Essay inspired by O. Henry's "WHITCHE'S LEAVES" (From Home Task to 26.03.2011)

The essay inspired by “WHITCHE’S LOAVES”

I’ve read a peace from O. Henry’s “WHITCHE’S LOAVES” and became rather confused by the things, that took place. I’d define the voice of the narrator as quite engaging and ironic. I really like the way he describes Miss Martha: “… and she possessed two false teeth and sympathetic heart.”  You can also find irony through the phrase like that: “There was no language of edibles…” and so on. And it’s worth mentioning the way, that the author describes the customer’s language: “bicture”, “blease” or “bairspictive”: it sounds very natural for a German! And I’d like to add a few words about the story plot. Could you predict the end of the story? I guess no. Neither could I. The plot is unpredictable! Though the end is rather absurd, but it’s a pity at the same time. A sincere desire of a sympathetic heart to help a poor artist turned into real harm for the artist’s last three months work! So there is nothing to say besides that, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions” (from  Saint Bernard of Clairvaux).

Home task 26.03.2011

Guide to Rio (from hometask 12.03.2011)

Why don’t you visit Rio de Janeiro and its famous carnival?

Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts. It contains poor districts called favelas situated on the slopes of mountains surround the city. On the other hand Rio is the second biggest city in Brazil with wonderful weather, exceptional atmosphere, outstanding and impressive architecture monuments such as The Statue of Christ-Ransomer. And even Ostap Bender itself named Rio “the dream of his life”! In addition Rio also has an unofficial name “Amazing City”.

Next few years you’ll have a number of extra reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro: World Football Championship in 2014 and XXXI Summer Olympics in 2016. If you want to dive into the atmosphere of football game, you could visit The Maracana Stadium or “Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho” – the world’s second biggest stadium; it seats almost 200 thousand   spectators! Families with young children will enjoy strolling around the Rio streets sinking in tropical fauna. There are also a number of parks including “Tijuka” – the biggest town forest in the world.

A must of all visitors is a “Rio carnaval”. Up to 80000 spectators on the tribune of “Sambódromo” have an ability to observe the samba occasion during 10 hours! During this time the best cariocas-dancers (i.e. people from Rio) participate in the world famous samba contest. But if you don’t want just to sit, you could improve your skills visiting one of the few tens samba schools in Rio de Janeiro. “Rio carnaval” usually takes place at the very beginning of March.

 Other interesting historical Rio landmarks include The mountain “Sugar Head” (“Pão de Açúcar” in Portuguese) and The statue of Christ-Ransomer. If you are fond of breath taking sights and spectacular buildings, these places are waiting for you! The mountain “Sugar Head” has 400m in height and outstanding shape. On its slope you even have an ability to visit an amphitheatre – entertainment centre, where various musical and theatre performances take place. The statue of Christ-Ransomer is treated as a symbol of the Rio de Janeiro and the whole Brazil. It has 38m in height with handspread equals to 30m! It’s really unbelievable sight! This statue is one of the most famous monuments in the world. And annually up to 1,8 million of tourist rise to it pedestal where a magnificent panoramic sight opens up.

Home task 19.03.2011

Essay inspired by “The music on the hill” by Saki (H. Munro)

I’ve read a peace from “The music on the hill” and was really scared due to the authors writing manner. Thought sometimes it’s rather tedious descriptions of a surrounding nature, but such a somber type of narration (as it seems to me) makes a big deal to immerse you in a necessary condition. The necessary for you to experience the same way that characters do. And if you are filled enough with an atmosphere of the story, it would be really awful for you to feel an acrid smell of a hunted stag together with Sylvia. In addition I’d like to mention that the story has a rather sophisticated plot. It makes you be in a constant alertness and high attention to small things. I think that the author succeeded in creating the sentiment of “crushing stillness and desolation” in a very realistic way.

The music on the Hill comprehension quiz:

http://www.allthetests.com/quiz29/getflash.php?id=1300457861

Crossword (vocabulary quiz): 

http://uk3.hotpotatoes.net/ex/67884/GEHMGGMX.php

From Workbook (p. 68-69):

The advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad

I suppose that studying abroad is a natural way of education development. Studying abroad has a number of advantages. First of all, you have an ability to get new knowledge, to meet new people and to enlist _ international support in both your studying and work. Moreover it’s a perfect way to practice, improve or even learn foreign language of “high quality” very fast and quite easily. Moreover, for some people it’s also the only way to be occupied with what they indeed want to do, because they just don't have such abilities in home country. Finally, studying abroad gives you a really invaluable life experience.

There is also a list of disadvantages. For example it may be quite expensive or too hard to get used to the life style or culture for example. You shouldn’t forget that studying abroad usually means for you that family and friends would be far away and couldn’t support you as the usually do. What’s more foreign language may cause problems.

To conclude, I’d like to notice, that in spite of difficulties concerned with studying abroad, all the troubles and complications you would come across there represent a real life test. And if you manage to pass it well, your life definitely will become better.