"Some experts hold that it is impossible to make judgements about one species at the expense of another, given the complexity of the ecological interactions in the natural world. Others are starting to question the value of spending millions on one celebrated species, such as the panda, or a big predator such as the tiger, where loss of habitat is almost inevitable."

Please paraphrase the following paragraph using your own words as far as possible.

"There is a need for some male role models in schools, as constructive fatherhood has disappeared in many communities. A gang often provides a kind of structure, promoting a sense of belonging and a preserve sense of purpose."

"Some experts hold that it is impossible to make judgements about one species at the expense of another, given the complexity of the ecological interactions in the natural world. Others are starting to question the value of spending millions on one celebrated species, such as the panda, or a big predator such as the tiger, where loss of habitat is almost inevitable."

It is irrefutable that scientists have made gigantic strides in genetic engineering over the past decades. Cloning and DNA profiling is no longer a far-fetched wishful thinking but sheer reality. This essay aims to discuss the potential benefits and pitfalls of genetic engineering with regard to the fields of medicine, agriculture and cloning.

First and foremost, the most significant advantage of genetic engineering can be found in the field of
medicine. There is a strong likelihood that new treatments for hitherto lethal diseases may be discovered, for example a cure for cancer. It might as well be the case that doctors will soon be able to cure babies suffering from hereditary diseases before they are born. On the other hand, due to the overuse of medicine to cure every kind of potential illness, more and more people will develop an immunity to, for instance, antibiotics. 

As far as agriculture is concerned, genetic engineering has brought great benefits. Farmers are able to grow modified crops which remain unaffected by drought and disease. Furthermore, it allows mass production of crops as well as animals which means that sufficient food can be provided for the entire world population. However, we may run the risk of creating an imbalance of species which will not only destroy the food chain but also interfere with the natural course and laws of nature.

Last but certainly not least, cloning is another crucial break- through in genetic engineering. The
temptation to create the perfect human being is irresistible and may lead to a society without neither criminals nor anti-social people. On the other side of the coin, the process of cloning could not run as smoothly as expected and cause threatening mutations. On should also take into account religious
aspects. Creating humans runs counter to most religious beliefs.

On balance, genetic engineering offers vast beneficial possibilities. Regrettably, they all entail a tremendous risk and the long-term effects are unknown. The use and research into genetic
engineering need to be taken with a pinch of salt. 

It is beyond any doubt that, in this day and age, genetic engineering
has made inroads into our lives. Little did we know about what
far-reaching opportunities it might bring about a few decades ago and
scientists are on the brink of a breakthrough in terms of cloning
creatures. However, there seem to be opposing opinions whether these
advances might do humankind more harm than good. This essay aims to
shed light on the role of genetic engineering and its impacts on
human beings.

First and foremost, there is no shadow of doubt that one of its greatest
benefits lies in the field of agriculture. Had it not been for the
possibility of altering genes, we would not be taking delight in
seedless fruits, such as grapes. More importantly, these
modifications have given rise to mass production in farming,
considering the fact that crops as well as animals can now be
engineered and bred to be resistant to diseases. This aspect is
believed to be a powerful weapon in the persistent fight against
hunger. Paradoxically, however, the pesticides consumed are
detrimental to humans' health.

Other tremendous advances can be observed in the field of medicine. Once
posing a severe threat to humankind, diseases, such as tuberculosis,
are now curable and its transmission preventable. Conversely, while
scientists are still fumbling in the dark trying to fight AIDS and
companies benefit from the commercials of alleged remedies, people
affected keep on suffering. 

The probably most controversial aspect of genetic engineering is cloning.
Taking the reproduction of a human ear on a rat's back as an example,
cloning is irrefutably conducive to better treatments for injuries
victims. Having said that, we must consider that we are interfering
with nature, and, leaving alone moral or religious concerns, are not
aware of any long-term and potentially irreversible consequences. 

On balance, it is blatantly obvious that genetic engineering offers a
considerable amount of benefits. However, with great power comes
great responsibility. It seems to me that, as we are moving towards
unknown territory, we should take it with a pinch of salt.

First of all, both pictures are about different aspects of
 music. The biggest similarity between these two pictures is perhaps the
 benefits of music. There are a number of important differences between these
 two pictures. In the first one, there is only one person listening to music whereas, in the second picture we see many children playing music together.

In the first picture, it seems the young woman is listening to music
 while she is studying. Her face is completely relaxed and I assume that she
 might be highly focused on her study. Undoubtedly, listening to music while studying can help some people to focus better on the subjects of their studies. There is enough evidence to tell that this is definitely an advantage of music.

Conversely, in the second one some children are playing violins and cellos in an orchestra. There is no doubt that all of them seem to enjoy it to the fullest and their faces show concentration and passion as well. Playing an instrument can be very relaxing and help us get away from the busy life we live in this day and age. Playing music and especially playing music together brings a great deal of joy with it and is decidedly something that enriches people’s lives. It even helps improve the brain in a relaxing way.

Both of these photos demonstrate a relationship between music and
 education. In the first one, it is apparent that a woman is listening to music
 while studying. It is highly likely that she has been stressed out by studying,
 so might be listening to music to relieve her strain. In the second one, they may be  having a music class to prepare for an upcoming school performance in which they are expected to collaborate smoothly and accurately with other band members. I am under the impression that both pictures imply music has an influence on education overall, whether it is to help people concentrate on their learning tasks or as an incentive to work integratively in a group project. It is undeniable that for some people not only does the music help them to become absorbed in leaning, but it also develops a wide range of skills when they are involved in making music like the second picture expresses.

To start with, it is clear that both images show the relationship of music and education. The girl in the first picture seems to have the need for listening to music while studying, whereas in the second picture many instruments are being used to help children play music in an orchestra.

Undoubtedly, it seems that in the first photo the student is really focused on reading perhaps thanks to the music she is playingy. She might be able to connect her thoughts and memories with the sound of the melody and voice. I am under the impression that people can relate their learning to specific sounds to recall parts of their studies. In other words, music may be able to enhance study skills. Furthermore, she also seems to look very tranquil, even though she might have an exam coming up. It is not very common that people are able to connect studies with music, but without a shadow of doubt, it might be an effective way to maintain concentration on a task.

On the other hand, taking a look at the second picture, the children seem to be working hard together to produce music perhaps as part of their school projects such as an upcoming symphony. This would require not only an ability to read music notes but also much teamspirit and precision. In conclusion, listening to music while studying is a matter of personal choice as long as it works for people whereas the second picture might support the fact that music should be incorporated into school curriculum as a subject for students.

Charlotte
The court’s decision serves the society to enshrine discrimination in state law.

Kerstin

Nathalie
A lot of memories are enshrined in this photograph album.

Carolin

Sarah

Laura

Nathalie 
Some remote villages in Africa are famine-stricken.

Nico
The panic-stricken family tried to escape from the conflict zone.

Meret

Ufuk

Lara

Deborah 

Charlotte

Seraina

Nathalie
1. She was terror-stricken by the revelations that were thus made.
2. That very night, Mr Richard was seized with an alarming illness, and in twenty-four hours was stricken with a raging fever.
3.In drought-stricken areas, too, frogs were playing the role of rescuer.

Sarah
1. Everyone was reluctant to enter a plague-stricken district.
2. Many famine-stricken children in Africa are in need of our help.
3. The earthquake-stricken area seemed totally devastated.

Laura

Caroli
* from being conscience-stricken, he's proudly unrepentant to the very 
  end.
* awe-stricken from sth.
* He was strucking with horror when he saw the ghost.

Kerstin
*poverty-stricken
This situation keeps poor farmers in developing countries poverty-stricken.
*drought-stricken
Rain falls in drought-stricken areas around Queensland.
*love-stricken
Charles was at their side, obviously love-stricken with both but undecided which one should have the priority.
*disaster-stricken

Linda

Johannes
Stricken:
- Obama Announces Aid for Drought-Stricken California
- Former Marcos Aide Is Stricken at Her Conspiracy Trial
- Iran Offers to Send Emergency Aid Team to Stricken New York
- Critics have assailed the company since the accident, saying that it has been slow to acknowledge problems at the stricken plant and that it has disclosed too little information about the conditions inside.
- Plane Lands Safely After Pilot Is Stricken

Chrissie
The roots in this town go back a long way

Sarah

Teo
Deep-rooted prejudices ; deep-rooted suspicion
"I asked myself whether there was not in his soul some deep-rooted instinct of creation, which the circumstances of his life had obscured" by Maugham
"He looked with the old deep-rooted affection at the respectable red brick house" by Eliot

Lisa

Yanna

Superbad gives an insight into how high school students are regarded by most people. The plot centers on 3 best friends, which are apparently losers. However, on their senior year they get finally invited to a party by one of the friend's crush. In order to enter the party, they must bring some booze and that's was their journey begins.....
I consider the movie as a must-see for students as they can surely relate to some of the characters. Furthermore, the story is well told with lots of jokes and ironic views on the daily struggles of a student. 
Starring Jonah Hill as the main protagonist, who has won several awards for his acting skills, it goes without saying that again he doesn't fail to impress. Although some of the scenes are over the top and exaggerated, it does not have a negative  impact on the overall experience of the movie. 
On top off all that, I would highly recommend students watch the movie if they want to enjoy a hilarious comedy movie, which perfectly reflects on how students might feel as the story itself is extremely relatable.

1.        our surprise/amazement the camp was bristling with 

2.       (of) his attempts/the attempts he made were dismissed as lacking

3.       chance/possibility (that) the sportsman will face heavy 

4.      not to run the risk of

5.       casts doubt on/upon the effectiveness 

6.      dare say they will take notice

7.       never let myself be/get/become

8.      consented to being

9.      is out of the question

10.    rather not take sides

11.     success rivalled that

12.    to keep an eye on the job during/in

13.    regarded as having few equals among 

14.    (to be) a total waste of

15.    is appealing for information/help to

16.    urge you to consider before handing/turning

17.    were taken aback by the hostility 

18.    advised to reassess your investment

19.    to consider himself worth

20.   to face the fact that he lacks

21.    is comprised of a variety 

22.   constituted to an/the increase 

23.   turned a deaf ear to all (of) our

24.   proved (herself) to be less productive

25.   escaped/emerged from the latest crisis unscathed

26.   takes immense/great pride in

27.   her in strict confidence about/of her mother’s terminal

28.   acquaint yourself with some basic knowledge

29.   obvious that she had a hand in the launching

30.   conception of the film plot is beyond

One of the most influential people in my life is, without a doubt, Carice van Houten, an actress who is famous for her role in numerous films such as Valkyrie and Blackbook.

 

First of all, Carice van Houten is extremely successful in her career as an actress, who landed roles in several Dutch films such as, Blackbook, Alles is liefde and Minoes before she was asked to act together with Tom Cruise in the blockbuster Valkyrie. She is known to be remarkably goal-oriented, conscientious, self-disciplined and motivated, which are essential qualities in the acting industry.

 

Not only is she an excellent actress, but she also is a gold-hearted woman. Carice uses her fame for many charity programmes in my country. Indeed, she is the ambassador of WNF, which is a Dutch charity organisation that investigates environmental issues. What seems to impress her fans most is perhaps her humble attitude towards life, which does not seem to be ruined by those glitzy parties and glamour dresses. Unlike some other celebrities who stay in the spotlight then soon topple from their throne, Carice opts to live a low-key life.

 

In my view, Carice is an excellent example for many youngsters my age to follow. She allows others to see more than just the stereotyped Dutch farmers. Never before have I seen such a strong-willed yet down-to-earth actress as her. Through the moving storylines in her films such as Blackbook, she has brought a new meaning to life, touched millions of hearts worldwide, and made people realise the true power and beauty of love and a good heart.

 

All in all, I firmly believe that her story will continue to inspire me and many generations to come.

 

First of all, Lily is a ceaseless girl. If she wants to achieve something, she works hard to achieve it. To illustrate, when she decided to improve her grades, she started to study everyday and turn it into a daily routine. Furthermore, she influenced her friends in a good way. She is undoubtedly a positive girl and that made her friends positive and optimistic as well. Lastly, we all think she has a friendly personality as many people could talk to her easily and they confide their worries to her.

 

I met Lily when I just came to Australia. At first, I could not speak English at all, and because of my language problem nobody wanted to be friends with me. However, she was the first one who came to me and talked to me, which I knew she was a warm-hearted person immediately. Since I met her my English has improved and I have made many friends. Additionally, she is extremely witty, supportive and tactful, for instance, when I did not understand what my teacher was saying and I could not enquire because I’m an introverted person, she recognized my situation and she asked the teacher for me. 

 

Consequently, I really believe that Lily is this year’s ‘My guiding star’ winner, because she's helpful, believable, caring and generous. In fact, we all know she is not a fair-weather friend and she won’t turn away from us. 

One if the most essential things for students is receiving the support they need to push themselves through their study. Our academic team is always on hand to help with any queries. Afraid of approaching them? Well, don’t be! The academic office is located just near the entrance and the staff members are super friendly. Not only that; they are extremely experienced in helping new students, too. Besides that, the support networks for adult and mature students, LGBT students, students with children are all accessible on our campus.

As far as accommodation is concerned, fortunately, there are numerous  options for you both on campus and in the neighborhood. If you want to sign up for a single room or a shared room, please contact reception to give your details.  You can also rent an apartment through a local real estate agent, but be careful – the rents tend to be a bit higher. For those of you who wish to partake in local family traditions and practice the language, then you definitely should consider a home-stay.

Besides learning, there comes a time to party. Every week we are having facilities with student discounts. On Friday there will be a barbie for all new international students.  And at the end of every week we organize something to celebrate the upcoming weekend, so on Thursdays everybody goes to a Spanish club. If you’d like to have more information, we will be pleased to help you. We hope you enjoy your stay at the college. 

I appreciate your request about my feedback on the college's international class which I was invited to attend in the past two weeks. I am writing to put forward several suggestions to improve it.

First and foremost, I was amazed at the fun-filled and welcoming atmosphere in the class. All the students were extremely friendly with me even though some of them appeared rather shy at first or had limited vocabulary. I would also like to extend my compliments to the caterer for making such delicious cakes for us to enjoy during our break time. 

Nevertheless, I noticed some problems as well. One was the reluctance among some of the students to speak English. Perhaps because many of them came from the same country, they conversed a lot in their mother tongue. Additionally, the activity programs seemed to focus heavily on reading and independent class work instead of promoting opportunities for students to interact with one another. 

In light of these problems, I suggest splitting students into smaller groups or pairs to encourage them to use more English during class. Furthermore, more interactive content should be included in the student program to allow for more speaking practice among the students. For example, it would be advisable to organize ice-breakers, game days, treasure hunts, movie sessions, coffee meet-ups or even role plays and debates during and after class. These activities are definately going to motivate the students to use more English.

I hope these recommendations will receive your consideration in order to make our international class more successful for the students.

Yours sincerely,

 

The first text contains a rather mixed view on the role of advertising. Firstly, the author is  convinced that advertising is a very effective tool to influence children because children can use their nagging power to have a say in many purchases of their family. Therefore, many advertizers are interested to create adverts that are only aimed for children like toys or computer games.  However, the author claims many teenagers also have the tendency of shopping on impulse instead of spending time to make careful choices. Consequently, their purchases may end up being needless or wasteful.   

 

The second text, however, suggests that teenagers are not all vulnerable to advertising.  Quite the contrary, they are very familiar with advertizements as they grow up surrounded by them on TV, radio or internet, even at bus stops. Another point raised in the text is that advertising does help the children by providing information to them. In this way, children are able to make informed choices, especially in purchasing regular items like food, stationary or clothes.   

 

Beneficial or not, it is irrefutable that advertising is influencing children greatly. Although, we can also say that advertising is influencing people of all ages. It is true that some advertisements many contain extremely informative and useful information for children. For instance, some adverts that aim to promote healthy lifestyle, fitness, healthy food or learning games can be considered innocuous, relevant and educative. Nevertheless, the fact is that many children are naive or lack judgement; they are innocent and gullible, which makes them a perfect target for fraudulent advertizers. Therefore, I hold the view that advertising to children should be treated as a issue of great concern.