Mrs A.

Dhakouani
GENERAL BAC REVIEW MAIN TOPICS
Benefits of travelling:
a. Fun : “A holiday gives one a chance to look backward and forward.” May Sarton
• To provide some excitement and an escape from the hum drum of ‘ordinary’ life.
• To break the ordinary daily routine
• To get rid of stress due to studies and work
• To have fun through different activities
• To recharge your batteries.
b. Knowledge “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page.”
• To attend art shows (give examples : festivals, art galleries, museums…)
• To broaden your horizons.
• To see the world beyond your four corners.
• To experience new cultures and lifestyles.
• To meet interesting and like-minded people.

Recommending about a holiday (a letter):

a. Accommodation : spacious room/ with a picturesque view/ calm and serinity of the place/
full options : air-conditioning/ internet connection / spa/ gym
b. Food : luscious & varied as expected/ taste the spicy food …
c. The residence (hotel, house…) is two-minute walk to the beach/ the city centre not far/
transport available (as advertised)
d. Staff/ guide/ room maid : friendly , helpful
e. Enjoyed the scheduled programme (visits/ sightseeing/ festivals/ excursions/ cruise)

Complaining about a holiday (a letter):

a. Accommodation : dirty room/ no view/ noise/ couldn’t sleep/no air-conditioning/ no
internet connection (as promised)
b. Food : disgusting/ rotten/filthy __ not luscious as expected - had to eat out and pay extra
money/ son got sick due to rotten food ___doctor
c. The residence (hotel, house…) is far away from the beach/ the city centre___ had to walk
in the blistering heat / no transport available (as advertised)
d. Staff/ guide/ room maid : not friendly , not helpful_ always shouting
e.
- The flight was switched which changed my whole plans and finally I lost whole day waiting
for my plane at the airport
- when I got to the airport your representative was not there, and I had to take a taxi to the
hotel
- The hotel and hotel service where I stayed was horrible
* The room has no natural view as promised
* The room is dirty and untidy
* the lights do not work
* there was a water leak in the bathroom
* The cutlery is unclean
* Food is cold / not well-cooked / disgusting / unsavoury / rotten
* the staff: unfriendly / rude / noisy(always shouting) / impolite - I believe I am entitled to a
partial refund. I would be grateful if you would deal with this matter as soon as possible.
- I’m looking forward to receiving a convenient compensation; otherwise I shall feel free to
take the matter to the court.
1
 Education/ learning / lifelong learning (benefits)
‘to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave’
a. Vocational purposes : to enrol and attend school - to study different subjects - to pass
exams - to get degree - to have necessary qualifications - to get a white-collar, prestigious,
well-paying job - to get promoted at work
b. Non-vocational : to learn - to get knowledge - to combat illiteracy and ignorance - to be a
good citizen - to contribute to the progress of one’s community - to cope with the change
‘Never stop learning; knowledge doubles every fourteen months.’ Anthony J. D'Angelo
b. The advantages of lifelong learning: - With the technological innovations, lifelong
learning is an opportunity to acquire new skills - Recent research has found that learning
keeps brain cells working at optimum levels, which can limit cognitive and memory
decline as we age - Many people participate in lifelong learning as it can lead to an
enriching life of self-fulfilment.
c. - An adult learner can be a positive example of perseverance, determination and hard
work for young learners
Virtual school (pros)
• Easy/ flexible/ convenient : learners feel free to study whenever & wherever they like, no
more obligation of attendance or travelling/ options are varied
• Cheap : just a pc and internet connection/ less expenses for transportation, books…
• Information : available, varied, up-to-date, easy access to get
• Coping with globalization process : the world is becoming a small village where the
notions of time & space are no more restricted behind walls

Virtual school (cons)

• Not practical/ harder : needs costly equipments (software & hardware) not attainable for
the poor/ requires highly-skilled expertise (computer savvy people)
• Lack of motivation to learn / absence of competitiveness/ lazy students are more likely to
fail
• Anti-pedagogic : necessity of face-to-face interaction/ the role of the teacher is minimized
Anti-social : communication, friendship, community life___ more aloofness
Online learning: * Advantages of online learning: - Learners can save time and money by
learning online at the comfort of your living room. - Virtual learning saves money for
schools also. The cost to set up a class with necessary amenities is not of any concern when
teaching goes digital. - Virtual learning is flexible, and there are no restrictions on getting
late to the class or missing out on lectures - The learner not only learns the subjects/courses
online but also keeps learning how to be a pro in using digital platforms. - Instant feedback
is one of the most significant benefits of the virtual classroom. The time that is taken to
receive results after the online exams is reduced, and the students can work more on their
weaknesses.
* Disadvantages of online learning: - The personal interaction between teacher and
students is reduced - Online learning reduces the students’ physical activity and leaves them
confined to their desk and laptop. - Constantly staring at the screen damages eyes and may
lead to many problems in the future. - There is a lot of expenditure to set up online classes
and a lacking infrastructure forms a hurdle in supporting live virtual classes. - Some teachers
find it challenging to prepare soft copies of the lectures
Ability Grouping
Students are assigned to classes based on their measured ability or their achievements.
a. PROS:
• Students are not forced to rush or wait
• better achievement

2
• selecting suitable material, approach, assignment..
• high achievers excel, progress faster, build self-esteem, avoid boredom, compete more
• low achievers provided with more individual attention, repetition and review
b. CONS:
• Students May Get “Stuck” In a Group (nerdy vs dumb)/ snob
• superiority vs inferiority
• excuse to bullying / teasing
• lose self-esteem/ feel stigmatised
• additional work for teachers

Technology (pros & cons)

a. Means of transport : (e.g car, plane, rocket) faster / easier/ time-saving/ more
comfortable/ ability to explore distant areas and the outer space ≠ deadly accidents, health
problems, lack of sport, obesity, pollution….
b. Means of communication : (e.g mobile phone, internet, satellites) easier, cheaper, more
practical ≠ health problems, information is no more credible,
c. Means of entertainment : (e.g electronic games) fun, pastime, safe, develop mental
skills, educative games ≠ addiction - health problems/ educational difficulties/ social
hardships

science and technology: a blessing or a curse?

* Advantages: - The vast improvements made in the field of medicine have served to
lengthen our life expectancy and to reduce the rate of infant mortality. - The discovery of
mechanization and better techniques of irrigation has worked to increase productivity levels
on farms. - In transportation, railway, modern ocean liner, jet plane, and motor vehicle have
made our lives more comfortable and provided great possibilities for modern commercial
development and industrialization. - The invention of the computer has assisted the process
of calculation in laboratories. - Technology has made communication much simpler in
recent times. - Man is able to explore the space extensively because of the wide-scale
development in technology.
* disadvantages: - Machines have led to unemployment. - Machines have polluted water
and atmosphere. They have caused noise pollution. - We have allowed science to master us
instead of using it as our servant.4 th form: An overview Nouri Chakroun 36 - Machines
make us mechanical, deaden our sensibilities, increase our wants and desires, and tend to
make us selfish, greedy and cruel. - Geographical distance has, no doubt, vanished, but the
gulf between the minds and hearts of man has widened. - Machines have given man leisure,
but man misuses it to get cheap and vulgar entertainment which destroys his physical and
mental health. - Science has put in our hand’s such fiendish weapons as a nuclear bomb, the
guided missile and means of chemical and biological warfare.

Play station/ Video games

a. PROS:
• Increased visual acuity.
• A great social activity.
• Can teach people more about life.
• games can help improve problem solving and logic skills.
• To assist in education. Studies have shown that children playing educational games learn
more because they do not realize that they are learning/ increases attention span
• they are fun

3
 Most games favor the development of logic to solve problems through puzzles and riddles. -
Games can be educational such as simulations of flights or real life situations. - They
improve reaction times and quick thinking as a result of playing challenging games. - The
interaction in video games improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination of
preschool children. - Cooperative and online games promote sociability, teamwork, ability to
solve problems together for both children and adults. - Video games relieve physical and
emotional pain, depression and aggressive behavior
b. CONS:
• become completely addicted
• not to go to work (or school),
• not to eat properly/ not to exercise enough.
• violence./ copying violent video game crimes
• taking drugs, getting drunk and smoking
• give people false expectations of real life
: Some games are training children to shoot and kill in a virtual world in which the values of
life are lost. - Elementary school children who play video games more than two hours a day
are more likely to develop attention problems. - Many games are aimed for single player and
so could be criticised for isolating you from family and friends. - Video games are time
consuming and may lead to addiction. - Some video games encourage violent and aggressive
behaviour. - The constant use of thumbs, wrist and eyes can lead to some health problems
such as eye strain.
* Solutions: - Set time limits for play and stick to them. - Keep phones and other gadgets out
of the bedroom so you won’t play into the night. - Do other activities every day, including
exercise. This will lower the health risks of sitting and playing for long stretches of time
Brain drain (solutions)
a. Brains’ responsibilities : they have the right to look for better opportunities abroad/ to
assume one’ responsibility towards one’s nation/ to contribute to the progress of education
and economy at home
b. Governments in developing countries : provide the highly-skilled intellectuals with the
necessary tools of scientific research/ to give extra privileges (high salaries) / encourage
them to stay
c. Rich countries : assume their responsibilities towards poor countries/ help & donate /
provide the necessary tools

Morals & Virtues

•Moral concepts consist of values, virtues and ethics that help individuals distinguish their
actions as being morally right or morally wrong
• The most important moral virtues include courage and honesty, which are generally
considered morally right and a positive reflection of an individual's character
• Three important moral values are freedom, love and empathy, and these values are often
taught within the home and in schools
• Ethics are a set of rules that help determine right from wrong in regards to interpersonal
interactions. Responsibility and restraint are two important ethics, which strengthen a
person's character and improve interpersonal interaction when observed.
- Healthy lifestyle

- Diet: the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats
- - Dietitian: a person who scientifically studies and gives advice about food and eating
- Balanced diet: a diet consisting of a variety of different types of food and providing
adequate amounts of the nutrients necessary for good health.

4
- Go on diet: To begin a specific nutritional plan typically consisting of eating smaller
amounts of food, eating (or avoiding) particular foods, or both in an attempt to lose
weight or achieve some other health benefit.
- Vegan: This diet eliminates meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products, as well as other
animal derived products, such as honey.
- - Vegetarian: Vegetarians abstain from the consumption of all animal flesh products, like
red meat, fish and poultry but may allow some by-products of animals such as eggs and
dairy products.
- -Pescatarian: This diet abstains from eating all meat and animal flesh (like red meat and
poultry) with the exception of fish.
. - Steam (noun): the vapor into which water is converted when heated, forming a white
mist of minute water droplets in the air.
- Steam (verb): give off or produce steam
- Deficient (adj): not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient.
- Deficiency (noun): a lack or shortage.
Benefits of losing weight: - Decreased risk of diabetes - Lowered blood pressure -
Improved cholesterol levels - Decreased risk of heart disease - Decreased risk of certain
cancers - Improved mobility - Decreased joint pain - Improved blood sugar levels -
Decreased risk of stroke - Reduced back pain - Decreased risk or improvement in symptoms
of sleep apnea
Tips to lose weight: - Do not skip breakfast. Skipping breakfast will not help you lose
weight. - Eat regular meals. - Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables - Get more active. - Drink
plenty of water. - Eat high fibre foods. - Read food labels. - Use a smaller plate. - Avoid
junk food such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks
Reasons to smoke: - Smoking gives me more energy. - Smoking is a symbol of manhood. -
I like to touch and handle cigarettes. - Smoking is a pleasure. - Smoking helps me relax
when I am tense, upset, or depressed. - I crave cigarettes; it is an addiction. - Smoking is a
habit, a ritual. Smoking relieves my boredom and loneliness. - Smoking helps control my
weight. - Smoking helps me fit in with other people. - Smoking gives me a sense of control.
Disadvantages of smoking: - Smoking affects lung health. It may cause lung cancer -
Smoking can increase the risks of heart strokes - Smoking cigarettes can damage the heart,
blood vessels, and blood cells. - Smoking affects fertility - Smoking can affect pregnancy
and the developing foetus - Smokers are at the risk of developing type 2 diabetes - Smoking
cigarettes can weaken a person’s immune system. a.
Tips to quit smoking: - Set a quit date and stop smoking completely on that day. Create a
support system by informing family and friends of your quit date. - Reduce the number of
cigarettes per day until you stop smoking completely. - Strengthen your willpower by
limiting or skipping triggers you commonly associate with smoking. - Whenever you feel
the urge to smoke, resist it by keeping busy. - Physical activity is a great way of dealing with
the stress of quitting. Walk, run, swim, or take up a new activity. Strong will &
determination - Remember the drawbacks -Change lifestyle/ avoid smoking reminders- Find
a better alternative (sport)

Global warming: * Causes - When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas to create
electricity or power our cars, we release CO2 pollution into the atmosphere. - Plants and
trees play an important role in regulating the climate because they absorb carbon dioxide
from the air and release oxygen back into it. - Animals, particularly livestock like sheep and
cattle, produce methane, a greenhouse gas. - Fertilisers containing nitrogen produce nitrous
oxide emissions.

5
 * Drawbacks: - Melting glaciers, early snowmelt, and severe droughts will cause more
dramatic water shortages and increase the risk of wildfires. - Rising sea levels will lead to
coastal flooding. - Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests, heat waves,
heavy downpours, and increased flooding. All those factors will damage or destroy
agriculture and fisheries. - Disruption of habitats could drive many plant and animal species
to extinction. - Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more
common due to higher levels of air pollution.
* Solutions: - Energy efficiency technologies allow us to use less energy to get the same—
or higher—level of production, service, and comfort. - switching to low-carbon fuels. -
renewable energy must be deployed quickly in order to reduce poluution pollution. - Change
those light bulbs. New LED light bulbs can give the same light for 15 percent the electricity.
- Eat less meat and go vegetarian - Reforestation helps to combat global warming
The golden rules of eco-driving: - Anticipate traffic flow - Maintain a steady speed at low
RPM because driving at high speeds or with high RPM significantly increases fuel
consumption - Shift up early: shift to higher gear at approximately 2.000 RPM - Check tyre
pressures frequently at least once a month and before driving at high speed - Consider any
extra energy required costs fuel and money: use air conditioning and electrical equipment
wisely and avoid unnecessary baggage
Benefits of eco-driving: - Driving in a safe and environment friendly manner can lead to
reductions in fuel bills. - Eco-friendly driving practices will also improve tyre and brake life
which can bring about a reduction in maintenance and repair cost. - Eco friendly driving is
safer driving and will lead to a reduction in collisions and the risk of collisions. - Less stress
while driving- regular car maintenance (check oil & tyre pressure)
- Safe driving style (avoid sudden breaks/ smooth use of gear/ avoid unnecessary options)
. alternative ‘if it’s not far; don’t go by car’
c. U.N. international community + super powers: sign, respect and implement the
international treaties (Kyoto Protocol) + ban polluting activities (chemicals & nuclear) +
protect nature (forests, seas, species..)
Country life
a.health vs disease , fresh air vs pollution
b. calm vs noise , crowd vs open space
c.community virtues vs moral decline
Urban life:
Advantages - A city is normally a commercial centre. Thus, everything will be at your
doorstep. - Better employment and education opportunities - Higher income - Diverse services
–
Disadvantages: Higher rate of crime and delinquency - High cost of living in the city. - Cities
are loud: Cities have more people and more traffic that contribute to the noise - City life is
now spoiled by pollution: air, noise, and water pollution
Rural life: Advantages - Rural life offers more privacy - Country life offers the opportunity
to enjoy natural beauty and pure air - People living in the countryside enjoy a reduced cost of
living. - Countryside is valued because the sense of peace, refuge and comfort it can provide.
–
Disadvantages
If you have children of school-age, they might be faced with a longer journey to school. -
There may be limited job opportunities - Internet connectivity could be weaker - Road
networks are usually in poor condition

Life issues:
- Issue (noun): an important topic or problem for debate or discussion

6
- Issue (verb): supply or distribute (something).
- Lifeless: dead or apparently dead.
- Lifelike: seeming real or seeming to be alive
- Lifelong: lasting or remaining in a particular state throughout a person's life.
- Lifetime: the duration of a person's life.
- Lifework: the entire or principal work, labor, or task of a person's lifetime.
Attitudes:
- Virtue: behaviour showing high moral standards
- Vice: immoral or wicked behaviour
- Morality (noun): principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and
bad behaviour.
- Moral (adj) ≠ Immoral - Ethics: moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the
conducting of an activity.
- Ethical (adj) ≠ unethical - Blister: a small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused
by friction, burning, or other damage
- Coward (person/adj): a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or
unpleasant things
- Cowardice (noun) ≠ bravery - Envy: a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused
by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.
- Profound: having or showing great knowledge or insight
- Sag: sink, subside, or bulge downward because of weight or pressure or through lack of
strength. - Shake: tremble or vibrate.
- Newscast:

- Newscast: a radio or television programme that consists of news reports

- Newscaster = news presenter = news reader
- It never rains but it pours: When a problem occurs, others also happen, making the situation
even worse
- It is raining cats and dogs: It’s pouring: the rain is heavy
- Approach (verb): come near or nearer to
- Approach (noun): a way to deal with things
- Casualty: a person killed or injured in a war or accident
- Cancel (verb/noun): decide or announce that a planned event will not take place.
- Cripple: deprive of the ability to function normally
- Dump (verb): dispose of garbage typically in a careless or hurried way
- Dump (noun): a site for depositing garbage
- Hamper: hinder or impede the movement or progress of
- Plummet (verb/noun): fall or drop straight down at high speed
- Relief (noun): a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or
distress
- Relieve (verb): cause pain to become less severe
- Shiver (verb/noun): tremble / vibrate
- Threaten (verb): state one's intention to take hostile action against someone
- Threat (noun): menace - To make ends meet: earn just enough money to live on

Employment Morale
- .mutual respect bw employers & employees
- rights & duties guaranteed (salary, work hours, conditions, medical care insurance…
- priority for productivity, quality…
- Incentive (adj/noun): a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something

7
 - Asset: a useful or valuable thing, person, or quality
- Be keen on: very enthusiastic or excited about - Culprit: a person who is responsible for a
crime or other misdeed
- Executive (adj): having the power to put plans, actions, or laws into effect
- Executive (noun): a person with senior managerial responsibility in a business organization
- Fire (verb): dismiss (an employee) from a job
- Fire (verb) ≠ hire - Go green: making more environmentally friendly decisions - Reckon:
think = deem = consider
- Staff: all the people employed by a particular organization
- Strike (noun): a refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest
- Strike (verb): 1) hit forcibly and deliberately with one's hand 2) occur suddenly
- Utter (adj): complete; absolute
- Utter (verb): make a sound with one’s voice / say; tell - Utterance (noun): a spoken word,
statement, or vocal sound.

Apply for a job (letter)

a.personal information (age, qualities, ambitions..)
b. qualifications (degrees)
c. experience
d. enclosed docs + phone number
e. looking forward

JOB ADS :

- Ad: informal for an advertisement

- Advertisement (noun): a notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product,
service, or event or publicizing a job vacancy
- Advertise (verb)
- Apply for: make a formal application or request
- Application: a formal request to an authority for something - Biodata: details of a person's
life, education, and career
- Curriculum vitae: a brief account of a person's education, qualifications, and previous
experience - Path: a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading
- Per annum: for each year
- Potential: having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future
- Proficient (adj): competent or skilled in doing or using something
- Proficiency (noun) - Seek: attempt to find something

GRAMMAR

Parallel structure: (also called parallelism)

 it is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. By making each

compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a
parallel construction.

Example: - Ellen likes hiking, attending the rodeo, and taking afternoon naps.

Ellen likes to hike, attend the rodeo, and take afternoon naps

8
Past habits : When we talk about things that happened in the past but don’t happen anymore,
we can do it in different ways.

 Used to : - We used to live in New York when I was a kid.

 I used to go swimming every Thursday when I was at school.

 Would : - Every Saturday I would go on a long bike ride.

 My teachers would always say “Sit down and shut up!”
 We can use ‘would’ to talk about repeated past actions. Often either ‘would’ or ‘used to’
is possible. Both of these sentences are possible.
 Every Saturday, I would go on a long bike ride.
 Every Saturday I used to go on a long bike ride.

 Linkers of contrast :
 - In spite of / Despite.
- despite + a noun phrase. Example: Despite his illness, he sat for the exam.
- Although + a clause. Example: although he was ill, he sat for the exam
- However / Nevertheless / Still / Yet / Even so / On the contrary / In contrast. Introduce a
new idea which marks a contrast with previously stated ideas. In. - On the one hand ... On
the other hand. - In contrast to / Contrary to. Whereas..
Word derivation

Verb Adjective Noun

Differ Different Difference
Enjoy Enjoyable Enjoyment
∅ Important Importance
Vary Various Variety
∅ Beautiful Beauty
∅ Monotonous Monotony
∅ Traditional Tradidtion
∅ Original Origin
Sculpt Sculptural Sculpture

 Expresses positive logical assumptions:

 (Must + have + past participle) example: She must have been at home - her car was there.
 A strong recommendation example: The ice cream here is delicious. You must try
some.
 Mustn't : refers to prohibition (negative obligation) example: You mustn't use your
smartphone while you are driving.
 Must vs. Have to: Must can be replaced by Have to with little difference in meaning:
- example: You have to study. (= you must study) Have to is a more informal while Must
is mostly used in written orders or instructions. Also, Must and Have to expresses
obligation. - Teacher: You must complete this essay by Friday
- Student: We have to complete this essay by Friday.

9
 The past tense of Must is Had to: example:- I had to pay my speeding ticket yesterday.
 Need: use No obligation (needn’t) We use it to show that there is no obligation: We
needn’t spend much time on this topic.
 It’s not going to be in the exam. Cans of soup needn’t be kept in the fridge.
 No obligation in the past, we use didn’t need to or didn’t have to when we express no
obligation in the past:
 Superlative form: Superlative adjectives are used to describe a person or an object that is
at the upper or lower limit of a quality. Short adjective Long adjective Superlative
form The + short adjective + est / The + most + long adjective
 The prettiest – the hardest/ the most intelligent – the most beautiful
 Comparative form Short adjective + er + than / More + long adjective + than
 Shorter than – taller than/ more intelligent than – more beautiful than
 Exceptions:

adj comparative superlative

Good Better best
Bad Worse Worst
Far Farther- further Farthest- furthest
Little Less least
Late Latter last
Much More Most

Old Older / elder Oldest / eldest

verb noun
Donate Donation
Attend Attendance
Expect Expectation
Divide Division
Multiply Multiplicity
Succeed Success
Improved Improvement
Deny Denial

Provide Provision
Reduce Reduction
Subtract Subtraction
Add Addition

Fail Failure

Describe Description

 If/ unless

10
 If he does not work hard, he will not pass. Unless he works hard, he will not pass.
 Unless + affirmative verb = If + negative verb
 Sometimes Do / Does / Did are used in positive sentences to give special emphasis. Note
that when speaking, the word (do/does/did) is stressed.  I do want to go. (We put stress
on the word DO to emphasize that we want to go)  You do need to take an umbrella. 
He does like spinach. (You may be surprised but yes, he likes spinach)  I did study.
(Contrary to what you may believe... yes, I studied)
 Prepositions: - to depend on - to be independent of - to suffer from - to succeed in - to
approve of - to be deprived of - to prevent from - to be different from - to believe in - to
result in - to focus on
 Compound adjectives : A compound adjective is an adjective that contains two or more
words. - NUMBER + NOUN (singular) :I have a three-week vacation
 ADVERB + PAST PARTICIPLE: We live in a densely-populated city
 NOUN + PAST PARTICIPLE: I love eating sun-dried raisins
 NOUN + PRESENT PARTICIPLE: That was a record-breaking jump.
 NOUN + ADJECTIVE : This is a smoke-free restaurant
 ADJECTIVE + NOUN : It was a last-minute decision
 ADJECTIVE + PAST PARTICIPLE : That is an old-fashioned dress
 ADJECTIVE + PRESENT PARTICIPLE : She is a good-looking girl.

 Exclamation: what + noun phrase : - What a pity! What a lovely day! What rubbish!
- how + adjective :How silly! How kind of him!
 TO BE USED TO DOING SOMETHING 'to be used to doing' to talk about something
that is normal. e.g. I'm used to living on my own: I've done it for quite a long time.
- Hans has lived in England for over a year so he is used to driving on the left now.

VERB NOUN PERSON ADJECTIVE

Innovate Innovation Innovator Innovative

Invent Invention Inventor Inventive

Create Creation Creator Creative
Discover Discovery Discoverer ∅
Devise Device ∅ ∅
Evolve Evolution ∅ ∅
Develop Development Developer Developing

 THE PASSIVE and ACTIVE FORMS: subject +verb +object : The subject of the
active sentence is THE DOER of the acttion

- Passive: Subject+ to be (in the same tense than the verb in the active) + past
participle of the verb+ (agent): Example: The Company sent an email (active) Subject + v +
object (active) / An email was sent by the company (passive) Subject + be + past participle +
agent (passive)

11
- So + adjective + that + clause (Subject + verb + object) is used to express cause/result
relationship : I was so sleepy that I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Cause: It was too windy. Effect: We couldn't go sailing. It was so windy that we couldn't go
sailing.

- So that + clause is used to express purpose. I’ll go by car so that I can take more luggage.

- A restrictive clause modifies the noun that precedes it in an essential way. Restrictive
clauses limit or identify such nouns and cannot be removed from a sentence without
changing the sentence’s meaning. Example: The astronaut who first stepped on the moon
was Neil Armstrong. Do not use commas with a restrictive clause.

- A non-restrictive clause, on the other hand, describes a noun in a nonessential way. They
provide additional but optional descriptions that can be excised from a sentence without
altering its meaning or structure. Example: Kaylee, who just graduated from high school, is
an accomplished figure skater. Non-restrictive clauses are enclosed with comma

WRITING

How to write a biography : Birth - He/She was born on + date (on February 6, 1950) -
He/She was born in + year (in 1950) - He/She was born in + place (in Paris) Family
- His/ Her father’s name was … / His/Her mother’s name was …
- His/Her father was a + job / His/Her mother a + job
- He/she has … brothers and … sisters
- He/She lived in + place - He/She was brought up by + person Education
- He/She studied … (french/ music / mathematics)
- His/Her major was in …. (french/ music / mathematics)
- He went to + school/college - He/She did not (go to / attend) school - He/She was interested
in … (french/ music / mathematics)
- Marriage - He/ she married + person in + year (he married Diana in 1950)
- He/She got married to + person in + year (he got married to Diana in 1950)
- He/ she divorced + person in + year (he divorced Diana in 1950)
- Children - He/She had … Children - He/She had … sons and … daughters - He/She did not
have any children
- Job / occupation - He/She was a … - He/She first worked as a … - He/She became …
- Reaons for being famous - He/She wrote … /composed … / painted … / discovered … /
invented … / created …
- Awards - He/She won … (he won the Nobel Prize) - He/She was awarded … (She was
awarded the Nobel Prize)
- Death - He/She died on + date / in + year - He died of a heart attack / cancer / disease -
He/She died in a car accident / plane crash - He/She commited a suicide - He/She died at the
age of …

How to write an advertisement :

1) Grab your reader's attention. Choose a great headline to get your reader's attention.
a) The “Tired of Your Problems?” Headline example: Tired Of The Daily Humdrum Life?
b) The “Problem/Solution” Headline example: Eager To Go On Holiday? Visit Tunisia

12
c) The “Too Good to Refuse” Headline example: Seven good Reasons Why Tunisia Is A
Must Visit Destination
d) The “Feature-Focused” Headline example: Discover The Cradle Of The Arab Spring

2) Create Interest. - After you've created a headline that will capture attention, you will have
to get your prospects interested in what you are offering.

3) Call to Action! Now is the time to pounce! Tell them what Action you want them to take
to obtain the desired product/service. Discover The Cradle Of The Arab Spring Tired of the
daily humdrum life? Tunisia is the place to be.Tunisia is located in north Africa just two-hour
flight away from Europe. Here you can enjoy the verdancy of the mountains in Ain Drahem,
the sandy beaches of the more than 1300km of the coast and the serenity of the desert in the
south. Nature in Tunisia embraces more than 3000 years of history, different civilisations and
multiple monuments. The Mediterranean heaven and its hospitable people are waiting for you
to visit Tunisia and spend an unforgettable holiday

How to write a formal letter

Opening paragraph: Use your opening paragraph to introduce the reason for writing the
letter. Main body: Use this space to delve into the issues raised in the opening paragraph.
You provide supporting details Closing statement: Ensure that you include a closing
statement in order to thank the recipient for their time, knowledge or help, to ask for action or
to wish the advice that you gave to the recipient are helpful. Signing off: Signing off at the
end of your letter is one of your last opportunities to make an impression. Depending on your
relationship and reason for writing to the recipient, there are several options available to you.
* Very formal: These options are acceptable when you’re contacting someone for the first
time or you’re discussing a serious issue. Example. Yours sincerely / Yours respectfully /
Yours truly / Yours faithfully * Formal: These options would still be acceptable when
contacting someone for the first time but demonstrate a friendlier tone. E.g. Kindest regards /
Kind regards
- Linkers Contrast - In spite of / Despite Link two contrasting ideas.. - Although / (Even)
though Link two contrasting ideas. - However / Nevertheless / Still / Yet / Even so / On the
contrary / In contrast. - On the one hand ... On the other hand. / paragraphs. - In contrast to /
Contrary to - Whereas cause
Reason:- Because / As / Since / Seeing that I. - Because of / On account of / Owing to / Due
to. Introduce a noun phrase.
Purpose - In order to / So as to /So that of purpose.
Addition
- Moreover / Furthermore / In addition / Besides / - As well as / In addition to / Besides Used
to add one more piece of information.
Exemplification
- For example / For instance - Such as: Introduces an example referring to the last idea.
Summary: in brief, on the whole, in sum, to sum up, thus, in conclusion, all in all, in a
nutshell

1. Technology - Pros
Technology has radically changed our lifestyles by leaps and bounds. It has made life very
comfortable for us at various aspects and levels.

13
To start with, technology has totally transformed the concept of distance and improved our
means of transportation. Who had thought in the age of chariots that horses would be replaced
by “The Bullet” (World’s fastest train in service)? Today, time and distance are defeated by
certain inventions like the car, the plane and the rocket allowing us to explore not only our
space but also the outer space. Added to this, technology in communication has turned the
globe into a small village thanks to modern inventions such as cell phones, computers,
internet and satellites. Now, you may find that you no longer have to dial a ten digit number
to call someone; speed dialling on mobile phones saves you your precious time. Just 1 click
and your letter travels across continents in 2 minutes rather than 2 weeks. Most important of
all, technology has made our life at home easier and better. No more wasting your money on
music or movies. With just a click of a button you can have anything your restless heart
desires. Even coffee makers are now so much more efficient, quick and easy to use for most
people. We’ve got robots vacuuming our carpets and scrubbing our floors. Last but not least,
thanks to the advancements in the field of medicine and health, doctors and researchers all
over the world are working hard to introduce new medicines and treatments which can cure
even the deadliest of diseases. Modern technology has been efficiently used to diagnose,
detect and treat the tiniest particles of our bodies using cameras, scanners and x-rays.

2. Technology - Cons

There is no doubt that modern science and technology have made our life easier, better and
more comfortable. Nevertheless, certain inventions have never been blemishless. First of all,
modern inventions and techniques are not for everyone. It’s only a rich man’s dream to fly a
personal jet with all the latest gadgets fitted in it. Today, we feel technological advances are
also widening the gap between the various classes of the society. I fear that this might cause
unrest amongst the underprivileged or the less privileged section of society and lead to more
crimes and disparity. Besides, various inventions have proved that technology can be turned
from a blessing into a deadly curse. How can we forget Hiroshima? Throughout most of the
world, the name Hiroshima has come to represent man’s technological capacity for massive
destruction. What is unfortunate is that Hiroshima seems to be recreated every day with more
and more scientist squandering their talent to improve weapons of mass destruction. Other
inventions, though less destructive in nature, can turn into killing monsters that threaten our
life at all levels. Video games, for example, are meant to be entertaining; but if ever misused
they may cause incurable health problems, inevitable educational hardships especially among
teenagers. Cars, planes and ships are taking us to far distances fast and comfortably; yet they
are meanwhile turning our planet into a suffocating greenhouse. Truth be told, the problem is
if technology is mastered by wrong powers, it will destroy everyone.

3. Video Games / Cons

Video games have been very popular among children and teenagers. Where on one hand the
games do prove to be beneficial to an extent, at the same time, their ill effects cannot be
ignored. Starting with, specialists have confirmed that children who spend too much time
playing computer games are easily susceptible to long-term health problems such as obesity,
poor eyesight as well as neck and back pain. The situation may get worse with deadly heart
attacks or blood clots. Add to this, being addicted to electronic games might result in some
educational difficulties when students neglect their homework and studies, lose concentration

14
in class or even fail in their exams. It has been proved that excessive gaming may weaken
learning motivation and mental development. Last but not least, spending many hours in front
of the monitor and not going out enough could also cause social problems thus resulting in
them becoming shy and introvert. Apart from that the games developed nowadays happen to
be a lot more violent thus the gamers do have a tendency to lose control and become more
aggressive. Undoubtedly, parents need to keep track of how much time their children spend in
front of the screen playing games and also as to what type of games they play.

4. Brain Drain

 Definition: The emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a country or other
place. The loss of skilled intellectual and technical labor through the movement of such labor
to more favorable geographic, economic, or professional environments.

 What are the drawbacks of 'Brain Drain' on poor countries?

One of the main problems facing poor countries today is the so-called brain drain. Such a
movement of highly skilled, talented individuals is becoming so acute that many are worrying
about its effects on the economic development of the region. More and more educated
professionals such as engineers, doctors and scientists are looking for better job opportunities
and higher incomes in western countries. Also more students from developing nations
receiving an education in Britain, the US, or France stay after completing their studies. Hence,
it's not surprising that serious drawbacks are becoming more and more apparent and social,
economic as well as political conditions are getting worse. Poor countries are wasting efforts
and energies in favour of the western countries, while they are in need for their contribution in
economics, education, health, planning, scientific research and technology. Moreover, we may
notice a financial loss as a lot money is spent on education and training of students who are
favourable by the western countries for free. To make matters worse, scientific research in the
developing countries is declining compared to the contribution of migratory brains in the
west.

 How to help reduce 'Brain Drain'? (Solutions)

Knowledge is power. Knowledge is more powerful than jet fighters and bombers. Alas, poor
developing countries are losing their bright brains to the most industrialized nations. The poor
is getting poorer; while the rich is getting richer. To reduce brain drain requires that the
developed and developing nations reach a mutual agreement on how to reduce the pull and
push factors that make scientists flee Africa and Asia to Europe and America. The United
States should stop using its special visas to lure talented professionals from their native
countries. Also, African nations should try and understand the contributions of scientists by
improving their working conditions. Africa could also reduce its internal brain drain by
updating its school curricula to reflect its needs for the 21st century. African schools produce
more graduates in the arts and humanities than in science and engineering. It does not come as
a surprise that there are only 20,000 scientists and engineers in Africa. Since science and
technology can increase the standard of living, it makes more sense to produce more scientists
and engineers. Also important is that scientists should be employed as scientists. The

15
deteriorating economy in Africa has forced some professors, medical doctors and scientists to
accept minor blue-collar jobs to survive. It is an internal brain drain to have many architects,
accountants and pharmacists unemployed.

b. Smoking (Drawbacks)- Shall we give up smoking?

There are literally countless health reasons to quit smoking. Simply put, smoking affects
every aspect of a person's health.
Practically no one can claim that they are unaware that smoking is bad for your health. These
days, even the tobacco companies that once vehemently denied the negative impact smoking
has on public health admit that smoking creates an addiction that is hard to defeat and
endangers the lives and quality of living of those who smoke. When people consider the
dangers of smoking, lung cancer is what first comes to mind.
That is not to say that the only concern of smokers should be that their personal health is the
only part to in jeopardy. Research also directly ties smoking to the onset of asthma in children
of parents who smoke in the home. Therefore, all of those horrible afflictions can be spread to
non-smokers who are subjected to constant second-hand smoke.
More than just health consequences, smoking has psycho-social side effects that hinder one's
quality of life. The urge to smoke requires smokers to lose time finding an acceptable place to
smoke during work hours or public places, and the approximate five minutes to smoke a
cigarette. With the increasing stigma society places on smoking, being a smoker can cause
feelings of shame, especially when in group settings where the smoker allows his desire to
smoke outweigh the desire not to inconvenience others.
Further, smoking decreases the ability to smell and taste, taking pleasure out of things like
fresh air and delicious foods. Ironically, as it takes away their senses of smell, it causes the
homes and clothing of smokers to smell badly. Smokers themselves cannot smell the scent on
themselves and in their homes, but their friends and neighbors can, just as they can smell it on
their breath.

c. How can we stop smoking?

For smokers, to stop Smoking is really a tough action to take. Majority of smokers want to
quit smoking, but find it difficult to do so as nicotine is very addictive and hard to get rid of.
Yet, it’s never impossible if several measures are taken into consideration.
There are three factors that will determine your success in quitting smoking for good- strong
will to quit, deep conviction of its drawbacks and finding the right alternatives.
First, you must have the desire to give up your filthy habit of smoking. If you’re thinking
about quitting or have stopped smoking but failed to quit, don’t lose hope because smokers
often try to quit more than once before they actually succeed. Be strongly determined this
time to win the challenge over such a disgusting behaviour.
Second, you must learn about the effects of smoking, understand its consequences. You have
to admit that smoking creates an addiction that is hard to defeat and endangers the lives and
quality of living of smokers and non-smokers as well. On the one side, your health is
extremely jeopardized due to long-term smoking which may bring about lethal diseases such
as cancer, asthma and heart failure. On the other side, smoking has psycho-social side effects
that hinder one's quality of life. Smokers may feel stigmatized after being rejected or belittled
by society due to their filthy habit and smell.
Finally, you ought to face the fact that you need to follow, finish and maintain a quit smoking
plan. New alternatives are necessary
to replace that sense of addiction to cigarettes. You can start a healthy diet as well as a
sporting exercise programme to heal your mind and body and to help you regain your health

16
and energy. Besides, it’s highly recommended that you stop frequenting or getting exposed to
smoking reminders like attending public places or drinking coffee.

3. Ecology Matters
a. Proverbs on ecology .
 When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves. ~David Orr
 The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up
the river. ~Ross Perot
 We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive. ~Albert
Einstein
 Man has been endowed with reason, with the power to create, so that he can add to what
he's been given. But up to now he hasn't been a creator, only a destroyer. Forests keep
disappearing, rivers dry up, wild life's become extinct, the climate's ruined and the land grows
poorer and uglier every day. ~Anton Chekhov

b. How can we help reduce the effects of 'global warming'?

Not surprisingly today, it is more than evident that global warming is alarmingly becoming
one of the most crucial debated controversial issues that may jeopardize the welfare and pure
existence of all species on earth. Nevertheless, options are still available to combat such a
lethal disaster in a variety of simple actions.
Initially, we shall admit that individuals, governments and international organizations are all
concerned about the environment. Individuals don't need to wait for governments to find a
solution for this problem and each one can bring an important help adopting a more
responsible lifestyle starting from little everyday things. We can follow RRR theory-Reduce,
Reuse, and Recycle.
Let’s do our part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of undegradable
disposables.
Society, as well, represented by the government and environmentalist organizations ought to
think of more efficient sensitizing campaigns to make people more ecology conscious.
Moreover, strict laws should be passed to reduce or at least regulate the number of vehicles
and factories. Besides, trees which absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide should be planted.
Also, existing forests should be saved.
Most important of all, the United Nations Organization is required to assume its noble and
human responsibilities to make all nations- especially the super powers- agree, sign and
respect the protocols and think seriously of banning all types of deforestation and nuclear
experiments and dumps, looking for an alternative non polluting source of energy and last but
not least stopping the production of ozone-damaging chemicals
I do believe it’s high time we seriously thought about practical measures to stop the incoming
ecological dangers.

Eco-driving (Essay)
It doesn’t matter what you drive; nevertheless it really matters how you drive. There are
things you can do to save money and reduce energy use, CO2 emissions and pollution. They
are simple ideas that really will make a difference.
To start with, regular maintenance of your vehicle is the key to keep your machine
ecologically ‘green’. You should get the car serviced regularly according to the
manufacturer's schedule to maintain engine efficiency. Besides, you’d better make sure you
use
the right specification of engine oil and check tyre pressures regularly and before long
journeys.

17
Add to this, your driving habits ought to be minded. While you are en route, you’re highly
recommended to drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid
unnecessary braking. Moreover, if you can keep the car moving all the time, so much the
better; stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling. Furthermore, some
unnecessary options should be avoided as much as possible such as air-conditioning, higher
speeds, open windows which increase fuel consumption.
Last but not least, it's certainly still possible to change your lifestyle and think twice before
you decide to get your car out of the garage. Is it really indispensable? Think of the proverb
that says: ‘if it's not far don't take the car.” If ever you find the alternative, never hesitate to
walk short distances, enjoy cycling, or use public transport. That would be cheaper, healthier
and most important of all less polluting.

4. Benefits of Living in the Country

Rural living has its advantages over urban sprawl and big cities. Families are moving to
smaller towns and out of the city at alarming rates, many with the same reasons. The
following are just a few of the reasons why it’s good to raise your kids in the
country.
First of all, the country offers peace and quiet you can’t get in the city. Sit outside any time of
the day or night; you will be the audience to nature playing its tune. It’s not unlikely to hear
birds singing. The noisiest sounds will often be the sounds of your own children’s laughter.
Adding to this, life in the country means your home isn’t packed on top of your neighbors.
Your children have room to run, play, jump and be kids without worry of treading through the
neighbor’s yard or flowers. For people who love gardening, the space of
living in the country allows them to get creative with the size of their garden and what to
include.
Moreover, parents looking for security that they can’t find in the city anymore often look to
small communities and rural living to find peace of mind. Worries of living in areas of crime
and theft keep them from sending kids outside to play. It’s very frightening
to live in an area that is corrupt with theft and crime or dangerous schools. Rural families find
relief in knowing that statistically living in the country does have less reported crime.
Most important of all, families that live in the country have the benefit over crowded cities
and industrial areas of having clean air. Sitting outside at night and being able to view the
stars and moon in all their glory is clear evidence of the air quality in the country. Bright blue
clouds and sun are able to be seen clearly and pollutants from crowded highways, exhaust
fumes and manufacturing companies are nowhere in sight.
. Applying for a job

Dear Sir/Madam
I am applying for the position of receptionist, which was advertised in ‘The Courier Mail’ on
Saturday 14 April 2005.
I have over 5 years experience working in a busy office environment as a Receptionist and
general office administrator. I have recently completed a Certificate II in Business
Administration at Sarina Russo Schools | Australia.
In all my previous employment positions, I have been required to operate a 10 to 15 line
switchboard and general commander systems. I am competent is the use of Microsoft Word,
Excel and PowerPoint and have a current typing speed of 40 words per minute with 100%
accuracy.
Since beginning my working career I have gained many skills in the area of customer service
and feel that I would be a valuable asset to your organisation.
I have enclosed my resume and can be contacted at anytime for an interview on 333 3333 33.

18
Yours faithfully,
Mary BROWN

19