TABLE OF CONTENTS

 PRACTICES:

P1

P2

P3

P4

P5

P6

P7

P8

P9

P10

P11

P12

P13

P14

P15

P16

WRITING JOURNAL:

1. How my life has changed since I came to London

2. A special skill you have (makeup)

3. A hobby (drawing)

4. Learning to play a sport

5. Your favourite sport (powerlifting)

6. An accident

7. Being on time

8. (What you resemble from)The  people you live with

9. Spanish customs you like/dislike

10. An important story in the news

11. The working student

12. A big mistake you always make

13. E-mail

14. Cell-phones(disadvantages)

15. Teenagers (and how advertising affects them)

16. The right age to get married

17. A good friend

18. Shopping

19. My last day in Ireland

20. Your first day in the United States

21. Discrimination

22. My favourite foods 

23. The best car I own

24. Smoking in public places

25. A movie star or singer you like

26. My beliefs about ( winning the lottery )

27. A story from your childhood

28. My favourite possesion

29. Music that is special to you

30. Your worst habit

   

Practice 5 Rewriting a Paragraph

Topic: “Possible ethical issues raised by this kind of research”

How can it be improved?

• Topic sentence is not clear enough / rather wordy

• Supporting sentences are not detailed enough 

• It answers the question

• Sentences have no contrast ,flow or balance between them->No connectors at all/ Very long Sentences and short sentences

   

  REWRITTEN PARAGRAPH

Any organization that allows researchers to interview its employees can lead to several issues if not properly performed. Having that in mind, employees may complain about their boss or other peers. Or in other cases, they might feel the need to give positive responses, rather than their honest opinion. They might be fearful that the boss will know about this, and ultimately they might get fired. And as a result, the organization’s reputation may be affected. Therefore, researchers must be clear about the reasons as to why they are executing said research and use pseudonyms to keep everyone anonymous. If this is not accomplished, the effectiveness of the entire investigation is likely to be threatened.

(A HOBBY) drawing

Ever since I was a little kid, I have always loved to draw. Whether or not I did it well, I loved it. I practiced every day to perfect my skill but also to relax. I used to let my imagination pour into a piece of paper. But to improve my technique, I, later on, started copying pictures. For instance, other people’s drawings or even copying from various drawings to make my very own. When I was 13, or so, I wanted to make a living out of my art. But I soon realized that I was not that good enough. So I just stuck to it as a way of escaping the daily grind.

Practice 4 Self Editing

Paper novels vs. E-books

Reading paper novels can be very enjoyable but oftentimes there is a problem. We spend a lot of money on books just to read them once and then put them on a shelf. For that reason, this would be a wonderful opportunity to give e-books a go. As we may well know this is a very reasonable choice, not only because of the money you will be saving but also because it helps to solve the pollution problem. Some may say this is worse than reading a novel on paper, but it is by far the better choice. Additionally, you are able to carry millions of books with you. With all this in mind, everyone that likes to read must get an e-book, while they will find every novel in the palm of their hand ,they would benefit the world.

(MY FAVOURITE POSSESION)

For most of us, our favorite possession is something meaningful. The most valuable belonging I own is, a white dried rose.

On another note, the dried white rose was not a gift. It was given to me when my grandpa died in 2018. He used to be my best friend ever since I was born. Since my father was widowed and a single parent, he worked a lot. As a result, my grandparents brought me up. He and I used to listen to songs he liked, watch movies, and even go shopping together. What I loved the most were his cooking skills and how fun it was to be around him. Genuinely, I miss him a lot.

(MY FAVOURITE FOODS)

 

Some might disagree with my taste in food. I can not choose only one, and probably I would feel like I left some of my favorite dishes out. However, if ever I had to live on three they would be sushi, waffles, and pita kebab.

The reason is simple. Sushi is almost one-bite full of the flavor experience. Besides, there are plenty of alternatives to pick. Some may feel disgusted by eating raw fish, not in my case. The flavor of its well-seasoned rice, sometimes cucumber, avocado, carrots, and dried nori is an explosion for your taste buds. Not to mention, if you combine it with soy sauce and wasabi. Still, there are many other sushi types. In particular, with no fish for those who are a bit pickier or are vegetarian or vegan. However, my favorite kind has to be tuna and butterfish maki rolls, yet, I will not hesitate if I am gifted with any other type.

Pita kebab would be another favorite of mine. I love how flavorful everything is, from the seasoned meat, the yogurt sauce, and the spicy sauce combined with a wide variety of lettuce and other veggies and ,all of that ,hugged by a loaf of crispy pita bread. My personal go-to also has mixed chicken and lamb meat and feta cheese, as well as a side of chips. I always order it on Saturdays when me and my partner do our film night.It is obvious that it is one of my favorites because it reminds me of my boyfriend.

Though, we could never forget some desert. Waffles are a Belgium sweet street food and a worldwide success. And I do not doubt it because these sweets are many people's craving. My favorite way to eat them is with Nutella and a nougat ice cream ball. Yet, I too like them alone because you can taste the crunchy sugar on the inside and the caramelized outside.

All in all, my food pallet is very colorful, features a wide range of flavors. Spicy, salty, sweet, sour, and so on, yet, not everyone is ready for what I fancy the most.

Practice 3

3.

a)

1. topic

2. example 

3. reason

4. supp 1

5. supp 2

6. supp 3

7. 
   

b) Despite this/It is widely believed/Compared to/In addition/Above all

c) Despite this

4.

a)

Topic sentence-> iii

Definition->i

Result 1 ->vi

Result 2-> v

Result 3-> iv

Conclusion-> ii

b)All these claims…

c)All these claims…/These had been developed…/When this burst,/Others…/Even…/Many economists now argue…/In other words...

6.

a)

Topic: It is widely said that increases in the rate of homeownership have unemployment as a result 

Reason:  Therefore, homeownership compels more and more people to be hesitant about moving away to find work elsewhere.

Example:   Taking as an example Spain where there is great ownership and great unemployment I contrary Switzerland has low ownership and low unemployment 

Argument:  For instance, other options like how liquid the housing market is have been implied.

Conclusion:  Having said all of that, and until this day, the theory is still controversial. 

b)

At the same time, we must take a look at the 2008-9 recession, where support for this theory is given in some US states, like California, Florida, and Michigan. The ones mentioned had the greatest housing boom in the 90s. Thus, afterward, the recession rate of house moving fell sharply. As proof was the numerous households in negative equity. This meant that those houses were sold at loss. All things considered, high rates of ownership may well deepen recession if labour is more static.

(A MISTAKE I ALWAYS MAKE)

 My biggest mistake is something that I always do. I trust people too fast. Maybe this is why I have lost so many friends and relationships throughout my life. Yet, the thing that leads this to happen is my over-sharing tendencies. I do not know how but I always tell important things to people that want to do something bad with that information. And it is my responsibility not to trust anyone at first. Sometimes this happens even if they have been your closest friends for life and they just do it. It is hard to keep some things to yourself. At the end of the day we are all humans and we all make mistakes and have toxic tendencies that can harm ourselves and others.

Practice 2 My first Paragraph

Novels 

I have always enjoyed reading all sorts of novels, from the most romantic to the most horrific tales. My dilemma is that I spend a lot on novels just and only to read and flip through the pages once and then put them on the shelf. This is mainly why I decided to give ebooks a go. I feel like they are quite a good choice, not only because you can save a lot of cash, but also because it benefits some environmental issues.Perhaps ,numerous people assume that this is worse than reading a novel in a paper book,because of the touch of it . Nonetheless, you can carry around  millions of books with you without worrying about light or windy weather because nothing will bother you or the weight of your backpack . Having said all of the above, I propose that everyone who likes to read should buy an e-book , because they will find every novel they want in one place at a cheaper price, and they will benefit the world.

(THE WORKING STUDENT)

I know that some people need to work during their studies because they don’t have enough money to pay for their degree. Or they have to help their parents pay the bills. I think this is amazing. If you have the chance to work and get extra money, get a job and work hard. First, because you can save money up for your own needs, and the future. And, secondly, because you get experience for future jobs. When experienced, you can get a job easier and be a bit more sure about people reaching out to you. However, if you do not work, your studies will be easier to handle and, you’d have your focus point in them. Rather than having a job that minuses your time, makes you tired, and makes you organize. Yet, this last thing might well be beneficial too. Organization should never be taken for granted.

(MY FAVOURITE SPORT) powerlifting

Nowadays strength sports are still seen as something rather bizarre for a woman to practice. Yet that is not my case since I practice powerlifting almost daily. Notwithstanding this rare sport is not that big here in Spain as in other countries.

To put it in some kind of context,this rather dangerous and minority sport was born indoors,in the weight room, at the gym. It is made up of three main lifts , squat , bench press and deadlift. These three would be put to test in a fierce competition in which the participants have three attempts in each lift to mark their highest and eventually win over their competition. Thus we should not be confused by weightlifting. Although they are very similar in the equipment used like, knee sleeves, belt and singlet.And in the weight categories where the aspirants will compete. Weightlifting differs in the lifts performed and that it also uses lifting straps. In whatever way powerlifting uses more protective equipment like wrist straps, and in some exceptional cases elbow sleeves. This means that powerlifting is less harmful than that olympic sport.

Furthermore, powerlifting was not a mystery when I gave it a go. Four years earlier to this day I was hitting the gym every day and looking after my physical fitness. However, it was not off to a great start , as I was cowed into hating my body growing up.As a result, this led to an unhealthy path for a weight loss obsession for two years. But it wasn’t until the realisation that you can only get better at the gym by eating more and lifting heavier.  This is the part where powerlifting steps in. I started following some female powerlifters on Instagram like Amira Blecua. She talks about the neutral-body movement and how to improve self love while enjoying this sport. The decision to eat more and become stronger came lighting-like. That awful feeling of an empty stomach disappeared as I ate 2300 to 3000 calories a day. Performance and energy throughout training sessions and my daily basis went up. So did my grades and mental health. We can say personal growth came hand in hand with the process. 

But despite that, giving this sport so much of your time is not easy. A tight schedule is the result, yet ,that doesn’t mean that you have no time for other things. It means being disciplined, organized and down to earth with everything in your life. Each training session is 2 hours long. It consists of a warm-up from 10 to 20 minutes, from one to one and a half hours of two or three of the main competition lifts(squat, bench press, deadlift), and 20 to 40 minutes of accessory exercises. These last ones help the main lifts to be stronger as they target important muscles that are often required. Planning this would have been unattainable without my trainer Paula. She is the genius behind this complex training.   

On another level food is quite an important matter. Powerlifters are known for eating a lot, and,that is not a lie, the more you eat the bigger you get the more you can lift.Nonetheless, to win a competition you have to be wary of which weight category you will be competing in. Powerlifting is all about strategy, hence, you might end up losing or gaining a couple kilos for giving your best at said category.Along with that,money is well needed for this pastime. Competitions will cost a lot of money and besides, your equipment, gym membership, supplements, and coaching.This is not for everyone.

In short, we can assume that powerlifting is a sport that helps you be determined, and teaches you that to achieve your goals in life you have to give your best. Thus, with the beauty of it comes sacrifice, hard work, and a great monetary expenditure.

Bali

Bali is a place which some may been dreaming to go. With it’s breathtaking scenery and it’s beautiful ancient temples, Bali is in fact one of the most unspoiled parts of the world. Some may know it for this reason and others because of how affordable is to travel to. It appeals to many because its culture isn’t as famous as other asian cultures such as the indian,chinese or japanese.

What first would struck your attention from this off the beaten track destination would be,its temples. One being the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Perhaps not the most famous one but the placement of it on a small island along the shore of Lake Bratan, is what makes it stand out.The thatched roof temples reflect on the lake, and when the water levels rise, they seem to float on its surface.Also we can not forget about its famous Rice Terraces with its ancient irrigation systems recognized by the UNESCO.Another remarkable place are its beaches, like the Nusa Dua Beach, and it’s waterfalls like the Sekumpul Waterfall.However, if you want to get a more luxurious tourist-like experience you should book a luxury hotel with pre-arranged water park trips and all of that kind of stuff.

Another thing that you have to try if you ever land in Bali is its food. It is really interesting that compared to its surroundings Balinese food is mainly meat-based .A typical meal is rice, chicken skewers with satay and vegetables as side dishes. While this sounds plane , it has the salty, hot and sweet balance that makes Indonesian cuisine so flavourful. Nonetheless,you shouldn’t miss on some of its famous desserts like pie Sssu enaaak, that are its typical milk pies. 

But when we dig a bit about Bali's culture we find out that it is steeped in Hindu tradition. Raging from its live dances and performances (like these three types: Wari performances, sacred, performed in temples; Bebali performances, which are ritual entertainment for gods; and Balih-balihan performances that visitors can watch).   To its cultural etiquette guidelines like (hinduism is a conservative religion):Dressing modestly in the town or market or in a temple(covering your shoulders and legs,in temples).Taking off your shoes when entering temples, houses or even some shops.Never touch someone's head-Balinese believe that the soul is on the head, so this is a sacred place.If you are eating at someone’s house, leave some food on the plate as a sacrifice to the gods (this also shows that you are full).

All in all, exploring this exotic country, its architecture and culture might or might not be a bolt from the blue to you when you go sightseeing there. Either way it will be a once in a lifetime experience, that  either you or me would like to miss on after hearing all I had to say.

(THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED)

  Personally speaking, there is no true age to get married. However,  there is certainly something to bear in mind. It is important not to be under 18. The soul that you are marring, will have to support you to prosper even more, in which ever stage of existence you are. So choose your company wisely. Make sure he or she is the one before making that step. Even if you notice when you are 50 years old. This step is never too far away. For me, marriage is not necessary as long as there is a healthy relationship. My parents are not married, and they are happy together without that symbolism. For me, it is more important to be you next to the person you love. You do not need a promise, you just know.

Practice 1 Brainstorming

1) NARROWING THE TOPIC

TECHNOLOGY

technology --- the improvement in computers --- computers after the 10s --- how the improvement in computers has helped people during the quarantine?

PARTIES

parties --- the new concept of parties through the years --- how the parties have changed because of the pandemic? 

FEMINISM

feminism --- the origins --- METOO

CINEMA

cinema --- movies --- the Oscars

SPORTS

sports --- basketball --- basketball after Kobe's death

MULTICULTURALISM

multiculturalism --- how multiculturalism is getting stronger --- more representation of different ethicnitics

2) BRAINSTORMING IDEAS

FASHION

a) y2k

b) old trends coming back

c) pressure for the ¨perfect¨ body      

CHINESE FOOD

a) healthy?

b) revolutionary Chinese dishes

c) best Chinese chef