Generation gap

I agree with teenagers that it is very difficult for their parents to understand them because of the generation gap.This means that there is a difference in the attitude, priorities and views among generations.

In this way there are many problems between generations. First of all, the progress and the technology creates many problems in this era. The younger generations accept and adopt these technologies very quickly so that are ahead of the older generations, who believe that teens are shallow, and they have a lack of knowledge. So the young people today get their information from the Internet while the elders take it from the profound study of books. One should also bear in mind that every age has its own codes which include the way of dressing, of behavior, and of relationships with others. Consequently, our grandmothers are connected with tradition so they never approve of the way that we wear the clothes today, for example the jeans, while the younger generations consider the elders old fashioned.

Despite the fact that there are problems, this does not mean that there are not some possible ways of overcoming them. Firstly, one way would be for parents to listen to what children are trying to say; they should talk to them, and encourage them. Even though it is difficult to interpret the teenagers' mind when they try to become an individual, parents ought to spend time with their children, to do some activities together, so in this way they will know each other better. As a mother, I try to support my children in every possible way every day, to understand them and to share a common hobby with them, which will give us the same pleasure.

Taking everything into account, the best thing to do is to try to brige the generation gap and simply, to tell our children that we trust them enough to do the right thing.

EXTENDED FAMILIES

Do you think it is possible for extended families to share the same house in harmony?
(The editor of 'New York Today' wants to know his readers' opinions on this recent trend.)

Dear Editor,

I am a reader of 'New York Today' and I am writing to you to express my opinion about the advantages and disadvantages which arise when a newly married couple is obliged to live with their parents because of financiale problems.

The are considerable advantages in sharing a house with your parents.They offer their help daily regarding the preparing of food, the house chores and most important the children's upbringing.Grandparents have a lot to offer because they do not work anymore so they have the time and the patience,which their grandchilden need.Personally, I experienced this situation for a year and I think that it is very convenient and practical in some aspects.

Nevertheless, there are also important drawbacks that cannot be ignored. This means that it is very difficult to share the same house, even with your parents, because everyone needs to have their private space. Many times you have a disagreement with them about differnt topics and this has a negative influence on the life and the harmony of the house. Sometimes they hold strong views and they refuse to listen to others' opinions, in this way an unpleasant atmosphere is created. For example a friend of mine got a divorce when she had to live with their parents on account of the grandparents' mindedness and stubbornness.

Taking all the above into consideration, I suggest that somebody should share the same house with their parents if this is necessary, but for a small period of time, keeping a balance between their privacy and their shared life with others. I hope that my letter will be puplished and that my views will be taken into account.

February (words)

My friend John is moody everytime I phone him.
But I have another friend who is called George and he is easy-going everytime I phone him.
I would like to have a cheerful company with me when I go out to have fun.
It's very positive if somebody is self-confident because in this way all the things go well.
All people should be thougtful when it comes to elderly people.
The person who talks all the time is very dull.
She hasn't many friends because she is opinionated and this isn't pleasant to anybody.
Most of the famous people are big-headed so this hinders their career.
I don't like anyone to be pushy with me.
Teachers don't like being in the classroom with childen when they are treated awfully.
The doctor told us that our father's treatment rescued his life.
There was an accidend last night and a passenger injured his knuckle on the hip.
My mother doesn't understand when I speak to her, so she gets on my nerves.
For me the date of a lifetime was the first one I had my husband.
Do you remeber the sinking feeling when we lost the plane?
She didn't go on about the film she saw yesterday.
Mr Been has a wicked sense of humour.
He first came across as being moody, but he is a fine person after all.
Once you get to know him, he will make you laugh all the time.
The thing that strikes me about him is that he is so self-confident.
Although the room was very messy he was sitting in it being very chilled out.
You shouldn't make heavy weather of our quarrel because it wasn't a big deal.
I want to be bright and breezy all the time and my friends too.
On the beach I feel more confortable when I sit on a sun lounger.
Every summer I look forward to going on holidays.
Last night I was in a party but I didn't have fun because it was deadly boring.
I 'm convinced that my life will change if I adopt a positive outlook.

What is the most important attribute for people to succed in life, an attractive appearance, a good sense of humor or a sharp mind?

I disagree with the idea that to succeed in life, you should have only an attractive appearance. While there is no doubt that it is an important feature for people, it is also undeniable that by having a good sense of humor, and a sharp mind,you can make it easily.

On the one hand, if you have a good sense of humor it is advantageous because you make a positive impression on other people and everybody talks and thinks highly of you.In this way you are very likeable to others, so they can not probably see your weak points.For example, there are many artists who had an important career and they are famous in the world, like Mr Been without being good-looking.

On the other hand, having a sharp mind, has a lot to offer to everyone who wants to achieve something.Cleverness provides people with the opportunity to do everything they want. For example applicants with a sharp mind have more chances to take a job in an interview compared to others who don't. They have better ideas and they negotiate the situation with more confidence.

From my point of view, the good sense of humor and a sharp mind are the best qualifications young people should have to achieve their targets, and to have a brilliant future.

January (words)

Heraklion is a small sity and it doesn't have many motorway junctions.
Despite the fact that it is a small town, the urban sprawl has increased the last years.
I think that a hot bath unwinds and relaxes all people.
When my son wanted to go on a trip alone, I didn't negotiate this with him.
When you have an untidy room, it is very difficult to browse your things.
Last week I went on an excursion with my family and my mind is packed with images.
Picasso's paintings, like Mona Lisa, are outstanding.
To enjoy my stay, I definitely want some basic facilities.
I like travelling by rail because it is more comfortable.
The teacher did some DIY by cardboard for the children last week.
Pride is a sentiment which gives happiness to people.
If you want to earn a reputation for your work, you will have to work very hard.
In my village we have a church with a very high spire.
If you take part in this conspiracy, you will have many bad consequences with the law.
I always use a clove of garlic when preparing my meal.
Children don't like the absenteeism of their parents from the house.
The Museum of Louvre is one of the most famous hightlights of Paris.
The girls always follow the trend at the age of 16.
One of the most important things which I want to teach to my children is self-esteem.
My nephew is likely to have a big career in economics.
When I am in a difficult situation, I always figure out a solution for my problem.
The black breed of people are very good singers.
I am filled with optimism? I mean I have a positive view of the future.
We must diminish the number of cars in my town because of circulatory troubles.
My dressmaker demonstrated me some pattens for carnival costumes.
It is difficult for me to adapt to living in my new flat.
My friend Anna adopted a child last year, and she is very happy now.
Parents always have their children as a priority.
I don't like it when somebody makes me do something which I don't want to do.
In the morning ,I overslept and I lost my appointment with my gynaecologist.
The institution of family is very important in my country.

Grammar focus

• If+Present Simple+Present Simple (zero conditional)

If you have an important decision to make, it is more difficult.

• If +Present Simple+will (first conditional)

If the trend continues, this figure will double in the next ten years.

• If+Past Simple+would (second conditional)

If you wanted to buy a house ,.....you'd be able to.

1 a probable situation in the future (real) (First conditional)
2 a less likely or hypothetical situation (unreal) (Second conditional)
3 a habit or general truth (real) (Zero conditional)

Examples:
1 If I go to excursion, I feel happy.
2 If I cook today, we will have lunch at noon
3 If I went a trip abroad, I would go to Paris.

Cookery Challenge

Ingredients:

1. 1 medium chicken
2. 250g mushrooms
3. 2 lemons
4. 400g cheese
5. 3 cloves garlic
6. 2 onions
7. 4 carrots
8. 2 potatoes
9. oil, salt,pepper

Instructions

Take a pan and heat 4 spoons of oil and put the chopped chicken. Add the onions and the garlic. Cook the meat and onions until they are brown. Add the mushrooms, the carrots, the potatoes, and let simmer for 30', before adding the cheese, salt, pepper and the lemons. Serve with rice.