Letters five
1.
You have had several bad experiences from your cable provider: and your requests for remedy remain unanswered.
Write a letter to the service provided stating this, and warning him that you are going to snap the connection unless the problem is addressed immediately.
You may write:
Poor cable connectivity: Registering complaint
Dear service provider,
2.
You have plans to visit a distant place of which you have no idea. Write a letter to your friend who you met in your schooldays, and request him to help you out in your trip.
Begin like
Dear friend,
3.
Imagine that you are a member of an environmental organization. Write a letter to GREEN, the global environmental organization seeking certification for your small organization. You may include details like, history, activities, major achieve- ments etc.
You may begin like
The CEO, GREEN India chapter
Sir,
4.
Of late, you understand that many small children are turning towards unhealthy habits. Write a letter to the health authorities, citing a few examples of such cases, and requesting the ministry to run an urgent awareness campaign on health hazards of bad habits.
Begin the letter
Hon: Minister,
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Businessmen who visited India from four neighbouring countries
Figures are in thousands (approximate)
Years Sri Lanka Bangladesh Pakistan China
2005 10 21 7 7
2006 15 25 6 8
2007 21 26 7 7
2008 25 30 7 8
The table breaks up data on number of businessmen who visited India from four neighbouring countries for four years starting from 2005.
It is very clear that Bangladesh recorded the highest number of business contingent in all four periods. In 2005 it was 21,000, but it kept on increasing over the years like 2006, 2007 recording an increase 1000 visits each, and finally 2008 touched the 30,000 mark. Closely followed by Bangladesh was Sri Lanka. The figures for the four periods were constantly rising from 10000 in 2005 to 25000 in 2008.
Now let us look at the figures that represent Pakistan and China. In 2005 and 2007 both the countries posted 7000 business visits to India. But there was slight difference in the year 2006 and 2008. The figures for Pakistan are 6000 and 7000 respectively and for China it is 8000 each.
So it is obvious that India’s trade relation with its neighbour Bangladesh is much better than all the other three neighbours.
Figures are in thousands (approximate)
Years Sri Lanka Bangladesh Pakistan China
2005 10 21 7 7
2006 15 25 6 8
2007 21 26 7 7
2008 25 30 7 8
The table breaks up data on number of businessmen who visited India from four neighbouring countries for four years starting from 2005.
It is very clear that Bangladesh recorded the highest number of business contingent in all four periods. In 2005 it was 21,000, but it kept on increasing over the years like 2006, 2007 recording an increase 1000 visits each, and finally 2008 touched the 30,000 mark. Closely followed by Bangladesh was Sri Lanka. The figures for the four periods were constantly rising from 10000 in 2005 to 25000 in 2008.
Now let us look at the figures that represent Pakistan and China. In 2005 and 2007 both the countries posted 7000 business visits to India. But there was slight difference in the year 2006 and 2008. The figures for Pakistan are 6000 and 7000 respectively and for China it is 8000 each.
So it is obvious that India’s trade relation with its neighbour Bangladesh is much better than all the other three neighbours.
Number of air accidents in four developing counties
Years Sri Lanka Bangladesh Pakistan China
2005 2 4 6 3
2006 0 4 5 3
2007 2 0 4 3
2008 0 1 2 2
The table breaks data on the number of air accidents happened in four developing countries for four successive years starting from 2005.
The table shows that Sri Lanka had the least number of air accidents in all the years. When 2005 and 2007 witnessed two accidents each, the remaining two years saw no accidents at all. It is followed by Bangladesh where the year 2007 went without any accidents but the preceding years, 2005 and 2006 recoded four accidents each, and in the final year 2008, there was only one.
Conversely, Pakistan had the highest number of accidents in all the years put together, say 17 accidents distributed in descending order, 6,5,4,2 representing 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. And finally China stands close to Pakistan. When the first three years had same number of accidents, three each, the year 2008 recorded only one air accident constituting 11 accidents, all the years’ put together.
In short, Sri Lanka is the only country which had two zero accident in five years. It is followed by Bangladesh, with one accident-free aviation year.
That is the end of the report. 175 words
Years Sri Lanka Bangladesh Pakistan China
2005 2 4 6 3
2006 0 4 5 3
2007 2 0 4 3
2008 0 1 2 2
The table breaks data on the number of air accidents happened in four developing countries for four successive years starting from 2005.
The table shows that Sri Lanka had the least number of air accidents in all the years. When 2005 and 2007 witnessed two accidents each, the remaining two years saw no accidents at all. It is followed by Bangladesh where the year 2007 went without any accidents but the preceding years, 2005 and 2006 recoded four accidents each, and in the final year 2008, there was only one.
Conversely, Pakistan had the highest number of accidents in all the years put together, say 17 accidents distributed in descending order, 6,5,4,2 representing 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. And finally China stands close to Pakistan. When the first three years had same number of accidents, three each, the year 2008 recorded only one air accident constituting 11 accidents, all the years’ put together.
In short, Sri Lanka is the only country which had two zero accident in five years. It is followed by Bangladesh, with one accident-free aviation year.
That is the end of the report. 175 words
Number of Indian businessmen visiting four neighbouring countries
Figures are in thousands (approximate)
Years Sri Lanka Bangladesh Pakistan China
2005 20 21 5 11
2006 29 22 6 16
2007 40 26 5 22
2008 51 31 6 33
The table breaks up data on number of Indian businessmen who visited India’s four neighbouring countries for four years starting from 2005.
It is clear that Sri Lanka witnessed the highest number of Indian businessmen. When 2005 saw 20000 visits, the figures kept on increasing over the years. The corresponding figures are 29, 40 and 51 thousand. Coming to visits to Bangladesh, the there was a rising trend but it was small compared to Sri Lanka. The numbers are 21, 22, 26 and 31000.
It is very much obvious that India’s trade relation with Pakistan was in very low ebb in this period. The figures stood between 5000 and 6000. But it seems that India maintained good relation with its neighbour China. When 11000 Indian businessmen went to China in 2005, in the following year, the figure went upto 16000, recording more than 5% increase. Again there were remarkable changes. Recording a three times increase from the 2005 figure, it recorded an all time high visit of 33000 businessmen.
That ends the report.
Figures are in thousands (approximate)
Years Sri Lanka Bangladesh Pakistan China
2005 20 21 5 11
2006 29 22 6 16
2007 40 26 5 22
2008 51 31 6 33
The table breaks up data on number of Indian businessmen who visited India’s four neighbouring countries for four years starting from 2005.
It is clear that Sri Lanka witnessed the highest number of Indian businessmen. When 2005 saw 20000 visits, the figures kept on increasing over the years. The corresponding figures are 29, 40 and 51 thousand. Coming to visits to Bangladesh, the there was a rising trend but it was small compared to Sri Lanka. The numbers are 21, 22, 26 and 31000.
It is very much obvious that India’s trade relation with Pakistan was in very low ebb in this period. The figures stood between 5000 and 6000. But it seems that India maintained good relation with its neighbour China. When 11000 Indian businessmen went to China in 2005, in the following year, the figure went upto 16000, recording more than 5% increase. Again there were remarkable changes. Recording a three times increase from the 2005 figure, it recorded an all time high visit of 33000 businessmen.
That ends the report.
Table I
Export of grains from India to Sri Lanka
Quantity in tonnes
Years Wheat Rise Maize Corn
1999 345 700 150 310
2004 310 600 100 160
2009 400 1050 150 300
2010 440 1100 200 310
This table shows data on quantity of grains exported to Sri Lanka from India and the figures, given in tonnes, represent every five years starting from 1999.
Let us begin with the figures of wheat export. In 1999 the quantity was 345 tonnes, but it showed a fall by 10% in the following year. However, there was a remarkable increase in the following two periods. When 2009 had an export of 400 tonnes, export went up to 440 tonnes in 2009.
If we compare these figures with that of rise, there are striking contrasts. In 1999 the export of rise was almost two times more than wheat and so is the case with the figure of 2004, 600 tonnes. Recoding an all time high increase of 50%, 2009 figures stood at 1050 tonnes but the following period did not make much difference, it was 1100 tonnes, hardly 5% increase.
Maize is the least exported grain. The periods 1999 and 2009 recorded the same quantity,150 tonnes. Similarly 2004 and 2010 had the same figure, 200 each. And finally coming to corn, with a fall of nearly 50% in 2004, all three periods had an export of above 300 tonnes.
All together, export of grains from India to Sri Lanka show varying figures over the years with rise being the most and corn the least exported grains in the given period.
Export of grains from India to Sri Lanka
Quantity in tonnes
Years Wheat Rise Maize Corn
1999 345 700 150 310
2004 310 600 100 160
2009 400 1050 150 300
2010 440 1100 200 310
This table shows data on quantity of grains exported to Sri Lanka from India and the figures, given in tonnes, represent every five years starting from 1999.
Let us begin with the figures of wheat export. In 1999 the quantity was 345 tonnes, but it showed a fall by 10% in the following year. However, there was a remarkable increase in the following two periods. When 2009 had an export of 400 tonnes, export went up to 440 tonnes in 2009.
If we compare these figures with that of rise, there are striking contrasts. In 1999 the export of rise was almost two times more than wheat and so is the case with the figure of 2004, 600 tonnes. Recoding an all time high increase of 50%, 2009 figures stood at 1050 tonnes but the following period did not make much difference, it was 1100 tonnes, hardly 5% increase.
Maize is the least exported grain. The periods 1999 and 2009 recorded the same quantity,150 tonnes. Similarly 2004 and 2010 had the same figure, 200 each. And finally coming to corn, with a fall of nearly 50% in 2004, all three periods had an export of above 300 tonnes.
All together, export of grains from India to Sri Lanka show varying figures over the years with rise being the most and corn the least exported grains in the given period.
The nature of crimes committed by women is much less dangerous than what men do and, as a result, there is huge difference in the number of women who get convicted and eventually jailed.
Therefore some people argue that there needs a separate justice system for cases involving women.
• How far can support this view?
• Try to identify certain factors that make women less dangerous than men when it comes to crimes.
Crimes and punishment are part of any society, and there is great disparity in the number of female criminals. However, a separate justice system for women is unfair though the things that make women turn to crimes vary.
The first argument that opposes the view is that every nation takes its citizens equals. There is no one who is more or less equal than any other. Secondly, in a world of increasing gender parity and participation, it is not fair to take women more considerately than men. However, the fact remains that women commit much less number of crimes, and the severity of such crimes is much less as well. This does not make them any superior to the opposite gender. Criminal justice is just for all, though the factors that make women less dangerous differ from that of men’s.
Let me look at some of the factors that keep women from being as dangerous as men. First of all, women are much less aggressive genetically. For example, women are physically less exerting than men, and they are much worried about the consequences of their actions. Secondly, in all societies, it is women who take care of child rearing and family upkeep. Naturally, they are much more conscious of the after effects of crimes. Thirdly, almost all criminal deeds affect women and children.
In short, no society can do without crimes and punishments. So is the case with a uniform justice system. Therefore, it is right to conclude that separate justice for women is discriminatory. However, it is really encouraging that women are less inclined to crimes.
265 words
Ajaypeesdoc
Therefore some people argue that there needs a separate justice system for cases involving women.
• How far can support this view?
• Try to identify certain factors that make women less dangerous than men when it comes to crimes.
Crimes and punishment are part of any society, and there is great disparity in the number of female criminals. However, a separate justice system for women is unfair though the things that make women turn to crimes vary.
The first argument that opposes the view is that every nation takes its citizens equals. There is no one who is more or less equal than any other. Secondly, in a world of increasing gender parity and participation, it is not fair to take women more considerately than men. However, the fact remains that women commit much less number of crimes, and the severity of such crimes is much less as well. This does not make them any superior to the opposite gender. Criminal justice is just for all, though the factors that make women less dangerous differ from that of men’s.
Let me look at some of the factors that keep women from being as dangerous as men. First of all, women are much less aggressive genetically. For example, women are physically less exerting than men, and they are much worried about the consequences of their actions. Secondly, in all societies, it is women who take care of child rearing and family upkeep. Naturally, they are much more conscious of the after effects of crimes. Thirdly, almost all criminal deeds affect women and children.
In short, no society can do without crimes and punishments. So is the case with a uniform justice system. Therefore, it is right to conclude that separate justice for women is discriminatory. However, it is really encouraging that women are less inclined to crimes.
265 words
Ajaypeesdoc
With the emerging trends in the employment environment, the younger generation is found to be going after tailor-made short-term academic and technical qualifications and fetching jobs. They, in turn, turn away from conventional academic qualifications.
• How is this situation going to affect the society in general?
• Do you think it is important to pursue conventional qualifications?
Today time is money. So are the qualifications the younger generation happens to get. They think that education is an investment, and so wiser ones invest in easier and short term qualifications. Obviously, they ignore those time consuming conventional degrees.
Looking at it, what I feel is that we cannot blame the younger generation for their heightened interest in short-term qualifications because they are governed more by monitory instincts than by age old qualifications. This attitude is reinforced by the emerging possibilities for making money in several digits. All is well of course if people are able to live successfully throughout their life. However, the fact remains. In a social point of view; over emphasis on tailor-made qualification is a matter of some concern. The point is; the successful running of a society needs people of all types. Only tailor-made people cannot take a nation forward. It is a dangerous proposition indeed.
Therefore, it is mandatory that sizeable number of people pursue conventional academic programmes every year. when tailor-made programmes undermine higher studies, naturally, the need for highly qualified people to hold strategic positions of administration, teaching, research, development, governance and diplomacy, to mention a few, will be much higher. This cannot be made good by money. When there is need for such people, there should be enough people. Otherwise, the nation will go poor in all terms. Needless to say, we should encourage conventional qualifications.
In short, the workforce of a community needs to be as diverse as possible. This is achieved only if there is enough room for conventional academic qualifications. Tailor made programmes are fine for a few, but not for all.
275 words
Jaypeesdoc
• How is this situation going to affect the society in general?
• Do you think it is important to pursue conventional qualifications?
Today time is money. So are the qualifications the younger generation happens to get. They think that education is an investment, and so wiser ones invest in easier and short term qualifications. Obviously, they ignore those time consuming conventional degrees.
Looking at it, what I feel is that we cannot blame the younger generation for their heightened interest in short-term qualifications because they are governed more by monitory instincts than by age old qualifications. This attitude is reinforced by the emerging possibilities for making money in several digits. All is well of course if people are able to live successfully throughout their life. However, the fact remains. In a social point of view; over emphasis on tailor-made qualification is a matter of some concern. The point is; the successful running of a society needs people of all types. Only tailor-made people cannot take a nation forward. It is a dangerous proposition indeed.
Therefore, it is mandatory that sizeable number of people pursue conventional academic programmes every year. when tailor-made programmes undermine higher studies, naturally, the need for highly qualified people to hold strategic positions of administration, teaching, research, development, governance and diplomacy, to mention a few, will be much higher. This cannot be made good by money. When there is need for such people, there should be enough people. Otherwise, the nation will go poor in all terms. Needless to say, we should encourage conventional qualifications.
In short, the workforce of a community needs to be as diverse as possible. This is achieved only if there is enough room for conventional academic qualifications. Tailor made programmes are fine for a few, but not for all.
275 words
Jaypeesdoc
Sunday, February 6, 2011
All governments spend sizeable amounts of taxpayer’s money for keeping the trialed and under trials in jails. But majority of these convicts are productive if they are allowed to be so.
So it is argued that spending too much on jails is against tax payers’ will and
languishing productive human resource in jails is against the will of the State.
• How far are you going to endorse these two arguements?
Managing prisoners involves a lot of money. This is mostly spent for community welfare. However, it is a fact that many of these imprisoned are productive. So spending too much on these jailed and wasting their productivity is not fair. That is what I feel.
Criminal justice system, no doubt, comes with a price. Naturally, the State has to spend from the taxpayers’ pocket. However, there are ways to cut down on this expenditure. I think putting prisoners in huge confinements without looking into the nature of their crimes is not a good idea. Basically, man is prone to change, and prisoners may be able to change for good, if given a chance. So such people can be allowed to contribute either for themselves or for the community. Is not mindless spending on jails unfair? It is.
Coming to the second argument, being a criminal or having got punished is not the end of the world for many. If we look at jail records, we can see that there are hundreds who are extremely productive and willing to change. But simply ignoring these potentials is nothing but a move against the will of the State. It may be noted here that human resource is the greatest of resources, and letting such a resource languish in jails does not speak well of any State.
Looking at both the arguments, what I feel is that there should be measures to cut down on spending on jails, and there needs a system to make use of the exploits of potential prisoners. This will satisfy both the interests: the taxpayers’ and the State’s.
265 words
Ajaypeesdoc
So it is argued that spending too much on jails is against tax payers’ will and
languishing productive human resource in jails is against the will of the State.
• How far are you going to endorse these two arguements?
Managing prisoners involves a lot of money. This is mostly spent for community welfare. However, it is a fact that many of these imprisoned are productive. So spending too much on these jailed and wasting their productivity is not fair. That is what I feel.
Criminal justice system, no doubt, comes with a price. Naturally, the State has to spend from the taxpayers’ pocket. However, there are ways to cut down on this expenditure. I think putting prisoners in huge confinements without looking into the nature of their crimes is not a good idea. Basically, man is prone to change, and prisoners may be able to change for good, if given a chance. So such people can be allowed to contribute either for themselves or for the community. Is not mindless spending on jails unfair? It is.
Coming to the second argument, being a criminal or having got punished is not the end of the world for many. If we look at jail records, we can see that there are hundreds who are extremely productive and willing to change. But simply ignoring these potentials is nothing but a move against the will of the State. It may be noted here that human resource is the greatest of resources, and letting such a resource languish in jails does not speak well of any State.
Looking at both the arguments, what I feel is that there should be measures to cut down on spending on jails, and there needs a system to make use of the exploits of potential prisoners. This will satisfy both the interests: the taxpayers’ and the State’s.
265 words
Ajaypeesdoc
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Will digital books replace hardcovers?
Downloaded article form ciliconindia.com
The sales of digital books in India is expected to pick up in coming months but that will not impact the aficionados love for hardcover books as has been the case in the West, say major publishers here.
India may see good rise in sales of digital books as downloading them on mobiles becomes a possibility but their growth trajectory may not be same as in the West, they say.
"New technology creates a new reader. Digital books will have their share of techno enthusiasts who will read them. But, that will not impact print versions of books,"
Vivek Mehra, MD and CEO, SAGE Publications says it is very difficult to believe that digital books will replace paper books.
"Since the digital age, HP sells more printers than they did before the proliferation of the Internet. Not all content is easily readable in digital format. Most content is available on a subscription. An individual could license the use of a journal’s back-files for a year but the price to purchase would be prohibitive for an individual," says Mehra.
India is the world's third-largest book market and with rise in literacy rate, the non-academic book market in India is growing at a rate of around 15 per cent which itself shows the popularity of printed books here.
At last month's DSC Jaipur Literary Festival, Chairman and CEO of the Penguin Group, John Makinson said, "the idea of the book dying comes up all the time which is wrong. Books matter more in India than anywhere else we publish them."
A report by market research company Forrester acknowledges that the dynamics for higher growths for ebooks vests with consumer markets like India and China. Advantage India lies in its high quality and low cost of output.
"Physical books will always have a market. Digital books should not be seen as replacing them but should be seen as an added source of revenue through a new product line that caters to and targets a different set of audience,"
"Ebooks have a lot of advantages. If you do not want to take the full book, then pay only for the chapters you want. Once publishers start digitalising their content, ebooks will be very cheap," says Gupta.
Although audio books have been around for a long time in India but they have been mainly targetting children. But, the trend is changing now.
"Audiobooks are more effective than other type of books. The listener feels connected and the learning and understanding is more in an audio book than a normal book," says Abhilash R, Business Development Head, audiobooksindia.com, an online portal for audio books.
Apart from targeting the people who can not read, audio books can also be handy for older people whose eyesight keeps getting worse with age. Also, they are environment friendly as they do not use ink and paper.
"Audio books have a very niche market now. With proliferation of technology, their sales will increase in future. Also, people need to be educated about their uses," says Kunal Pancholi, co-founder of reado.com, a company dealing in audiobooks.
Downloaded article form ciliconindia.com
The sales of digital books in India is expected to pick up in coming months but that will not impact the aficionados love for hardcover books as has been the case in the West, say major publishers here.
India may see good rise in sales of digital books as downloading them on mobiles becomes a possibility but their growth trajectory may not be same as in the West, they say.
"New technology creates a new reader. Digital books will have their share of techno enthusiasts who will read them. But, that will not impact print versions of books,"
Vivek Mehra, MD and CEO, SAGE Publications says it is very difficult to believe that digital books will replace paper books.
"Since the digital age, HP sells more printers than they did before the proliferation of the Internet. Not all content is easily readable in digital format. Most content is available on a subscription. An individual could license the use of a journal’s back-files for a year but the price to purchase would be prohibitive for an individual," says Mehra.
India is the world's third-largest book market and with rise in literacy rate, the non-academic book market in India is growing at a rate of around 15 per cent which itself shows the popularity of printed books here.
At last month's DSC Jaipur Literary Festival, Chairman and CEO of the Penguin Group, John Makinson said, "the idea of the book dying comes up all the time which is wrong. Books matter more in India than anywhere else we publish them."
A report by market research company Forrester acknowledges that the dynamics for higher growths for ebooks vests with consumer markets like India and China. Advantage India lies in its high quality and low cost of output.
"Physical books will always have a market. Digital books should not be seen as replacing them but should be seen as an added source of revenue through a new product line that caters to and targets a different set of audience,"
"Ebooks have a lot of advantages. If you do not want to take the full book, then pay only for the chapters you want. Once publishers start digitalising their content, ebooks will be very cheap," says Gupta.
Although audio books have been around for a long time in India but they have been mainly targetting children. But, the trend is changing now.
"Audiobooks are more effective than other type of books. The listener feels connected and the learning and understanding is more in an audio book than a normal book," says Abhilash R, Business Development Head, audiobooksindia.com, an online portal for audio books.
Apart from targeting the people who can not read, audio books can also be handy for older people whose eyesight keeps getting worse with age. Also, they are environment friendly as they do not use ink and paper.
"Audio books have a very niche market now. With proliferation of technology, their sales will increase in future. Also, people need to be educated about their uses," says Kunal Pancholi, co-founder of reado.com, a company dealing in audiobooks.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Dear ALL, THIS IS A DOWNLOADED LANGUAGE LESSON. WRITTEN BY Alen TOWNEND
Now, you're going to have to be patient with me for a few lines or as we say or anyhow as most people say nowadays, you'll have to bear with me. I'm going to quote from Shakespeare. No, it's all right. It's not complicated, I promise you. I'm taking something from King Lear. What you have to know is that poor Lear is very old and going a bit senile or putting it quite crudely, potty. He has two very difficult daughters who are out to get him (trick him) because they want his lands. But he does have a lot of mates in the aristocracy and one of his very best is the Duke of Kent.
Kent always says what he means and means what he says and is very upset that his great pal, King Lear is being treated so badly. That's why he decides to stop being a duke for a while and disguise himself as a common man to find out what's happening in Lear's household. That way he can say what he likes and this is how he replies when asked why he dislikes one of the servants who works for one of Lear's terrible daughters.
Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain
I have seen better faces in my time
Than stands on any shoulder that I see
Before me at this instant.
It would be good if we could all take a leaf out of Kent's book (do the same as he does) and that would help anyone learning English, wouldn't it? But unfortunately life isn't that simple and English has this habit of using idioms and speaking and writing idiomatically.
What is an idiom? The word is derived from Latin or Greek (you can choose) and suggests 'private' 'personal' and comes to mean 'made your own'. Putting it another way it's a construction or a group of words that take on a special meaning. The important thing is that you can't break the expression up into separate parts to find out the meaning like that because the expression has to keep the exact words all together. A few lines above I used the idiom 'take a leaf out of someone's book' and I explained that it meant copy what someone else has done. So you can't use 'page' instead of 'leaf' and you can't use 'volume' in place of 'book'. If you do, you have destroyed the idiom.
Let's have a look at some of these idioms. There are thousands of them but I assure you I won't start talking about the whole lot. We'll settle on some from one particular source and probably it's best to start at the top. I'm talking about the head. When it's cold, it's a good idea to put something on your head like a hat. I can talk through my hat, I can keep something under my hat, I can take my hat off to you and I can also eat my hat. What am I on about? I'll explain the meanings in the same order: I can talk nonsense. I can keep a secret. I can congratulate you. I can also express absolute surprise and shock.
Now, back to the head. If you keep an eye on someone, you're checking what someone is doing and if you keep your eyes open, you're watching what's happening all around you. April 1st is traditionally the day when people play tricks on you.
Teachers on that day have to keep an eye on their students and keep their eyes open in case the class has prepared some joke at their expense. Next, the ears. Keeping your ear to the ground could literally be very uncomfortable but if you do that idiomatically, you are keeping yourself well informed about what's happening around you. Those who are wet behind the ears are inexperienced. And if your ears are burning, someone is talking about you but you don't know who or where. When you buy a second hand car, make sure it's not too expensive because if you pay too much, you are said to pay through the nose and the person who is selling it to you is, I fear, leading you by the nose, getting you to do what they want. You'll have to work really hard now without stopping by keeping your nose to the grindstone in order to pay for all that money you spent on the car.
Going down a bit more we come to the mouth. Let's hope you are not now down in the mouth (depressed) at this rush of information. It was honestly not my intention to shout my mouth off - talk in a loud manner and show off my knowledge of idioms. There are after all sometimes teething troubles (problems that arise when you start something new) but in the end once you have got your teeth into idioms (really started to learn them vigorously) there will be no need to gnash (grind) your teeth (become angry). As you are now probably fed up to the back teeth (extremely tired of) with all these expressions, I'll stop and refer once again to Shakespeare. This could well be sound advice I think for me from Henry 6th, part 2:
Seal up your lips and give no words but mum.
Best regards,
Alan Townend
Now, you're going to have to be patient with me for a few lines or as we say or anyhow as most people say nowadays, you'll have to bear with me. I'm going to quote from Shakespeare. No, it's all right. It's not complicated, I promise you. I'm taking something from King Lear. What you have to know is that poor Lear is very old and going a bit senile or putting it quite crudely, potty. He has two very difficult daughters who are out to get him (trick him) because they want his lands. But he does have a lot of mates in the aristocracy and one of his very best is the Duke of Kent.
Kent always says what he means and means what he says and is very upset that his great pal, King Lear is being treated so badly. That's why he decides to stop being a duke for a while and disguise himself as a common man to find out what's happening in Lear's household. That way he can say what he likes and this is how he replies when asked why he dislikes one of the servants who works for one of Lear's terrible daughters.
Sir, 'tis my occupation to be plain
I have seen better faces in my time
Than stands on any shoulder that I see
Before me at this instant.
It would be good if we could all take a leaf out of Kent's book (do the same as he does) and that would help anyone learning English, wouldn't it? But unfortunately life isn't that simple and English has this habit of using idioms and speaking and writing idiomatically.
What is an idiom? The word is derived from Latin or Greek (you can choose) and suggests 'private' 'personal' and comes to mean 'made your own'. Putting it another way it's a construction or a group of words that take on a special meaning. The important thing is that you can't break the expression up into separate parts to find out the meaning like that because the expression has to keep the exact words all together. A few lines above I used the idiom 'take a leaf out of someone's book' and I explained that it meant copy what someone else has done. So you can't use 'page' instead of 'leaf' and you can't use 'volume' in place of 'book'. If you do, you have destroyed the idiom.
Let's have a look at some of these idioms. There are thousands of them but I assure you I won't start talking about the whole lot. We'll settle on some from one particular source and probably it's best to start at the top. I'm talking about the head. When it's cold, it's a good idea to put something on your head like a hat. I can talk through my hat, I can keep something under my hat, I can take my hat off to you and I can also eat my hat. What am I on about? I'll explain the meanings in the same order: I can talk nonsense. I can keep a secret. I can congratulate you. I can also express absolute surprise and shock.
Now, back to the head. If you keep an eye on someone, you're checking what someone is doing and if you keep your eyes open, you're watching what's happening all around you. April 1st is traditionally the day when people play tricks on you.
Teachers on that day have to keep an eye on their students and keep their eyes open in case the class has prepared some joke at their expense. Next, the ears. Keeping your ear to the ground could literally be very uncomfortable but if you do that idiomatically, you are keeping yourself well informed about what's happening around you. Those who are wet behind the ears are inexperienced. And if your ears are burning, someone is talking about you but you don't know who or where. When you buy a second hand car, make sure it's not too expensive because if you pay too much, you are said to pay through the nose and the person who is selling it to you is, I fear, leading you by the nose, getting you to do what they want. You'll have to work really hard now without stopping by keeping your nose to the grindstone in order to pay for all that money you spent on the car.
Going down a bit more we come to the mouth. Let's hope you are not now down in the mouth (depressed) at this rush of information. It was honestly not my intention to shout my mouth off - talk in a loud manner and show off my knowledge of idioms. There are after all sometimes teething troubles (problems that arise when you start something new) but in the end once you have got your teeth into idioms (really started to learn them vigorously) there will be no need to gnash (grind) your teeth (become angry). As you are now probably fed up to the back teeth (extremely tired of) with all these expressions, I'll stop and refer once again to Shakespeare. This could well be sound advice I think for me from Henry 6th, part 2:
Seal up your lips and give no words but mum.
Best regards,
Alan Townend
Try to speak out no less than 100 words on the following:
1. How different are today’s schools compared to the ones in the past?
Schools over the years have undergone enormous changes. These changes could be tabled like buildings, faculty, classrooms, conveyance, sports, games, and so goes the list.
In the past schools were in small buildings with limited facilities. Now there are multi-storey buildings housing scores of spacious well furnished classrooms. Naturally, the faculty of today’s school is totally different. The strength much higher and there are tutors for different subjects and languages. In order to support studies, there are well stocked and furnished separate labs for every subject. And most of the schools have computer labs too.
When we look out of today’s schools, we find that all schools have their own transportation services too. In the past children walked to school but today it is a rare spectacle. Above all, schools these days concentrate much on sports and games, too.
These are the major changes I find in today’s schools.
2. Entertainment has become highly costly. Look at the reasons
There are several reasons for this development.
The primary reason in my opinion is the arrival private players in entertainment industry in large scales. This is due the fact that today people are after material pursuits, and they hardly get time to go for traditional entertainment possibilities. Private players have made it into money by investing hugely and reaping hugely in return.
Naturally, the old ones have died out and new technology supported ones have come up. There are many takers for these facilities, especially when there are nuclear families with enough money to spend out for anything that is called entertaining. This may range from shopping to sight seeing, from eating out to internet surfing. Watching films, playing video games, visiting water theme parks etc. involves money. These are the reasons.
3. What changes do you see in travel industry today
There are countless changes in travel industry today compared olden times.
First of all, travel as such has become extremely comfortable. To say so, people today enjoy traveling in several different ways. Secondly, the frequency of travel facilities has increased incredibly. This is applicable in road, rail and air travels. And this is happening round the clock with unfailing regularity and speed. All these facilities are taken care of by private ways, including airways.
Coming to individual levels, we have great conveniences offered by personal cars. Cars of different makes, sizes and costs are up for sale from across the world, and people enjoy this convenience to cover more distances, to satisfy their ego and meet their daily needs. And travel industry is changing for better.
4. Daycare facilities are coming up like mushrooms. Why?
Once it was very common in rich nations. Now it is coming up in poor nations too. There are many reasons for this.
I feel that it is the rising popularity of nuclear family that makes this trend more and more popular. Today, nuclear family enjoys enormous opportunities for making money by way employment. As this demand movement of people from place to place, there needs an arrangement to take care of their children.
In addition to this, there is another fact that today, life is much faster and people are rushing to achieve goals and meet deadlines. In such a scenario, there is no question of staying back home or taking care of kids. Naturally, day care facilities come handy. Together with this is the rising cost of living. Obviously, both the parents are expected to work. And finally, it can be said that, today, families values have fallen far below, and people give more importance to material interests than to maternal and parental responsibilities. .
5. What advantages do shoppers enjoy at a supermarket?
Shopping at a super market is a different experience today and people enjoy great conveniences while shopping. First of all, all super markets provide ample parking. This is of course a great thing. When it comes to real shopping, shopping centres offer great variety and choice for consumers. It is a one stop solution for all shopping needs.
These outlets keep great stocks, and shoppers are encouraged to move freely enjoying their time. Together with this is the centrally air-conditioned interiors of super markets where shopping is nothing short of an entertainment exercise in great comforts, shared by the whole family.
And finally, good supermarkets have a line of billing counters that save time too. And all super markets accept all types of cards and plastic money.
6. Eating out is very common today. Why? A jaypeesdoc. 10.6.010
Who doesn’t like to eat out? Everybody does. Naturally, eating out is very common.
However, there are some specific reasons for the rising popularity of this trend. First of all, it is today’s busy life that makes people go for it. Secondly, this busy life keeps people moving on a daily basis, and many people find it difficult to fully depend on homemade foods. Together with this is the availability of delicious dishes dished out by national and international food chains. No wonder people try different tastes.
Besides all these, today time is money and making money needs time. So people are forced to eat out fast and save time. And finally there are some who find it a sign of prestige. This is caused more by the rising spending power generated by opportunities than by anything else. There is a small group of people who take eating out as an occasion for meeting and socializing. These are the major reasons.
Ajaypeesdoc.kit.3.2.011
Visit. www.jpsukham.blogspot.com.
Google and yahoo for: vaatupura
or Jayaprakash A Panicker or jpsukham
1. How different are today’s schools compared to the ones in the past?
Schools over the years have undergone enormous changes. These changes could be tabled like buildings, faculty, classrooms, conveyance, sports, games, and so goes the list.
In the past schools were in small buildings with limited facilities. Now there are multi-storey buildings housing scores of spacious well furnished classrooms. Naturally, the faculty of today’s school is totally different. The strength much higher and there are tutors for different subjects and languages. In order to support studies, there are well stocked and furnished separate labs for every subject. And most of the schools have computer labs too.
When we look out of today’s schools, we find that all schools have their own transportation services too. In the past children walked to school but today it is a rare spectacle. Above all, schools these days concentrate much on sports and games, too.
These are the major changes I find in today’s schools.
2. Entertainment has become highly costly. Look at the reasons
There are several reasons for this development.
The primary reason in my opinion is the arrival private players in entertainment industry in large scales. This is due the fact that today people are after material pursuits, and they hardly get time to go for traditional entertainment possibilities. Private players have made it into money by investing hugely and reaping hugely in return.
Naturally, the old ones have died out and new technology supported ones have come up. There are many takers for these facilities, especially when there are nuclear families with enough money to spend out for anything that is called entertaining. This may range from shopping to sight seeing, from eating out to internet surfing. Watching films, playing video games, visiting water theme parks etc. involves money. These are the reasons.
3. What changes do you see in travel industry today
There are countless changes in travel industry today compared olden times.
First of all, travel as such has become extremely comfortable. To say so, people today enjoy traveling in several different ways. Secondly, the frequency of travel facilities has increased incredibly. This is applicable in road, rail and air travels. And this is happening round the clock with unfailing regularity and speed. All these facilities are taken care of by private ways, including airways.
Coming to individual levels, we have great conveniences offered by personal cars. Cars of different makes, sizes and costs are up for sale from across the world, and people enjoy this convenience to cover more distances, to satisfy their ego and meet their daily needs. And travel industry is changing for better.
4. Daycare facilities are coming up like mushrooms. Why?
Once it was very common in rich nations. Now it is coming up in poor nations too. There are many reasons for this.
I feel that it is the rising popularity of nuclear family that makes this trend more and more popular. Today, nuclear family enjoys enormous opportunities for making money by way employment. As this demand movement of people from place to place, there needs an arrangement to take care of their children.
In addition to this, there is another fact that today, life is much faster and people are rushing to achieve goals and meet deadlines. In such a scenario, there is no question of staying back home or taking care of kids. Naturally, day care facilities come handy. Together with this is the rising cost of living. Obviously, both the parents are expected to work. And finally, it can be said that, today, families values have fallen far below, and people give more importance to material interests than to maternal and parental responsibilities. .
5. What advantages do shoppers enjoy at a supermarket?
Shopping at a super market is a different experience today and people enjoy great conveniences while shopping. First of all, all super markets provide ample parking. This is of course a great thing. When it comes to real shopping, shopping centres offer great variety and choice for consumers. It is a one stop solution for all shopping needs.
These outlets keep great stocks, and shoppers are encouraged to move freely enjoying their time. Together with this is the centrally air-conditioned interiors of super markets where shopping is nothing short of an entertainment exercise in great comforts, shared by the whole family.
And finally, good supermarkets have a line of billing counters that save time too. And all super markets accept all types of cards and plastic money.
6. Eating out is very common today. Why? A jaypeesdoc. 10.6.010
Who doesn’t like to eat out? Everybody does. Naturally, eating out is very common.
However, there are some specific reasons for the rising popularity of this trend. First of all, it is today’s busy life that makes people go for it. Secondly, this busy life keeps people moving on a daily basis, and many people find it difficult to fully depend on homemade foods. Together with this is the availability of delicious dishes dished out by national and international food chains. No wonder people try different tastes.
Besides all these, today time is money and making money needs time. So people are forced to eat out fast and save time. And finally there are some who find it a sign of prestige. This is caused more by the rising spending power generated by opportunities than by anything else. There is a small group of people who take eating out as an occasion for meeting and socializing. These are the major reasons.
Ajaypeesdoc.kit.3.2.011
Visit. www.jpsukham.blogspot.com.
Google and yahoo for: vaatupura
or Jayaprakash A Panicker or jpsukham
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Five questions on environment
1.
Some environmentalists are of the opinion that nations, both rich and poor, must observe periodic industrial holidays to offset carbon-generated damages.
• How advantageous is this idea in your opinion?
• Do you envisage any impediment/s on the way of such a move?
Ajaypeesdoc.kit.4.2.011
2.
Some environmentalists advocate paperless office automation by exploiting the possibilities offered by ITES, information technology enabled services.
• What do you think are the environmental advantages of being paperless?
• How good is it for offices in general?
3.
The best way to ensure oil security for future generation is to invest hugely on research and development aiming for fresh energy means.
• How far do you agree or disagree with this view?
4.
As power generated by conventional means cannot meet the mounting energy needs, many are of the opinion that it is good to go nuclear for power-security.
• Do you think going nuclear is a good idea?
• How best can we meet our energy means?
5.
Ajaypeesdoc.kit.4.2.011
Some people say that minimizing needs is the only way out to meet the ever mounting resource crunch suffered by humanity whereas there are a few who feel that controlling population can help a lot.
• How do you look at these two views?
1.
Some environmentalists are of the opinion that nations, both rich and poor, must observe periodic industrial holidays to offset carbon-generated damages.
• How advantageous is this idea in your opinion?
• Do you envisage any impediment/s on the way of such a move?
Ajaypeesdoc.kit.4.2.011
2.
Some environmentalists advocate paperless office automation by exploiting the possibilities offered by ITES, information technology enabled services.
• What do you think are the environmental advantages of being paperless?
• How good is it for offices in general?
3.
The best way to ensure oil security for future generation is to invest hugely on research and development aiming for fresh energy means.
• How far do you agree or disagree with this view?
4.
As power generated by conventional means cannot meet the mounting energy needs, many are of the opinion that it is good to go nuclear for power-security.
• Do you think going nuclear is a good idea?
• How best can we meet our energy means?
5.
Ajaypeesdoc.kit.4.2.011
Some people say that minimizing needs is the only way out to meet the ever mounting resource crunch suffered by humanity whereas there are a few who feel that controlling population can help a lot.
• How do you look at these two views?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Try to speak out no less than 100 words on the following:
1. How different are today’s schools compared to the ones in the past?
• Huge buidings
• Bigger faculty
• Spacious smart classrooms
• Well equipped labs
• Own conveyance
• Sports/games/uniforms
2. Entertainment has become highly costly. Look at the reasons.
• Private players
• Busy life
• Old ones died out
• Attractive ones in
• Nuclear family
• Spending power.
3. What changes do you see in travel industry today?
• Comfortable
• More frequent/24x7 service
• Faster/unfailing
• Private ways: road, water and air
• Personal luxury cars.
4. Daycare facilities are coming up like mushrooms. Why?
• Nuclear family
• Opportunities
• Busy life
• Rising cost of living
• Falling family values
5. What advantages do shoppers enjoy at a supermarket?
• Parking,
• Great variety
• Enormous choice
• Extreme freedom,
• Great comforts
• Room for leisure
• Easy billing, time saving
6. Eating out is very common today. Why? A jaypeesdoc. 10.6.010
• Busy life
• Mobility
• Availability
• Time-saving
• Sign of prestige
• Rising income
• Meeting and eating
Ajaypeesdoc.kit.3.2.011
Visit. www.jpsukham.blogspot.com.
Google and yahoo for: vaatupura
or Jayaprakash A Panicker or jpsukham
1. How different are today’s schools compared to the ones in the past?
• Huge buidings
• Bigger faculty
• Spacious smart classrooms
• Well equipped labs
• Own conveyance
• Sports/games/uniforms
2. Entertainment has become highly costly. Look at the reasons.
• Private players
• Busy life
• Old ones died out
• Attractive ones in
• Nuclear family
• Spending power.
3. What changes do you see in travel industry today?
• Comfortable
• More frequent/24x7 service
• Faster/unfailing
• Private ways: road, water and air
• Personal luxury cars.
4. Daycare facilities are coming up like mushrooms. Why?
• Nuclear family
• Opportunities
• Busy life
• Rising cost of living
• Falling family values
5. What advantages do shoppers enjoy at a supermarket?
• Parking,
• Great variety
• Enormous choice
• Extreme freedom,
• Great comforts
• Room for leisure
• Easy billing, time saving
6. Eating out is very common today. Why? A jaypeesdoc. 10.6.010
• Busy life
• Mobility
• Availability
• Time-saving
• Sign of prestige
• Rising income
• Meeting and eating
Ajaypeesdoc.kit.3.2.011
Visit. www.jpsukham.blogspot.com.
Google and yahoo for: vaatupura
or Jayaprakash A Panicker or jpsukham
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Many pharmaceutical giants try to justify clinical trials on humans to find out their (medicines’) efficacy so that they can be produced in large scale for the welfare of the whole humanity.
Essay 052
• Do you think it is right to conduct clinical trials on a few humans for the broader and larger interests of the whole humanity?
Clinical trials on humans have always been a bone of contention, and pharmaceutical giants clandestinely do such tests on poor people saying that it is for the general good of the world. In my perception, clinical trials on humans cannot be accepted on any count.
There is no denying the fact that humans are the most precious ones on this planet, and keeping their life going as long as possible is a matter of utmost importance. And for the same, medicine and medical care have a crucial role to play. However, to ascertain the efficacy of a new medicine does demand tests, and the normal practice is to run such tests on animals. But, the need for conducting such tests is on the rise due more to the mounting competition between pharmocos than to the need for developing remedial medicines.
All said and done, conducting clinical trials deliberately and by consent is a crime against humanity because human life is no test lab and no human life is superior or inferior to any other life. So we cannot endorse the view that these tests are warranted for the well being of the whole humanity. Wellbeing of a person is as important as the wellbeing of another. This makes it clear that lives of a few cannot be sacrificed for the rest of the world. Life is so precious that no one is allowed to rule over it.
The above arguments make it clear that clinical trial on humans is anti-human . And, the arguement that ‘a few lives for the wellbeing of a larger world’ is ridiculous and against all human values. There are alternatives.
275 words
Essay 052
• Do you think it is right to conduct clinical trials on a few humans for the broader and larger interests of the whole humanity?
Clinical trials on humans have always been a bone of contention, and pharmaceutical giants clandestinely do such tests on poor people saying that it is for the general good of the world. In my perception, clinical trials on humans cannot be accepted on any count.
There is no denying the fact that humans are the most precious ones on this planet, and keeping their life going as long as possible is a matter of utmost importance. And for the same, medicine and medical care have a crucial role to play. However, to ascertain the efficacy of a new medicine does demand tests, and the normal practice is to run such tests on animals. But, the need for conducting such tests is on the rise due more to the mounting competition between pharmocos than to the need for developing remedial medicines.
All said and done, conducting clinical trials deliberately and by consent is a crime against humanity because human life is no test lab and no human life is superior or inferior to any other life. So we cannot endorse the view that these tests are warranted for the well being of the whole humanity. Wellbeing of a person is as important as the wellbeing of another. This makes it clear that lives of a few cannot be sacrificed for the rest of the world. Life is so precious that no one is allowed to rule over it.
The above arguments make it clear that clinical trial on humans is anti-human . And, the arguement that ‘a few lives for the wellbeing of a larger world’ is ridiculous and against all human values. There are alternatives.
275 words
1.
Urban areas are witnessing unprecedented changes due to development and the resultant internal migration.
• How advantageous or disadvantageous is this indiscriminate development and migration?
2.
Increasing financial independence enjoyed by nuclear families forces people to move out to urban areas. Some people believe that this movement creates more problems than prospects for such families.
• How far can you support or oppose this view?
Ajaypeesdoc.2.2.011
3.
Though movement of humans across the world is a natural process, of late, there is an argument that a great number of insecurities faced by the world are due to this indiscriminate movement.
• How right or wrong is this view in your opinion?
4.
Today, men, material and resources need move far and wide much faster than ever. This movement enables development in the one hand and it creates disparities on the other.
• Do you think the advantages of this mobility outweigh its disadvantages?
5.
In today’s 24x7 global world order, being faster is more important than anything else.
Look at the advantages and disadvantages of being faster.
Ajaypeesdoc.2.2.011
Urban areas are witnessing unprecedented changes due to development and the resultant internal migration.
• How advantageous or disadvantageous is this indiscriminate development and migration?
2.
Increasing financial independence enjoyed by nuclear families forces people to move out to urban areas. Some people believe that this movement creates more problems than prospects for such families.
• How far can you support or oppose this view?
Ajaypeesdoc.2.2.011
3.
Though movement of humans across the world is a natural process, of late, there is an argument that a great number of insecurities faced by the world are due to this indiscriminate movement.
• How right or wrong is this view in your opinion?
4.
Today, men, material and resources need move far and wide much faster than ever. This movement enables development in the one hand and it creates disparities on the other.
• Do you think the advantages of this mobility outweigh its disadvantages?
5.
In today’s 24x7 global world order, being faster is more important than anything else.
Look at the advantages and disadvantages of being faster.
Ajaypeesdoc.2.2.011
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