Reflection 2

I learnt how to write narrative essays:

1- We use the past continuous to describe something which happened while we were doing something else, e.g. I was doing my homework when something broke …

2- We use the simple past for the main form, e.g. I heard, we saw, they told us …

3- Sometimes we use the past perfect to describe two actions which happened in the past, e.g. when I arrived at my house my parents were already gone.

Reflections 1

I learnt a few things about how to write procedure essays:

1- We use the active voice, e.g. make, boil, turn, etc.

2- We use the linking words, e.g. first, second, then, next, after that, finally.

3- We write the essay in three paragraphs in about 150 words: the introduction and the conclusion between 25-30 words for each and between 90-100 words for the main paragraph.

Olive Oil

Producing olive oil is a fairly long and difficult process but if you follow these steps you should end up with good quality oil.

First, between September and December, the olives are harvested by hand or with sticks and rakes. Then they are collected on nets beneath the trees. After that, leaves and small stones are removed and the olives are run through a washer to remove any impurities before crushing. Then, within 24-36 hours of picking, the olives are crushed by granite millstones. The olive paste obtained is layered on mats which are put under pressure from a screw or hydraulic press. The liquid produced is collected and put through a centrifugal separator to separate the water and impurities from the oil. Finally, after centrifugation, the oil is obtained.

Superior olive oil is amber in colour and opaque. The less acidic the oil, the better the quality.

Synonyms 1

1. couple = pair

2. abducting = kidnapping

3. series = sequence

4. emotions = feelings

5. expressed = showed

6. bundled = pushed

7. kept = held

8. abused = mistreated

9. prison = jail/gaol

10. released = set free

Producing Orange Juice

Orange juice is a very healthy drink, full of vitamin C. The process of producing orange juice for sale in supermarkets is quite long and complicated. Here is how it is done.

First, the fruit is unloaded from lorries. Then the oranges are graded, washed and sized. After that, the juice is extracted and the residual material is sent for use as animal feed. The next step is very important. The juice is evaporated at a high temperature over a short time, producing concentrate. The concentrate is then stored in refrigerated units. Then the juice is canned and shipped overseas to its destination. In the country where it will be sold, water is added to the concentrate. Finally, the orange juice is bottled and sent to supermarkets, where it is sold to the consumer.

As you can see, producing orange juice for sale in shops is a long and complicated process but the final product is worth it.

UAE & Brazil soccer

Comparisons
Model answer

Compare and contrast the overall play of Brazil’s national football team with that of the UAE. Say which of these teams you would rather watch and give reasons.

Most countries in the world have a football team, and Brazil and the UAE are no exceptions. I will describe the similarities and differences between the two teams, and say which one I would prefer to watch.

Like Brazil, the UAE is a member of FIFA which is an international body for regulating football. This means that both teams have eleven players, and substitutes are allowed. Both teams play to a system that has been agreed with the coaches beforehand. Brazil and the UAE defend when necessary but prefer to attack.

However, there are many differences in the style of play. Brazil plays at a higher level than the UAE and has won the World Cup. The former are fitter and faster than the latter and can adopt their style of play easily. This is because the Brazilian players have experience with teams all over the world while the UAE players usually play for local teams.

World rankings prove that Brazil is easily the better team. Despite this, I would prefer to watch the UAE. There are several reasons for this but the most important one is that the UAE has a huge potential. They are an emerging nation in football, and it is interesting to see new talent. Also, this country has many skilful players who will improve with experience.

My Vacation time

A vacation is a time of relaxation. I really enjoy vacations because I don’t think about school or any other problems. When I went on the cruise it was the most fun I have ever had on vacation. In the following paragraphs I’ll tell why it was my most memorable vacation.

My family and I went on a cruise and it turned out to be the most memorable vacation. I did things I have never done before. I was very exciting. It was a cool Sunday morning when we arrived at the Port of Galveston. When I saw the cruise ship, I stood in awe admiring its beauty. The ship was going to leave at 4:00 p.m., but we got there early to unpack and become familiar with the ship. We set sail for Cancun on schedule. My brother was on the ship running around and getting into trouble. In Cancun we went shopping and bargaining (to try get lower price on souvenirs). All those experiences made the trip memorable. The most memorable part of trip was the island of Couzamel. My brother and I went snorkeling with sting rays. After about 15 minutes I enjoyed the presence of the sting rays. I got the opportunity to pick up a sting ray with my hand. Snorkeling was a very exciting experience. You would think sting rays were vicious and try to sting you but, they are real gentle.

Seeing how much fun my brother and my dad, the beautiful water and most of all the sting rays was the best time I had ever had.