WRITING
HOW TO: WRITE A REVIEW OF A BOOK OR FILM

Five Weeks in a Balloon

I’d like to recommend a book which I read recently, called Five Weeks in a Balloon. The author of the book is the very popular and famous writer, called Jules Verne.

The book is about adventure and the setting is Africa, specifically the sources of the Nile, during the time of the biggest African explorations in century XIX. The main characters are three men: Doctor Samuel Fergusson, Joe and the hunter Dick Kennedy. Dr. Fergusson is a calm and thoughtful man, who represents the scientific thought and the desire to improve. He uses the science in order to resolve any conflict. Instead, Dick Kennedy is a man of action, not very reflective, he cannot do face a danger without a shotgun in his hands and he doesn't believe in science. And finally, Joe is the servant of Fergusson; he has a great physical agility and represents the counterweight humoristic, and intended to balance the flood hazard and dramatic situations that travelers must pass three. On the whole, Dick and Fergusson are totally different, while Joe is in the balance.

The things I liked most about the book were the characters, the plot, and the theme of friendship.  Some of the scenes are memorable because they’re really strong, but the style and plot are very simple because the order of the history is lineal.

All in all, I really liked the novel, and though it has got a happy ending for the characters, I'd change it. It’s an easy book to read, but it’s still got a strong message.

 

                                     

Jules Verne                                 

WRITING

Description of one character of the film: IRIS

Hi, my name is Iris Simpkins and I live in a lovely house in Surrey (United Kingdom). I'm a society column editor for The Daily Telegraphy in London. Then I will explain my fantastic Christmas holidays.

I was in love with Jasper Bloom for over three years, even though I split up with him after he cheated on me with another girl in the office. At the office Christmas party, my boss announced the engagement of Jasper Bloom to the other girl, and I was deeply hurt. I made a decision a few days before Christmas, I wanted to get away for the holidays. Amanda and I decided to give us our homes for two weeks.

A few days before Christmas I arrived in Los Angeles, and was enjoying the stay at Amanda's house. Miles came with his girlfriend Maggie to Amanda's house to pick Amanda's ex-boyfriends belongings up. I asked him that to come back later. Later while I was returning from shopping I found an old man Arthur Abbott who was standing lost at the corner and I escorted him home. I learn that he was a script writer during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He was a retired old man who lived a solitary life. The next day I went to Arthur's place and helped him to read his mail I found out that The Screenwriters' Guild wanted to throw a grand celebration and wanted to gave Arthur the Lifetime Achievement Award. But Arthur threw the invitation letter away. He expected that only a few people would bother showing up, and he would looked pathetic with his walker. I encouraged him to go because it was a real honor and promised to helped him and attend the award function with me. During these days Jasper was trying to contact with me.

One evening Miles and I went to the video store to rent some movies that Arthur had recommended. From the video store Miles saw his girlfriend Maggie in the arms of another guy.

He was shocked and realized that she had betrayed him. Miles was sad and depressed, and then I explained the painful moments I had suffered. Miles and I understood better then and we grew closer and hung out more often.

That night I went to Arthur's home to pick him up for the ceremony. We arrived to the ceremony and found the hall filled with people all were standing and were applauding for his achievements.

Miles left to see, but promised he would came to Arthur's award ceremony that night. I went home and received a call from Jasper, who said he sent a surprise for her. I opened the door to discover that he was standing there. He told her that he missed me, and would to get together again. I pushed him out of Amanda's house and finally felt free. Meanwhile Maggie tried to convince Miles to forgive her. He realized that Maggie was never meant for him and he could never trust her anymore. He split up with her and rushed to attend Arthur's award ceremony.

Finally, we ended the year in Graham's place. The couples were Iris with Miles and me with Graham and his daughters enjoying the New Year laughing and dancing.

Conclusion:

I was convinced that the change of airs is the perfect antidote for my problems and in England I would meet he man of my life.

WRITING

HOW TO: POST A COMMENT ON AN INTERNET FORUM

Is the global warming really a reality problem?

Post a comment Report to moderator

Arnau Illa

Comment posted on 26^th January at 19.36

It's a serious problem!! Global warming is the current rise in the average temperature of Earth's oceans and atmosphere. The scientific consensus is that global warming is occurring and was initiated by human activities, especially those that increase concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as deforestation and burning of fossil fuels.

There are a lot of signs warning us about global warming. Some of the most obvious signs are visible in the Arctic, where rising temperatures and melting ice are dramatically changing the region's unique landscapes and wildlife as well as people's lives and livelihoods. Across the globe, other early warning signs include melting glaciers, shifting ranges of plants and animals, and the earlier onset of spring.

I think that is a reality because we can see it is starting to affect our planet and because the people, are destroying our world with pollution, with our mistakes. I've realizes that we need to change the world!

WRITING

4. Do you agree or disagree with the opinion below? Write your own comment for an internet forum.

CHATTING ONLINE IS BETTER THAN TALKING ON THE PHONE.

I recognize that every day or most days I chat online with my friends or other people that I see in the chatt. I speak more online than by phone because I think that chatting online is better than talking on the phone. Also I think that it's a different forms to comunicate because chatting online is by writing and talking on the phone is by oral conversation.

However chatting online I it has more advantages than talking on the phone. The most important advantage is that talking online is fastest than talking on the phone. The other advantage is that the chatting online is cheaper than talking on the phone. Also I think that chatting online is easier and you don't need to remember any numbers to speak and it doesn't disturb all the family.

In conclusion I believe that before the telephone was used more because there were so many technologies, but now I think it is more useful to talk online.

WRITING:
How to: WRITE A BIOGRAPHY OF A STAR

BIOGRAPHY OF SEAN PAUL:

Sean Paaul is a famous dancehall superstar and began scoring hit singles in Jamaica starting in 1996 and thereafter steadily began attracting international attention. He born on January 8, 1973, the multi-ethnic Paul (his parents had Portuguese, Chinese, and Jamaican blood) grew up in St. Andrew, Jamaica. He was a skilled athlete, excelling in swimming and especially water polo, playing for the Jamaican national team in the latter. Although his education was enough to land a prosperous career, dancehall music remained Paul's first love, particularly crafting rhythm tracks. He became a DJ after he began writing his own songs, patterning his style largely after Super Cat and finding a mentor in Don Yute; he also found contacts in several members of the reggae-pop band Third World in 1993, which helped open up business connections.

Discography:

His discography is:

Studio albums

• Stage One (2000)

• Dutty Rock (2002)

• The Trinity (2005)

• Imperial Blaze (2009)

• Tomahawk Technique (2012)

Mixtapes

• The Odyssey Mixtape (2009)

Awards and nominations

• American Music Awards

  • 2006, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist (winner)

  • 2003, Favorite Hip-Hop/Rap Male Artist (nominated)

  • 2003, Favorite Hip-Hop/Rap Album Dutty Rock (nominated)

• BET Awards

  • 2003, Best New Artist (Nominated)

• MTV Romania Music Awards

  • 2007, Best International Artist (winner)

• Grammy Awards

  • 2010, Best Reggae Album: Imperial Blaze (nominated)

  • 2006, Best Reggae Album: The Trinity (nominated)

  • 2004, Best New Artist: (nominated)

  • 2004, Best Reggae Album: Dutty Rock (winner)

• MOBO Awards

  • 2009, Best Reggae Act (Winner)

  • 2006, Best Reggae Act (Winner)

  • 2005, Best Reggae Act (Nominated

• MTV Video Music Awards

  • 2006, Best Dance Video "Temperature" (nominated)

  • 2003, Best Dance Video "Get Busy" (nominated)

  • 2003, Best New Artist "Get Busy" (nominated)

• Soul Train Awards

  • 2009, Best Reggae Artist (Winner)

  • 2007, Best Dance Cut "When You Gonna (Give It Up to Me)" (nominated)

Description of one character of the film: AMANDA

Hi, my name is Amanda and I live in a luxurious mansion in Southern of California (United States). I’m a workaholic who owns a company that produces movie trailers in Los Angeles.
One day, I discovered that my live-in boyfriend has cheated on her with his secretary. I decided to slit up with my boyfriend and I made a decision a few days before Christmas, I wanted to get away for the holidays. I visited a home swap website on which Iris had previously listed her “quaint cottage in Surrey (United Kingdom)”. There was a small and beautiful house. I read the description and decided it sounds idyllic. I messaged Iris about my interest. Iris and I decided to give us our homes for two weeks.
I arrived in England and I felt disappointed by the slower, quieter pace of life in Surrey. The first day in the house of Iris I grew bored and I was trying to find something to do, and booked a flight back to Los Angeles for the next day. But, later that night, Iris’ brother Graham knocked at the door assuming Iris was home. Graham asked me to let him stay this night, as he has been drinking at the pub and wasn't wreasn o drive. We kissed unexpectedly, and ended up sleeping with each other. Both of them make it clear that we were not looking for a relationship. I was planning on leaving that afternoon, but Graham asked me to have dinner with him if I changed my mind. I changed her mind, and met Graham in the pub. We spent the evening and the next day together for getting to know one another better.
After some days, Graham went to my house and stayed the night. I despaired that if I stay in Los Angeles and he in London, the long distance relationship will never work. Graham confessed that he was in love with me, and I was very surprised. The next morning, we said a heartfelt goodbye and I left for the London airport. On the way, I cried and I realized the depth of her feelings for Graham. I ran back to see him. On reaching Iris’s place I found him weeping for me. I told him that I decided to stay until New Year's Eve with him, and we hugged.
Finally, we ended the year in Graham’s place. The couples were Iris with Miles and me with Graham and his daughters enjoying the New Year laughing and dancing.

Conclusion:
I was convinced that the change of scenery ("airs") is the perfect antidote for my problems and in England I would meet the man of my life.

WRITING

HOW TO: Write a description of a friend

MY BEST FRIEND

Arnau Serra and I are friends. Arnau lives near me here in Banyoles. He lives in an interesting new and modern house. We don’t go to the same school, but we’re neighbours and I often go to his place.

Arnau is fifteen years old. He’s quite tall and he’s got short fair hair. The good thing about him is that he’s funny and friendly, although he can also be stubborn sometimes, and he isn’t always very practical.

Arnau is happiest when he’s chatting and joking with friends. He likes going out and meeting other people. There’s a big skate park in town and we often go there. He also likes tennis, and often we do that together.

WRITING

HOW TO: WRITE ABOUT TV HIGHLIGHTS

TV HIGHLIGHTS
By Arnau Illa

The highlight of this week's TV was definitely the reality show "Supervivientes". The last five participants spent one year in the middle of the jungle, and in the end the participants were being removed.

Channel 1's drama series "Los Misterios de Laura": was also worth watching. On Thursday's episode, Laura was investigating the murder of a lawyer
In the end, Laura discovered that the killer was a detective. Exciting stuff!

Finally, something which also caught my eye was a story of sports on yesterday's news.

Rofer Federer, the professional tennis player, was playing tennis on a very high building aganst Rafa Nadal for a charity, and more people wanted to try. It was a good story of sports.

WRITING

How to: WRITE AN EMAIL TO AN INTERNET FORUM

Hi

My name’s Arnau Illa and I live in Banyoles in Catalonia. I like the area where I live, so I want to improve it.

In my opinion there aren’t many squares, hotels and open spaces in the area. As a result, a lot of people don’t go out because there’s a lot of noise and traffic. Also, as a result of the few hotels in Banyoles, many tourists do not want to visit Banyoles.

I think the council should do something about this. I’m sure they must have some land which local people can use for a squares or city garden projects.

Arnau Illa

	Hotel l’Ast
			Plaça Major

Hotel el Mirallac

WRITING

HOW TO: WRITE A DIALOGUE FOR A STORY

ARNAU Laura, Laura! Can you hear me? I need some help!

LAURA Arnau? Where are you? What's happened?

ARNAU I hit with a rock. I was sailing in the sea and I hit. I hit about fifteen
kilometers.

LAURA Are you OK? Can you walk up here?

ARNAU No, I think I've broken my leg. I can't move it and it really hurts. What
am I going to do?

LAURA Don't panic! Let's phone the coastguard.

ARNAU OK, but hurry up! I don't know how long I can stand here.

LAURA OK, OK, hang on! I'm sure that someone will come soon.

ARNAU Laura!

LAURA Now what's happening?

ARNAU Some of the rocks are falling. Help!

WRITING
How to: WRITE A FORMAL LETTER

Club Tennis

Olot

C/ Equador, S/N 17810 Olot, Catalunya

3rd February

Dear Sir or Madam

I am the captain of a tennis club in Olot, Catalonia. The name of the club is The Club Tennis Olot. I am writing to you because we are planning a tournament and we are looking for sponsors.

The tournament will take place in August. Teams and fans from ten countires are going to be in Barcelona for this event, and I think that it will be good publicity for your company.

Please contact me if you are interested in sponsoring us or if you need any more information. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully


Arnau Illa
Captain

HOW TO: WRITE A BIOGRAPHY GENIUS: MARK TWAIN

Samuel Langhrme Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist. He was born in Florida, Misuri, in November 30, 1835. After four years, his family moved to nearby Hannibal(Missouri). He died in Redding, in Connecticut, in April 21, 1910.

Mark Twain started to write stories, children's literature and novels in 1851, when she was sixteen years old, and in total he wrote more than sixty novels. He learnt to write at school and at home, and Mark wordek with a printing and he won some money.

Two of her most famous works are Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
He wrote novels which were funnier and more realisitc than other novels of the time.

HOW TO: Write a story about a rescue

A BRAVE RESCUE

The rescue happened while we were on holiday in Platja d'Aro last August. It was really interesting and I wasn't lucky to get a photo of it.

I was with my family and we were on the beach. We were watching an amazing boat when we saw three people in the sea. The boy was drowning in the sea.
There were a man and two boys and they were shouting. The boy was drowning in the sea and his father was trying save him. A lifeguard on a beach was also watching, and as soon as he saw the problem, he went to the people with his boat.

The lifeguard went to the beach two times and rescued the two boys. He was very brave because the sea was dangerous.

WRITING: DESCRIBE AN EVENT IN THE PAST
A MEMORABLE DAY


I remember my brother's made the comunion four years ago.
It was a very important day.

First, a lot of people came to our house. At 11 o'clock we went to the church for the ceremony, and after that we went to a restaurant.We had lunch there and then the party started at about 4 o'clock. There was an amazing party and the restaurant was great. Finally, at about midnight, I went home with my brother and my family.

There were about a fifty people at the comunion. I remember my mother clearly because she had a really strange dress. It was a really fun day and I felt very happy.

WRITING: DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL HOME

-My ideal home

Here we are in ideal home. It's a modern flat outside the town. It's quite big, but it's got everything.
It's got four bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a dining room and a living room. The dining room has got a big sofa and a modern TV. You can relax on the sofa.

On an ideal afternoon in my ideal home we're all here. My mum and dad are working in the town. They're writing. My brother is in the bathroom. He's having a shower. I'm in my bedroom. I've got a new desk and I'm buying some furnitures on the internet.

My favorite room is the kitchen. It's got a small TV and a really modern microwave. I like this room because I can eat the food and watch films in it.

WRITE AN INTERNET PROFILE

About me:

Hi, I'm Arnau and I'm from Banyoles in Catalonia.
I'm not independent, but quite nervous and sentimental.
I've got brown eyes and brown hair.

Likes and dislikes:

I'm really intro music, I like welcome to the club now,
papa americano and break your heart.
I'm also a big fan of computer games. I love France and
French things. What do you like?

My time and money:

I spend a lot of time on the internet and talking
with my friends. I spend my money on magazines and games.

Requests:
I really want to meet boys and girls from 13-14 years old. I don't mind your nationality, but I want to practice my English and I'm interested in learning French.

WRITE A DESCRIPTION OF YOUR FRIEND

NAME: Andreu

AGE: 13

DESCRIPTION: quiet, friendly

LIKES: shopping

DISLIKES: shopping

OFTEN: plays football and reads some books

BUYS: computer games

WANTS TO MEET: boys and girls

SPEAKS: English, Spanish and Catalan

Want to learn: French and how play to piano

My friend's name is Andreu and he is fourteen years old.
Andreu is quiet, buy friendly. He likes football, but he dislike shopping. He often a lot of time play football and read some books and he spends his money on computer games. He wants to meet boys and girls and he speaks English, Spanish and Catalan. He's interested in French and how to play the piano.

WRITING: A MAGAZINE INTERVIEW

Last weekend I was at a tennis tournament in London and I spoke to Roger Federer. Federer is a famous tennis player. He is very happy at the moment because he is wining the tournament in London Federer had a good year last year because he won many tournament and was a number one in the wold. He was in a lot of magazines. In August he is going to visit the Big Bang for a holiday. After that he is going to prepare a new tournament.

WRITING: FACT-FILE

Brown and black snakes (boas) are large reptiles. They usually live in Perú, Venenzuela, Central and South Amèrica. This animal can live for more than ten years, and adults are usually 100-400 centimeters long.

Brown and black snakes like temperatures of 35 degress C in the day and 28 degrees C at night.
They eat other animals, but they also need special food and vitamins. You can buy these in a pet shop.

Brown and black snakes are very beautiful and interesting, but they are not ideal pets. They are very popular so they a lot of space. If you buy a snake you must remember this!

WRITING:

I went to the cinema and watched the film called Journey to the center of the earth. It was an adventure story about one boy, one man and one woman called Sean, the scientist Trevor Anderson and Hannah. In the story of this family, they found a book that explained the Journey to the center of the earth. They I like the film because it was exiting and the characters were interesting.