion, I think that young people who believe that fame brings happiness might not be entirely wrong. If you can maintain a degree of privacy, keep your self-respect and hold on to a trustworthy circle of friends, then being famous is not as negative as it is often thought to be.

REVIEW Bond is Back Never mind the plot, just watch the action and the special effects. That seems to be the message of Casino Royale, the latest in the James Bond series of films, starring Daniel Craig and Eva Green. The plot is very light and unoriginal. The head of a criminal organisation, the banker to terrorists, is planning to cause financial havoc on the stockmarkets, and only James Bond, in this case discredited, just to make it a little more difficult, stands ready to save us. The required beautiful girl is present who starts off suspicious of Bond but then predictably ends up falling in love with him.

Daniel Craig is a very fine actor but this kind of film is not the best vehicle for him to show off his talents. The best he can do is show his beautifully sculptured body as he systematically shoots, stabs and fataly manhandles all sorts of undesirables in exotic locations. The visual experience is spectacular and the action is breathtaking. Within the James Bond series, this is one of the best. So, if it's action, excitement and escapism you want, this film is for you. You will be taken to Venice, Miami and a whole collection of interesting places to meet beautiful women and very dangerous men. However, if you prefer serious acting, give this one a miss. I loved it.

LEAFLET Welcome to the College New students are sometimes confused by life in a busy college, so here are a few tips to get you going. Finding somewhere to live. The accommodation office is set up to help you find accommodation: . On campus . With a private family . In self catering accommodation If you need help, go and see the accommodation officer. Making your study rewarding. We have a number of extra facilities to help you with your classroom learning: . A reading room for quiet study . An extensive library . A computer centre with internet access It is well worth a visit. Enjoying yourself in your spare time. Because it is important also to relax at college, we offer the following social activities: . Excursions to places of interest

. Societies and clubs where you can meet people Remember: we are here to make your stay truly unforgettable.

GUIDE BOOK ENTRY Mexico City When Mexico City starts to feel too busy, it is time to make your way to Chapultapec Park, the weekend playground for those who live in the capital. It's the city's largest green space and people come here to unwind, to have a picnic or to go for a walk. There is also a wide range of cultural and sporting facilities on offer if you're feeling energetic. Chapultapec Park is located at the end of the Paseo de la Reforma, the city's main boulevard. It is divided into three sections and covers about 2,5 square miles which makes it one of the biggest city parks in the world. There are 7 museums in the park, including the wonderful Papalote children's museum. There is also the splendid National History Museum in Chapultapec Castle. This is filled with period furniture, as well as hundreds of paintings, which depict the history of Mexico from the Aztecs to today. However, the one museum that you really must not miss is the National Anthropology Museum, which houses displays of priceless artifacts of Mexican culture, including the Aztec calendar stone. If you are traveling with children, the world class zoo is another place you should definitely visit. The zoo's star attractions are the giant pandas. It was here in 1980 that the first baby panda was born outside china. Other attractions include a large amusement park, and children will also enjoy taking a paddle boat on one of the lakes or a tram ride.

CHARACTER REFERENCE To Whom It May Concern

Character Reference: David Jones I first met David in 2001 while he was studying history at my university as part of the Erasmus programme. Our friendship has continued since then and we regularly visit each other. Having heard him speaking on several occasions about his subject, both informally and in public, I am in no doubt that David would make an excellent museum guide. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but he also has a talent for bringing history alive, with an enthusiastic combination of entertaining stories, interesting facts and clear explanations. In addition to his obvious passion for the past, David has a very warm, friendly manner and always shows great patience and sensitivity towards others. These qualities enable him to communicate easily and effectively with people of all ages, and he would be just as at home talking to a party of young school children as he would be to a group of history students. He is also an excellent listener and voracious reader, capable of assimilating large amounts of new information with great ease. This would undoubtedly help him to acquire the relevant background knowledge about each exhibit in the museum in a very short space of time. For these reasons I am more than confident that David has the necessary qualities for this job and he would be a great asset to your museum. He has always been a faithful and trustworthy friend to me, and I am sure he would make an equally loyal and reliable employee for your museum.

COMPETITION ENTRY The importance of a Good Memory

A person's memory is the most important part of his being and in extreme cases, when total memory loss occurs, the person's life is effectively destroyed. For this reason, a good memory is a very powerful asset, but, on the other hand, a bad memory can be a serious liability. A good memory can be an important factor in a person's success. In the field of education, exam success, which has a serious influence on career success is very dependent on one having a good memory. In fact, certain subjects like law and medicine are so dependent on memory that it could be said that someone with a bad memory need not try to be a lawyer or a doctor. A bad memory can spell disaster in many ways. It can have a very serious effect on one's confidence, and also on the confidence other people have in you. If you arrive late because you forget appointments, people stop trusting you, and almost consider you to be an idiot. In our daily lives, we depend so heavily on our memories for everything like people's names to business details, that with a poor memory, we would function in a very limited way. In conclusion, it is vital to work to have as good a memory as possible, and to improve the memory we have. This is possible with exercises and training and we need not live with the handicap of a poor memory. I wanted to say something else, but i can't remember what it was.

RESEARCH PROJECT CONTRIBUTION The question of what young people do after they leave school in this part of the country is one that has been addressed by a seies of surveys carried out by various organisations. These surveys reveal a fast-changing situation. The surveys show that an increasing number of young people are going from school into further education rather than straight into employment. The figure of those doing further studies has risen by 35% compared with 5 years ago. This is a significant rise, and reflects

both the fact that more young people now want to get further educational qualifications that they feel will be to their advantage in the world of work, and the fact that the provision of further education in the region has rissen significantly. Eight new colleges have opened over the past 10 years and many others have expanded. The surveys also indicate that there have been significant changes concerning those young people who go directly from school into emplyment. Firstly, an increasing number are leaving the rural areas and going to work in the towns and cities-the figure for people doing that has gone up 15% compared with 5 years ago and 56% compared with 10 years ago. Secondly, there is a pattern of young people being employed in the service industries rather than in the industrial or manufacturing sectors. 10 years ago, 67% of all school leavers going directly into employment were employed in manufacturing or manual work. That figure is now down to 28%.