FINAL REFLECTION: My English Level

Now that we've finished English classes (this is my last post!) it is time to look back and see the transition of my English level. I have chosen two your says where I've talked about the same topic to compare them. The first one was written the first term of 1st Batxillerat, and the second on in the second term of 2nd Batxillerat. The topic is "Gender Violence". 

This is one of my first YOUR SAYs. It is weird but I feel ashamed after reading it. It is full of silly mistakes like not writing the final "S": "because nobody deserve". There is also a sentence that I don't understand: "Never be obsessed with someone is like love him a lot". The sentence "Every year thousands of woman and girls die for the gender violence" is hideous. I didn't wirte correctly "women", I made a bad use of the preposition "for" (because of) and I am not sure at all but the article "the" it was not needed. 

In regard to the maturity of the essay, I have to say that it seems like it was written by a kid. The issue requires maturity and be treated in another way. Furthermore, there is no originality regarding vocabulary. The YOUR SAY of 2nd Batxillerat is 12487129784 times better. There are connectors, varied and mature vocabulary, a good structure and arguments, etc. I really think that it is one of my best compositions. 

If I have to choose my favourite and best written production of all I've done, I would pick out Can technology make a better world?. I worked in it with Mireia, so we joined our ideas and wrote a good argumentative text. It is simple, accurate and well crafted. It doesn't have much complication but is correct. Moreover, it contains phrasal verbs and "rich" vocabulary. This composition shows my currently English level (we've done it in class without using internet).

One analyzed my work, I can assert that I am proud of my English evolution. My grammar is better, my vocabulary wide and my ideas more mature. Now for example, I am able to write an introduction that can get the reader's attention. As to speaking, I talk more fluently than before. An anecdote, is that one of my interviews of my research paper was in English: I talked with a montessorian teacher in English during 30 minutes and she understood me without any problem. Also, when we went to London I could talk quietly. In addition, I can watch programs, TV series (The Vampire Diaries), movies, interviews in british or american English and understand the 80% of it. So, my next goal is to get the First Certificate this year. I have to improve a lot but in two years I've experienced an incredible change. English lessons are REALLY useful, what you learn you will use it in real life, and this fact I appreciate it a lot. 

The last pages of Batxillerat

Less than 10 days to finish the third term of 2nd of batxillerat. It seems weird but I can not believe how fast has all happened. I still remember the first day, coming from Empuriabrava a little bit shy with some of my new classmates. Now all of them have became a part of my daily life. Maybe the fact of living the same sad (yes, sad) and stressful situations is what united us. I don’t like to think that next september we all will be in different places, I mean, I am so so so excited to start a new stage of my life (at least I’m 18) but I know that it will be difficult for me to accustomed to it.

I take with me a lot of friends, experiences (missing my beautiful london), laughs, lessons and knowledge. Sincerely, and without exaggerating, being a batxillerat student is one of the most difficult thing that I’ve done in my life. I say that because I stayed at home every afternoon, night and weekend studying like a machine. But finally, it was worth it! I’m going to selectivitat calmly and without pressure. Giving the best of you satisfies you. I will spend my summer as a happy human (not a stressed zombie like right now), and don’t forget: without any research paper!!!!!! In general, I am proud of my work and what I’ve achieved.

Things are about to change. Honestly, I still don’t know if I will start University living in a student residence or with my friends in a flat. What I know is that I will leave my parents house and become independent!!!!(it seems a paradox, because I won’t be able to pay my own bills yet). Being 18 it also means having a car and I can not lie, I’m more nervous about passing car test than PAU. Just 8 exams to finish. The countdown has began. A chapter is ending, but another one better will begin.

DESCRIPTION PLACE: BORA BORA

If there is any place in this planet where I would like to be right now, it would probably be Bora Bora, an astonishing island located in the French Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean. Bora Bora is a part of a group of volcanic islands linked to the activity of a danger zone. In fact, most mountainous point of the island is an extinct volcano.

First of all, Bora Bora has marvelous beaches that attract tourists from around the world. The smooth, warm and fawn sand or the sheer and transparent water can drive crazy anyone. It is such a piece of paradise for those who love summer. Species of marine animals abound if you immerse yourself in the depths of the ocean. Colors, feelings, wonders: a beautiful spectacle that does not disappoint anybody.

In my understanding, Bora Bora is the perfect place to blow your mind, forget everything for a moment and just enjoy the environment: connect with it, be a part of it. There, I would get my maximum serenity. Sincerely, I see the island as a spiritual space that arises in you optimism.

Smart City: Barcelona

SUMMARY:

It intends a model of a sustainable city and social reach of technology in the future. Starting with Barcelona as a model, it is suggests a correct approach and management to achieve a balance between the effective and efficient creation of economic and industrial activities (like hence jobs) and improving the quality of citizens life.

Technology is the key tool to achieve certain objectives, among which are: saving resources obtaining the same services, to attract foreigners, to create new opportunities in the city and improve life quality of the dwellers.The Smart City concept has changed over time, the involvement of society is a key point that has gained much importance in the last years. A city it can be considered sustainable when it is built by both, by public and by governments.

Thus, in order to manage a smart city, the needs of citizens must be known. Helping  integrate them and involve them in the process of creation and improvement of future smart cities, it is another important point.

COMMENT:

This article suggests the needs of city dwellers taking them into account when planning urban life. Moreover, the new talks about technology, but we can talk about another way to promote the sustainability of cities: the promotion of renewable energy (by the use of signage, lighting).

Another point to consider for achieving this sustainability is the fact of promoting collective public transport in order to reduce energy consumption and pollution levels. All this leads to a better quality of life. A truly smart city is one that can have a very advanced development and at the same time be promoting the lives of those who are part of the city.

El Gallinero, an example of shack near a rich city, Madrid

SUMMARY:

A case of extremely poor neighborhood a few kilometers from downtown Madrid, where the houses have no water and due to this, family members can not drink, take a shower or cook.

Children live daily between rats and snakes, among debris and dirt. This is the shanty neighborhood called El Gallinero, with a population of 435, the vast majority with romanian nationality. More than half of the members of the district are minors. Many of them live in appalling and inhumane conditions.

According to statistics, 98% of the district kids won’t reach the 60 years old (when the average in Spain is 7.8%). The percentage of illiterates in the neighborhood is 78%, compared to 11% of the national level.

COMMENT:

This story exemplifies the concept of "Fourth World". With the example of "El Gallinero" know the case of a neighborhood with the characteristics of conglomerations of shacks. It is an area without any planning, located a few meters from Madrid, the Spanish capital with a high level of economic and social development. Living conditions of the people there are undignified. Furthermore, as is common, the people who live there are from another country, so it can also be considered that there was a spatial segregation. El Gallinero is a neighborhood with a human poverty index characteristic of an underdeveloped country like Ethiopia. What is unbelievable is that is next to Madrid. The city hall should pay attention to the needs of ALL its citizens, no matter their situation. Honestly, I think that with all the money of the corruption we not only could help people who live in shacks, we could improve aspects as education, health, etc.

Can the UN Security Council Stop Hospitals Being Targets in War?

NEW

SUMMARY:

The UN Security Council members are considering the attacks to Hospitals in war zones like Syria. The lack of respect of health care provocated the searching of a resolution. But as always, it all started after the Al Quds Hospital in Aleppo was bombed. The most qualified paediatrician Dr Muhammad Waseem Maaz died there. Hospitals in Syria are usually targeted by government and Russian air forces.

Furthermore, the organization Medicins Sans Frontieres, which can not stay in some areas because they are not protected enough to work there, said that bombs against health care are so frequent recently. No one should be killed because of a war, it doesn't matter if it is a civilan of the country or health care personnel who just do their work helping wounded and injured innocent people. In fact, they should be more respected.

VOCABULARY:

Paediatrician: pediatra

Wounded: ferit

Targeted: select as an object of attention or attack

PERSONAL OPINION:

Any war should not exist and no one would have to die due to this reason. Any house should be bombed, and it is worse (and unbelievable) attack places that have to be protected and respected, like hospitals or schools. It is totally a lack of respect. But how this will stop if even the refugees are bombed?

Civilans will always be the ones who recieve the consequences of governments and terrorist groups acts. It is very beautiful to talk about human rights, but they are necessary to put them into practice. They had been created after a World War for something, not to be written.

Why the world needs a UN leader who stands up for human rights

NEW

SUMMARY:

Soldiers peacekeepers of the United Nations (recognized by the blue helmets) shot a family in Central African Republic, instead of protecting them. They shot a 61 year-old man and his son, and when the daughter ran to reach her wounded relatives, they shot her too. Moreover, there are other disappointing cases such as sexual explotation and abuse committed by the peacekeepers.

This case reflects that UN failed in protecting civilans, as in Syria or South Sudan. The UN Security Council seems to not accomplish with the purpose of take care of people's security: richest and powerful countries have always the last saying in politics. So many times, members of the Security Council vetoed efforts to respond Syrian or Yemen wars, where died almost 300.000 innocents.

Human rights, which seem controversial to talk about, are not protected by the UN, and this leads to instability. For this reason, the next Secretary-General who will replace Ban Ki-moon will have to know how to prevent mass violations, protect civilans in conflict and deal with the refugee crisis.

VOCABULARY:

Helmet: casc

Wounded: ferit

Vetoed: vetat

PERSONAL OPINION:

Who can guarantee the validity and protection of human rights if even UN soldiers does not meet their goals and, moreover, violate the universal rights? It seems impossible for us to reach a society of peace, not only because of the wars, but for the disappointing work of who are supposed to help. But like everything in this society, while money and power go above humanity, we won't achieve so much. In addition, we can not speak of democracy if there are countries with veto power. The UN has avoid so many conflicts that could break out, but does not meet the expectations at all.

Step It Up for Gender Equality

NEW

SUMMARY:

Nowadays, in general, the world improved women's empowerment and situation (in terms of gender equality), but we still have to face inequalities in public sphere. For example, it is true that the number of women in parliament has increased significantly, but in most countries females still earn until a 40% less of men wages. Moreover, in private space, is important to carry on protecting women rights, and avoid cases of physical or sexual violence.

The key of promoting global sustainability is education: there are more girls that can't go to school than boys, in fact, the half of them. We have achieved and faced a lot of challenges, but all citizens of this planet have to continue improving gender equality if we really want a peaceful and prosperous world where live.

Ambassador Walther Lichem

VOCABULARY:

Wages: salari

Prosperous: pròsper

Empowerment: potenciació

PERSONAL OPINION:

Compared with the past century, it is true that we have improved so many aspects of women's rights. Although we are in 21st century, living in a developed society which go through constant changes, we still need to stop gender inequality and violence, sensitize people that regardless of gender, all of us are humans, and no one is less than anyone.

But how will we achieve this if women still earn less money that their coworkers? So as always I say, society needs to make an effort and be equal with all humans (in work or in whatever), and relating to private area, if we don't want future men to be chauvinistic and aggressors, we have to educate children on equality. Prevention is always better than cure.

Cameron at large: Want Not to Become a Terrorist? Speak Fluent English!

NEW

SUMMARY:

Last January, David Cameron said that muslim woman who doesn't use and speak English in a high level could be deported from the country. In addition, he explained that the fact of not being able of speak the language fluently can make them more susceptible to terrorists messages, such as IS one's. David Cameron talked about testing them if they want to lay down in England: it is a part of building a community integration.

The words of the Prime Minister have been criticized by a lot of people in Britain. Most of them said that is unfair, disgraceful and sloppy making policies using stereotypes of English muslim communities. In the end, it gets worse the situation and the life of women who live in this society full of gender inequality, that in addition, they are foreign and their religion is judged constantly.

VOCABULARY:

Sloppy: descuidat

Fluently: amb fluidesa

Policies: polítiques

PERSONAL OPINION:

Personally, I think what Cameron said is incredibly disappointing. I totally agree with the fact that every person from another country who decides to emigrate should learn the language of the new land, and integrate in areas such as culture, work, etc. But I disagree with the idea of being susceptible to listen and heeding terrorist messages due to a low level of English. There is no connection between one thing an another!

Cameron, as seen in the new, it contradicts. Being a Prime Minister, he should not said such nonsense. I know that since Charlie Hebdo, Paris attacks and now Brussels, muslim community is more judged than ever, but I hate generalizations. Be fool and misinterpret a holy book to kill people is not religion. So let's try to educate without prejudice: everyone have to talk the language of the country where they live because of living there, not to avoid being a follower of terrorist groups, it does not even make sense.

Activists Accuse India of Violating UN Convention on Child Rights

NEW

SUMMARY:

An incident with tragical final of a juvenile who beaten and raped a 23 year old female, opened the debate about the age which is considered being adult. Human rights defenders that work for child rights said that changing the age will go against the UN on the Rights of the Child, and against the global commitment of India to child rights.

It is proved that juvenile crime increased highly in India the last years. There are many factors that caused this situation: negligence and ignorance of the parents, poor socio-economic status, family pressure, etc. The ones who defend children's rights said that the key of avoiding incidents among juveniles is not reduce the age of an adult, but help them to grow up to be good persons, imparting better education and moral values, with the support of the government.

VOCABULARY:

Commitment: compromís

Beaten: batut

Negligence: falta d'atenció, descuidar

PERSONAL OPINION:

If I have to be honest and if it is in my hands, I won't reduce the age. First of all, because if they change it and unfortunately another crime of a 15 year-old, then the debate will be opened again. So before than thinking of the sentences to the juveniles, it is essential to avoid similar cases.

As is said in the new, stimulate education and teach moral values since children are little, will be the only viable solution. It seems to be impossible because there are many factors that would make it difficult (the social status, families, influences) but we don't lose anything trying it. Grow up with good values inculcated is the key to become a civilized human.

Tanzania: Girls Struggle to Avoid Forced Marriage, Yearn to Learn

NEW

SUMMARY:

Tanzania is one of the countries where a high number of adolescents between 15 and 19 years old became pregnant, exactly one in every six teenagers. In addition, this happens because the poverty that families live is the factor and the reason why parents force their daughters to marry: they treat them as financial assets. Furthermore, it is also a tradition, that attempts girls rights.

Maria is one example: she decided to run away from her parents house before the marriage. But she found another issue: she was pregnant of the man who accompanied her to school during a long time. Most of the unwanted pregnancies are because of the lack of reproductive health information.

Maria represents thousands of tanzanians girls whom dreams break due to pregnancy. For this reason, the UNESCO have created vocational training to give to these young mums a chance to change the course of their lives. Through the education, girls will improve their social and economic wellbeing, and redefine their way.

VOCABULARY:

Financial assets: actius financers

Unwanted: no desitjat

Pregnancy: embaràs

PERSONAL OPINION:

Every human should chose their decisions in life and anyone should force them to do things that they don't like. I mean, bind a girl to a man who she doesn't love it will only hurt her, and also it is probably that the man will rape and stuck her. They can not say that it is a tradition, because is a violation of a human right. Additionally, teenagers girls must be in school studying to have a good future, not pregnant.

From my point of view, UNESCO's initiative is an amazing idea, because it lights up a lifestyle that seemed to be dark. The session training skills is a chance to those girls with babies to change and improve their wellbeing.

1st TASK 3th Term: EDUCATION

Redefine how you view education. Understand its true meaning. Education is not just about regurgitating facts from a book on someone else's opinion on a subject to pass an exam. Look at it, Picasso was educated in creating art; Shakespeare was educated in the art of [word] that was written. Colonel Harland Sanders was educated in the art of creating Kentucky Fried Chicke. 

As the paragraf says, first we have to understand the meaning of education. When we think about education what comes to our mind is students memorizing pages and pages, entire books. The most intelligent of them is the one who knows more, or in other words, the one who has copied the book's information in his head. 

Education it can be seen in different ways. Every one of us has maybe a talent or an hability in doing something. You can play the piano since you are a little kid while you don't pass history exams. But who cares? When you grow up you may become an expert musician. Or you can start writing stories that are amazing but be bad at maths, where is the problem? You are a good writer! The big deal is that our society has an idea of what education is, they treat us like if we were machines, when in fact each of us is different. So let's start from there, from changing our view. Education is how you focus your life, how you use your tools to be who you really are.