Dear All ,
Happy Eid for every one.
Realy I missed you all
Friday, October 3, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Future Islamic effect
Dear Tony,
The subject you started is very hard one, but let me start my round,
The Islam is the way of live and deal. Normally the spirit of society should built as a triangle and the Islam should be applied in all of triangle’s corners: firstly Islam is the relation between Muslim and God, secondly it is the relation between Muslim himself and the environment surrounding him including plant, animals and all people, and thirdly it is the relation between Muslim and himself. any failure in one of any corner, the triangle base will collapse, the key of successful is the relation between Muslim and himself, therefore to build our self we have to revised; our schools and media after that we will get the suitable rigid block which can withstand the load of this triangle, If we are truthful with ourselves then we could recognize the correct way for live.
One of our problem is we are evaluate a our societies with western community regardless the last five hundred years, I do believe this is not fair, it looks like twenty years man rising three years children, what could be the result?! Yes I do agree that in all societies there are equal leaders. But no one can weighs any Muslim country with Great Britten or France, who start their renaissance before five centuries, or even USA how pass through a very valuable experiments ( first and second world war) which boost its capability as full society. Such hard and successful period is pushing the country forward.
As I now western countries has a lot of civilization appearances, they look like a mesh you can find a nods points as well as just string or even the Square hall, they have a lot of nods who hold this mesh and surrounding the empty square by their frame relation through the low, like paying the task, or through the charities who is taking care of different parties of society.To reach this level of society frame, we have to build our selves starting from homs, throgh mosques and ending by our school systems, after that only we can build our ideal Islamic society.
By monitoring the people quantity in the mosque any one can discover the Islamic disillusions and improvement of mosque effect in our live. Universities is an important centers which have an important responsibility. At last; government with logical plans to improve the society as a dynamic mass is the most important factor in this strategy.
The subject you started is very hard one, but let me start my round,
The Islam is the way of live and deal. Normally the spirit of society should built as a triangle and the Islam should be applied in all of triangle’s corners: firstly Islam is the relation between Muslim and God, secondly it is the relation between Muslim himself and the environment surrounding him including plant, animals and all people, and thirdly it is the relation between Muslim and himself. any failure in one of any corner, the triangle base will collapse, the key of successful is the relation between Muslim and himself, therefore to build our self we have to revised; our schools and media after that we will get the suitable rigid block which can withstand the load of this triangle, If we are truthful with ourselves then we could recognize the correct way for live.
One of our problem is we are evaluate a our societies with western community regardless the last five hundred years, I do believe this is not fair, it looks like twenty years man rising three years children, what could be the result?! Yes I do agree that in all societies there are equal leaders. But no one can weighs any Muslim country with Great Britten or France, who start their renaissance before five centuries, or even USA how pass through a very valuable experiments ( first and second world war) which boost its capability as full society. Such hard and successful period is pushing the country forward.
As I now western countries has a lot of civilization appearances, they look like a mesh you can find a nods points as well as just string or even the Square hall, they have a lot of nods who hold this mesh and surrounding the empty square by their frame relation through the low, like paying the task, or through the charities who is taking care of different parties of society.To reach this level of society frame, we have to build our selves starting from homs, throgh mosques and ending by our school systems, after that only we can build our ideal Islamic society.
By monitoring the people quantity in the mosque any one can discover the Islamic disillusions and improvement of mosque effect in our live. Universities is an important centers which have an important responsibility. At last; government with logical plans to improve the society as a dynamic mass is the most important factor in this strategy.
Monday, May 5, 2008
A missed opportunity...
Dear brothers and sisters
Well, I said I'd write up that lecture by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson on "The Forgotten Debt - the Islamic world's contribution to the West", so here goes:
The lecture started 45 minutes late, the vast National Theatre in Abu Dhabi had a respectable audience, the event was organised by the Zayed House For Islamic Culture - their website is http://www.zhic.ae/
Hamza Yusuf spoke very eloquently for 100 minutes, a tribute to his scholarship and devotion to spreading the true meaning of Islam to his fellow Americans and the world at large. He is a very impressive speaker, extremely articulate and knowledgeable. Unfortunately, I feel that this particular evening, 21 April 2008, he was 'preaching to the converted' and that we were already aware of his central thesis - how the Islamic world interacted with the classical world prior to the establishment of Islam and that the Islamic world flourished during the 'Dark Ages' in Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire.
Hamza Yusuf is a linguist and gave interesting points as to the origin of words and how the Islamic world "contributed" or "flowed into" the Western world and beyond. At length, aided by PowerPoint slides he listed this contribution:
Well, I said I'd write up that lecture by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Hanson on "The Forgotten Debt - the Islamic world's contribution to the West", so here goes:
The lecture started 45 minutes late, the vast National Theatre in Abu Dhabi had a respectable audience, the event was organised by the Zayed House For Islamic Culture - their website is http://www.zhic.ae/
Hamza Yusuf spoke very eloquently for 100 minutes, a tribute to his scholarship and devotion to spreading the true meaning of Islam to his fellow Americans and the world at large. He is a very impressive speaker, extremely articulate and knowledgeable. Unfortunately, I feel that this particular evening, 21 April 2008, he was 'preaching to the converted' and that we were already aware of his central thesis - how the Islamic world interacted with the classical world prior to the establishment of Islam and that the Islamic world flourished during the 'Dark Ages' in Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire.
Hamza Yusuf is a linguist and gave interesting points as to the origin of words and how the Islamic world "contributed" or "flowed into" the Western world and beyond. At length, aided by PowerPoint slides he listed this contribution:
- coffee
- soda
- spices
- candy
- ice cream
- wheat
- music
- textiles
- furniture
- architecture
- glass making
- gardens
- windmills
- the Arabian horse
- science - mathematics / medicine / astronomy / robotics / herbology / pharmaceuticals / navigation / cartography / university education / libraries / literature / hygiene / chess / polo
OK, great, fine, Sheikh Hamza, your particular audience was probably aware of these contributions and we learned a few extra items and were entertained by your witty jokes and excellent command of Arabic. My point is that your discourse would have had so much more weight if it had brought us up to the 21st century and considered the PRESENT world situation of how is the Islamic world contributing to the pursuit of knowledge and enrichment of the human condition. With the immense resources at its disposal, has the Islamic world witnessed another 'Renaissance' and dynamic push for development and progress? What about the FUTURE? Sheikh Hamza Yusuf played safe by looking in the rear mirror and focusing on the 'Golden Age' when Islamic rulers, scholars and travellers spread knowledge far and wide across the ancient world.
Yes, I was disappointed. I learned very little new from Hamza Yusuf and questioned some of his interpretations. Indeed, if you a quick Wikipedia http://www.wikipedia.org/ search on Hamza Yusuf, you will see that he has evolved from a very radical, 'anti-Western' stance to the smooth-talking, 'acceptable' face of Islam for the likes of George Bush and Tony Blair - how and why did this come about?
I felt that Hamza Yusuf was very slick and a very polished speaker. He would do well in the corporate world, his Institute in California http://www.zaytuna.org/ will fill you in on some of his activities.
So, has this digression helped? Is this the future of the blog to look at such issues and to see if we can inaugurate some debate? If so, then we need ideas and discussion. I will quite happily get on with my life and let this blog drift along in CyberSpace. However, if my report has proved interesting and the questions that I have posed might provoke some answers, then comment below and post your thoughts!
WE are waiting to hear from YOU!
Standing by
Yours in faith
Tony
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Where have all the flowers gone?
Do you remember that classic song from the 60s by Bob Dylan? I certainly do.
I feel like a historical relic; Zeena asks me about the Cold War and the Berlin Wall ços she is studying this at school and then she asks me if I remember that period and how did I feel...
So what's cooking out there? Ahmed wrote a very interesting piece and we never got the rest. The faithful few are busy with their lives and the feckless rest never even bothered to say hello (and goodbye).
Ah well, life trundles on. I'm already in weekend mode. Any IELTS news from the troops in the field?
Just saying hello. I was watering the new trees that my landlord has kindly planted and I thought about flowers and the saplings that I planted in the past three years. 22 BC students weblogs are there on the WWW for me to remember some great times, magical students and inspiring achievements.
Anybody go to the lecture on Monday by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf on "The Forgotten Debt: the Islamic world's contribution to Western Civilisation"? I went and enjoyed the lecture, despite it starting 45 minutes late!!! If you like, I can summarise some of his arguments and give my reaction. However, I need some response from the blog, otherwise I'll get on with other stuff.
Bye for now
Tony
I feel like a historical relic; Zeena asks me about the Cold War and the Berlin Wall ços she is studying this at school and then she asks me if I remember that period and how did I feel...
So what's cooking out there? Ahmed wrote a very interesting piece and we never got the rest. The faithful few are busy with their lives and the feckless rest never even bothered to say hello (and goodbye).
Ah well, life trundles on. I'm already in weekend mode. Any IELTS news from the troops in the field?
Just saying hello. I was watering the new trees that my landlord has kindly planted and I thought about flowers and the saplings that I planted in the past three years. 22 BC students weblogs are there on the WWW for me to remember some great times, magical students and inspiring achievements.
Anybody go to the lecture on Monday by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf on "The Forgotten Debt: the Islamic world's contribution to Western Civilisation"? I went and enjoyed the lecture, despite it starting 45 minutes late!!! If you like, I can summarise some of his arguments and give my reaction. However, I need some response from the blog, otherwise I'll get on with other stuff.
Bye for now
Tony
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Your comments
Khawla, Maha, Tony and firas, I think I did many mistakes in Travel to Qatar, where are your comments? I am still waiting the same, and accordingly I will write the second part. Would you mind to advise me?
Regards
Regards
Monday, April 7, 2008
Travel to Qater
I passed through valuable social Experience, and I would like to write it to you, firstly I comply with firas point of view in his last article/ decision to write about real thing happen or met in his/our life, secondly I am strengthening our relation by writing personal experience finally to improve myself in writing through your comments and corrections, especially this article includes a conversations parts. To avoid any possibility of boredom feeling, I planned to extend it to be in more than one part/ article.
While I was busy as usual every mornning in the office, my telephone rang, she was my sister calling from Qatar, her voice was very gloomy, and she was asking me if I could be in Doha urgently? At that time I felt someone screams me from inside myself, after some words I promised her to do my best but please remember today is the weekend therefore it will not be easy to book for today.
After ten hours I met my sister in Doha Airport! she deeply cried on my shoulder, and her worm tears wet my shirt saying your quick arrival erased half of my sadness, Know I have thrust support to face my troubles, I replay now you get sincere support to solve and pass over your difficulties, so we spent around one hour in very nice quit café to understand the circumstances, her point of view and we exchanged our opinions.
While I was busy as usual every mornning in the office, my telephone rang, she was my sister calling from Qatar, her voice was very gloomy, and she was asking me if I could be in Doha urgently? At that time I felt someone screams me from inside myself, after some words I promised her to do my best but please remember today is the weekend therefore it will not be easy to book for today.
After ten hours I met my sister in Doha Airport! she deeply cried on my shoulder, and her worm tears wet my shirt saying your quick arrival erased half of my sadness, Know I have thrust support to face my troubles, I replay now you get sincere support to solve and pass over your difficulties, so we spent around one hour in very nice quit café to understand the circumstances, her point of view and we exchanged our opinions.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
(Enough new, colourful words, Firas?)
Never! Always “voracious” to learn more and more! Welcome back Captain! Cheerfully received your news, happy to know that our mentor and guru is recovering.
Furthermore, the news about princess Zina is colorful and I like to be updated erratically about her stunning career progress in the various disciplines mentioned in your email.
Also, I must record here that I wish every success to Khawla in her new endeavor. May be she could share us her new experience by narrating what is she preparing now and what is the goal of this course.
As for me: Iam doing well “thanks to God” and attempt to post something from / related to the (writing) module subjects that we used to have during our study in the B.C.
As I started to realize that my (writing) skill began to decline / dwindle due to the long period I spent away from writing letters, I will start to write about some problems or incidents we all face in the real life.
Captain and associates! Please consider your assistance regarding this task is required and would be a great help for all of us.
Captain! What about the term : pushing the envelope? I made an interpretation towards it in previous post. Was it right?
Finally, and quoting from the Captain: “have a super day” for you all.
Yours truly,
Furthermore, the news about princess Zina is colorful and I like to be updated erratically about her stunning career progress in the various disciplines mentioned in your email.
Also, I must record here that I wish every success to Khawla in her new endeavor. May be she could share us her new experience by narrating what is she preparing now and what is the goal of this course.
As for me: Iam doing well “thanks to God” and attempt to post something from / related to the (writing) module subjects that we used to have during our study in the B.C.
As I started to realize that my (writing) skill began to decline / dwindle due to the long period I spent away from writing letters, I will start to write about some problems or incidents we all face in the real life.
Captain and associates! Please consider your assistance regarding this task is required and would be a great help for all of us.
Captain! What about the term : pushing the envelope? I made an interpretation towards it in previous post. Was it right?
Finally, and quoting from the Captain: “have a super day” for you all.
Yours truly,
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Ahhhhh
Ahhh,
I just reach the coast, I sunk in some family then technical issues, and I will join you very soon I need to read all article and letters written since February. I am just a few steps a way
BFN
I just reach the coast, I sunk in some family then technical issues, and I will join you very soon I need to read all article and letters written since February. I am just a few steps a way
BFN
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
CORRECTION
salaam to you all,
i would like to make a correction regard my former reply to brother Firass about the translation workshop. i am so glad to tell you that finally i am accepted in this course which started on Monday 23rd march. actually, it seems that they made their mind and accept me from the beginning, but i was my mistake when i tried to open the the page and found that they need a pass word i thought that i am not entitled anymore to see what is going on inside the course while they had already sent me the pass word to my email at hot mail.
Dear Mr. Tony, i might need your help if possible in the next week for Arabic / English translation
regards.
i would like to make a correction regard my former reply to brother Firass about the translation workshop. i am so glad to tell you that finally i am accepted in this course which started on Monday 23rd march. actually, it seems that they made their mind and accept me from the beginning, but i was my mistake when i tried to open the the page and found that they need a pass word i thought that i am not entitled anymore to see what is going on inside the course while they had already sent me the pass word to my email at hot mail.
Dear Mr. Tony, i might need your help if possible in the next week for Arabic / English translation
regards.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Tony Beale is Alive and Well and Living in Abu Dhabi (Tribute to Jacques Brel)
Fellow bloggers (a dwindling, exclusive brotherhood/sisterhood!)
Please do not concern yourselves unduly. I am fine and well on the way, Allhamdillileh, to a full recovery from my operation and post-operation complications. I realise that I have to slow down, change gear and rest for a few months. This is good karma for such a normally high-charged and demanding 'slave driver' - otherwise known as Tony, your former IELTS teacher and now your mentor and guru on this blog for the select few who seem to care!
It is an insight for me to relax and not do all the stuff that I have been doing in recent years. Just give me a few months then I shall be back to my old routine, but In Sha Allah, it will be a wiser, more understanding and patient Tony / Firasse than you may remember...
I have been busy with Princess Zeena and bask in the reflected glory of her stunning musical talent, appreciation of history, voracious reading appetite and command of four languages. She will be 14 next month! It is truly a wonderful experience to have this vibrant teenager keeping me and my wife Aida young at heart and inspired by this beautiful daughter, of whom we are inordinately proud (enough new, colourful words, Firas?).
Bye for now
Nice from you...
Tony
Please do not concern yourselves unduly. I am fine and well on the way, Allhamdillileh, to a full recovery from my operation and post-operation complications. I realise that I have to slow down, change gear and rest for a few months. This is good karma for such a normally high-charged and demanding 'slave driver' - otherwise known as Tony, your former IELTS teacher and now your mentor and guru on this blog for the select few who seem to care!
It is an insight for me to relax and not do all the stuff that I have been doing in recent years. Just give me a few months then I shall be back to my old routine, but In Sha Allah, it will be a wiser, more understanding and patient Tony / Firasse than you may remember...
I have been busy with Princess Zeena and bask in the reflected glory of her stunning musical talent, appreciation of history, voracious reading appetite and command of four languages. She will be 14 next month! It is truly a wonderful experience to have this vibrant teenager keeping me and my wife Aida young at heart and inspired by this beautiful daughter, of whom we are inordinately proud (enough new, colourful words, Firas?).
Bye for now
Nice from you...
Tony
Come and Join
Dear Tony, Khawla, Maha and Ahmed,
It has been a while since the last post was published. So far, I have not seen anything thing from you yet. What worries me is that the “Captain” had promised to publish a new post regarding his health and physical status at the weekend, but he did not. I hope you are alright “Captain” and we will be hearing from you some good news and new English vocab.
Khawla, was busy last week with the diplomatic convention workshop, the reason why we have not received anything from her. Iam not sure what the said convention is and why there was limited seats. Perhaps Khawla can tell us something about the nature of her job, a brief description regarding this type of workshops and its contents/requirements. Also, I miss the article from the BBC that Khawla used to tell us about. May be we could find something that we could debate about during the week.
Maha! What can you tell us about you and what is the status of your papers for Canada? By the way, thank you for the French ‘lingo’ correction. It was impressive touch and perhaps you could tell us more regarding the French study.
Ahmed, where are you brother? Any good news?
As for me, there was nothing interested during this week, except keep monitoring the Blog and a match of bowling in Marina Mall last Friday
Is there anyone knows the word (Entrepreneurship)?
Have a good time you all,
It has been a while since the last post was published. So far, I have not seen anything thing from you yet. What worries me is that the “Captain” had promised to publish a new post regarding his health and physical status at the weekend, but he did not. I hope you are alright “Captain” and we will be hearing from you some good news and new English vocab.
Khawla, was busy last week with the diplomatic convention workshop, the reason why we have not received anything from her. Iam not sure what the said convention is and why there was limited seats. Perhaps Khawla can tell us something about the nature of her job, a brief description regarding this type of workshops and its contents/requirements. Also, I miss the article from the BBC that Khawla used to tell us about. May be we could find something that we could debate about during the week.
Maha! What can you tell us about you and what is the status of your papers for Canada? By the way, thank you for the French ‘lingo’ correction. It was impressive touch and perhaps you could tell us more regarding the French study.
Ahmed, where are you brother? Any good news?
As for me, there was nothing interested during this week, except keep monitoring the Blog and a match of bowling in Marina Mall last Friday
Is there anyone knows the word (Entrepreneurship)?
Have a good time you all,
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
New News
Good morning everybody,
It has taken me a while to go through the “Captain’s” post and its content of new words such as:
1- stalwart = faithful
2- torrid = difficult
3- culminate = reached to the top
4- Urethra = a tub in the mammals that carries urine and sperms ( for males)
5- Foreseeable (“forseeable” was the captain’s spelling which I could not find it in the dictionary) = probable
6- Indifferent = not good, not interested
7- Pretence = pretend
8- Albeit = although
9- Eh bien, c'est la vie, n'est-ce pas? = not understandable! I think it is from Zina’s Spanish classroom. I hope the “Captain” is not cursing over here.
As seen from above, and as I stated before, this “blog” is a unique medium to learn many new interesting English words and i hope that everyone would keep participate in.
“Captain”, what about point no.2 stated above? What is the condition now? Do you still have a torrid time? I hope not. Please update us.
As I promised Khawla before regarding my friend’s IELTS results; he could not make it this time. He has significantly enhanced his writing skills from band 5.5 in the former test and scored 7 in the current test, but unexpectedly he let down in the “reading” module which he considers it as the strongest skills he has among other modules. I guess we can conclude that there are no definite/guaranteed IELTS results, but we have to keep going time after time until we get the ultimate aim.
Yours sincerely,
I really forgot about what we should write above. Is it sincerely or truly? It has really been a long time since I have been in IELTS course. Please correct!
Thank you all
It has taken me a while to go through the “Captain’s” post and its content of new words such as:
1- stalwart = faithful
2- torrid = difficult
3- culminate = reached to the top
4- Urethra = a tub in the mammals that carries urine and sperms ( for males)
5- Foreseeable (“forseeable” was the captain’s spelling which I could not find it in the dictionary) = probable
6- Indifferent = not good, not interested
7- Pretence = pretend
8- Albeit = although
9- Eh bien, c'est la vie, n'est-ce pas? = not understandable! I think it is from Zina’s Spanish classroom. I hope the “Captain” is not cursing over here.
As seen from above, and as I stated before, this “blog” is a unique medium to learn many new interesting English words and i hope that everyone would keep participate in.
“Captain”, what about point no.2 stated above? What is the condition now? Do you still have a torrid time? I hope not. Please update us.
As I promised Khawla before regarding my friend’s IELTS results; he could not make it this time. He has significantly enhanced his writing skills from band 5.5 in the former test and scored 7 in the current test, but unexpectedly he let down in the “reading” module which he considers it as the strongest skills he has among other modules. I guess we can conclude that there are no definite/guaranteed IELTS results, but we have to keep going time after time until we get the ultimate aim.
Yours sincerely,
I really forgot about what we should write above. Is it sincerely or truly? It has really been a long time since I have been in IELTS course. Please correct!
Thank you all
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Hello?
Hmmmm, about twenty people are listed on this weblog as 'contributors' but are contributing nothing, indeed some have not even posted or commented once!
Apart from the stalwarts, Khawla, Firas, Ahmed, Maha and Hamda, the rest of you seem lost in your own worlds and endeavours. That is perfectly understandable, I have just had a torrid time in February where I was admitted to hospital three times, culminating in surgery on Thursday 28 Feb to remove some tissue that was obstructing my urethra. All is well now and I feel great, but have to take things easy.
So, what is the way forward for this blog? I am unlikely to resume teaching at the BC in the forseeable future, which is your gain. However most of you seem indifferent to contacting me, so quite frankly, I wonder why we bother keeping this pretence of a 'community' when only a handful of blog members take the trouble to keep in touch.
The lovely thing is when we hear good news from IELTS candidates and the fact that some people, albeit very few, appreciate this forum.
Standing by to hear from you, recent comments and non-postings have been very disappointing. Eh bien, c'est la vie, n'est-ce pas?
Bye for now!
Happy Mother's Day (in Britain at least!)
Tony
Apart from the stalwarts, Khawla, Firas, Ahmed, Maha and Hamda, the rest of you seem lost in your own worlds and endeavours. That is perfectly understandable, I have just had a torrid time in February where I was admitted to hospital three times, culminating in surgery on Thursday 28 Feb to remove some tissue that was obstructing my urethra. All is well now and I feel great, but have to take things easy.
So, what is the way forward for this blog? I am unlikely to resume teaching at the BC in the forseeable future, which is your gain. However most of you seem indifferent to contacting me, so quite frankly, I wonder why we bother keeping this pretence of a 'community' when only a handful of blog members take the trouble to keep in touch.
The lovely thing is when we hear good news from IELTS candidates and the fact that some people, albeit very few, appreciate this forum.
Standing by to hear from you, recent comments and non-postings have been very disappointing. Eh bien, c'est la vie, n'est-ce pas?
Bye for now!
Happy Mother's Day (in Britain at least!)
Tony
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Quick March!
Happy Tuesday!
February has folded and March is almost upon us. How about an up-date from all our readers on what they are up to and what has happened in the past weeks and months?
I won't bore you with my medical news, but take heart from my Urologist's encouragement this morning to step up a gear and not hide myself away from the world. Yes, I am back, but where are you? Let's hear from you, or else I might be tempted to think that only the faithful few care about this blog...
I had some good news last week. We won a super new laptop in a raffle at my daughter's school. Thus I am typing away two-fingered with our wireless Internet connection while poor Zeena slogs away on her Spanish homework (her fourth language!) on the desktop PC next to me - ah, such togetherness! It's lots of fun sitting in the study with Zeena while Mum is busy upstairs giving some Arabic tuition to a young Australian lady. Isn't the world a wonderful multi-national place?
OK then, as we step into March, what is the status of your IELTS preparations and endeavours?
Sure, the 'Captain' is back, but hey, he never really went away, did he?
Have a pleasant evening, ladies and gentlemen!
Tony
February has folded and March is almost upon us. How about an up-date from all our readers on what they are up to and what has happened in the past weeks and months?
I won't bore you with my medical news, but take heart from my Urologist's encouragement this morning to step up a gear and not hide myself away from the world. Yes, I am back, but where are you? Let's hear from you, or else I might be tempted to think that only the faithful few care about this blog...
I had some good news last week. We won a super new laptop in a raffle at my daughter's school. Thus I am typing away two-fingered with our wireless Internet connection while poor Zeena slogs away on her Spanish homework (her fourth language!) on the desktop PC next to me - ah, such togetherness! It's lots of fun sitting in the study with Zeena while Mum is busy upstairs giving some Arabic tuition to a young Australian lady. Isn't the world a wonderful multi-national place?
OK then, as we step into March, what is the status of your IELTS preparations and endeavours?
Sure, the 'Captain' is back, but hey, he never really went away, did he?
Have a pleasant evening, ladies and gentlemen!
Tony
Sunday, February 24, 2008
missed you Mr. Tony........
I feel that this blog is just like THE WASTE LAND without you Mr. Tony....
hope nothing wrong happened to you with this minor surgery.
faithful khawla.
hope nothing wrong happened to you with this minor surgery.
faithful khawla.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
khawla's correction (somking)
Salam to you all,
It is very nice of you Firas to invite us to help in the correction of your friend’s essay . It will help us to look for all little details and mistakes that might as well happen during our essay writing. I am trying my best which for sure dose not mean that my writing is better, but it is just a way to know whether I can do well on not.
Thank you.
SMOKNIG
Many people believe that smoking should be banned due to its known awful effects on individuals and society. However, opponents of applying this restriction calim / is claiming that this restriction will violate personal rights which are protected by law. In this essay I will state some disadvantages of smoking and will examine whose right is being dishonored while smoking.
Undoubtedly, smoking is one of the main causes to many diseases such as heart attack, lung cancer and arteries diseases (these syndromes are mentioned on the packets of the cigarette itself) which is in fact a certificate from the manufacturers themselves on what their products could cause. For instance, all famous tobacco brands manufacturers such as Kent and Marlboro are obliged by law to show what possible diseases could their products result in and they must put this warning on their products
Secondly, smokers spend a lot of money on this bad habit when they buy it and when they pay for medical treatment once they had been affected by its side effects.
Personally, my father was a heavy smoker that he used to smoke more than twenty cigarettes per day; consequently, he got a heart attack when he was forty eight years old and after a long fight with his illness which last for the last two years of his life and wasting a lot of money he died.
From another prospective, smokers who say that their rights will be taken from them if smoking is prohibited they are forgetting that they violate other people's rights to breath fresh and clean air .For instance, a smoker who smokes in a bus will affect other people who does not want to smell the bad odor coming out from his tobacco, in addition to the possible disease coming along with its fumes. Thus whose right is being taken the smoker's or the person’s who have been passively affected?
Finally, prohibiting smoking should be legalized to help people who can not control themselves from stopping this addiction. I gave an example from my life about how disastrous smoking could be. I would like to ask all the responsible people in our country to ban smoking at least in closed areas.
It is very nice of you Firas to invite us to help in the correction of your friend’s essay . It will help us to look for all little details and mistakes that might as well happen during our essay writing. I am trying my best which for sure dose not mean that my writing is better, but it is just a way to know whether I can do well on not.
Thank you.
SMOKNIG
Many people believe that smoking should be banned due to its known awful effects on individuals and society. However, opponents of applying this restriction calim / is claiming that this restriction will violate personal rights which are protected by law. In this essay I will state some disadvantages of smoking and will examine whose right is being dishonored while smoking.
Undoubtedly, smoking is one of the main causes to many diseases such as heart attack, lung cancer and arteries diseases (these syndromes are mentioned on the packets of the cigarette itself) which is in fact a certificate from the manufacturers themselves on what their products could cause. For instance, all famous tobacco brands manufacturers such as Kent and Marlboro are obliged by law to show what possible diseases could their products result in and they must put this warning on their products
Secondly, smokers spend a lot of money on this bad habit when they buy it and when they pay for medical treatment once they had been affected by its side effects.
Personally, my father was a heavy smoker that he used to smoke more than twenty cigarettes per day; consequently, he got a heart attack when he was forty eight years old and after a long fight with his illness which last for the last two years of his life and wasting a lot of money he died.
From another prospective, smokers who say that their rights will be taken from them if smoking is prohibited they are forgetting that they violate other people's rights to breath fresh and clean air .For instance, a smoker who smokes in a bus will affect other people who does not want to smell the bad odor coming out from his tobacco, in addition to the possible disease coming along with its fumes. Thus whose right is being taken the smoker's or the person’s who have been passively affected?
Finally, prohibiting smoking should be legalized to help people who can not control themselves from stopping this addiction. I gave an example from my life about how disastrous smoking could be. I would like to ask all the responsible people in our country to ban smoking at least in closed areas.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tony's minor operation gift
That is right! here is a small gift "captain" to kill the time after the operation. The post published herein belongs to my friend whom posted earlier in the Blog. His exam is on 16th February and will be grateful if you could help.
All the success for the operation and awaiting to see you in the "Club" soon.
Khawal, Maha, could you participate in this and mention how it sounds, please?
SMOKING
Many people believe that smoking should be banned due to its known awful effects on individuals and society. However, opponents of applying this restriction claiming this will violate personal rights which are protected by law. This essay describes some disadvantages of smoking and examines whose right is dishonored when smoking.
Undoubtedly, smoking is one of the main causes to many disease such as heart attack, lung cancer and arteries diseases (these syndromes are mentioned on the cigarette packet itself) which is in fact a certificate from the manufacturer on what their product could cause. For instance, all famous tobacco brand such as Kent and Marlboro are obliged by law to show what possible diseases could their product result in and they put this warning on their product!.
Secondly, smokers spend a lot of money on this bad habit when buy it and when pay for medical treatment once they affected from it is side effects syndromes.
Personally, my father was a heavy smoker that “he used to smoke more than twenty cigarettes per day” consequently; he got a heart attack when he was forty eight years old. After a long fight with his illness and wasting last two years of his life in hospital, in addition to spend most of his money, he died.
From another prospective, smokers who says that their rights will be taken from them if smoking is prohibited they are forgetting they violate other people rights to breath fresh and clean air .For instance, smoker who smokes in bus will affect the other people who does not want to smell the bad odor coming out from his tobacco, in addition to the possible disease coming along with its fumes. So who is right is taken smoker or the people who have passively affected?
Finally, prohibiting smoking should be legalized to help people who can not control themselves from stopping this addiction. I gave an example from my life about how disastrous smoking this habit could be. I would request all the responsible people in our country emirates to ban the smoking at all or at least in closed area.
All the success for the operation and awaiting to see you in the "Club" soon.
Khawal, Maha, could you participate in this and mention how it sounds, please?
SMOKING
Many people believe that smoking should be banned due to its known awful effects on individuals and society. However, opponents of applying this restriction claiming this will violate personal rights which are protected by law. This essay describes some disadvantages of smoking and examines whose right is dishonored when smoking.
Undoubtedly, smoking is one of the main causes to many disease such as heart attack, lung cancer and arteries diseases (these syndromes are mentioned on the cigarette packet itself) which is in fact a certificate from the manufacturer on what their product could cause. For instance, all famous tobacco brand such as Kent and Marlboro are obliged by law to show what possible diseases could their product result in and they put this warning on their product!.
Secondly, smokers spend a lot of money on this bad habit when buy it and when pay for medical treatment once they affected from it is side effects syndromes.
Personally, my father was a heavy smoker that “he used to smoke more than twenty cigarettes per day” consequently; he got a heart attack when he was forty eight years old. After a long fight with his illness and wasting last two years of his life in hospital, in addition to spend most of his money, he died.
From another prospective, smokers who says that their rights will be taken from them if smoking is prohibited they are forgetting they violate other people rights to breath fresh and clean air .For instance, smoker who smokes in bus will affect the other people who does not want to smell the bad odor coming out from his tobacco, in addition to the possible disease coming along with its fumes. So who is right is taken smoker or the people who have passively affected?
Finally, prohibiting smoking should be legalized to help people who can not control themselves from stopping this addiction. I gave an example from my life about how disastrous smoking this habit could be. I would request all the responsible people in our country emirates to ban the smoking at all or at least in closed area.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
IELTS BLOG
Dear Tony,Ahmad, Khawla & Firas
I read the blog today, out of curiosity and found out that Tony is going to have a minor surgery on Thursday. Tony, I wish you good luck and hope that everything goes well!
I would like to ask Ahmad about his IELTS, did you achieve the band required or you are still trying? Kwala, I know you booked yourself for another test and for that I wish you the best luck besides your hardwork.
Firas, I appreciate your comments and your English Knowlegde, it is always a pleasure to read your comments and I am really happy that I can still be part of the IELTS community.
Best regards,
Maha Hanna
I read the blog today, out of curiosity and found out that Tony is going to have a minor surgery on Thursday. Tony, I wish you good luck and hope that everything goes well!
I would like to ask Ahmad about his IELTS, did you achieve the band required or you are still trying? Kwala, I know you booked yourself for another test and for that I wish you the best luck besides your hardwork.
Firas, I appreciate your comments and your English Knowlegde, it is always a pleasure to read your comments and I am really happy that I can still be part of the IELTS community.
Best regards,
Maha Hanna
Monday, February 4, 2008
Full Health
Dear captain,
During this cool windy morning,I remembered you; I wish you full health, safe and quick return back to your family and your loved ones.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
No title ^_^
Dear All,
Finally the university accepted me to join the university to start my master program as they’ve given me a second chance to take the English test and get higher marks … I know it is unbelievable but there were a mistake from their side and I’ve took the advantage of that ^_^
I remember when we were displeasure with the writing task in class as we were thinking that it was so long … and it was not … now I have to write 2000 – 2500 words for my assignments… so my advice to IELTS champions try your best you can do it… and THANK YOU TONY you guidelines are helping me a lot in my studies …
That’s all what I have …
Have a nice day…
Finally the university accepted me to join the university to start my master program as they’ve given me a second chance to take the English test and get higher marks … I know it is unbelievable but there were a mistake from their side and I’ve took the advantage of that ^_^
I remember when we were displeasure with the writing task in class as we were thinking that it was so long … and it was not … now I have to write 2000 – 2500 words for my assignments… so my advice to IELTS champions try your best you can do it… and THANK YOU TONY you guidelines are helping me a lot in my studies …
That’s all what I have …
Have a nice day…
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Summarizing
Salam to you all,
Today I am planning to improve my writing skills; therefore, I will try to summarize what came under the title: PEOPLE AND PLACES through the BBC newsletter:
Pen Hadow is a polar explorer who is travelling to the Arctic Circle to raise money and to do scientific research. In this report, he is explaining why he would take a six- inch nail to help him survive on a desert island.
According to him, there were six Walrus hunters trapped on an island when their ship got crushed, so they survived for six years with one means only, which was a six-inch nail found in a log that had drifted across the Arctic Ocean.
They used this nail to create sparks and a hammer, from which they then made arrowheads which enabled them to kill a polar bear.
Dear Mr. Tony, not forgetting my colleague Firas,
I am seeking to perfect my language in terms of spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and ideas.
It is time to learn, and get rid of my laziness, whether I am going to re-submit for IELTS or not.
Thank you for your precious help.
Super stuff, Khawla! Writing such summaries of the main idea of a long text is excellent practice. Keep it up! As Firas knows only too well, I am not too fond of using brackets / parentheses. If the information is important then take away the brackets. If it isn't necessary then delete that information between such unnecessary brackets!
Lovely to hear from my faithful bloggers!
The incredible Dr Dana Beale arrives from five days of night shifts at her hospital in Watford tonight, In Sha Allah! We've had enough rain for the moment so please keep it sunny and warm. please for the next twelve days, thanks!
Tony
26 January 2008. 3.05pm
Hope Watford do well in the FA Cup 4th Round this evening!!!
Today I am planning to improve my writing skills; therefore, I will try to summarize what came under the title: PEOPLE AND PLACES through the BBC newsletter:
Pen Hadow is a polar explorer who is travelling to the Arctic Circle to raise money and to do scientific research. In this report, he is explaining why he would take a six- inch nail to help him survive on a desert island.
According to him, there were six Walrus hunters trapped on an island when their ship got crushed, so they survived for six years with one means only, which was a six-inch nail found in a log that had drifted across the Arctic Ocean.
They used this nail to create sparks and a hammer, from which they then made arrowheads which enabled them to kill a polar bear.
Dear Mr. Tony, not forgetting my colleague Firas,
I am seeking to perfect my language in terms of spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and ideas.
It is time to learn, and get rid of my laziness, whether I am going to re-submit for IELTS or not.
Thank you for your precious help.
Super stuff, Khawla! Writing such summaries of the main idea of a long text is excellent practice. Keep it up! As Firas knows only too well, I am not too fond of using brackets / parentheses. If the information is important then take away the brackets. If it isn't necessary then delete that information between such unnecessary brackets!
Lovely to hear from my faithful bloggers!
The incredible Dr Dana Beale arrives from five days of night shifts at her hospital in Watford tonight, In Sha Allah! We've had enough rain for the moment so please keep it sunny and warm. please for the next twelve days, thanks!
Tony
26 January 2008. 3.05pm
Hope Watford do well in the FA Cup 4th Round this evening!!!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Question to Mr. Tony / Answer from Tony
Al salam Aleaikum,
As I promised you I am trying to improve my English, so I am receiving a weekly newsletter through BBC LEARNING ENGLISH.
last week they sent me a report about the ICE FESTIVAL in China, and I came across this sentence:"BUT THIS YEAR, THERE ARE FEARS THAT ICE WILL HAVE MELTED LONG BEFORE THEN".
the question is: what do we call this kind of tense?, and why didn't they use :" would be melted ...."?
one more thing, I would like to know if i can keep asking these kinds of questions to you Mr. tony, I mean is it OK to you or not?
thank you for you help,
KHAWLA
Dear Khawla
Second question first, this is a great way to use the weblog and I am DELIGHTED that you have signed up for the BBC email and asked this question.
As Firas has kindly said in his comment, this tense is the Future Perfect. Do you have this in Arabic? It refers to a time in the future when we 'look back' to what will have happened. It is the same concept as the Present Perfect looking back to what has happened.
Usually we use the preposition by to indicate the limit of the future moment, such as in:
By January 2009, G W Bush will have been US President for eight years.
So put yourself in the future and imagine what has happened and then you will have understood the Future Perfect.
I echo Firas' advice to refer to Raymond Murphy's classic grammar study/reference book English Grammar In Use. You cannot go wrong with using this self study / practice book + CD ROM.
Carry on reading, studying, asking questions and improving!
Excellent work and initiative, young lady!
Tony
As I promised you I am trying to improve my English, so I am receiving a weekly newsletter through BBC LEARNING ENGLISH.
last week they sent me a report about the ICE FESTIVAL in China, and I came across this sentence:"BUT THIS YEAR, THERE ARE FEARS THAT ICE WILL HAVE MELTED LONG BEFORE THEN".
the question is: what do we call this kind of tense?, and why didn't they use :" would be melted ...."?
one more thing, I would like to know if i can keep asking these kinds of questions to you Mr. tony, I mean is it OK to you or not?
thank you for you help,
KHAWLA
Dear Khawla
Second question first, this is a great way to use the weblog and I am DELIGHTED that you have signed up for the BBC email and asked this question.
As Firas has kindly said in his comment, this tense is the Future Perfect. Do you have this in Arabic? It refers to a time in the future when we 'look back' to what will have happened. It is the same concept as the Present Perfect looking back to what has happened.
Usually we use the preposition by to indicate the limit of the future moment, such as in:
By January 2009, G W Bush will have been US President for eight years.
So put yourself in the future and imagine what has happened and then you will have understood the Future Perfect.
I echo Firas' advice to refer to Raymond Murphy's classic grammar study/reference book English Grammar In Use. You cannot go wrong with using this self study / practice book + CD ROM.
Carry on reading, studying, asking questions and improving!
Excellent work and initiative, young lady!
Tony
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tony's assistance is required / Tony's assistance is provided
Dear friend of Firas,
I have corrected your text and invite you to compare your version with mine.
Alas, I grade your work at band 5.5 overall - this is your current level. Come back to me after 6 months' serious study.
Good luck!
Tony
20 January 2008
Dear "Captain",
It has been a while since i published my last post. Today I'm publishing an essay prepared by one of my friends who went through IELTS exam last month and scored 5.5 in writing module. This friend is preparing himself to go through the upcoming exam and requires your kind assistance to evaluate his essay if possibe. I know how much you are busy with family and job, but your evaluation will be a great help to him and all the Weblog students.
Thanks and regards,
Gotcha! Hello there, Firas, lovely to hear from you! Sure, I will look at the essay below and give you my assessment and comments in due course - give me a few days (I am thoroughly 'enjoying' this English weather)! My first reaction is that your friend MISUNDERSTOOD the topic, oh dear! The essay was about "telecommuting", which means working electronically from home rather than commuting to work. He wrote about "telecommunications" and has done a reasonable job. His major problem seems to be serious flaws in his use of tenses. Such grammar mistakes will drag him down to the 5 - 6 band level, while he probably yearms for the 'Holy Grail' of band 7.0. Again at first glance a solid band 6.0 seems our likeliest outcome...
Telecommuting will it change the world ?
Many people believe that telecommunication has changed our lifestyle, work style, and social habits. On the other hand, some people would say that it is destroying our social life and might be harmful to our health.
This essay will discuss some examples of telecommunication have made to our world and some argues regarding the negative impact of using such technology.
One of famous example of modern telecommunication devices is the cell phone known also as a “mobile phone”, widely spread and majority of people use it to communicate with each other (make a phone call). With this device people now, become able to do their work easily through getting the required information or contacting the concern person to do their job. Furthermore, some businesses such as sales and banking can be completely preformed through this cell phone, sales-man now doing most of his communication through telephone like, contacts agent and vender .also you can transfer money from your account while you are sitting relaxed at home by just making simple call to your bank and then make the transaction.
Due to the existing of internet in our life world has become like one small village. We become able to get any information at once, only we need to open search engine of any web site such as, Google or Yahoo and then one click all data will be in our hand. This feature has enable scientist to see easily the result of each other, look for a report or a book around the world while they are continue their researches, and do not waste any time.
However, some people would say that recent advances in telecommunication technology have affected the social relation because people nowadays prefer to make phone call to ask about each other rather than making an ordinary visit to their friends and relatives, this might have serious impact on these bonds. For example, the telephone will never help people understand each other feelings. Another harmful effect for modern technology (cell phone) would be on health. Many physicians have reported cancer cases for patient and they thought it was resulted from excessive use of these technology.
Overall, modern technology in the field of telecommunication undoubtedly has improved our live, the way we work, and the way we communicate with each other. However opponent to this advances technology confirm that it would be damaging for normal social life as well as our health. I believe people should continue use this technology but wisely and use it only for the purpose it has designed for.
AMENDED VERSION:
Telecommuting, will it change the world ?
Many people believe that telecommuting has changed our lifestyle, work style, and social habits. On the other hand, others would say that it is destroying our social life and might be harmful to our health.
This essay will discuss the benefits that telecommuting has made to our world and will look at the negative impact of using such technology.
A common example of modern telecommunication devices is the cell phone known also as a “mobile phone”, which people use to communicate with each other. With this device people have now become able to do their work easily through getting the required information or contacting the concerned person to do their job. Furthermore, some businesses such as sales and banking can be totally conducted by cell phone. Salesmen are now doing most of their communication through telephone when contacting customers and vendors. You can also transfer money from your account while you are sitting relaxed at home by just making a simple call to your bank and then doing the transaction.
Due to the Internet in our life, the world has become like one small village. We have become able to get any information at once, we only need to open the search engine of any web site such as Google or Yahoo and then with one click, all the data will be at our finger tips. This feature has enabled scientists to view easily each other's research, look for an article or a book from anywhere in the world without wasting time.
However, some people would contend that recent advances in telecommunication technology have affected social relations because people nowadays prefer to make phone calls to ask about each other rather than paying a visit to their friends and relatives, which might have a serious impact on these bonds. For example, the telephone will never help people understand each other's feelings. Another harmful effect for modern technology (cell phone) would be on health. Many physicians have reported cancer cases for patients as a direct result of excessive use of this technology.
Overall, modern technology in the field of telecommunication has undoubtedly improved our lives, how we work, and the way we communicate with each other. However, opponents of this advanced technology argue that it would be damaging for normal social life as well as our health. Personally, I believe that people should continue to use this technology wisely and only for the purpose for which it was designed.
Verdict: band 5.5 overall, mistakes in:
All the best
Tony
late on Sunday, 20 January 2008...
comments are most welcome on this splendid initiative
the blog needs YOU to make it work and to give ME something to respond to!!!
I have corrected your text and invite you to compare your version with mine.
Alas, I grade your work at band 5.5 overall - this is your current level. Come back to me after 6 months' serious study.
Good luck!
Tony
20 January 2008
Dear "Captain",
It has been a while since i published my last post. Today I'm publishing an essay prepared by one of my friends who went through IELTS exam last month and scored 5.5 in writing module. This friend is preparing himself to go through the upcoming exam and requires your kind assistance to evaluate his essay if possibe. I know how much you are busy with family and job, but your evaluation will be a great help to him and all the Weblog students.
Thanks and regards,
Gotcha! Hello there, Firas, lovely to hear from you! Sure, I will look at the essay below and give you my assessment and comments in due course - give me a few days (I am thoroughly 'enjoying' this English weather)! My first reaction is that your friend MISUNDERSTOOD the topic, oh dear! The essay was about "telecommuting", which means working electronically from home rather than commuting to work. He wrote about "telecommunications" and has done a reasonable job. His major problem seems to be serious flaws in his use of tenses. Such grammar mistakes will drag him down to the 5 - 6 band level, while he probably yearms for the 'Holy Grail' of band 7.0. Again at first glance a solid band 6.0 seems our likeliest outcome...
Stand by for further comments.
Tony
15 Jan 2008
Telecommuting will it change the world ?
Many people believe that telecommunication has changed our lifestyle, work style, and social habits. On the other hand, some people would say that it is destroying our social life and might be harmful to our health.
This essay will discuss some examples of telecommunication have made to our world and some argues regarding the negative impact of using such technology.
One of famous example of modern telecommunication devices is the cell phone known also as a “mobile phone”, widely spread and majority of people use it to communicate with each other (make a phone call). With this device people now, become able to do their work easily through getting the required information or contacting the concern person to do their job. Furthermore, some businesses such as sales and banking can be completely preformed through this cell phone, sales-man now doing most of his communication through telephone like, contacts agent and vender .also you can transfer money from your account while you are sitting relaxed at home by just making simple call to your bank and then make the transaction.
Due to the existing of internet in our life world has become like one small village. We become able to get any information at once, only we need to open search engine of any web site such as, Google or Yahoo and then one click all data will be in our hand. This feature has enable scientist to see easily the result of each other, look for a report or a book around the world while they are continue their researches, and do not waste any time.
However, some people would say that recent advances in telecommunication technology have affected the social relation because people nowadays prefer to make phone call to ask about each other rather than making an ordinary visit to their friends and relatives, this might have serious impact on these bonds. For example, the telephone will never help people understand each other feelings. Another harmful effect for modern technology (cell phone) would be on health. Many physicians have reported cancer cases for patient and they thought it was resulted from excessive use of these technology.
Overall, modern technology in the field of telecommunication undoubtedly has improved our live, the way we work, and the way we communicate with each other. However opponent to this advances technology confirm that it would be damaging for normal social life as well as our health. I believe people should continue use this technology but wisely and use it only for the purpose it has designed for.
AMENDED VERSION:
Telecommuting, will it change the world ?
Many people believe that telecommuting has changed our lifestyle, work style, and social habits. On the other hand, others would say that it is destroying our social life and might be harmful to our health.
This essay will discuss the benefits that telecommuting has made to our world and will look at the negative impact of using such technology.
A common example of modern telecommunication devices is the cell phone known also as a “mobile phone”, which people use to communicate with each other. With this device people have now become able to do their work easily through getting the required information or contacting the concerned person to do their job. Furthermore, some businesses such as sales and banking can be totally conducted by cell phone. Salesmen are now doing most of their communication through telephone when contacting customers and vendors. You can also transfer money from your account while you are sitting relaxed at home by just making a simple call to your bank and then doing the transaction.
Due to the Internet in our life, the world has become like one small village. We have become able to get any information at once, we only need to open the search engine of any web site such as Google or Yahoo and then with one click, all the data will be at our finger tips. This feature has enabled scientists to view easily each other's research, look for an article or a book from anywhere in the world without wasting time.
However, some people would contend that recent advances in telecommunication technology have affected social relations because people nowadays prefer to make phone calls to ask about each other rather than paying a visit to their friends and relatives, which might have a serious impact on these bonds. For example, the telephone will never help people understand each other's feelings. Another harmful effect for modern technology (cell phone) would be on health. Many physicians have reported cancer cases for patients as a direct result of excessive use of this technology.
Overall, modern technology in the field of telecommunication has undoubtedly improved our lives, how we work, and the way we communicate with each other. However, opponents of this advanced technology argue that it would be damaging for normal social life as well as our health. Personally, I believe that people should continue to use this technology wisely and only for the purpose for which it was designed.
Verdict: band 5.5 overall, mistakes in:
- tense usage and agreement
- word order (adverbs especially)
- misunderstanding of essay title key word "teleCOMMUTING"
- weak ideas against technology (3rd paragraph)
- why no specific PERSONAL examples to bolster the argument?
- introduction needs to be sharper
- conclusion was repetitive and said nothing interesting, striking or original (I have very high standards and a low boredom threshold!)
All the best
Tony
late on Sunday, 20 January 2008...
comments are most welcome on this splendid initiative
the blog needs YOU to make it work and to give ME something to respond to!!!
Monday, January 14, 2008
A message from Maha Hanna
Dear Tony, Ahmad, Khawla, Firas and all the other IELTS Bloggers
It is been long since I posted any comments on this blog, somehow, I felt I need to re-connect with you guys, it felt good at that time during our IELTS course and it feels good now.
Anyway, I want to wish you all a very good start of Year 2008, may God give you peace, which we badly need in the Middle East, health, success and happiness.
I need to share with you my very good news that my papers for Canadian Immigration were accepted, I did my medical and now we got the ok for visa, then we shall do our landing as requested.
I want to thank Tony for his efforts and valuable comments during the IELTS course and his comments on the blog and give Khawla and the others some positive news which may give them hope and encourage them to pursue their targets.
Since I lost contact with most of our group, any news whatsoever from our IELTS group?
Please note that my email has been changed and it is now: cryptoag@eim.ae
Have a good day.
Best wishes
Maha Hanna
It is been long since I posted any comments on this blog, somehow, I felt I need to re-connect with you guys, it felt good at that time during our IELTS course and it feels good now.
Anyway, I want to wish you all a very good start of Year 2008, may God give you peace, which we badly need in the Middle East, health, success and happiness.
I need to share with you my very good news that my papers for Canadian Immigration were accepted, I did my medical and now we got the ok for visa, then we shall do our landing as requested.
I want to thank Tony for his efforts and valuable comments during the IELTS course and his comments on the blog and give Khawla and the others some positive news which may give them hope and encourage them to pursue their targets.
Since I lost contact with most of our group, any news whatsoever from our IELTS group?
Please note that my email has been changed and it is now: cryptoag@eim.ae
Have a good day.
Best wishes
Maha Hanna
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Golden Compass
I would like to go to cinema, but I believe the enjoy will not be a chived if I went alone! So only my wife can joine me in this outgoing, therefore I transfer Mr. Tony recommended for “The Golden Compass “ she was very happy because we will go to the move and we will break the routine , I understand that I trapped myself ! Because she like comedy, r
omance and social types, therefore I vested The Golden Compass website; I found it is an action- adventure built on very rich fantasy base, and it is same group of Potter and trilogy of the rings in fantasia.
I agree fantasy gives very loam environment to the writer to configrate his characters to pass his idea, moreover he is free to select any period or part of the universe as theater for the events.therfore this type of move shouldbe understood according to this point of viwe neglecating the a mount of the magice power and the fortuities fighting the villains and the murky world.
In short sentence I can say it is part of semi philosophy story. Isn’t it Mr. Tony?
BFN
omance and social types, therefore I vested The Golden Compass website; I found it is an action- adventure built on very rich fantasy base, and it is same group of Potter and trilogy of the rings in fantasia.
I agree fantasy gives very loam environment to the writer to configrate his characters to pass his idea, moreover he is free to select any period or part of the universe as theater for the events.therfore this type of move shouldbe understood according to this point of viwe neglecating the a mount of the magice power and the fortuities fighting the villains and the murky world.
In short sentence I can say it is part of semi philosophy story. Isn’t it Mr. Tony?
BFN
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Highlighter Pens Allowed for IELTS exams
Hello everyone!
Hmm, all quiet out there, have you gone into hibernation for the winter?
I checked with the Examinations Dept again and can confirm that you ARE allowed to use highlighter pens on the QUESTION PAPER in the IELTS exam.
There is no regulation AGAINST using highlighter pens if you want to. So, in other words, insist on your right to use highlighter pens to pinpoint key words in the IELTS texts / instructions / questions.
OK? If anyone has had problems with IELTS invigilators forbidding the use of highlighter pens, then please let me know about such cases.
Standing by for news / comments / queries / suggestions . . .
All the very best for 2008
Tony
ps the film "Charlie Wilson's War" with Tom Hanks playing the title role has impressed one of my colleagues at work. Has anyone seen "Rendition" yet or "The Golden Compass"? As I had read all the books by Philip Pullman, I understood the background to "The Golden Compass" and loved the screen version of one of my favourite books. Did you like it?
Hmm, all quiet out there, have you gone into hibernation for the winter?
I checked with the Examinations Dept again and can confirm that you ARE allowed to use highlighter pens on the QUESTION PAPER in the IELTS exam.
There is no regulation AGAINST using highlighter pens if you want to. So, in other words, insist on your right to use highlighter pens to pinpoint key words in the IELTS texts / instructions / questions.
OK? If anyone has had problems with IELTS invigilators forbidding the use of highlighter pens, then please let me know about such cases.
Standing by for news / comments / queries / suggestions . . .
All the very best for 2008
Tony
ps the film "Charlie Wilson's War" with Tom Hanks playing the title role has impressed one of my colleagues at work. Has anyone seen "Rendition" yet or "The Golden Compass"? As I had read all the books by Philip Pullman, I understood the background to "The Golden Compass" and loved the screen version of one of my favourite books. Did you like it?
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