It is a very well-known fact that due to new technologies in the last twenty years things in the communication world have changed a lot. Before the comming up of the new technologies there were two ways of keeping in touch with people who lived far away: phone and mail.
But recently the situation has evolved because of the new forms of communication which have appeared: video chat, email, chat room, instant messaging and so on.
In this essay I am going to assess what are the benefits and drawbacks of these forms of communication.
Starting with the oldest, the mail is cheap but very slow. Besides it is formal and when it appeared meant a social revolution because for the first time communication with far places was possible.
Continuing with the phone, it made instant communication real. However it is expensive and it does not reach everywhere.
We can say that traditional forms of communication like phone and traditional mail seem to belong to another time when the pace of life used to be slower than nowadays.
On the other hand, I am going to evaluate new forms of communication all together because all of them have the same pros and cons and are based on smart phones.
From my point of view, the main adavantages of text messaging, chat room, instant messaging, or another thing we can think of are:
- They are relatively cheap, because their prices have decreases a lot lately.
- Communication is instantaneous and twenty foour hours a day, because they run on mobile phones and almost everybody owns one.
- Using them means that you can communicate with any part of the world. In that sense world has become smaller.
On the contrary, there are some disadvantages:
- Some people have become addicted to instant communication.
- Some businesses give their employees smart phones because in that way they can control their lives twenty four hours a day.
- People have lost their privacy, because thanks to social networks their lives are more public.
- Personal contact has been cut down. It is usual to go to a restaurant and people who are in the same table are not talking to each other because they are paying attention to their mobile phones.
In conclusion, these new tecnologies have spread quickly because they have outstanding benefits. But we need to be careful using them, in some sense they can make us feel more isolated, which is a paradox.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Writing: Description of a picture
Nile adventure evening cruise
Among the five proposed trips I have choosen the "Nile adventure evening cruise". As later I will justify, it seems like the best option to me.
But before giving my reasons for my choice, I am going to describe briefly the image related to this journey.
In the center of the picture, we can see a white vessel with two triangle shaped sails. These two sails, in fact, seem to be twice bigger than the vessel. Furthermore above the ship there are people, we don't know how many because the quality of the image is not very good.
In addition to this, we can assume the boat is sailing on a river, a big one, because in the picture on the left hand it is possible to see the reiverside and there are no waves in the water. Eventually over the image there is the following sentence: Nile Adventure - evening cruise.
As to my choice, I have to say that I am not that keen on the idea of going on a cruise, because a I get seasick easily. However in this case the cruise is on a river, that means that there are no big waves and son, I sense I won't get dizzy.
On the other hand I am sure it will be worth it. These types of journeysare usually very romantic and after having married for 20 years, I really think we should have a new honeymoon. Do not you agree?.
Among the five proposed trips I have choosen the "Nile adventure evening cruise". As later I will justify, it seems like the best option to me.
But before giving my reasons for my choice, I am going to describe briefly the image related to this journey.
In the center of the picture, we can see a white vessel with two triangle shaped sails. These two sails, in fact, seem to be twice bigger than the vessel. Furthermore above the ship there are people, we don't know how many because the quality of the image is not very good.
In addition to this, we can assume the boat is sailing on a river, a big one, because in the picture on the left hand it is possible to see the reiverside and there are no waves in the water. Eventually over the image there is the following sentence: Nile Adventure - evening cruise.
As to my choice, I have to say that I am not that keen on the idea of going on a cruise, because a I get seasick easily. However in this case the cruise is on a river, that means that there are no big waves and son, I sense I won't get dizzy.
On the other hand I am sure it will be worth it. These types of journeysare usually very romantic and after having married for 20 years, I really think we should have a new honeymoon. Do not you agree?.
Writing essay: Honesty
To start with, it is obvious that honesty is the name that society gives to a human quality. So a person who practices honesty is an honest person and someone who is honest will always tell the truth and he or she will never deceive other people.
However, honesty is a value which is widely demanded in our society. That's why children are taught to honest. And later in their lives the same children will be asked to be honest in their jobs, relationships and so on.
On the other hand, it is a very well-known fact that honesty is not the best thing in some situations. For instance, when a friend asks for our opinion about her new dress. In that moment you should tell her that it is beautiful, because what she is really looking for is your support. Thereby you avoid hurting her feelings.
There are other situations in which may be better to tell a small lie or "white lie": when a friend asks for your opinion about his new car, when someone is ill and you tell him that he looks better although it is not true, and so on.
On the contrary there are occasions when telling the truth is really significant without thinking about the problems it can cause. For instance take the case of a judge or policemen in their daily work. It is assumed that honesty has to be practised by them. Furthermore our social relationships are based on honesty. It would be impossible for us to trust in our friends or in our family if they were liars.
In conclusion and from my point of view, honesty is the best policy when it comes to important issues. But to tell a white lie if the situation requires it and it is minor, it is no inmoral.
However, honesty is a value which is widely demanded in our society. That's why children are taught to honest. And later in their lives the same children will be asked to be honest in their jobs, relationships and so on.
On the other hand, it is a very well-known fact that honesty is not the best thing in some situations. For instance, when a friend asks for our opinion about her new dress. In that moment you should tell her that it is beautiful, because what she is really looking for is your support. Thereby you avoid hurting her feelings.
There are other situations in which may be better to tell a small lie or "white lie": when a friend asks for your opinion about his new car, when someone is ill and you tell him that he looks better although it is not true, and so on.
On the contrary there are occasions when telling the truth is really significant without thinking about the problems it can cause. For instance take the case of a judge or policemen in their daily work. It is assumed that honesty has to be practised by them. Furthermore our social relationships are based on honesty. It would be impossible for us to trust in our friends or in our family if they were liars.
In conclusion and from my point of view, honesty is the best policy when it comes to important issues. But to tell a white lie if the situation requires it and it is minor, it is no inmoral.
Writing: Answering an email
Dear Paula,
Nice hearing from you again. I am really excited about your coming next month. The children are looking forward to seeing you again . They are always remembering you. I really hope you have a great time here.
As for getting from the airport, the best option for you is to get a taxi. It is obvious that it is a little bit expensive, but in that way I'm sure you won't get lost. Another option to come to our home is to take the subway which goes from the airport terminal. It's cheaper than a taxi, but you have to pay attention and when getting to "Nuevos Ministerios" station, get off the metro and take a bus until our house.
Whatever you do, please let me know in your next email.
When it comes to the best places to visit you should miss out on a park called "El Retiro" and the official residence of the king called "Palacio de Oriente". These two places are the main attractions of Madrid, at least from my point of view.
Unfortunately, I have loads of work next month and I won't be able to be with oyu, even though I really feel like visiting these attractions. But I'm sure my wife will be happy of coming with you to these places.
Regarding museums and galleries, Madrid is a great city. One of the most important galleries in the world is located in here, its name is "El prado". Fortunately this place is 10 minutes walking from our home.
If you need some advice about what to do or what to visit in my city, please let me know it.
Cheers,
Nice hearing from you again. I am really excited about your coming next month. The children are looking forward to seeing you again . They are always remembering you. I really hope you have a great time here.
As for getting from the airport, the best option for you is to get a taxi. It is obvious that it is a little bit expensive, but in that way I'm sure you won't get lost. Another option to come to our home is to take the subway which goes from the airport terminal. It's cheaper than a taxi, but you have to pay attention and when getting to "Nuevos Ministerios" station, get off the metro and take a bus until our house.
Whatever you do, please let me know in your next email.
When it comes to the best places to visit you should miss out on a park called "El Retiro" and the official residence of the king called "Palacio de Oriente". These two places are the main attractions of Madrid, at least from my point of view.
Unfortunately, I have loads of work next month and I won't be able to be with oyu, even though I really feel like visiting these attractions. But I'm sure my wife will be happy of coming with you to these places.
Regarding museums and galleries, Madrid is a great city. One of the most important galleries in the world is located in here, its name is "El prado". Fortunately this place is 10 minutes walking from our home.
If you need some advice about what to do or what to visit in my city, please let me know it.
Cheers,
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Writing: Formal letter
Dear Mr. Jones,
I am writing you regarding your advertisement published in the Sunday Times looking for teenagers to help children in the computer lab. I would be really interested in applying for the job.
I am 17 years old and the next academic course I will start my degree in computer sciences in the University of Madrid. Even though I am a Spaniard, I master english language because my mother is from London. Besides, I have made two academic courses in one secondary school in England and I have spent some summers there.
Furthermore, I love teaching children. I spent last August in a computer summer camp. I was helping a teacher in one computer laboratory and the experience was great. That's why I would enjoy the opportunity to help children, as it is something I am familiar with.
I attach my CV and certification of my job in the summer camp. If you feel that my qualifications meet your requirements, I will be happy to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
I am writing you regarding your advertisement published in the Sunday Times looking for teenagers to help children in the computer lab. I would be really interested in applying for the job.
I am 17 years old and the next academic course I will start my degree in computer sciences in the University of Madrid. Even though I am a Spaniard, I master english language because my mother is from London. Besides, I have made two academic courses in one secondary school in England and I have spent some summers there.
Furthermore, I love teaching children. I spent last August in a computer summer camp. I was helping a teacher in one computer laboratory and the experience was great. That's why I would enjoy the opportunity to help children, as it is something I am familiar with.
I attach my CV and certification of my job in the summer camp. If you feel that my qualifications meet your requirements, I will be happy to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Writing: Informal letter
Dear John,
Sorry for not writing earlier, but as you know, I am a very busy person. Before going ahead, thanks for inviting me to your home. I'm really excited and you can't imagine how happy you have made the kids.
Before travelling, there are two things I'd like to ask you.
To start with, I was wondering what clothes I should bring for the kids. You told me the weather is nice this time of the year, but you know, we are from Spain and we really need hot weather. Do you believe I should bring a pullover for the kids in case the temperature worsens during the afternoons?.
On the other hand, I think the best option to come to your home is to fly to London and hire a car in the airport to reach Suffolk. What I need is that you give me some advice on how to arrive at your home from the highway.
Please, do write me back soon¡.
Give my best wishes to your wife. I'm really looking forward to seeing you soon.
Cheers,
Writing: Extreme weather
I have been to Cuba twice. I first travelled when I had just finished my studies at university. It was a delightful trip, I really enjoyed the flight, the country, the local people and so on.
The second time was very different. Right then I was working for a consulting company. We (my team and I) had just ended a project and the manager forced us to take two weeks off. My group of friends didn't know what to do, because no one had made any plan, but we didn't want to waste this free time. Then we were told that travelling to Cuba was very cheap and my group and I accepted the suggestion.
It was a relatively quiet flight and we took off from Madrid more or less on time. But when we landed at the airport of Havana (I do not remember the airport's name) we learnt why our trip was so cheap. ¡ We were in Cuba in the hurricane's season¡.
I couldn't believe it. In spite of this, we were determined to enjoy our vacations.
But it wasn't possible, a strong hurricane was expected very soon. In fact, when we reached the hotel, the manager advice us to stay in our rooms and added that we shouldn't leave our bedrooms unless it was absolutely necessary.
On the other hand, rooms were prepared to endure the hurricane. The windows were covered with wood panels, and food and water were taken into the them.
I have to admit that we were frightened, none of us had undergone a hurricane. However, it was not so bad. Only strong winds, some whistlings and four days without electricity.
For local people, instead, consequences were terrible. Many houses were completely under water and the rest had suffered damages due to the strong winds. Many Cuban people lost all their stuff.
Next time we will wonder why a journey is son cheap.
The second time was very different. Right then I was working for a consulting company. We (my team and I) had just ended a project and the manager forced us to take two weeks off. My group of friends didn't know what to do, because no one had made any plan, but we didn't want to waste this free time. Then we were told that travelling to Cuba was very cheap and my group and I accepted the suggestion.
It was a relatively quiet flight and we took off from Madrid more or less on time. But when we landed at the airport of Havana (I do not remember the airport's name) we learnt why our trip was so cheap. ¡ We were in Cuba in the hurricane's season¡.
I couldn't believe it. In spite of this, we were determined to enjoy our vacations.
But it wasn't possible, a strong hurricane was expected very soon. In fact, when we reached the hotel, the manager advice us to stay in our rooms and added that we shouldn't leave our bedrooms unless it was absolutely necessary.
On the other hand, rooms were prepared to endure the hurricane. The windows were covered with wood panels, and food and water were taken into the them.
I have to admit that we were frightened, none of us had undergone a hurricane. However, it was not so bad. Only strong winds, some whistlings and four days without electricity.
For local people, instead, consequences were terrible. Many houses were completely under water and the rest had suffered damages due to the strong winds. Many Cuban people lost all their stuff.
Next time we will wonder why a journey is son cheap.
Monologue: Energy sources: solar power, wind power and nuclear power. Renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
Good afternoon. I've been asked to talk about three different energy sources.
To start with, it is important to define what is understood by energy source. It is anything of which we can obtain energy. For example, a hydroelectric station uses a stream of water to generate energy which later we will use electric power to run a computer, a TV, refrigerator, etc.
It is a very well-known fact that our advanced societies are based on consumption of very large amounts of energy, that's why energy sources are really important.
However each energy source has its pros and cons:
- Solar power: It uses the energy of sun to generate electricity. It is cheap and non-polluting but the power it provides is small and it can't be used in cloudy days.
- Wind power. In that case uses the wind flow to produce electricity. As solar power it is cheap and non-polluting but the power delivered is big. However the production of electrical energy depends on the wind blow.
- Nuclear energy in contrast provides great quantities of energy constantly, without depending on the flow of the wind or if the the sun is shining. It is also cheap if we don't take into account the cost of their pollution generated by its waste. On the contrary it is a really dangerous technology, and accident can cause great heath problems to the population and the reserves of nuclear fuel are running out.
As to the second part of the question, we can qualify an energy as renewable when it will be always available to use it. From this point of view solar energy and wind energy are considered as renewable energies. Moreover, nuclear energy is a non renewable energy, depending on the rate of our consumption it is for sure that some day in the future we have run out all nuclear fuel available.
Other than that, renewable energies are more respectful with environment. That's why many scientist consider that the future world will be renewable, or simply our current society won't exist in the future world.
In conclusion, if society wants to have a future, it should start using renewable energies as solar power or wind power.
To start with, it is important to define what is understood by energy source. It is anything of which we can obtain energy. For example, a hydroelectric station uses a stream of water to generate energy which later we will use electric power to run a computer, a TV, refrigerator, etc.
It is a very well-known fact that our advanced societies are based on consumption of very large amounts of energy, that's why energy sources are really important.
However each energy source has its pros and cons:
- Solar power: It uses the energy of sun to generate electricity. It is cheap and non-polluting but the power it provides is small and it can't be used in cloudy days.
- Wind power. In that case uses the wind flow to produce electricity. As solar power it is cheap and non-polluting but the power delivered is big. However the production of electrical energy depends on the wind blow.
- Nuclear energy in contrast provides great quantities of energy constantly, without depending on the flow of the wind or if the the sun is shining. It is also cheap if we don't take into account the cost of their pollution generated by its waste. On the contrary it is a really dangerous technology, and accident can cause great heath problems to the population and the reserves of nuclear fuel are running out.
As to the second part of the question, we can qualify an energy as renewable when it will be always available to use it. From this point of view solar energy and wind energy are considered as renewable energies. Moreover, nuclear energy is a non renewable energy, depending on the rate of our consumption it is for sure that some day in the future we have run out all nuclear fuel available.
Other than that, renewable energies are more respectful with environment. That's why many scientist consider that the future world will be renewable, or simply our current society won't exist in the future world.
In conclusion, if society wants to have a future, it should start using renewable energies as solar power or wind power.
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