June 2013, issue 82

world of words“The English Language Program’s student magazine – a compilation of the

Spring session’s highlights, student opinions and other features.”

ELP Success StoryAktang Abdykerim

Sporting Life 10KGoing the Distance for Camp Oochigeas

TorontoThe World in One City

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Disclaimer: Due to our diverse student population, we receive many opinion-based articles relating

to global and current affairs. The views expressed in this magazine are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the English Language Program.

The English Language Program does not endorse, represent or warrant the quality of products or companies mentioned within.

inside this issue

Cover photograph taken by Darren Rigo, ELP Cultural Assistant

Feature ArticlesAn ELP Success Story 4

The Sporting Life 10K 6

The World in One City 8

University Application Program 10

Volunteer Experience Program 12

Student OpinionBio-Medicine in Saudi Arabia 14

The World Needs Professional Volunteers 15

The Changing Family 16

The Mall of Arabia 16

Communicating Cultures 17

A Promise is a Promise 18

Under Pressure 20

The International Education System 21

A Meeting That Never Happened 23

The Robot 24

Half Empty of Half Full 25

Student LifeEnglish Outside the Classroom 26

Spring Camping 2013 28

Going Camping? 34

Canada’s Wonderland 36

A Guide to Softball 38

KGU in New York City 40

Photo Club Corner 42

Darren’s Music Corner 44

Best Turkish Cuisine in Toronto 46

20th Annual Hot Docs 48

Coffee Chat 49

Ask Rosa 50

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Dan Pinese

Sana Ali, Maxine Bower, Heather Bryans, Chris Chipman,

Lily Choi, Andrea Cuellar, Erik Dean, Kimberly Hindy,

Jesse Khudoo, Rosa Leo, Lily Meshadiyeva, Darren Rigo,

Becky Smith, Victoria Young

Editor and Layout Design

Staff Contributors

Dear all,

It is now summer in Toronto! While I am a fan of all four of our beautiful seasons, I have to admit that we Torontonians do look forward to our summers. In this issue, ELP students, staff and instructors show you “summer” ways to use, practice and improve your English in the wonderful city of Toronto: explore more, connect more and share more!

Explore More When you are living in a new environment, it is so important to explore the world around you: Thrill-seekers compare roller coasters; photographers capture beautiful moments at Allen Gardens; foodies sample various cuisines in our many international neighbourhoods; campers enjoy nature at Glen Bernard Camp; and KGU students visit NYC. Explore the city, explore the country, explore the world!

Connect MoreELP provides a hub for us all to connect with friends: Staff and instructors come together to complete a 10K for a good cause; newbies and experienced players join forces as the Eager Beavers to play softball in U of T’s intramural sports; volunteers support meaningful causes with classmates and local Canadians. Connect with us, connect with each other and connect with the local community!

Share MoreMost importantly, we want you to share; share your success, your advice, your recommendations, your opinions and your experience of living and studying in Toronto: Past students return to share their success stories with current students; Cultural Assistants provide tips to help students in camping and applying to universities; students express their opinions about global issues. When we share, we make the world a smaller place. When we share, we make the world a better place.

I hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.

Warm regards,

Sherry Yuan Hunter Executive Director, English Language Program University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

P.S. Thanks to all the wonderful contributors of the World of Words Magazine. You are now published, both online and in print – congratulations! Keep up the great work.

ELP Director’s MessageJune 2013

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The following is an interview that was done with Aktang Abdykerim, who has recently completed Academic English: Level 60, at ELP.

Question: What courses did you take at the English Language Program? Answer: I took three sessions of Academic English, starting from level 40 to 60.

Q: Why did you choose to take these courses? What was your motivation for studying at ELP?A: I took these courses in order to apply to undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto. I was really happy when I found out that I did not need to take the IELTS test!

Q: What did your experience at the English Language Program teach you? A: Being a student at the English Language Program made me a hard-worker and a more responsible, confident person. This program’s strict rules taught me to be a better student overall and most importantly, to believe in myself.

Q: Did you participate in social activities? A: I attended the Music Club a few times, but other than that I didn’t have enough time to participate in activities.

Q: How did the University Application Program help you?A: When I came to Canada, I didn’t think that people would be that helpful when it came to giving advice or guidance. When I asked you and Chris [Chipman] for suggestions on applying, I felt grateful to have received so much support. The one-on-one consultations helped me greatly during the application

An ELP Success StoryBy Lily Meshadiyeva, UAP Advisor

Interview with Aktang Abdykerim

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process. The workshops also guided me on where to start and what to do. Basically, I always got help with I needed it.

Q: Did you get accepted to a university this year?A: I did. I got into University of Toronto Mississauga for their Commerce and Management program.

Q: What are you going to be doing until the beginning of September?A: I currently have an internship at a mining company. I’m meeting new people and learning various things. I’m learning more about finance and using different computer software systems. I’m going to be doing that this summer.

Q: What advice would you give to students who are currently applying to universities?A: I would tell them to adapt to the Canadian education system as quickly as possible. It’s really important to apply well before the deadlines and not to leave it until the last minute. They should also attend the UAP workshops to know what they should start doing and get organized.

Q: What did you like or dislike about the ELP? What would you change?A: I liked how we had access to modern technology like Smartboards in classrooms. I also liked getting my own U of T email and student card. I especially liked using Blackboard to access my homework and notes from the instructor online. The computer room that is available for all students was extremely beneficial. I loved the convenient location of the building, having direct access to the subway, and having a café right downstairs. Most importantly, I liked the opportunity to practice speaking in English to other students and meeting new people through social activities and class time.

Q: What are your future plans?A: I plan on finishing my bachelor’s degree here, and then I plan to work until I achieve my career goals. I would potentially really like to work with government officials and become head of administration in the future.

Aktang Abdykerim is an ambitious 18-year-old student from Kazakhstan. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.

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FINISH

START

The Sporting Life 10KSCS staff go the distance for Camp Oochigeas

By Dan Pinese, ELP Program Administrator

On May 12, 2013, staff from the University Of Toronto School Of Continuing

Studies joined 27,000 other runners and walkers for the annual Sporting Life 10K Run for Kids with Cancer. The event raises approximately one-third of the total budget for the privately-funded and volunteer-run Camp Oochigeas, a camp for children and teens diagnosed and affected by cancer.

This year, Team SCS contributed $2,200 to the over $2 million raised on the particularly cold and windy Mother’s Day. This total amount allows the Muskoka camp to run all summer long. And, as Bibian Aguirre, Coordinator, Special Programs, English Language Program explained, despite the less than ideal weather conditions, the attitude remained positive and focus on the good cause.

“I feel very proud of the SCS team. We supported a wonderful cause and we had a lot of fun. It’s great to know that our participation in the race as well as every dollar we raised goes towards to helping a kid affected by cancer go to a summer camp. I am sure this is a cause the school and its staff will support many years to come,” Aguirre said.

These sentiments were echoed by other members of Team SCS. For Becky Smith, International Marketing Manager, English Language Program, successfully finishing the course was truly a team effort.

“The most important thing for me was to be able to complete the walk alongside my colleagues. We encouraged and supported each other along the route and also had a lot of fun in the process.” Smith said.

But, in addition to personal and team success, for Sherry Yuan Hunter, Executive Director of the English Language Program and Associate Director of the School of Continuing Studies, the broader goal was not lost.

“This was such a meaningful way for our colleagues to come together and make our corner of the world a better place,” Yuan Hunter said.

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FINISH

START

Team SCS participants were: Barb Petersen, Sherry Yuan Hunter (not in picture), Lisa Morgan, Bibian Aguirre, Becky Smith, Jennifer Gordon (not in picture), Visnja Cuturic, Mary Lawless, Chris Chipman, Kimberley Hindy, Carol Yeung, Bill Mboutsiadis, Gelareh Keshavarz, Brittany Wiwat (not in picture), and Jesse Khudoo

With this, my last step, I placed my white and turquoise Nike running

shoe firmly onto that black, spongy, electronic pad. After two hours and forty two minutes of walking, I was filled with a rush of excitement like I haven’t felt since…well…I’ve never felt this…ever!

That final step said – ‘Thank you, now we can finally time you in!’, ‘Thank you, now I can stop!’, ‘Thank you, now I can say I’ve completed a 10k walk!’. Who cares how long it took? I wasn’t in a race with the other 21,500 people who completed it, I was in a race with myself.

This was a personal physical achievement that I had promised to make and keep, to myself and for myself. Only, I couldn’t keep it to myself – there were 21,500 other people who would read about me – find my name on the time-list and see that I wasn’t, in fact, the last one – I was 21,495th. There were four other people who finished behind me. Well, actually three finished alongside me, and one came behind.

Yes, I was not alone on this walk. Crossing the finish line along with me were three amazing women, my friends, Becky Smith, Visnja Cuturic and Mary Lawless. Kudos to all of them for having the tenacity to just keep moving forward despite the bitter cold wind that funnelled up Yonge Street, the threat and then appearance of hailstones, and through the empty water stations and porta-potty area that had long been packed away just

when we needed to stop for a Gatorade or a pee. Well, thank goodness for the coffee shops and convenience stores along the way!

Yes, this was indeed the most physical movement I had ever put my body through – I’ve always been known for driving or riding the Red Rocket to get to places – rain or shine I’d use wheels or rails – but to get somewhere by my own steam, sweat and pain – no way, no how, no sir!

Except, not this time, that 10k pushed me into the world of the physical body – there among the athletic, LuluLemon-clad, pony-tail swishing gals – I was an athlete too. And, how could I not be when all the money raised from this Sporting Life 10k walk was going to kids with cancer…truly, it was a race for them.

Jesse Khudoo has been teaching in the English Language Program for over twenty years. She has an M.A in Applied Linguistics. Her thesis examined the role of reflective practice and its influences on teaching perceptions. Jesse is a teacher-trainer in the practicum for the Woodsworth TESL Certificate Program. Jesse has taught in all courses and levels in the ELP Program. She is an accredited member of TESL Ontario and TESL Toronto, and was the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2001. Jesse says she was born to teach – through professional development, observing her colleagues and by listening to her students, Jesse’s teaching style reflects the ever-changing learning experience. With a warm smile, and open personality, Jesse is able to interact well with her students and keep them motivated to learn.

With this StepPersonal achievement at Sporting Life

By Jesse Khudoo, ELP Instructor

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The World in One CityToronto’s Communities and Culinary Experiences

By Andrea Cuellar, ELP Cultural AssistantStudying Sociology

College Street

Bloor Street

Queen Street

King Street

Front Street

Dundas Street

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St. Clair Avenue West

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Ch

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Located along the stretch of Bloor Street that runs from Christie to Bathurst, the development of Koreatown began around the 1960’s. With one of the largest concentrations of Koreans in the country, Toronto’s Koreatown is full of small Korean businesses, shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and bakeries. There are numerous Korean dishes and delicacies to try, as well as Korean imported goods readily available in Koreatown. Buk Chang Dong Soon To Fu (691 Bloor St. West) is a top rated Korean restaurant that offers traditional food selections such as bibimbap, tteokbokki, pickled bean sprouts, kimchee, and sweet dried soybeans to name a few. To try sweet filled Korean walnut cakes or hottoek (Korean pancakes filled with red bean or cinnamon sugar) among other Korean sweets, visit the bakery Hodo Kwaja (656 Bloor Street West). PAT Central Market on 675 Bloor Street West is a Korean grocery store offering Korean food and goods.

Since the early 1920s, this area of College Street between Ossington and Dufferin has existed as Toronto’s first Little Italy and the new home to many Italian immigrants to Toronto. Later on, a second Italian community, Corso Italia, developed to the north on St. Clair West. Both areas offer delectable Italian foods, shops, and opportunities for unique cultural experiences. The College Street Little Italy is always lively, lined with Italian businesses and storefronts and lit with glowing lights. This is the perfect place to enjoy Italian commercial goods, wine, pastas, pizzas, and seafood specialties. There is no shortage of coffee bars, bakeries, gelato shops and restaurants to try. Riviera Bakery (576 College Street) has classic tiramisu and cannoli’s ready to eat. Bar Italia (582 College Street) and Cafe Diplomatico (594 College Street) offer varieties of traditional Italian recipes and dishes. Sicilian Ice Cream (712 College Street) has been around since the beginnings of Little Italy and is home to Italian gelato and sweet desert options.

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Yo

ng

e Street

Danforth Avenue

Ch

ester Aven

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Dew

hu

rst Blvd

Toronto’s Greektown was once the largest Greektown in North America, and continues to be extensively populated by the Toronto’s Greek community. Located on Danforth Avenue between Chester Avenue and Dewhurst Blvd, this street is lined with a wide variety of Greek restaurants, businesses, shops, services, bakeries and cafes, one after another. This area guarantees a bounty of great food and things to see and do. Messini (445 Danforth Avenue) is just one example of the many restaurants in Greektown featuring classic Greek options such as gyros, souvlaki, saganaki fried cheese, lamb, and seafood dishes, all with a side of pitas and tzatszki. Athens Pastries (509 Danforth Avenue) is one of the bakeries offering both sweet and savoury Greek pastries, like galaktoboureko (custard phyllo pastries), loukomades (honey balls), and spanakopita (spinach and cheese phyllo). As the area has developed, Greektown now shares Danforth with establishments of other ethnic origins, for example: Indian, Ethiopian, Moroccan, Turkish, Thai, and Brazilian.

One of the largest Chinatowns in North America, downtown Toronto’s Chinatown runs up Spadina Avenue to College Street. Growing since the 1950’s, this downtown Chinatown provides a glimpse of Chinese culture on this side of the globe. Shops and restaurants to banks, spas, and doctors can be found here. Accompanied by a selection of Vietnamese and Korean varieties of food, Chinatown has endless selections of Chinese restaurants and bakeries. Try Mashion Bakery (345 Spadina Ave) for different varieties of sweet and savoury buns—steamed pork buns or pineapple custard buns for example, sesame mousse, egg tarts, and the ever popular sesame balls. A well-known dumpling spot is Mothers Dumplings farther up the street (421 Spadina Ave). K&K (298A Spadina Ave), Hua Sheng Supermarket (293 Spadina Ave), and Lucky Moose Food Mart (393 Dundas Street West) are top places for groceries and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Located mainly along Dundas Street West, between Bathurst St. and Lansdowne Ave, stretching north to College Street and just South of Dundas, this area known as Little Portugal or Portugal Village has been the area where Portuguese immigrants have come to settle and form downtown’s Portuguese community since the 1960’s. Now a large Portuguese and recently Brazilian residential area, Little Portugal’s main street is lined with stores and restaurants that highlight and celebrate Portuguese and Brazilian food and culture. Try Nova Era Bakery (1172 Dundas Street West or 770 College Street) for traditional Portuguese pastries, such as pastel de nata (Egg Custard Tart), and pão doce (Portuguese sweet bread), or a sandwich made on a Portuguese paposeco bun. For abundant seafood dishes and churrasqueria style meals, Churrasqueria Do Sardinha (1213 Dundas Street West) and Bairrada Churrasqueria (1000 College Street or 1560 Dundas Street West) are two options.

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u.a.pUniversity Application Program

By Lily Meshadiyeva, UAP AdvisorPhotograph taken byFaisal Alhebshi

The English Language Program provides assistance to students who are interested in applying to university, through the University Application Program (UAP). The University Application Program offers one-on-one

counselling, delivers information workshops, guides students in filling out online applications, and provides feedback on personal statements and resumes.

Workshops offered through UAP include: - Applying to Undergraduate Programs- Applying to Graduate Programs- Navigating Online Applications- Writing Personal Statements and Resumes- The ‘Freshman’ Experience

One-on-one Consultations:- Personalized feedback in sessions of 15 -45 minutes- Appointments can be booked in advance- Drop-in office hours offered twice a week. Wednesday and Friday from 11:00am - 1:00pm.

Our support has helped students enter the following Universities:- University of Toronto St George - University of Toronto Scarborough- University of Toronto Mississauga- York University- Ryerson University- University of Ontario Institute of Technology- McMaster University- University of Western Ontario- Algoma University- University of Regina- Trent University

Photograph taken by Elaf Abdulrahman Alhazmi

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105D applications apply only to those students who wish to study undergraduate programs in the province of Ontario, who currently reside in Canada (Canadian citizens, permanent residents or those currently studying in Canada on a study permit or other visa) OR are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident living elsewhere (not in Canada) AND are not currently attending an Ontario secondary school in a day program.

I. Check your email immediately after you apply for confirmation that your application has been submitted successfully.

II. One business day after your fees are processed, log in to your application to review your submissions.

a. Note – if you pay by cheque, money order, or online-telephone banking, you will not have access to your application until the payment reaches the OUAC and is processed; it will take longer than if you pay by credit card.

III. One week after you submit your application, check your email to find out which supporting documents are requested from each university and where they need to be sent.

IV. Log on to the university websites and check if you are required to create an online profile or submit a supplementary application for each university.

a. Note – at the University of Toronto, most programs require a supplementary application. It includes your work history, volunteer experience, interests/hobbies, etc.

V. Complete all online profiles or supplementary applications for each school and make sure you submit them before the given deadlines.

VI. Check the online profile to verify that your documents have arrived

a. It can take a week or more for your online profile to be updated. If you have sent your documents and the online profile does not say that the school has received them, be sure to contact the admissions office.

VII. Check for early admissions or conditional offers of admission on your OUAC account.

VIII. If you receive an offer, determine by what date you need to accept the offer.

a. Note – according to the OUAC website, if you accept one offer, it does not mean that other universities will not offer you admission. If you later decide to accept an offer from another university, you need to cancel the first acceptance and then accept your university of choice. If you decline an offer and later decide that you would like to accept that offer, it is highly unlikely that there will still be a spot for you.

IX. Check the university websites for campus open houses or tours, and visit the universities to determine which school is right for you. When you are at the school, communicate with current students in the program that you are applying to.

X. Consider housing options for each university, such as living at home and commuting, living in a university residence, or living in off-campus housing in the area.

a. Note - to secure a spot in university residences, register and pay any initial deposits or fees before the given deadlines.

Good luck!

10 things to do once you have submitted your Ontario Universities’ Application Centre 105D form

Photograph taken by Elaf Abdulrahman Alhazmi

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The Volunteer Experience Program

The Volunteer Experience Program (VEP) is designed to allow students to gain valuable volunteer

experience at charitableorganizations in Toronto.

• Gain valuable work experience.• Practice speaking English.• Join exciting events happening around Toronto for free.• Meet new people.

Students are awarded a certificate andreference letter upon completion of 20hours of volunteer work which they canuse when applying to academic programs in universities, or when seeking jobs in Canada and elsewhere.

The Volunteer Experience Program is proud to work with the following organizations:

v.e.p

Joining the VEP is easy! Attend the weekly meetings every Wednesday at 5:15pm in Room 4-160.

Sign up for upcoming events, check the number of hours you have volunteered, or request a reference

letter or certificate.

• Evergreen Canada• Chinatown Buisness Improvement Area• The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation• Yonge Street Mission• Harbourfront Toronto• Goodlife Marathon• Waterfront Blues Festival• Cultura Festival• Dusk Dances• Beaches International Jazz Festival• Canadian Stage Theatre Company• Heart and Stroke Foundation• World Short Film Festival

VEP students show their strength at the Plane Pull for ALS Canada

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By Chris Chipman,Coordinator, Student Services

Pull that Plane!

On Sunday, May 26th, students from the English Language Program made the

trek out to Downsview Airport for the 2013 Bombardier Plane Pull for ALS Canada. ELP students volunteered to help run the event, in which teams competed to pull a Bombardier Q400 Airplane 100 metres in the shortest time. Volunteers were tasked to manage craft stations, snack stations, children’s rides, and kit packaging for the day. Participating teams included the Toronto Police, Markham Firefighters, and Manulife Financial. Teams were supported through donations, with the proceeds went towards those suffering from ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS (often called Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a rapidly progressing neuromuscular disease that currently has no cure.

www.alsplanepull.ca

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Student Opinion

The Biomedical Engineering field is becoming in demand in Saudi Arabia. In addition, there is a need for

biomedical engineers. First, the ministry of health will build 114 hospitals around the country by 2018. These hospitals will be provided with new medical instruments which will be installed and operated by companies that specialize in biomedical technology. As a result, biomedical engineers can find employment opportunities in both hospitals and companies. Second, the Saudi Scientific Society for Biomedical Engineers (SSSBE) is giving courses continually for biomedical engineers; for example, in the last six months the organization has provided 62 engineers with courses in hospital design, electronic and medical equipment troubleshooting, and industrial and medical sensors. Third, despite the growing demands for expertise, there are few universities which have biomedical engineering departments. However, there is a plan in Saudi Arabia to open new universities all over the country, and some of these universities will open biomedical engineering departments to meet the growing biomedical needs of hospitals and companies. Finally, doctor Nazeh Al-Othmani , an assistant professor in King Abdul-Aziz University and head of the SSSBE, expects that the rapid development of technology in the biomedical engineering field will encourage universities to establish biomedical engineering department to promote the technology in health care. In summary, there is a growing need for biomedical engineering education and engineers in Saudi Arabia due to governmental funding, SSSBE courses, new universities programs, and advancements in biomedical technology.

Bio-Medicine in Saudi ArabiaBy Abdullah Biran of Saudi Arabia, Level 50 Academic English

Due to our diverse student population, we receive many opinion-based articles relating to global and current affairs. The views expressed in this magazine are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the English Language Program.

Student Opinion

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Bio-Medicine in Saudi Arabia Volunteering at organizations such as Doctors Without Borders is not easy. However, there are some people who

are willing to volunteer at that kind of organization. Such people usually have some characteristics that others do not have. These include bravery, selflessness, and a high level of education. Most of all, people who want to volunteer for an organization must be brave. No one knows what is going to happen where the volunteer will be sent. The volunteers may be in dangerous situations like war. Furthermore, sometimes there are unstable environments like in Haiti, in which there were some aftershocks that were dangerous after a large earthquake. On the other hand, people who are brave are not afraid of these kinds of situations.

In addition, most volunteers are selfless people. At times, volunteers die of diseases that they contract from the area in which they work. They put their lives in danger when they volunteer. If some people only take care of themselves, they will never go to an area where there are some diseases such as Malaria and HIV/AIDS. Selfless people are always ready to sacrifice themselves for the people in hazardous places.

Finally, volunteers who attend organizations are highly educated like doctors and engineers. In all the areas which need some aid, expert volunteers are required because there are no professional doctors, engineers, and so on. Although there are amounts of emergency kits and machines to help people and to dig wells, if experts do not operate them, the supplies will be useless. Thus, many people who are highly educated are necessary in such areas. Consequently, people who attend organization as volunteers are highly educated because there is a lack of experts.

To sum up, to be a volunteer, a person needs at least, three characteristics. The three necessary things are bravery, selflessness, and a high level of education. People who have these requirements can volunteer at an organization such as Doctors Without Borders.

The World Needs Professional Volunteers

By Hyun Jun Bae of South Korea, Level 50 Academic English

Student Opinion

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As almost everyone knows by now, family makeup has changed greatly in the United

States and other countries. There are several causes of the changing family, including the requirements of a hard life, technology, and culture. First, now life is very hard, and we need to provide everything. That means that all parents should have a career. For example, when a family has a new baby, the mother should stay at home, but the father should work a long time. When the baby is bigger than before, the parents will switch their work. The father will stay home, and the mother will work, or both parents work part time, and they take care of their families in their free time. Second, technology changes our lifestyle, and it

changes the contact with each other. For instance, sometimes when the father stays at home, he has a lot of work, but he accomplishes his work by internet. Finally, the culture and customs are changing now. In the past, the culture of people was very strong, and they were not changeable. However, now they add other cultures to their own culture. In particular, many countries are affected through changing lifestyles, such as Saudi Arabia. The women had to stay home and care for their children, and men had to work outside, but now the women leave the home to work like men. The requirements of hard life, technology, and culture are causes of changing lifestyles.

The Mall Of Arabia is the largest mall in Jeddah. It opened in October 2008. It is near King

Abdul-Aziz Airport. Its area is 261,000 square meters, and it has three floors, sixteen entrances, 3000 parking spots and 300 stores and services. However, when the mall opened, it opened 120 stores because of the global financial crisis and its impact on traders. After one year, stores rented spaces in the mall because the global economy began to recover. The kinds of stores in the mall are electronics, clothing, bags, shoes and makeup. The mall features a large dome 20 meters wide. A

food court and a play area for children are under the dome, and it has a large supermarket that is called Hyper Banda. Another feature is stores with international expensive brand such as Zara, Lacoste, Forever21 and other brands. For future development, there are plans to develop Snow Village and Kidzania. Snow village is made of snow and ice, and you can spend time in the coffee shops and ski, but Kidzania teaches children about many jobs such as pilot, flight attendant, chef, dancer, accountant and other careers. In conclusion, I hope all people visit the Mall Of Arabia.

The Changing FamilyBy Areej Alameer of Saudi Arabia, Level 40 Academic English

The Mall of ArabiaBy Maather Al Subhi of Saudi Arabia, Level 30 Academic English

Student Opinion

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Communicating CulturesBy Faisal Alhabashi of Saudi Arabia, Academic English

Young and Dundas or Dundas Square as it is called is one of place that grabs my attention in Canada

for three reasons. First of all, I have never seen so many different kinds of people in one place. Not only races, but also the diversity languages I hear. Second, within sight, there are many street performers, characters like Batman and Spiderman, musicians, whose instruments catch your attention from distance. Third, performers with impressive skills, like break dancers. However, I wondered for a period of time: How do these people manage to live together? Despite, differences of race, languages, and religions, I found that they share with each other their proud traditional customs and passion for food and sport.

They start sharing their ceremonial habits at home in small amounts, where they offer some of their traditions and customs to their community; for instance, a stage play, where characters roll-play how their life is at home. Therefore, the viewer can understand their culture. In addition, volunteer work, can feed personal with a lot of tradition in any culture like: welcoming and ethics that common in other community, likewise it reflect a good image of other community, especially in a country that consider goal for most of the migrants in the world. Meanwhile, exchanging visits between communities leads to reduce the gap between them through frequent

and friendly interactions.Nevertheless, communication through language can

be a problem for some of them. Although English is the international language, nowadays food and sport can communicate between countries. Simply, people have to eat to live and every person has their own preference of food depending on their taste buds, and every country has their distinct food from the rest. For example, falafel represents the Middle East, pasta and pizza from Italy, sushi from Japan, burgers from Western countries and fish and chips originally from the United Kingdom. All this diversity of food in a city like Toronto forces the people to learn and speak with each other.

On the other hand, sports play a major role in communication, where people sharing the passion of sports like Japanese, Canadians, Africans, and Europeans compete against each other in baseball, basketball, and soccer; therefore, during any sporting event people interact even with language differences.

Last but not least, the most thing that brings all people together with their differences and beliefs is music. As I said in the introduction, musicians catch people’s attention from a distance and attract them to listen and interact in harmonic melody, forgetting all the differences between them. All these things can be observed from the commercial public square in Toronto, Dundas Square.

Photo Credit: Pedro Szekely

Student Opinion

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A promise is a promise. Time for action to end violence against women’, this is the title of Woman Day 2013

by the United Nations(UN). Responding to the increasing number of women exposed to violence either physically or sexually, the UN planned to address this dangerous situation threatening the future of women over the world. In addition, the United Nations statistics state that up to 50% of sexual assaults are committed against girls under the age of sixteen; up to 70% of the women in the world report having experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their life time. Furthermore, globally, 603 million girls worldwide are child brides, married before the age of eighteen.

Such horrible statistics of women exposed to violence open the window on a serious discussion of the future of women throughout the world. In other words, the problems resulting from domestic violence such as murder are extremely dangerous; many women all over the world die due to domestic violence. According to a dire report by the United Nations Development Fund for Women, domestic violence against Afghan women, for example, seems to be endemic. More than eight out of ten acts of violence are committed by a family member such as a husband, father-in-law, son and cousin, and many of them lead to thedeath of the victim.

Surprisingly, most women, especially in the developing countries, justify the domestic violence. According to UNICEF, in Afghanistan, about 90% of women justify the

commission of violence against them particularly by their husbands if they leave the house without permission, neglect their children, argue with the husband or burn the food. The same reasons have been also used by many women worldwide. Besides, 92% of women justifying violence have never received any education; still, their financial independent counterparts and wealthy women do not accept any kinds of violence against them.

Complicating the matter is that the solutions submitted to end this issue are ineffective because they are simply words; for example, policies formulated by the United Nations are internationally impractical since UN plans are not intended for women worldwide. In details, most UN plans depend mainly on modern technology which may not be accessible to all women such as programs in the media; still, many women living in the poor countries can not use the media as they can not afford TVs, radios, satellite services and internet or they are not allowed to use them. For instance, Afghan women exposed to violence by their husbands are not allowed to watch TV because of some strict religious beliefs, nor can they read newspapers since most of them are illiterate for many reasons: poverty, traditions, gender discrimination and religious beliefs. That is why, had the UN not provided a planned strategically driven approach to eliminate violence, many more women would have been exposed to inhuman behavior of aggression. Based on the previous examples, the UN should set a severe international

A Promise is a PromiseBy Afaf Abad of Libya, Advanced Academic Skills

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punishment for all perpetrators of violence all over the world without tolerating any types of cultural or religious justification for attacking women either physically or sexually.

One of the optimal factors perpetuating domestic violence against women is financial and social dependence. In other words, a woman who can not support herself or her children will never request her basic rights; therefore, when she experiences any kind of violence, she will not complain. On the contrary, many dependent women justify the committing of violence against them because they are unable to build a new life. For example, according to a statistic submitted by Al-Hayat newspaper, 50% of women who experienced violence are financially or socially dependent; they have no work experience or educational or professional qualifications. Had those women received educational certificates and had they applied for jobs, they would be still financially independent. This could be achieved by setting a mandatory rule for girls’ access to education.

On the other hand, there should be a kind of cooperation between the United Nations and local governments to enable women to obtain their legal, financial and political emancipation. For example, the UN must monitor all governments, particularly those which don’t regard violence as a crime as well as manage more serious agreements related to protecting women from violence. Continuing on the same theme, mental problems should

not be considered an excuse for violent commission against women as, in many countries, perpetrators who have committed physical or sexual violence leading to murder or gang-rape resulting in death attribute their behavior to being mentally ill whereas they are not. For example, according to a study submitted by Al-Ehram newspaper, many perpetrators have been released from prison because they bring a medical report claiming that they are mentally ill when, in fact, they are not.

It is crucial that the emancipation women be a right, not a favour. If international organizations work more seriously to provide women with protection as a basic right, domestic violence may disappear. Furthermore, women not only compose half of the society but also produce the second half; therefore, there should be much work to stop this inhuman aggressive commission. In addition, much effort must be made to enable women over the world to take their rights and to protect them if they decide to protest against perpetrators of violence. That is to say, many women are forced to accept violence because they know that if they protest to the police and ask a lawyer to prosecute their attackers, they might be killed, so the UN must monitor violent cases throughout the world to assure the safety of victims of violence in all countries Hence, there should be more effective strict legal rules to protect women in case they decide to complain against perpetrators of violence.

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Student Opinion

Although many people believe that studying under pressure in school will cause several problems for

younger students, many studies show that studying under pressure not only affects younger students, but also affects adults. Teachers who force younger students aged between 15 to 19 years old to work hard, and give them a huge amount of homework, may not recognize the issues that might happen to learners later, so there are many problems that affect the students’ capability. One problem is mental. For example, during the class, younger students might lose their concentration while they are studying due to working hard, and the pressure might lead them to have headaches, stress and depression. Studying under pressure is not a beneficial way to succeed in their lives; they cannot do this by worrying and being disappointed. Another problem is that students might have physical symptoms such as losing weight, especially teenage students, who neglect their health. Some students might dislike the school for these reasons; furthermore, parents may put a huge responsibility on those teachers who are unaware of the students and exhaust youngest learners by giving huge amounts of information without making sure that they understand the information or not. As a result, teachers should provide some activities and refreshments during the class to increase their attention and interests when they are learning. In fact, studying under pressure, whatever a student’s age, is not a helpful or powerful method to follow.

Under PressureBy Afnan Alabd of Saudi Arabia, Level 60 Academic English

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Every year, the number of foreign students in Canada increases. A statistical report issued by Citizenship and

Immigration Canada has found that the average increase per year is 11.5%. Although this increment is considered a favorable development for the educational aspirations of students who decide to study abroad, a potential drawback is that academic integrity in the classroom is becoming a serious problem due to cultural, language, and contextual adaptability. In addition, international students from roughly one hundred and fifty different countries enroll in academic studies with an approximate economic contribution of $8 billion annually. To illustrate, according to the annual report of “Economic Impact of International Education in Canada from May 2012,” approximately $788 million has been contributed to the Canadian economy by short term students who pursued language training.

These students who arrive for language training in order to achieve their goals experience difficulties such as not finding enough information regarding the different institutions and whether or not courses are accredited as well as the cultural diversity of the city in which the institution is located when choosing an educational institution. The initial dilemma is identifying optimal educational institutions. This may include finding those which offer apprenticeships. The next is attempting to meet admission requirements. If accepted, a student begins the arduous process of finding a supervisor to review his/her work.

Due to the fact that, allegedly, Canada, as well as the universities, intends to attract double the number of international students over the next few years, these students are still facing a big problem, as the process of getting a student visa is lengthy compared to that of

other countries such as the United States of America, Britain, and Australia. Canadian authorities require acceptance from a Canadian university before granting a visa. In contrast to the official policy of attracting new students, according to an article posted by The Globe and Mail on 10 Oct. 2012, “Report urges Canada to double down on foreign students to fuel innovation,” at the same time these international students are paying notably more tuition fees than their Canadian counterparts.

In addition to the above, foreign students are required to submit high scores; otherwise, they are unlikely to be accepted. For example, according to Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, “Attracting and retaining the best and brightest immigrants from around the world is part of the government’s commitment to grow Canada’s economy and ensure long-term prosperity,”

Another barrier that international students face is that they need to submit innumerable documents such as the policy requirements “transcripts”, proof of language proficiency such the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), and in some cases the Proof of Good Health and health insurance. The burden of extra expenses related to housing, food and transportation also falls on foreign students as in most cases they do not have any family members in the country.

A further challenge for international students is institutional academic integrity, which is the reason why a large number of them fail in their courses, and this affects the achievement of their goals. It is puzzling why international students in the Canadian education system who have different levels of English speaking and comprehension ability, are taught in the same class as if

The Limitations of the International Education System

By Danielle Aguero of Brazil, Level 60 Academic English

Danielle Aguero recommends ways for Canada to improve relations with international students

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their level were the same. Placing advanced students in classes with peers below their level of proficiency not only deprives them of the stimulating learning environment they need to improve but also wastes their money.

An alarming number of foreign students are breaking the rules with plagiarism on their tests; for example, the article posted by the Globe and Mail, “Why many international students get a failing grade in academic integrity,” states that under pressure most foreign students cheat on the exams due to the language barrier situation or because of the challenging new educational standards that need to be obtained - the institutions unrealistically expect students to get exceptionally high grades and sometimes the students want to enjoy themselves and take the easy way out. According also to an article posted by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, “These regulatory changes will provide CIC and CBSA officers with the clear authority to take enforcement action against a foreign national who fails to actively pursue studies at an authorized educational institution after arrival in Canada, potentially leading to the loss of their temporary resident status and revocation of their study permit.”

Lastly, the cross-cultural, educational, social, and family pressures, which are the source of most students’ difficulties are related to: the relationship between foreign students and local/domestic students, the interaction in classroom, and dealing with the new society. Due to these factors, it is not easy for the international students as they spend more time and resources on their education and are taking higher risks.

The process of allowing international students in the working community to acquire knowledge, skills, and experience, which is an essential part of being hired into the local market place, has become a hard procedure when your education and work experience came from very different background.

Despite not having solid erudition in the area of foreign affairs and immigration laws, only if learners are enrolled full-time in an academic course are they able to embrace a co-op program or take part in off-campus work. To illustrate, according to a posting entitled, “Citizenship and Immigration (Postmedia News, Student-Visas),” “A system of checks and balances will be instituted to ensure international students are actually enrolled and attending classes and only those enrolled in courses longer than six months will be eligible. Work permits will also only be available to valid student visa holders who are taking part in off-campus or co-op programs specifically designed for international students.”

Only when the international students arrive in Canada do they slowly find out that the reality of the situation is somewhat different from what they had imagined. Although the Canadian economy is booming and Canada has a stable government, finding a job for an international student in the area that they have studied is very difficult. It is a catch-22 situation - a student cannot find a job in

Canada without Canadian experience, and how can they get Canadian experience without finding a job first? Another dilemma the students face is that after the completion of the first degree, getting acceptance for further studies is another uphill task.

In an attempt to resolve the problems and improve the mechanism of the selection of foreign students, a few changes could be beneficial, such as faster immigration for students, extra language courses for weaker students, co-op or internship opportunities which provide students with appropriate Canadian work experience, which would help with the improvement of English language skills, and also help with obtaining a work permit.

The opportunity for them to participate in the process of scholarship selection without requiring them to be permanent residents would create more science programs for international students, in which they could easily access and gain research experience, spreading the Canadian professional and educational opportunities with a cohesive brand and a better marketing strategy, and finally reduce policy requirements to engage in a post-secondary education system.

In conclusion, if all the above solutions were implemented, this would offer an opportunity to develop stronger relationships between Canadian and international students.

Danielle Aguero plans to do a Masters in Canada in the business or financial field

Sources:

-http://www.universityaffairs .ca/changes-to-immigration-rules-are-a-boon-to-international-student_recruitment.aspx

-http://www.cbie-bcei.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Sneh-Duggal-Hill-Times-Article.pdf

-http://www.international.gc.ca/education/assets/pdfs/economic_impact_en.pdf

-http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/report-urges-canada-to-double-down-on-foreign-students-to-fuel-innovation/article4480232/

-http://www.embassynews.ca/news/2012/11/06/international-student-population-growing-but-canada-could-do-better-observers/42793

-http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/why-many-international-students-get-a-failing-grade-in-academic-integrity/article4199683/

-http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2012/2012-06-30/html/notice-avis-eng.html

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I am a doctor and in this year I am finishing my PhD. While developing the argument of my thesis I had to

come up with a solution to a methodological matter. As I had been reading a lot of scientific works, I finally found the answer on a long document written in 1999 by a researcher named George Hector Beaton. So, the problem was solved and my research could continue.

While I was continuing to conduct my research, I was getting ready to go to Canada to take English classes at the University of Toronto. And, as I read more and more of the interesting work of Dr. Beaton, I became very curious about the author. I wanted to use his methodology, the key for my ideas, but knew nothing about that person whose writings and mind were so remarkable, so comprehensive and with which I had been identifying myself.

I thought: - Where is he from? Where does he work? How old is he?

I made a decision: I would find out more about Dr. Beaton!

Then, I had an amazing discovery: Dr. Beaton was the lead researcher and titular teacher of Nutritional Sciences at Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. I was so excited! Maybe I could have the chance to meet him. So, I sent him the following email:

“Dear Dr Beaton,Firstly, I hereby, would like to introduce myself, my

name is Cristiane Bresani. I am a doctor at IMIP, a hospital located in Recife in the Northeast of Brazil, and I am concluding my PhD thesis in anaemia in pregnancy. I have read your publications in this field, and I am applying your methodology of the Z-score of haemoglobin in my thesis’ method. I believe that it should be broadly applied to improve the quality of the evaluation of anaemia treatment in pregnant women. Your results were very interesting. The reasoning of my thesis was based on these.

I know that you have retired. But I am going to Canada in January, however, I would like to know if we could exchange some ideas about my project by e-mail before my trip and if possible I would like to arrange an appointment with you to meet you in person, I am such a great admirer of your scientific work. Waiting for your reply. Best regards.”

As the reply has never arrived to me, I sent the email to his co-author, Dr. George McCabe (dean of the Purdue University in Dallas) and he answered that George Beaton had passed away recently on the 8th of October that year.

I could not believe that! I was so sad…I just wanted to say:Thank You Dr. Beaton for your great mind and

contributions to nutritional problems in populations especially concerning mothers and children from developing countries.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. Now I am reporting this story with the trust that this meeting ends up happening by some way…at least in the people’s mind.

To visit the Dr. Beaton’s memorial goes to www.rskane.ca/book-of-memories/1365843/Beaton-OC-Dr-George-Hector/obituary.php

To know about the study protocol go to www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2393/13/13

I’d like to thank my teacher, Effie, for editing this article.

A Meeting that Never HappenedBy Cristiane Campello Bresani Salvi of Brazil, Former Speaking English Student

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The RobotBetween reality and imagination

By Sumaia Mustafa Atiwa of Lybia, Level 50 Academic English

Star Wars robots are highly intelligent and can do lots of different tasks.” Also, cartoon robot, Astro Boy, a Japanese story, has been popular abroad. This cartoon was about young robot, with unbelievable abilities, could feel and behave like human beings. Both of these examples feature robots as main characters existing along side the human characters. Additionally, this entertainment industry leads people to believe that robots can do anything. Thus, robots could inspire some people like novel writers and movie producers to be more creative and fantastic in their jobs.

Despite the fact that robot inventions markedly facilitate our life and make it better, the robot can never replace human as some movies and novels have supposed. The reality is that robots will never be able to do everything that humans do. The intelligence of robots is different from human intelligence because they just follow the orders that have been given to them. Moreover the robot lacks passion while human have it. I, myself, do not want to only imagine, but I want to participate in the making of this fantasy. My dream is to make a robot, and I do not know when I will achieve it, but I hope to soon.

Few people know when the word “Robot” was used for the first time. According to wikipedia.

org, in 1921, the word “Robot “ was introduced in a science fiction play called R.U.R by Karel Capek, a Czech writer. A robot is a programmable machine, made of a union of several engineering sciences including electrical, control, mechanical and mechatronics engineering, as well other sciences such as psychology. The robot is considered one of the modern technologies designed to simulate human intelligence. Even though robots accomplish many tasks that need great effort or accuracy, or that are dangerous to human life or health, this technology is still between fact and fiction.

On the one hand, it can be clearly seen that robots have made a great revolution in many fields including medicine and industry. Robotic surgery successfully accomplishes some serious and complex surgeries like robotic heart surgery and robotic head and neck surgery. Robotic heart surgery has been widened compared to open heart surgery because, according to roboticheartsurgery.info, it has some significant benefits such as “shorter hospital stay, less pain and scarring, less risk of wound infections, less blood loss and fewer transfusions, faster recovery and quicker return to normal activities and lifestyles.” As well as medicine, industry also has been changed since the robot has been invented. Nowadays, car manufacturing largely depends on robotic systems in production because of the characteristics of robots. In fact, robotic systems have much more accuracy than humans, and robots never become tired, so robots don’t need a break, whereas human do. Therefore, there is no doubt that medicine and industry have been greatly influenced by robot inventions.

On the other hand, many people imagine many incredible things that could be achieved by robots in the future. Some of them translate this fantasy into movies, novels and cartoons. For instance, Star Wars is a well-known American movie. Dr. Jonathan Roberts, research director of the Autonomous Systems Laboratory in CSIRO’s ICT Centre, said, “The big difference between Star Wars robots and the robots we have today is the

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Half Empty or Half Full?The benefits of positivity

By Samar Siraj Aqeel of Saudi Arabia, Level 60 Academic English

Is the glass half empty or half full? Whatever individuals think about the glass, how could the volume of a glass depend on individuals `perception of a situation? No matter what side to choose it does not change the volume of the glass. Thinking outside the box, one individual could decide that the glass is neither full nor empty; in fact, it is the wrong size. For instance, if the liquid in that “glass” is poured in another smaller glass, it will be more than a half full and less empty, and if it is in a bigger glass, it will be less than a half full and emptier. The way individuals look at things will therefore depend, not on the water or content rather than the container (glass) and there will be no arguments if it is half full or half empty. All individuals have this glass which is life however it is not necessary that we all have the same amount of container. If individuals keep focusing on the amount of container, they will be doomed to failure and hopelessness. Perhaps this means escaping reality, but it can be a reality if they just allow themselves to pour that contents in other glasses, and try to adjust in the glasses they have to live in no matter what their contents. If they just look at the glass and not the liquid contained on it there will be no arguments.

“Some people see the glass half full, others see it half empty, and the enlightened are simply grateful to have a glass,” said Mark Desvaux. Cultivating gratitude is one of the simpler routes to a greater sense of emotional well-being, and that can be accomplished in several ways: one way is by making Gentle Reminders, when individuals notice themselves grumble about a negative event or stresses in their life, they can try to think of 4 or 5 related things for which they are grateful. A useful way to remember the blessings an individual has is by keeping a gratitude journal which includes a nice catalog of happy memories and a long list of things in the individual̀ s life for which the individuals are grateful The more individuals gently remind themselves of the positives, the more easily a shift toward gratitude can occur. The last way is by being careful with comparisons; many cause themselves unnecessary stress by making wrong comparisons. They compare themselves only to those who have more, do more, or are in some way closer to their ideals, and allow themselves to feel inferior instead of inspired. In cultivating gratitude, individuals can choose to compare themselves to people who have less than them, which reminds them how truly rich and lucky they are. All these roads can lead away from stress and envy, and closer to feelings of gratitude.

Is the glass half empty or half full? This is a common expression, used rhetorically to indicate that a

particular situation could be a cause for optimism (half full) or pessimism (half empty). The purpose of the question is to demonstrate that the situation may be seen in different ways depending on one’s point of view.

As countries struggle through economy crises, multiple wars and uncivil political discussions it may not seem like it, but optimism still holds sway over pessimism. Optimism is the inclination toward hope, and it determines how we come to terms with the present, future and past events. Optimists believe that positive events are more likely to occur than negative events, and the future will be better than the past. They can see and prove that the world is still in a fine condition due to the developments of sciences, technology and medicine.

Being an optimist can have a protective effect while being a pessimist can be detrimental to an individual̀ s health. Over a 40-year period, the death rate was 42 percent higher amongst the most pessimistic group. A study tracked 6,958 students at the University of North Carolina from the mid 1960s to 2006. The study concluded that the pessimistic individuals had higher death rates and were more likely to utilize medical services and develop depression and poor physical health.

Student Opinion

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Photo Credit: Faisal Alhebshi

issue 82, July 2013

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Photo Credit: Faisal Alhebshi

Photo Credit: Joo Suk Lee

Photo Credit: Faisal Alhebshi

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Spring Camping 2013at Glen Bernard Camp

On the morning of Friday, June 7th 2013, students from the English Language

Program left the hustle and bustle of urban Toronto for the fresh water shores of Glen Bernard Camp in Sundridge, Ontario. On arrival, we were greeted by thousands of northern Ontario residents – black flies. After donning our “fashion forward” bug hats and bug jackets, we were prepared to tackle the weekend challenges. Camp staff divided the group into the Bear, Beaver and Moose tribes and we ventured into the camp!

Canoe and KayakELP students were quick learners on the water. Many students mastered their skills as paddlers in only a few minutes, and were ready to race!

By Chris Chipman,Coordinator, Student Services

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SwimmingWe were very impressed with the ELP students that made the most of the trip and took the plunge into the chilly waters of Bernard Lake.

ArcheryFor most ELP students, this was their first experience learning to shoot a bow and arrow. Students proved to be fast learners, with Aziz demonstrating his marksmanship and Sohee shooting a (paper) buck between the eyes.

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Field SportsThere were lots of opportunities to play sports at camp. Beach Volleyball was a favourite, but we also found time for basketball, soccer baseball, tennis, and badminton.

Indoor GamesAfter a busy day of outdoor activities, ELP students and staff were eager to continue activities indoors with games of Giant Jenga, Mafia, and Liar.

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High RopesOne of the most challenging activities we faced at Glen Bernard Camp was the High Ropes Course. Much like rock climbing, students are strapped into waist harnesses, and “belayed” by camp staff who ensure you won’t fall. There were a number of high ropes courses to choose from on our trip. One of the new courses, a climbing wall with a very steep face, was a competitive challenge for the group. Chi-an Yang tackled the wall in 45 seconds; Darren Rigo finished the wall in 44 seconds; and Tim Zangger finished the wall in 43 seconds – a camp record!

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The Zip LineWho needs an amusement park when you can ride a zip line? Students are strapped into waist and chest harnesses, and clipped to a pulley that allows them to race through the tree tops at fast speeds.

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Roasting MarshmallowsOf course, it wouldn’t be a trip to camp without roasting marshmallows. Students were given a demonstration by camp staff before attempting themselves. The key is to roast the marshmallow just over the flames or coals to make it golden brown – don’t let the marshmallow light on fire!

WoodcraftsELP students even had a chance to flex their artistic muscle through arts and crafts in the GBC wood shop.

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When I’m not having fun at ELP and talking to students, I’m a student at

the University of Toronto, studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and when I’m not focusing on my homework I’m often dreaming of camping. It’s one of my favourite activities, and I feel like it could be a favourite for many others too if they gave it a try. Since I aim to work in a field related to the environment and animals, I also try to be respectful and responsible when I go camping. In this article I aim to teach you some important things related to camping, things that will be beneficial to your own experience outdoors as well the environment you choose to camp within.

First I’ll begin with some small reasons that should help motivate you to try camping. Living in a city means that you never truly get away from artificial light. This makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, and it also makes it very hard to see the stars! Going camping in a remote location allows you see all the stars in the sky that you’ve been missing out on! On a nice night you can even see the smearing in the sky of the rest of our Milky Way galaxy, and if you’re camping in a northern location you might even see some

northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis (Aurora Austrialis if you’re in the southern hemisphere).

Additionally, going camping allows you to escape from city noises as well. It’s uncommon to ever get a moment away from the noise of traffic or police sirens in the city, but camping affords you peaceful sounds instead, like birds singing, and wind blowing through leafy trees. You also get to breathe fresher air, wake up with the sun and birds, and live at a more relaxed and natural pace. Camping is a good way to put our urban lifestyles in perspective, and give us some much needed time away from the city.

One of the most important tips I can think of immediately is about how you store your food. It is very important to keep your food a safe distance away from where you will be sleeping, and also to keep it in a secure container that will keep the scent of the food from escaping. Beginners often make the mistake of keeping food in their tents, which often results in animals finding their way into the tent following the smell of the food. This isn’t too much of a problem when it’s just a mouse chewing through your tent looking for food, but remember that throughout much of

Going Camping?Tips for a successful trip outdoors

By Erik Dean, ELP Cultural AssistantStudying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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Bear cubs may be very cute but if you see them you should not approach them! Their mother will always be close by and she will be very protective of them, which makes her very dangerous to you!

There’s also a good chance you’ll see some animals when you’re camping, like this doe and her fawn I found in Saskatchewan

Canada there are wild bears too! This is why it’s a good idea to keep your

food away from where you will be sleeping, you don’t want to find yourself in between a bear and a potential meal. A few years ago when I was camping in Saskatchewan, I had a problem with some animals who wanted my food. Even though I was careful to keep my food away from my tent and in a secure container, a bear and her cubs still found their way into my campsite! This is highly unusual and likely happened in my particular case because the bear was unwell and was desperate for food, causing it to behave strangely. However another possibility is that other campers had been feeding the bear, causing it to lose its fear of humans. So here’s another important tip: do not feed the wildlife!

Yet another very important tip for camping is related to washing, and the use of soap. Unless you’re camping in a national park equipped with public bathrooms and washing machines, you’ll need to wash your clothes and dishes at the very least. Many new campers do not realize how much damage can be done with soapy water if it mixes with the water in a lake or stream. Soap contains nutrients in it that can disturb the delicate balance of an aquatic environment.

Adding nutrients which are naturally not found in a lake will cause certain plants and algae to grow, which can harm many other animals’ way of life. If algae begins to grow in excess, it will cover the surface of the water

and block light from entering the lake properly. This lack of light will cause plants which grow beneath the surface to die and decay, which will result in a loss of oxygen in the water. This loss of oxygen will cause the fish and other animals that live in the lake to die, and soon the whole balance of the environment will fall apart. It is recommended that when you need to wash something, you should gather all the water you need and wash your things at least 60 meters away from the nearest stream or lake. Once you are finished, you should dig a hole around 20 cm deep, pour your waste water into it, and then cover it with soil. This will allow the bacteria in the soil to digest the nutrients in the soap safely.

Now hopefully you will have a good understanding of how to be a responsible and safe camper! If you haven’t gone camping before, I sincerely recommend it.

Good luck!

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Canada’s WonderlandA Guide for Thrill-Seekers

By Sana Ali, ELP Cultural AssistantStudent in International Relations and Political Science

People of all ages from all over the world visit Canada’s Wonderland. Some wonder

what it is that draws us here. What do we come for? Is it the thrill of scaling immense heights, surviving great falls and eating giant ice cream cookie sandwiches? Or perhaps the place offers a great escape, like therapy for the masses- a healing getaway for the frazzled urban family, a bond-forming right of passage for the young lovers, or a fleeting suspension of age and time for shoulders grown weary under the burden of maturity and the title of “grown up.”

Oh yes, there is definitely something magical about this place. Here, you can live the dream you always dreamed, no matter how elusive it has proven to be in real life. You can brave dangers and live the adrenaline-filled escapades of Tom Cruise from Mission Impossible or Daniel Craig from the Bond films. Or perhaps it is being the damsel in distress that has always enticed you. If that is the case then be content, for this is one of those rare places where producing blood-curdling screams is considered to be socially acceptable behaviour. You can be afraid, or pretend to be so, to your heart’s content. You can come face to face with the crushing truth of your own mortality and then throw caution to the winds to embrace this opportunity to fall and then to rise again, to fly and then to crash...with your seatbelt securely fastened.

The LeviathanOne cannot truly understand dread until one has experienced that terrifyingly long ascent in a seat that looks like it’s made of the same material as plastic rocking horses for toddlers. Agonizingly slow and unrelenting, the track clicks ominously as gravity starts to pull you back into your seat and the world shrinks away. Your friend who chickened out last minute looks like a speck. In that moment, you envy that speck. The vista is breath taking, but you already aren’t breathing because you are on the brink of hysteria and you realize it will do you no good. Finally the clicking stops and you’re at the top. For a moment everything is visible, the whole sky greets you on the precipice. Somehow you know the hardest part is over and the knowledge that you will be dropped from 306 feet at an 80 degree angle doesn’t faze you quite as much as you thought it would.

The Leviathan is a life-altering experience. Once you’ve tamed this beast, you can count on yourself to face almost anything. This ride is not for the faint of heart, and the speed also makes it almost impossible to formulate screams, so if either of those things is a deal breaker for you, you should try one of the other roller coasters. This is the kind of roller-coaster where people

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have epiphanies about the meaning of life. When you come off this roller coaster you will have tears in your eyes, and it might not be solely because of the wind.

The BehemothHave you ever dreamed that you were a bird? The Behemoth is the closest one can come to experiencing that weightless pleasure that only birds feel as they glide through the air. It is an exhilarating experience and despite the crazy acrobatics and gravity defying nature of the ride, it is extremely comfortable. It could convince you that you were born to fly. Maybe you were.

Wind Seeker It is a universal law of nature that every group has it’s scaredy-cat. Now this is a ride designed specifically for that friend who stands in line with you for half an hour only to back out as you’re strapping yourself into the ride. The Wind Seeker takes riders up 300 feet and then twirls them about gently so they can catch some wind and an amazing view of the park. This is the kind of ride where one might find it funny to wear flip flops and then kick them off to see where they land. Though it would make an interesting experiment, this is definitely not allowed. Should you attempt it anyway, definitely don’t expect to ever see your shoes again.

Drop TowerIf there was one thing I could say to describe Drop Tower it would be this: It sure doesn’t beat about the bush. If you like to be wooed, with flowers and chocolate and all the trimmings, then stay far away from drop tower. It will give you none of those things. But if you love nothing

more than a quick and simple drop from 230 feet up, then look no further. This ride is blunt about what it offers. It will take you up and then it will drop you. No strings attached.

Night MaresEver wondered what it would feel like if an invisible wooly mammoth sat on you while you were standing in a flying cage? This ride recreates that experience quite well. Riders are caged inside a wheel which rotates at an ever increasing angle. As the wheel rotates faster and angles higher, the centrifugal force cancels out the effect of gravity until riders are standing 50 ft up in the air facing the ground, confused by the invisible crushing weight that seems to have rendered them immobile. Definitely worth experiencing at least once!

SkyriderSometimes life is unpredictable. Haven’t you ever felt like your hands are tied and you really aren’t in control? Well, you are not alone. Naomi Watts found herself in a similar situation in her encounter with King Kong. The lesson to take away is that sometimes the best we can do is stop wondering why and just enjoy the ride. This ride gives you the opportunity to experience firsthand what it would be like to get caught in a giant hairy fist whose owner has mistaken you for a salt shaker. (It’s exactly as fun as you imagined it would be).

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A Guide to SoftballLearn the rules, play the game

By Victoria Young, ELP Cultural AssistantStudying East Asian Studies

Leftfielder: Stands in outfield between 2nd and 3rd base

3rd baseman: Stands on third base

What is softball? Softball is a recreational sport played by both men and women of all ages. Invented back in 1887, it was an indoor version of baseball. However regardless of their similarities, it is important to remember that softball and baseball are different sports.

What are the Differences Between Softball and Baseball:-Softball is played on a smaller field (bases are 60ft apart)-A larger, less dense ball is used. -The ball is pitched underhand and thus slower than baseball.-Softball only has seven innings while baseball has nine.

Object of the Game: Softball is played between 2 teams, each consisting of 9 players. Whichever team scores the most runs wins the game. In order to score one run, the players must round all the bases and cross home plate. Your team can only score runs when it is your team’s turn to bat. Each team stays up to bat until the fielding team takes out 3 batters. Each team has a chance to bat and to field.

Terms:1) Ball: This means that the pitcher was unable to throw the ball within the strike zone. If four balls are thrown then the batter gets to walk to first base. 2) Grounder: This is when a ball is hit towards the ground.3) Force Out: This is when one runner must move to the next base because another runner is coming up behind him. If all the bases are claimed and the runner has nowhere to go, that runner is out.4) Pop fly: This is when the ball is hit very high into the air.5) On deck: A term used to describe the next batter 6) Strike: When a batter swings at the ball and misses.7) Runner: A batter becomes a runner once he or she has hit the ball and starts running to base.8) Home run or Grand slam: when the batter hits the ball so far that he or she is able to round all the bases and go to home (if the bases are loaded then your team can get 4 points in one go).9) Bases Loaded: When there is a runner on every base.

Leftfielder: Stands in outfield between 2nd and 3rd base

3rd baseman: Stands on third base

Batting: The batter tries to score runs by hitting the ball when it is pitched to him or her. The batter stands inside the batter’s box which is marked on either side of the home plate. Once the batter hits the ball and starts running he or she becomes a runner. A batter can keep hitting the ball until they:

Get 3 Strikes: This means that the batter was not able to hit the ball three times and therefore they are out.

Get 4 Balls: This means that the pitcher didn’t throw the ball properly 4 times and thus the batter is allowed to advance to first base.

Hit the ball: This means that the batter has successfully hit the ball and may now run to the bases.

Note: If a batter hits the ball he or she must drop the bat and run to first base, they may continue to round the bases at their own risk.

Positions: When your team is not batting they are fielding. This means that your team is out in the field trying to get the runners out. The following, are the positions for when your team is fielding, with the exception of the pitcher who pitches to their own team.

All these rules and terms can be confusing and somewhat overwhelming but once you play one game of softball you will be hooked. The game is not as intense as baseball, it’s very relaxed and surprisingly easy to pick up. It’s a team sport; so, it’s a great way to make new friends all while getting some fresh air and exercise. ELP has a softball team called the Eager Beavers so anyone who is interested and wants to give this North American sport a try please come join us. Games are posted on the Sports Club board in the ELP lobby.If you are interested in sports or just looking to try something new, softball is definitely something you should try. It’s really a lot of fun, and best of all you don’t need any experience to play, just show up with a lot of enthusiasm.

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Pitcher: Stands on pitcher’s mound and throws ball to batter)

1st baseman: Stands on first base

Shortstop: Stands between first and second base

Rightfielder: Stands in outfield between 1st and 2nd base

Rover: Sometimes in softball there is an extra player who stands in outfield wherever they are needed

Centerfielder: Stands in outfield between 2nd base

Catcher: Stands behind home plate (catches the ball if batter strikes out)

2nd baseman: Stands on second base

Scoring: In softball whoever scores the most runs win, but how do you score a run? In order to gain one point or a run, a base runner must round all the bases by stepping on each base and finally crossing home plate. Batter: Stands at home

plate and attempts to hit the ball thrown by the pitcher

Fielding: When it is your team’s turn to field, the most important thing to do is not be afraid of the ball and try to catch it. This is your chance to get the runner out. Remember you need 3 outs before your team can bat again. So how do you get a runner out?

-If the ball is hit up into the air and a fielder catches it before it hits the ground then that batter is out (AKA a fly ball) -If you gain possession of the ball and throw it to one of the bases before the batter reaches it, then the batter is out (there must be a batter running to base in order to get them out) -If you gain possession of the ball and tag the runner who is not on a base, then the runner is out

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Kwansei Gakuin Universityin New York City

of Japan

“My favorite part of New York was visiting the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. I was very impressed to see them in real life! I was so excited!”

– Rina Okada

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“I feel Times Square is the best place in New York. I have never seen so many cars and people! Moreover, we could see ourselves on one of the giant screens!”

- Kosuke Kitani

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Photo Club CornerA Day at Allan Gardens

On a particularly frosty day in February, students banded together to take shelter from the cold

at Allan Gardens Conservatory, wherein perpetual spring had sprung. Whole flower gardens and arid deserts were in bloom under the sizeable glass dome overhead, against the sides of which the snowflakes stuck and melted; violets, roses, carnations, old man cacti – somewhat vastly more lovely and alluring that they blossomed thus unnaturally in the snow. For your viewing pleasure, Mai Ogura curated for WoW some of her most treasured photos of the flowers and friends reveling in the warmth of the Conservatory, in a show of brave mockery at the winter outside the glass…

By Mai Ogura, Level 60 Academic English and Lily Choi, ELP Cultural Assistant, Graduate Student in Public Policy and Human Development

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“Do you know what cacti are? The word cacti is the plural form of cactus. They have a lot of needles. If you touch them and they prick your finger, you would usually feel pain, but I touched them anyway at Allan Gardens. That was actually my first time! Apparently, you can touch them if their needles are not sharp. Otherwise, you usually have to watch out for their needles. If you touch them without being careful, they can hurt you ;)” - Mai

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Darren’s Music CornerStaff Notation

By Darren Rigo, ELP Cultural AssistantGraduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design

In previous Music Corners we covered playing from chords and from tablature but there is

one final step to complete guitar literacy: staff notation. This is probably the kind of musical notation you remember from way back in grade school and it is the most common way to write music and most instruments and genres, from jazz sax to concerto piano. However, unlike tabs or chords, it’s really hard to read. It’s like learning another language. Because it’s so complex, and most people are already familiar with staff, I’m just going to outline some basics and vocabulary.

Bass Clef and Treble ClefThese symbols come at the start of the score and indicate the pitch of the notes on the second line of the staff. Treble clef indicates G and bass indicates F.

Key SignatureThis marking of sharps or flats indicates the scale that the music is played on. A “G major scale” is shown here.

Time SignatureThese two numbers or symbol come after the key signature and indicate the tempo or speed of the score. The symbol here shows “three-four time.” The bottom number indicates the length of a quarter note (four means one beat per quarter note) the top indicates the number of beats per measure (three means we will count, “one, two, three, one two, three...”)

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or

Quarter NoteDepending what line or space on the staff this symbol appears will tell you what note to play. The shape indicates a one beat-long note.

Quarter RestThis symbol represents a moment of silence for one beat.

So now you need to know how to translate this to guitar. It is actually easier than it seems! If you remember first music corner we learned the names of the strings. From top to bottom they are: E, A, D, G, B and e. A good mnemonic to remember is “Erik Ate Dynamite Good Bye Erik”. These names represent the note the string makes when you play it open. To find other notes you will need to count up frets on the guitar. Each fret is one semitone higher than the one before it, much like the keys on a piano.

Here is two common scales in both staff and tablature to practice. The first is the major scale in A, which I am sure you are familiar with. The second is the most popular scale for soloing in rock music, the minor pentatonic scale shown here in A minor.

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Best Turkish Cuisine in TorontoBy Mehmet Filiz of Turkey, ELP Ambassador

Shawarma (döner kebab)

Iskender

Beef shish

Ali Nazik

Chicken shish

Pide

Lahmacun

Shawarma is eaten as a fast food, made up into a sandwich wrap with pita bread together with vegetables and dressing. A variety of vegetables come with the shawarma which include: cucumber, onion, tomato, lettuce, eggplant, parsley, pickled turnips, pickled gherkins, pickles, and cabbage. Or, you might get French fries rather than vegetables.

It is a kind of döner kebab prepared from thinly cut grilled lamb basted with hot tomato sauce over pieces of pita bread and generously slathered with melted sheep butter and yogurt.

A dish consisting of meat threaded on a skewer and grilled. Beef or lamp may be used; cubes of fruit or vegetables are often threaded on the spit as well. Typical vegetables include tomato, bell pepper, onions, and mushrooms.

It is made from char-grill smoked and spiced eggplant puree topped with chicken or beef döner kebab.

Cubes of chicken, marinated with yogurt, are skewered and grilled. Served in a plate with salad, grilled tomato and bulgur (Turkish rice)

Varieties of pide are plentiful, with the most common toppings being feta or mozzarella cheese paired with spinach, chicken strips, ground beef, pastrami, cured sausage (sucuk), lamb, or eggs. Any of these ingredients can be combined, and for those not sure what to order there’s always the mixed (karisik) pide where the dish is split into different quadrants.

Thin piece of dough topped with minced meat (most commonly beef and lamb) and minced vegetables and herbs including onions, tomatoes and parsley, then baked. Lahmacun is often served sprinkled with lemon and wrapped around vegetables, including parsley, tomatoes, peppers, and onions

Hello everyone. My name is Mehmet Filiz and I am from Turkey . I was an ELP student for over a year. Now, I am a 3rd year PhD student in the faculty of education at the University of Ottawa. In this article, I will list some of my favorite

Turkish food as well as where you can eat in Toronto. To begin with, I could classify Turkish food that you can eat at the restaurants in Toronto into two categories as grilled meats (e.x. shawarma) and breaded (e.x. pide).

Gri

lled

Mea

tsB

read

s

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Turkish Food

Beef Shish PideLahmacunAli NazikChicken ShishShawarma(doner kebab)

Iskender

Grilled Meats Breads

Kervan Turkish Grill

865 Wilson Ave.North York

Taste of Shawarma

2488 Dufferin St.Toronto

Mr. Pide800 Danforth Ave.

Toronto

Pizza Pide949 Gerrard St. E

Toronto

The chart below illustrates the name of the restaurants and their addresses; in addition, what you can eat there.

All in all, I am sure you will like Turkish food as all of my foreign friends. Therefore, you should keep this article with you. It will help you find a restaurant whenever you want to try Turkish Food.Bonne appetit,Good luck in your studies.

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20th Annual Hot DocsA record-breaking year

By Becky Smith, ELP International Marketing Manager

Toronto is home to dozens of movie festivals annually and in spring 2013, one of Toronto’s

most popular celebrated its 20th anniversary. The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival (hotdocs.ca) is North America’s largest festival screening cutting-edge documentaries from Canada and the rest of the world.This year, a record-breaking audience of over

180,000 people went to see 204 documentary movies over the eleven days of the festival at 16 screens across Toronto, including screens at the University of Toronto. One of the great things about the festival is that many of the individuals featured in the documentaries attend the

screenings to answer questions and discuss the issues raised.The documentary which won the Netflix

Audience Choice Award was Muscle Shoals, an American movie about the FAME music studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.A few of the other Top 20 audience choices

were:

Blood BrotherBlood Brother tells the story of Rocky Braat from Pittsburgh who traveled to India on a journey of self-discovery. During his trip Rocky visited a care centre for women and children living with HIV and AIDS. He was unable to walk away and the documentary follows Rocky and his friend, Steve Hoover, the filmmaker, as their lives become intertwined with those of the care centre.

Good Ol’ FredaIn the 1960’s, Freda Kelly, was plucked from the screaming crowd of teenage fans to become secretary to The Beatles pop group. Dubbed “the luckiest girl in the world” but having never really told her story of playing a supporting role to the Fab Four, this documentary reveals a glimpse into the behind the scenes world of Beatlemania.

In the Shadow of the SunThis hard-hitting and moving documentary tells the disturbingly true story about a series of murders that have been affecting one particular minority group in Tanzania: the albino community. Albinos are born without pigmentation to their skin, hair or eyes, often causing many health complications such as skin cancer but also, in Tanzania, persecution. This group of individuals are being hunted as “witch doctors” have declared their body parts can bring great riches if used in spells. The documentary follows one brave albino campaigner, Josephat, as he tries to educate his fellow Tanzanians that just because his skin, hair and eyes are different in colour, he and those with a similar condition should not be killed and treated differently.

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There is more to learning a language than just the grammar, agreements, sentence structure

and vocabulary. There are also unspoken nuances and social dynamics that occur in conversation, that may be more challenging to learn from a book. This other element of unspoken conversation includes one’s body language, how close or far one should be when speaking to another person, when or if one should touch the other person when conversing, how to tell when someone does not want to speak, etc. These are all cultural nuances and understandings that are best learned in the native environment and cultural setting of the language.

An excellent place to train one’s self in the arts of conversation is coffee chat. It is a once- a-week club that happens every Thursday at 2:00pm here at ELP It is designed for students to practice English conversation, which is an extremely different dynamic than learning English in a classroom, or speaking English with people from your own cultural background. At coffee chat, you can speak to Cultural Assistants about anything at all and experience the important cultural nuances that occur when conversing.

Toronto has its very own type of Coffee Chat club by the name of TorontoBabel. It is an international language exchange meet-up. TorontoBabel takes place at the Rivoli, a versatile and respected venue with spaces designated for pool tables, performances, bars, dining and dancing on Queen Street (334 Queen Street West). People form all around the world, currently residing in Toronto and eager to learn, practice and develop their skill in another language meet up at the Rivoli. Once at the Rivoli, groups or

Coffee ChatDrop in and babble

By Maxine Bower, ELP Cultural Assistant

individuals will seek someone who speaks the language they are hoping to learn. Once that person or group is found, an exchange happens. Half of the meeting will be a conversation spoken in one language, and the other half of the meeting will be spoken in another. So, you are able to learn and practice the language you are interested in with help from a native speaker, in exchange for your assistance to your partner who is interested in learning your language. It is a great way of also meeting friends from all around the world. Also, the entire event is free (except for what you might purchase at the Rivoli)!

People in the city of Toronto and internationally recognize the importance of practicing conversation in different languages. So, I would encourage everyone who can, to make use of coffee chat and chat your way to sounding like a native speaker. We do have free donuts, after all.

Did ya know… To “Babble” is an English word that means to speak unclearly, excessively and thoughtlessly. Babbling refers to making a lot of incoherent noise, much like what might happen during a meet-up at TorontoBabel!

…The Tower of Babel is a Biblical reference to an ancient city. In the Bible, it is said that the world spoke one language until people decided that they wanted to build a tower that could reach heaven. When God discovered their plans to build the tower, God disapproved. So God confused the people, by causing them to speak different languages, preventing them from being able to complete their construction of the tower.

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Rosa Leo has been serving the students of the English

Language Program for over 9 years. Visit Rosa in the office for student services or registration

information.

Ask Rosa“Hear me now, believe me later...”

Dear Rosa,

I’m a student juggling studies as well as a family life. Lately, my husband and I have been having disagreements about how involved my family is within our marriage. My parents do a lot for me because they want to help us. My husband however, feels belittled and feels they are getting in the way.

-Divided and Confused

Dear Divided and Confused,

It’s imperative to set healthy boundaries. Maintaining boundaries

and balance with family is essential to the success of any marriage. Be mindful when and where you’re going to blend both worlds. It’s important to check in with your husband first if any blending decision is going to be made (I say check in with your husband because he may not be keen on having your parents front row and centre for certain things and you inviting them may be discounting him, his capabilities and his overall role in your life). Turning to your parents first, instead of your husband will certainly leave your husband feeling alienated and belittled.

When your family inserts themselves or when you call on them for assistance, instead of leaning on your husband, you are essentially disrespecting your partner and his potential. You are undermining your husband and his role in your life. You are placing your trust in your family and not in your husband. If it hasn’t already happened, your parents may eventually feel/notice that your husband isn’t able to protect you or provide for you. This perception may cause your husband to feel defeated, deflated and judged.

It’s understandable that you are close to your family and that they’re a significant part of your life; however, your marriage to your husband is now your primary relationship, followed by

your children (if there are any), followed by your birth family. You need to defer and conference with your husband first. This includes him in any process and makes him feel valued.

You need to take the lead position here, you need to be the one who draws the line in the sand between husband and parents. You need to be the one to place people where they need to position themselves with respect to that line. Otherwise, that line will be blurred, pushed, crossed and what you will have on your hands is an unfortunate partner/parent divide.

Dear Rosa,

Do you have any advice on ways to make new friends outside of the ELP community, so that I can practise my English with native speakers?

-Eager for More

Dear Eager for More,

The best way to widen your circle of friends is to engage more. Decide

what it is you love to do or would like to do. Sharing common interests is the easiest way to connect with others. Be willing to participate in both ELP after school events as well as community activities. The Student Services team has wonderful activities planned for each day of the month. Be sure to sign up!

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in other community activities, there are plenty to choose from. If you’re handy with tools and have some time to spare, Habitat for Humanity is always looking for volunteers who can help build affordable homes for low income families (www.habitat.ca).

If you enjoy salsa or tango, seek out a dance studio near your home. Some studios offer in class practise one evening during the week and real life practise at a dance club on the

weekends. This gives classmates an occasion to meet and mingle outside of the studio.

Toronto Community Centres offer a number of affordable programs such as soccer, swimming, hockey, tennis, yoga and martial arts. Visit the City of Toronto website for a list of Centres and activities (www.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/recreationcentres).

Inside Toronto is another informative website which gives you a weekly glance of city events and group gatherings (www.insidetoronto.com/toronto-events).

If you’re a foodie with an iphone, check out the app GrubTonight. Food lovers meet at a restaurant and share fun company and friendly conversation over a fixed price menu (www.thestar.com/life/technology/2013/02/05/grubton ight_br ings_strangers_together_over_meals.html).

Dinner with 12 Strangers (alumni.utoronto.ca/volunteer/host-a-dinner) is a University of Toronto Alumni initiative. It not only provides you with a chance to make new friends but also gives you an opportunity to network with University of Toronto students and staff over dinner hosted at an alumni’s home.

Meet Up (www.meetup.com/cities/ca/on/toronto) is a great community building network that allows people to organize gatherings, events or meetings with individuals who share a common interest or goal.

Those are just a few options to help get you started. Enjoy making new friends and above all, have fun!

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Contribute to World of Words Magazine!

1) Email your submission to wow.elp@utoronto.ca2) Attach your text submission to the email in a word

document. Attach any photographs or artwork separately. 3) Include your full name, home country, and the course

you’re enrolled in.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM252 Bloor St. West, Suite 4-106Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1V6t: 416.978.5104 f: 416.971.2839e: learn.english@utoronto.caw: learn.english.utoronto.ca

SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES158 St. George St.Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2V8t: 416.978.2400 f: 416.978.6666e: learn@utoronto.caw: learn.utoronto.ca