Article - The Power of Music - Oct/Nov 2009

We are surrounded by music, be it from the television or radio or, more recently, from our mobile devices and youtube. While there is no doubt that listening to music has many benefits, it also has the potential to be disruptive too.

One of the many benefits of music is that it has the power to change our moods. For example, if we are feeling sluggish, listening to an upbeat rock or pop song can give us an energy boost. Or if we are feeling stressed, music can help us to relax and unwind. In addition, listening to music can educate us as it allows us to hear what other people are thinking or saying. Furthermore, if the creator of the music is from another culture, we can get a deeper understanding of the world in which we live.

However, what one person may consider as music is what another may consider as noise. Therefore, we should be considerate when playing music. It should never be played too loud, particularly when in public places. Also, there are some songs with questionable lyrics that might offend others.

In conclusion, music has the power to uplift us but we must always be sensitive to the needs of others when we play it.

Summary - Game-based Learning - Oct/Nov 2009

Rodriguez Diaz believed that students would benefit from game-based learning in a number of ways. First, they would be more motivated and develop a better aptitude for learning. In addition, students would be more relaxed while learning and they would develop social skills. Furthermore, game-based learning would cater for all types of learners. In fact, game-based learning enabled students to advance in mathematics, to help younger students develop vocabulary, reading and creative writing skills, and to help students, particularly boys, develop more complex dialogues.

Summary - Free Diving - Oct/Nov 2009 (Core)

Free diving differs from scuba diving no breathing apparatus is needed, air bubbles aren’t released and fish aren’t scared. However, when free diving you need to ensure safety by wearing the correct weight, staying calm, diving with a ‘spotter and having experts on alert nearby. Finally, the aim of free diving is to dive for as deep and as long as possible and to continually train to be the best.

Letter - A swimming pool incident - Oct/Nov 2009

Hi Joe,

I hope things are going well with you and that your exam preparations are not too stressful. In order to help me relax from all my revision, I try to get down to the swimming pool as often as possible. And that is where something really interesting happened.

I was doing laps in the pool when I noticed something unusual in the water. I swam over to take a closer look and was shocked to saw that I actually saw a real, live snake in the water (remember, that pool is outdoors)! Needless to say, I backed away as quick as lightning and jumped out of the pool at the earliest opportunity. I raised the alarm by screaming at everyone that there was a snake in the water. This of course resulted in mayhem. However, the lifeguard was nonplussed and he just grabbed a net and fished the snake out. He explained to me later that it happens quite regularly in the early summer and that the snakes are not poisonous. In fact, they are more scared of us.

Well, that’s all for now. I’ve got to get back to the studies. Please write soon to let me know your plans for after the exams.

All the best,
Jim

Letter - World Youth Group - May/June 2009

Dear Form,

I am writing to tell you about an exciting invitation that we have received from the Association of World Youth Groups. They are looking for us to send a team on students to participate in the building of a small clinic in Nepal. 

In order to be considered for the project, you will need a number of core skills. First, you must be good at communicating and socialising. Next, it is desirable, though not necessary, that you have some ability to design and construct. In addition, the ability to speak other languages, particularly Hindi, would be beneficial. However, perhaps the most important skills needed are the abilities to work hard, be flexible and be open-minded. Finally, while staying in Nepal will be free, it is expected that participants pay for their own flights and bring a small amount of pocket money.

If you are interested in joining, please send me an essay by the end of the week outlining the reasons why you should be selected. Team members will be selected based on this letter and subsequent interviews. If you would like further details, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,
John Smith