Chapter 5: Anecdote - "Hard Work Can Be Satisfying

My parents have always taught me the value of hard work. They told me that I can never achieve any goal in life without working hard. Last year, my friends and I entered a national cooking competition where we had to make dinner for fifty people. The competition was in Jeddah, and was going to be shown on television. I had never cooked for people before, and I was very nervous. My friends and I prepared for weeks before the competition. We practiced making different foods such as Arab, Chinese, and Italian meals every night. When the food we cooked was not delicious, we changed the recipe and tried again until it was perfect. Finally, on the day of the competition we were ready. That day, we cooked delicious Italian baked chicken, spaghetti, and dessert. Everyone loved our food! We won first place in the competition. I learned that if my friends and I didn't work hard, we would have never gotten first prize.

Chapter 4 - Describe an accomplishment that you have done

One of my greatest accomplishments so far is that I am able to speak and write English fluently. I first studied English when I was in high school. I liked the language, and I thought it would be very beneficial to know. In the beginning it was quite difficult to learn. But, I was extremely determined. Every evening, I spent an hour studying vocabulary with the help of an Arabic-English dictionary. I also practiced speaking English with my friends, and my teachers at school. This helped a lot. By the end of the year I was able to communicate in English perfectly. My ability to speak English has made me a self-confident, disciplined person. Now, I know that I can do anything I set my mind to do.  

Chapter 4 - Autobiography

I was born in 1990 in Abha. When I was 7 years old, my family and I moved to Najran because of my father's work.  I went to King Abdul Aziz Primary School  for 5 years. Afterwards, I attended Princess Nourah High School. As a student, I was involved in many extra-curricular activities.  I was part of the debate, art, and science clubs. My favorite activity was the debate club. I was the President of the debate club for 2 years.  I was also an excellent student. I got very high marks during high school and graduated at the top of my class. In 2010, I was accepted as a student in Girls' Preparatory College in Najran where I am a student today. I study English, Mathematics, and Computer Studies. My future goal is to become a doctor, and I am working very hard to make sure my dreams come true one day.

MONEY

Money is the official instrument of transaction of any country. People use money to buy and sell things and services. Money is made up of paper notes and silver coins. Money is important in all walks of life. Money can buy some daily necessities like food, shelter and clothes. More money can provide more comfort and luxury. But there are some things that money cannot buy, like love, respect, peace and immortality. Sometimes too much money can bring misery too. People buy drugs and cigarettes with extra money, and therefore destroy their precious life. Therefore, we should be careful about spending as well as earning money.

Importance of Business - Opinion

Importance of Business (Opinion Chapter 3, Page 63)

Business is important in any country.  Business is mainly about buying and selling of goods. I believe that without business, people in countries around the world will not be able to survive. Firstly, business provides employment in the society. People are able to open businesses such as shops, clinics, and restaurants. These places need people to work for them.  Because of this, everybody will have a job. Secondly, people who own their own business provide a service to society.  Doctors own clinics that help sick people, and lawyers have law firms that defend people. Finally, a country's economy depends on buying and selling between people. If there is no business, a country will never earn money, and their people will be poor. Entrepreneurs are needed in society.  We should encourage all people to own a business in order to make society better.

A Letter to the Teacher

May 5, 2011

Dear Ms.Muhammad,

I am a student in your Writing 150 class at Najran Preparatory College. I am writing this letter to tell you that I enjoy your class, and have learned a lot this semester. You are very clear in explaining things in class, and I understand most of the things you say. I like the class discussions we have, and activities that we do in class. However, I have several suggestions to make the class better. Firstly, I would like for you to do more writing exercises with us in class. Many of us find writing to be difficult, and the more we write, the better we become. Secondly, I want to have homework after every class. I think that you don't give enough homework. The extra practice at home is good for us. Finally, we I would like for you to try some fun activities in class sometimes. I think this would make the class more interesting. I look forward to seeing these changes. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Yours Sincerely,

Salma Rahiem

  

A Letter to the Editor

May 5, 2011

Dear Editor,

On October 28, I was driving on King Street when I witnessed an accident involving an armored vehicle. The money that the vehicle was carrying spilled all over the road. People that were nearby took the money and left. I believe that it was wrong for the people to take the money that did not belong to them. Firstly, it is against the law to take money that does not belong to you. These people can be arrested and sent to prison if they are caught stealing this money. Secondly, taking away the money is a very selfish thing to do.It will hurt the people who the money belongs to. This money belongs to people who need the money to help themselves and their family. Finally, the money may not be insured by the bank. The bank will have to replace the money if it is lost. People who saw the accident should do the right thing and return the money back to the owners.

Yours Sincerely,

Hasnah Abdullah

May 5, 2011

Dear Editor,

On October 28, I was driving on King Street when I witnessed an accident involving an armored vehicle. The money that the vehicle was carrying spilled all over the world. People that were nearby took the money and left. I believe that people who took the money were right to do it. Firstly, the money is insured by the bank. If the money is lost, it will be replaced. The bank and its customers will not lose any of its money. Secondly, if the money is left lying in the road, anyone is able to pick it up. There is no name and address on the money, so no one will be able to find out who it belongs to. They have a right to keep the money. Finally, it will be difficult to find all the people who have taken the money. There is no proof that they took the money. They will not be able to prosecute them and send them to prison. People need to understanding about the situation and not punish those who took the money. If you were in that situation, you may have done the same.

Yours Sincerely,

Aliyah Abdullah

Page: 62, No: 2

‘Money buys everything except love, personality, freedom, immortality, silence, peace.’

I totally agree with the saying. You cannot buy those things in any shop in the supermarket. If somebody doesn’t like you, you cannot make him or her like or love you. Similarly, our personality is the result of our education, family values, social settings, and the kind of people we mix with. No one can change or hide his personality. It is like your fingerprint – very much personal and unique.

Freedom and peace are two very precious things. You have to ‘earn’ your freedom and ‘establish’ peace in your life. Nobody is going to give you these two. And you cannot find them anywhere for money. Silence is also another very desired and soothing thing that you want to have in your life. Living is chaos and confusion can never bring happiness in life.

Finally, immortality is something scientists and researchers are after. No one or no object stays in the same condition. It is in the nature of every living thing to develop, grow and die in course of time. Immortality has so far been a myth for all the living creatures of the world.

My School

The name of my school is Al Balad Preparatory School. It is in the Khalediyah district. It has a large, three-storeyed building with a playground in the front. There is a spacious parking and a cafeteria on the ground floor. There are some office rooms on the ground floor and a lot of classrooms on the 1^st and 2^nd floors. The teachers in our school come from different countries of the world. The classrooms are very clean and comfortable with modern equipment like computers, sound systems, projectors and whiteboard. We have a rich library with many books in it, and 2 laboratories to do our science projects. The cafeteria sells some delicious food items like sandwiches and shwarmas. Our school organizes cultural programs from time to time where we can listen to some beautiful recitation of the holy Quran. Our teachers are very generous and kind to us. I like my school very much. 

My Favourite Place

My favorite place is the beach. I love it more than anyplace in the world.  l never get tired of looking at the beautiful, bright blue sea. Every time I feel sad, I drive to the ocean to enjoy the cool breeze blowing against my scarf, smell the fresh salty air, and hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore. Afterwards, I feel like my troubles have gone away. My friends and I also love to go on picnics on the beach. We bring lots of food such as tuna sandwiches, juice, and pizza. We play volley-ball in the sand and when we get tired, we jump in the sea. It is always a lot of fun. Many of my best memories are the times that I had by the beach in my hometown. I will go back again one day.

  Beach in the Bahamas - My favourite place in the world

My Best Friend

My Best Friend (Facts)

 

My best friend's name is Amina. She is 19 years old. She is originally from Yemen, but lives  in Najran. I have known her since we were both children. Amina and I live in the same neighborhood. Her house is next door to my house. She is tall and slim with dark black hair. She studies medicine at Najran University.  She is a friendly girl, and likes to meet people. She also loves to visit new places. She has traveled to many countries around the world with her family. Every time she goes to a different country, she brings back gifts for all her friends.

My Best Friend (with opinion)

 

My best friend's name is Amina. She is 19 years old. She is originally from Yemen, but lives in Najran. We have been best friends since we were children. Although, we are both grown up now, we are still very close to each other. Amina and I live in the same neighborhood. Her house is next door to my house. Because, we live so close, it is easy for me to go and visit her anytime I want.  Amina is a very beautiful girl. She is tall and slim with shiny, dark hair. She is quite smart and is studying medicine at Najran University.  I think she is an interesting person because she loves to travel and meet new people. She has visited many countries around the world with her family. Every time she goes to a new country, she brings back gifts for all her friends.  She is kind, friendly, and generous; this is why she is my best friend.

My Childhood Memories

                             My Childhood memories

 My childhood memories are full of joy and merrymaking. We were just two brothers and sisters. My parents loved both of us very much. In my childhood days, I was much shy and reserved. I had a very few friends. We had some wonderful time together. I remember during Ramadan, me and my brother used to wait for our father to come back home. Then we used to go shopping every evening till the last day of Ramadan. I was a good student in my early years. When I performed well in school, my parents were so happy; and it made me all the more happier. We used to travel to different places during vacation. I specially remember our trip to the largest mangrove forest in the world, namely, the Sundarbans. In my childhood days, I used to spend most of my time reading different books, listening to music and watching tv. I had a small world of my own, and I was very happy living in my world, surrounded with my dear family members.    

A butterfly

Deer

A deer

A Lake, running deep inside the forest 

Mangrove trees

Sunset in the Sundarbans

The Royal Bengal Tiger - a specialty of the Sundarbans

My neighbourhood

My neighbourhood is quite interesting. A lot of people from different countries live in separate flats in one big building. We have a Pakistani family living next door. We have another Egyptian couple who both work. And we have another Bangladeshi family. Our neighbourhood has a big parking lot in front. There is a good coffee shop just at the corner and an excellent fast-food shop nearby. I can buy any kind of food and drinks from these two shops. I can also drive to some other good food-shops of different countries like Turkish ish-bulbul, Saudi Al-Fahm, Indian spicy curry, Pakistani dishes, American burgers etc. The main road is quite close to our place. We always hear sounds of speeding cars coming from the main road. Just across the road, there are some good shops where we can buy almost everything. There is a big mosque just two blocks away from our neighbourhood. There are some mountains and some green farms near my neighbourhood. In the evening, I spend my leisure time looking at this green plot. There are no high-rise buildings in my neighbourhood, so I can enjoy looking at the skies at night. I feel relaxed and happy living in my neighbourhood.

Writing Concluding Sentences (Page 31)

Muscat is the capital of Oman. It is a wonderful city with Arabian sea on one side and brown mountains on another side. This city is also a historically important one. Tourists enjoy the watchtowers and gateways of this city. Another very interesting thing to see here is the Sultan’s lovely but simple palace. There is a harbour named Muttrah, just close to the city of Muscat. This harbour has some good and busy markets. There is a road that goes along the shore of the sea (cornice). In short, Muscat is a wonderful place to visit because of the historical sites, natural beauty and modern architecture.  

My Apartment

My apartment is the most relaxing place in the world for me. It is in a white building with many other apartments in a peaceful neighborhood. My apartment building has a swimming pool and gym which I exercise in every morning before I go to school. My apartment is small but pretty. Inside, there is a kitchen, living room, bathroom,and bedroom. The walls of my apartment are painted yellow and blue. The colours make my apartment look bright and cheery. There are large windows all over the apartment. When I'm home, I keep them open so I can enjoy the cool breeze. I also have a large balcony near my bedroom. On the balcony, I can see beautiful, green, shady trees and the other houses in my neighborhood. There is a playground nearby. I always hear the noises of children playing in the afternoons. My apartment is my home, and there is no place in the world like it.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Small Town

Advantages of a Small town

There are a lot of advantages of a small town. First of all, when you live in a small community, you can enjoy a better quality life than you will find in most large cities.  In addition, you can get closer to nature when living in small towns. You will also be able to avoid the frustration of dealing with large volumes of traffic. You can enjoy hunting or fishing on a regular basis because living in a small town makes it easier for you to enjoy some of your favourite hobbies. Small communities do not have the same crime rates as larger cities. Therefore, you can walk down the street feeling safe and secure.  People know one another and this can help to create a tighter sense of community. Finally, one great option for retirement is living in a small town.  Therefore, there are many reasons that tempt people to live in a small town.

Disadvantages of a Small Town

There are several disadvantages of living in a small town. First of all, there are less job opportunities for people in small towns. People have fewer options in the type of job they want to do. Because of this, many people in small towns move to large cities and look for jobs in the field they want to work in. Also, small towns are boring to live in. There are not many places such as restaurants, malls, and museums to visit. In addition, there are only a few shopping malls and markets in small towns. So, people do not have many choices when they want to buy new clothes, shoes, or electronics. Finally,  it is hard to keep your personal life private in small towns.  Everyone wants to know about you and your family. Therefore, if a few people know you, it will not take long before many other people know about you. If you love excitement, variety, and privacy, living in a small town is not the life for you.

Picture Description (Page-23)

Page-23

This is a picture of a location of a big, busy city. There is a huge building in the middle. There are rows of buildings next to the big skyscraper. In front of the building there is a road. People are walking busily to their destination. There are some shops on the ground floor of the big ‘FUJIYA’ building. At one side, we see some trees. It is a bright, sunny day today. There are some lamp-posts on the street. In short, this place looks like a very busy and noisy city centre.

Picture Description (Page-27)

Page 27

Picture 1: 

I can see a busy road with many cars and buses. I can see huge buildings on both sides of the street. I can see some billboards.

I can hear the hustle and bustle of busy life on the street.

I can feel a tensed environment of the city.

Picture 2:

I can see a line of village huts. I can see a wide valley at a distance. I can see some small trees beside the house.

I can hear the chirping of the birds.

I can smell the sweet fragrance of wild flowers.

I can taste the home cooked food.

I can feel relaxed.

My bedroom

My bedroom

I am in love with my bedroom. The colour of my room is yellow, and during daytime, sunlight comes through the window and makes my room golden. My bedroom has a wonderful, soft bed just beside the window. I can see my parking lot from my window. I have a dressing table and some chairs in one side, and an almirah in another corner. I have a small TV on top of a trolley as well. My room has a good lighting system and I have beautiful curtains on windows and doors. I can smell the sweet fragrance of the air freshener I use in my room. I can hear birds chirping just outside the tree of my window. I feel happy when I am in my bedroom.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Large Family

Advantages of a large family

A large family has some very strong advantages. First of all, it has a lot of members and there is more than one earning member in a large family. In addition, members can help each other in bad times. A large family has parents, children and uncles, aunties and grandparents. Therefore, children can enjoy the company of all the members. They are never alone. A large family also has a joyful atmosphere. Everyone has his/her story at the end of the day and they all sit and talk about their good experiences, their problems and possible solutions together. Finally, a large family can save money in various different ways. Because they all live together, the cost becomes low in total and they can save a lot. A large family is a lovely place to live in.    

Disadvantages of a Large Family

There are several disadvantages of having a large family. First of all, there is hardly any privacy. In a large family, you may have to share bedrooms with your sisters or brothers. It is hard to have any time alone because there are so many people living in one house. In addition, a large family often has more expenses than a small family. A large family has to budget their money so that everyone can have enough food and clothes to live. Sometimes, children or parents cannot buy what they want because they have to save money for others in the family. Finally, in a large family there is more responsibility on the parents to take care of all their children. It takes a lot of work by parents to make sure that all their children grow up to be good people. A large family is not easy to live in.

Advantages of small family

Advantages of small family

A small family has a lot of advantages. First of all, a small family is easy to maintain. It costs less money. In addition, a small family is helpful for the country as well, as it demands less public services. A small family often has 2/3 children and parents. Both the parents can work in a small family because it is easy to take care of 2/3 children. So the family can save a lot. Finally, the members of a small family have a strong bondage among themselves. They become more close to each other. Every country supports small family over large ones. It is always a good idea to have family planning to keep the family small.