ECPE WRITING

All link collection:

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2009/11/useful-ecpe-links.html

 

 

Specifically about writing:

 

Scoring system

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Rating-Scale-Writing.pdf

 

Essays corrected by trained raters

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Writing-Benchmarks.pdf

Sample texts and tips:

 

http://michiganecpeprep.blogspot.gr/2010/12/writing-outline-advantages-and.html

 

http://www.grivas.gr/assets/files/samples/ecpe_exams/WRITING_SKILLS_ECPE_St.pdf

 

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/sites/default/files/resources/Enhanced2014/ECPE-Enhanced-Results-Writing-2014.pdf

 

http://www.learnenglish.gr/index.php/en/resources/ecpe-example-essays

 

http://www.grapsa.edu.gr/UserFiles/lessons_material/english/pr2%20let's%20keep%20writing%20(10-2013).doc

MATERIAL WITH WHICH WE CELEBRATED THE EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES

The Council of Europe declared a European Day of Languages to be celebrated on 26th of September each year. The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are:

1. Alerting the public to the importance of language learning and diversifying the range of languages learnt in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding;

2. Encouraging lifelong language learning in and out of school, whether for study purposes, for professional needs, for purposes of mobility or for pleasure and exchanges.

3. Promoting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, which must be preserved and fostered;

   

Some language facts:

http://edl.ecml.at/LanguageFun/LanguageFacts/tabid/1859/language/en-GB/Default.asp

Quiz on language facts:

http://edl.ecml.at/Portals/33/teaching-materials/EDL-school-visit-EN.pptx

Idioms of the world:

http://edl.ecml.at/Portals/33/teaching-materials/IDIOMS%20OF%20THE%20WORLD.edited.pdf

Online activities for students:

http://edl.ecml.at/LanguageFun/tabid/1516/language/en-GB/language/fr-FR/Default.aspx

Discuss Language and its connection to thought

(From the introduction to George Orwell's "1984", Penguin Reader)

 

Reading:

Linguist on mission to save Inuit 'fossil language' disappearing with the ice

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2010/08/languages-in-danger-of-extinction.html

 

Videos:

TED talk on endangered cultures

http://markaki-students.blogspot.com/2009/06/about-this-talk-by-ted-with-stunning.html

How languages evolve https://youtu.be/iWDKsHm6gTA

Parody of learning: https://youtu.be/xq8IqZXy1s8

 

Writing:

Several languages die every year and English is becoming used more and more as a world language. Many people feel this is a positive trend and that a world with fewer languages promotes harmony and understanding between people. Analyze both sides of this argument and provide your opinion.

Before writing, also read the notes on globalisation on the Proficiency blog. Doesn't English as the global language contribute to and result in it?

Quick map of ideas:

Paragraph 1: introduce the topic —- English is the global language —- more and more people strive to master it=> both positive and negative aspects

Paragraph 2: the positive effects —- communication, openness to other cultures, open-mindedness, professional needs, companies have the competitive edge, mobility/ travelling, bilingualism/ language proficiency— boosts intelligence and thinking skills

Paragraph 3: results in globalization= homogeneous societies = similar tastes in music/films/ clothes—-> uniformity, no variation , elimination of cultural differences/traditions, limited significance of cultural identity and individual history, indigenous languages / dialects constantly die out/ vanish/ become extinct which means that a civilisation/ culture/ tribe ceases / stops to exist

Paragraph 4: sum up both aspects and say your own opinion, end with a final message

 

What do you think about the idea that teenagers need more guidance from adults and a stricter environment in which to grow up?

       I think that it might be a good idea that most teenagers need more guidance from adults, but I personally believe that a stricter environment in which to grow up wouldn't work.I support this opinion because I think that the environment that most teenagers live is already really strict and a teenager's life is already really stressful.This way it leaves teenagers really little time to calm down and maybe have some fun.If their environment becomes even more strict then they would probably lose that little free time.This could lead to some really bad reactions from the teenagers because they would feel so pressed to study that it would force them to the point that they wouldn't study at all.To conclude, I think that a teenager's life is already pretty balanced and adults shouldn't push it too far.

Parents and adolescence

• What do you think about the idea that teenagers need more guidance from adults and a stricter environment in which to grow up?

Adolescence is undoubtedly a tough period for both parents and teenagers. It's the period after puberty and parents need to face the change of their children's behavior. To my mind, boundaries are necessary at some point. If you are too strict your teen will no longer accept these boundaries and will react. Boundaries work better if they are both made and agreed with parents and teenagers. According to this, a reaction from the other side is not possible unless you overcome these limits. As for the stricter environment you and your teen should both agree for the time that should be back at home for example, on weekdays should be back at 8 pm and on weekends at 10 pm. Parents should be more patient in order to understand the mentality of teenagers and they can deal with a young person.

• How do you think it might feel to be the parent of an adolescent?

As scientists say "During adolescence children are beginning to form their identity". According to this, if I was a parent of an adolescent I would try to help him find this identity. I would support his decisions but I would present my advice on them. I cannot understand exactly how being the parent of an adolescence is but I think that no one else can, except a parent.

How do you think it might feel to be the parent of an adolescent?

Generally, the upbringing of a child is a continuous process which demands the responsibility of parents. Especially, in puberty parents must be very patient and permissive, as they have to control different emotions of the adolescents because of some psychological problems which they may face.
In my opinion, parents feel desperate, stressed and disappointed because of the teenagers' behaviour, as they are made to punish them. Also, I think they feel anger because of their children's aggression.

What do you think about the idea that teenagers need more guidance from adults and a stricter environment in which to grow up?

The teenagers have confusing behaviour and are moody during this period. On one hand, they feel disappointed and desperate because of all problems they need to face as they grow older. On the other hand, they are very agressive and boisterous reacting to everything concerning their family or school.
I firmly believe that rebellious adolescents need some advice and guidance from their parents. So they should live in a loving family environment in which they will feel safety and freedom. As far as parents are concerned, they might not be massively strict, but patient and permissive setting boundaries to teenagers' behaviour.

 

What about adolescence?

• What do you think about the idea that teenagers need more guidance from adults and a stricter environment in which to grow up?

In my point of view, being an adolescent is one of the most essential period of time for everyone, because life there starts to be more demanding. In addition to this, teenagers' psychological state is unbalanced and feelings, for instance, anger,joy,optimism,depression, are mixed.It is also reported that parents' contribution is a major factor of how their children will enter society when they become adults.According to this, I believe that parents should always support their children not to be frustrated and grateful for what they are offered.Moreover, parents ought to put boundaries to their children and draw the line at their behaviour. However, if there are so many restrictions, adolescent may feel alienated ,moody and aggressive,because they have less space than their peers.Additionally, living in a rigorous environment may affect their school grades, like unwilling to study or uneagerness to take part in the lesson.Taking all into consideration, I support that parents should keep up with their children, not to underestimate their needs, but they are obliged to explain them life is not a bowl of cherries and put some restrictions to make them more responsible and mature.

• How do you think it might feel to be the parent of an adolescent?

I imagine myself being the parent of an adolescent exceptionally tough.To begin with, adolescence is the period of time that children leave puberty and are lead to adulthood. This situation is also hard for parents, because responsibilities elevate and  there is a wide variety of problems they will face, the most urgent of which is the psychological support they should always provide to them. In this way, teenagers boredom and resentment towards school will drop off.Parents also have to  handle their nerves and behave in a gentle way during their pressing working hours, because teenagers aggressiveness is in turmoil, so  is a wrong decision to work off their anger to them. Last but not least, I believe that having  good communication between them will cure every problem and joyness will dominate.

Adolescents and how to deal with them

In my opinion adolescence is the most difficult age of people.
The teenagers need to have a careful and rational environment in which to grow up. It is necessary for parents restrict their children's freeedom. For instance, the freedom is important because it helps the relatioship between parents and teenagers and also teenagers with their friends. Furthermore, parents have to be careful and to watch the children's life and set boundaries, which is necessary.

On the other hand, to be the parent of an adolescent is very difficult. This means that the parents are not carefree because of the teenagers. Sometimes that is very hard because are very busy with their work and they must to pay attention to the children. They try to be better parents but one adolescent is vey hard to control it.

Teenagers and boundaries

  

• What do you think about the idea that teenagers need more guidence from adults and a stricter environment in which to grow up? How do you think it might feel to be the parent of an adolescent? 

• Teenage life is a period of time relating to those who are aged thirteen through nineteen years old. This specific period of time , as adolescents grow up, is too tough for both teens and parents. Teenagers act in a very confusing and abnormal way, which makes their parents reaction, often full of tension. This phenomenon is based on one undoubtedly significant factor which is the release of hormones in their bodies.This release sometimes makes adolescents aggressive, restless and competitive. While teenagers grow up they feel more independent and they firmly bilieve that teenage life is their rebelion period for not being any more kids and immature. But is this statement correct? In my opinion it is not. First of all adolescents can't recognise the urgent problems that they face, as their parents do. Teenagers are very stubborn in their decisions and many times when no one agrees with them they feel loneliness and this is a symptom of alienation. The only solution to this problem is guidance from parents,talking to them and the most essential, teenagers must try to controle their nerves and flash on the true problems. In addition, of course bountaries set by parents must exist, but in a normall way which doesn't make their children feel restricted. Finally as a teenager I am not much experienced to tell if being a teenagers parent is so tough but as I can picture in my mind, it is a very special role with full of responsibilities, friction between children but also a special period of time trying to prepare your children realise how to be a faultless adult in the feuture.   

TV and the Internet: Two inventions of the 20th century with dramatic impact

The 20th century, when technology overwhelmingly evolved, spawned a vast amount of new inventions, many of which have had a dramatic impact on contemporary life. Topping the list undoubtedly are television and the Internet, the advent of which triggered both positive and negative effects.

There are many significant reasons why television is a predominant invention of the 20th century. First of all, although TV constitutes a convenient means of entertainment and education, since there is a wide variety of programs and documentaries which provide us with the opportunity to have a window on the world, it is an undisputed fact that it has a handful of repercussions. More specifically, cultural globalization, which is the adoption of the same values, ideas and stereotypes by people around the world and consumerism, which refers to the compulsive habit of buying, are promoted, on the grounds that TV preaches a different gospel: seeing is believing. Subsequently, people's perception of the optimal life has been distorted. Lastly, the lure of televised image has persuaded people that words count for less. Of course, television does not just consist of pictures, but the commentary that accompanies them is so concise that t barely scratches the surface of striking issues, or at any rate helps anyone understand them. 

The other looming invention of the prior century is the Internet, which has had an enormous impact n modern life. Firstly, it is crucial we comprehend hat the Internet has an educational purpose, since we are offered with the chance to have access to a tremendous amount of information and alternative forms of teaching, for instance distant learning. Apart from that, entertainment is more convenient than ever before, because there are online social platforms, such as Facebook and Youtube, with the assistance of which everyone can spend their free time. In fact, the former contributes to the worldwide communication. However, the Net conceals many dangers. More specifically, cyber bullying (ie when unscrupulous people opt to trivialize other people's lives by unnerving them) and identity theft (ie when individuals pretend to be anyone they wish by creating a "cloned" online account) are encouraged. A case in point is that the two aforementioned phenomena may result in the psychological deviance of the victim, who may even want to commit suicide. 

Taking all this into consideration, there is no doubt in mind that despite the fact that neither television,  nor the Internet have had downright positive effects on our lives, they constitute the two inventions of the 20th century of which we can reap the benefits. Only if we utilize them wisely and in moderation, will we be able to eliminate their repercussions. 

Should elderly people become parents?

In today's society more and more women in their 40s, 50s or even 60s are choosing to give birth to a child. Is this a positive direction for society to be moving in? Some, believe that is pleasure to have a child and does not play an important role how old someone is. However, on the other hand there are a lot of people who believe that elderly people cannot face up to the task of rearing a child. A closer look shows that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider.

On one hand, few would dispute that mature parents can offer the child special advantages. Since they are older and mature, they can take cautious decisions and be well-prepared and well-read before bringing up a child. Being responsible and disciplined enables them to be role models for the child  that the latter can live up to. Having been in difficult situations, the elderly know more about life and they are sage, so the child will pick up their brains and be motivated. Moreover, they will also be financially secure. Thay will be able to pay for the child's extracurricular activities, foreign languages and all the private lessons. Furthermore, they have a lot of time, so they could be committed to the child.

They are also significant disadvantages that have to be considered. To begin with, an elderly couple may not have the considerable amount of energy that is needed for proper upbringing. For example they must get up often at night and play with their son or daughter as much as they can. Problems may also stem from bullying. With an elderly couple for parents, the child may be mocked or daunted by peers. This situation might lead to psychological problems such as dipression, isolation or even rebellion. Of course, the huge generation gap that will exist needs to be pointed out. Not only this will result in lack of communication, but also it will be difficult for the child to bond with the family. Finally, parents may suffer from social judgement or perish shortly and leave the child an orphan.

On balance, I believe the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Elderly parents may be more wise and disciplined, but they must not forget the psychological problems their children might face and the lack of communication between them.

Growing pains discussion

VISUALISING IDIOMS WITH C2 LEVEL LEARNERS

More vocabulary websites on the school wiki:

http://eflinks.wikispaces.com/Vocabulary

 

Interactive iBooks demonstration

http://youtu.be/PPCOuZvUD6Y

Some (visual) food for thought relevant to the Books vs Ebooks discussion we have recently had.

 

WRITING AND SPEAKING CRITERIA

Writing criteria and corrected essays:

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Writing-Benchmarks.pdf

Writing criteria:

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Rating-Scale-Writing.pdf

Speaking criteria:

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Rating-Scale-Speaking.pdf

 

Vocabulary notes and games!

 

 

 

 

Notes on television and globalisation; taken from your amazing phrasebooks!

 

 

 

 

 

E-books VS Traditional books

The advent of e-books has already made its appearance. However, the question that arises is:
Will books on paper be supplanted by electronic texts?


Advantages of  e-books:

1. Travel. E-books allow us to carry a whole library with us whenever we hit the road.
2. Storage. Tradinional books can take up much space, whereas e-books are backed up in a small device (which looks like a tablet), which can be up anywhere; either in our houses, or in our backpacks.
3. Price. E-books are usually more affordable in the long term, on the grounds that there are no printing or translating fees associated with them. Apart from that, some e-books are free to download.
4. Night reading. Some devices offer us the opportunity to read at night, since they emit an unharmful light. On the contrary, it is imposible to read a traditional book without the assistance of a lamp, especially when we have a craving for reading on our beds.
5. Interactive e-books. We are now provided with the chance to play games, open new tabs, or explore the Internet while we are reading books on devices which are called readers. This advance is very significant, because not only are we able to assimilate the material we read by playing pertinent games, pr by doing exercises and by solving quizes, but we can also obtain new and useful knowledge.
6. They are actually more environmentally friendly than books on paper.

Advantages of traditional books:

1. No devices needed. So, no money has to be squandered on expensive  readers, on which books can be downloaded and backed up in an electronic form. 
2. No batteries. Although most of the readers have an adequate battery life, there will definitely be some times when they will not have been charged and we won't be able to read at all. 
3. Tradiion. The exquisite scent of traditinal books is a a chacteristic that cannot be superseded by e-books. Furthermore, book lovers are able to flich through the pages of a book and enjoy its amazing smell, while preserving the tradition of the written word. 

My opinion:
On balance, it is an undisputed fact that e-books constitute far and  away an asset, but as far as I am concerned, not only do they contribute to the demise of written word, but they will also never be able to replace the value of raditional books. 

Television

We are quickly moving towards a society where both work and leisure consist of staring at a screen!

Advantages of  TV: 

• Television can be educational. A striking example are documentaries, from which we obtain useful information and we broaden our horizons.
• Television constitutes a window on the world, on the grounds that if we watch the international news, we are provided with the opportunity to be informed and to keep pace with the rest of the world.
• It is an accessible, affordable (by almost everyone) and convenient means of entertainment, since there is a wide variety of programs and shows, which arouse viewers' interest.
• Television can also help people who feel lonely and alienated, that is, it can supplant the absence of friends.

Disadvantages of  TV:

• Crime and violence are frequently depicted on TV, which may lead to the psychological deviance of children, since they are more likely to display aggressive or violent behavior when they see violent acts. That happens due to the fact that sensational journalism, that is when the media opt to report heavily on attention-grabbing events, rather than on more pressing issues, dominates the world of television.
• Watching too much TV poses a threat to our health. More specifically, many health problems may arise ranging from eye problems to obesity and the couch potato syndrome.
• The lure of televised image persuades people that words count for less. Of course, TV is not just pictures, but the commentary which accompanies them is so concise that it barely scatches the surface of the issues or helps anyone to understand them. 
• TV preaches a different gospel: seeing is believing. A case in point is that television portrays idealized lives, body shapes, role models and stereotypes, so people's perception of the world is corrupted. That is, globalization becomes more intense.
• It is a fact that advertisers target women and children, who are more susceptible to buying on a whim. Therefore, consumerism is aggravated.
• Watching TV may also contribute to diverting students from studying.
• Individualism supersedes rationalism. 

My opinion:

Taking all this into consideration, there is no doubt in my mind that the advantages of television are outweighed by the disadvantages. Hence, only if we utilize TV in moderation, will we be able to reap its benefits, without undermining the power of written word. 

Useful info on ECPE speaking and writing

http://www.hau.gr/resources/orfeas/ecpe/ecpe_teachers_guide-winter-2009.pdf 

"Overpopulation"

 Comparing the statistics of the Earth's population numbers in 1800 with those in 2008, we can easily notice the immense rise of people inhabiting the Earth. This fact has resulted in overpopoulation: the state in which the average number of humans living on our planet is no longer sustainable. With regard to the repercussions of overpopulation, they can only be adverse for humanity. However, how could something be done, so as to control the increase of population, but simultaneously not violating human rights?
 To begin with, many of us would wonder why such a large population should be considered to constitute a problem since it has provided humanity eith a suitably large workforce. Nevertheless, the ratio of people residing on Earth to those that can be sustained by our planet, is disproportionate. Were this problem to worsen, there would be a huge crisis of food deficiency. Concerning the need to satisfy the vital necessityof nourishment, food supplies will not be enough to meet the needs of such a huge number of people. As a result, there may be a war on food and many people might die of starvation, Moreover, another unfavourable aspect of overpopulation is that life standards are going to be downgraded, due to the thickly populated areas, in which people will be crowded, dropping litter and dispose sewage. Rarely will we pass through clean streets and roads. To make matters worse, what is distressing is that people not having a shelter, will live even in landfills, owing to the fact that there might not be any space to build a house. Maybe overpopulation does constitute a huge problem for humanity, but would the effort of limiting this be sensible?
 To alleviate the situation, the goverment should create a benefit especially for families with only one child, or make electricity less expensive for them. In this way, financial incentives are going to be given and many people will be motivated to bring up one child. Furthermore, it is vitally signifcant that a campaign is launched to raise awareness of the crisis. For instance, people can be informed about contraceptionand how disastrous overpopulation can be for their lives. Under no circumstances should we let people be unaware of this serious situation. Taking these steps means that we make an effort to overcome the problem, without infringing upon human rights.
 All in all, I am inclined to believe that with the proper steps, solutions can be fond. It would be wiser to inform the public and to take action for solving this global issue, so long as human rights are not violated.

Interesting links

Education diagram:

http://markaki-literature.blogspot.gr/2015/02/education-vocabulary.html

CPE sample activities and written texts:

http://markaki-literature.blogspot.gr/search/label/CPE

CPE exam format and sample papers:

http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/proficiency/exam-format/

Descriptive/Narrative Essay About Fear

Everyone is endowed with experiences that induce fear and the daunting time I had while I was enjoying the ebb and flow of the tranquil sea in conjunction with the entrancing full moon, last August, proves I am no exception. Since sitting under sky illuminated by the light of both twinkling star and the moon, and listening to my favorite kind of music are to my liking, I ventured out to the closest beach to my village, in order to relax.

However, that all changed when I realised that I was not alone with my very thoughts, since an uncomfortable premonition of someone staring at me pervaded my senses. Therefore, I turned around and I saw a tall, well-built, almost thirty-five-year-old  man standing a few meters behinds me. At first, I did not react, but as soon as I heard him getting closer, I could hear my heart thump; so, I moved briskly. After a few minutes, he commenced mumbling and I trembled with apprehension when I thought about what might happen next. So, I stood up and I ran as fast s my legs could carry me, especially when I understood that he was following me.

All of a sudden, not only did my phone ring, but I also stumbled over the rugged terrain and I hit the ground. I immediately rose up, answered the phone and put my father into the picture. Petrified as he was, he assured that he was soon going to put an end to everything. Just then, the intimidating man reached me, managed to stop me and I found myself pleading with him not to hurt me. To my sheer amazement, though, he laughed and explained to me that the only thing he wanted to do was return a ring, which my absentminded mother had lost in this tavern earlier that evening. I thanked God and only after he clarified everything to my horrified parents, did we derive much pleasure from the breath-taking scenery. 

In a nutshell, although I have had no desire whatsoever to worship nature all alone since then, I perceived that F.E.A.R. only stands for either Forgetting Everything And Running, or Facing Everything And Rising. So, for the foreseeable future, I intend to pursue the latter.