Sample essays

Myself

I am a Singaporean girl of thirteen and my name is Anita. I attend the 101^st secondary school. I am considered above average in intelligence and my ambition is to become a teacher and thus be happily engaged in a profession like my teachers.

I am a lie-a-bed and I like to sleep in the mornings. If it rains and if it is a holiday, I like to curl up in the bed and wake up only for brunch. On a school day, my mother has a hard time waking me up and getting me ready for school.

My family consists of five members and we live happily. My mother says that I am an irritable person and that I am inclined to pick quarrels with my mother. My Dad considers me untidy. His main complaint is that I cannot find my books and that they are all over the house.

I have many friends and my closest friends are Jane and Nazlin. While Jane likes Mathematics, Nazlin likes Literature. We, all three of us, like English. We spend a lot of time reading at the library. We play badminton and are in the school badminton team.

Certain things irritate me. I do not like noisy and talkative people. Some of my friends are fond of talking and they seldom give others a chance to talk. In my black book, they rank first. I dislike domestic chores and my mother is not happy about this. I like independence and at times solitude.

I may not a nice person to others, but I respect all. Every person is unique and I have the right to be unique. Perhaps my attitudes and likes will change as I grow up.

My Teacher

My class teacher, Mrs. Sarah, teaches us English and Mathematics, and she was also my mother’s teacher. Having heard of her from my mother, I hoped, when I was posted to my school, that I would have her as my class teacher. I am fortunate to have this experienced and dedicated teacher as my form teacher.

She is simple, and plain and is not remarkable to look at. She is short and also short-sighted. When she reads, she rests her glasses on her nose . She cannot reach the top of the whiteboard and this means that she does not use the upper part of the board. She has a genuine desire to help us do our best in the examination. Being industrious herself, she naturally does not tolerate the indifferent and the lazy.

Mrs. Tan has a jovial side, but, while teaching she is serious and maintains strict discipline in class. She is much loved by her students and I must say that she is the most popular teacher in my school. The secret of her success is her care and concern. She has a wonderful sense of humor and jokes evoke laughter.

My teacher maintains good personal relationship with us and we respond to this. She knows everyone’s background and often makes enquires about our families. Sometimes she joins our parties and on those occasions she will be the life of the party. She knows so many party games and she laughs at herself.

We are very proud of our teacher. It is an experience to be in her class and be taught by her. We hope that she would follow us all the way up and that we remain special to her. She is not happy about her approaching retirement. When finally she has to call it a day, she can be proud that she had done her best.

Dreams

Dreams can be of all kinds. There are dreams we dream at night and those we dream during the day. They can be pleasant or unpleasant. They can be long dreams or short dreams.

Psychologists say that dreams represent unconscious desires or fears. Those dreams are the kind over which people do not have any control. But the dreams of our waking hours can go a long way towards motivating us.

There are all kinds of dreams. Some people cherish dreams of wealth and prosperity and success; others cherish dreams of happiness. There are those who want to conquer new areas. In one sense, an ambition is also a dream. History tells us of conquerors like Alexander the Great who have had dreams. Nations have sacrificed for dreams of fulfillment, for the cause of freedom, for national security and social equality. Behind every revolution there is a dream which keeps it going, and inspires the masses to follow the dream. Asian nations have won their freedom after struggling to keep the dream of their freedom alive. 

My Ambition

Everyone has an ambition. Some of us nourish hopes of success and fame and recognition. These ambitions are related to one’s profession or job. Others nourish secret ambitions which may be related to acts of bravery, rescuing people and helping others.

Earlier I used to model myself on the heroes of books-and had secret hopes of doing something so courageous that my name would be splashed in the newspapers, but now, my ambition is more practical: I want to be a TV newscaster. It is better than being a film star. I will not have to face the camera over the over again or be heckled by my fans. It is also better than being a journalist, for I will not have to investigate political or social events; yet my face and voice will be known to everyone who is interested in news.

This life should prove to be very exciting. For this I need to equip myself. As I view it, I need two things; the other is a good voice. I must read and write to require a good command over language and must read aloud, listen to good newsreaders, correct my pronunciation, practice foreign names and thus prepare myself. I think I should also know a great deal of geography.

Ambition, they say, has to be backed up by support. I am determined to succeed and to be a good job of it. Deep-breathing exercises, yoga and jogging are also required. You may wonder what this has to do with a job which has no place for adventure. My answer is voice control is very important and all these will help me in that. I do not only want to be a newsreader; I also want to be popular, to be liked and to be missed when I am not there. This is my ambition.

Sometimes, I wonder if my ambition is within my reach, but we must have lofty ambitions. We must aim at a hundred so that we can reach fifty. I let my ambition soar to the heavens. I should continue my effort. I must seek advice from my teachers and, of course, some newscasters. I am determined to achieve this ambition which developed in me some time ago when I was listening with my Dad to the news on television.

He is My Hero

If you are a sports fan, you are sure to know the name Michael Jordan, because he is probably the greatest basketball player the world has ever seen. Although his career as a player is over, his fame will live on for many years to come.

Michael Jordan certainly looks like a star. He is tall, well-built and handsome, with friendly brown eyes and a wide grin. He always manages to look well-dressed, whether he is wearing the casual clothes he prefers or smart suits for important occasions.

His personality, too, is as outstanding as his playing ability. Michael is a very determined person, which was one of the person reasons he was such a successful basketball star. He is also very generous, and has given lots of money and support to charities.

In his free time, Michael Jordan is man who prefers simple pleasures. One of his favorite pastimes is playing golf with his friends. He also likes baseball and ten-pin bowling. He enjoys cooking, too, and he often prepares delicious meals for his family.

All in all, I admire Michael Jordan not only because he was a great athlete, but also because he is such a farm, caring person. Is it any wonder that so many boys have dreamed of growing up to be just like him.

Junk Food

In today’s fast- moving world, people have less and less time to spend eating or cooking. This is of the main reasons for the increasing popularity of junk food.

Furthermore, the loss of tradition, partly brought about by the fact that the style of life represented on TV is fast, leads young people to believe that a fast life style means excitement, whereas anything traditional is slow. As a result of this, young people are rejecting traditional food and turning to junk food.

However, junk food can not only result in weight gain and poor skin, but can also increase the risk of cancer, and heart or liver disease.

On the other hand, eating healthy food has many positive effects. Firstly, it can reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease. In addition, it can help people gain a slim figure, glowing skin and an all-around feeling of good health.

In spite of the fact that the majority of people are aware of the dangers of junk food, they continue to eat it. However, little do they seem to realize that by returning to traditional eating habits, not only would they feel healthier, but they would also be better equipped for their stressful lifestyles.

My Best Friend

I’ve known Julie since my first day at school, when we were only five, I can remember her smiling face as the teacher, Mrs Snow, asked me to share the same desk with her.

Julie is quite short and slim. She’s got a round face with beautiful almond-shaped eyes and a slightly upturned nose. She often wears her shoulder-length fair hair in a pony-tail. Julie prefers comfortable clothes and can often be seen wearing a blue jumper, a pair of denim jeans and trainers.

Although Julie is quite reserved, she is kind person who will listen to your problems and try to help you. She is also quite active and enjoys outdoor activities.

One of Julie’s favorite hobbies is cycling. She also enjoys reading people’s horoscopes and trying to predict what will happen in the future. Julie likes going to the cinema and is especially fond of adventure films.

Over the years, I have shared many good times with Julie. She has been one of my best and most trusted friends. I feel fortunate to have met her.

My Grandmother

My grandmother died two years ago, but I still have fond memories of the time we spent together when she was alive.

She used to live in Australia but she moved back to England to live in a little house. She was a sweet, plump lady and she was rather short. She had a round face, short grayish curly hair and friendly green eyes, her rosy cheeks gave her wrinkled face a childlike appearance. She always used to wear perfectly-ironed dresses.

My grandmother was a very generous and understanding woman. She always had something for everyone and listened to us without intruding into our lives.

My grandmother’s main interest was writing and she managed to publish several books of poetry while she was alive. As well as that, she had many other hobbies and interests and there was always something to talk about.

My grandmother was a fantastic woman who gave me comfort, advice and support whenever I needed it, I shall never forget her.

Good and Bad Points of Horse Riding

Horse riding is a popular activity with many people. Before taking it up as a hobby, though, there are certain pros and cons to be considered.

There are a number of advantages to taking up horse riding. To begin with, it is an enjoyable activity which one can do by oneself or with others. Also, it is a good form of exercise which can help you get fit.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to horse riding. To start with, it is rather expensive because lessons and equipment cost a lot. In addition, it can be rather dangerous as a rider can suffer serious injuries if they fall off the horse.

On the whole, although horse riding is expensive and quite dangerous, I believe it is great fun and good exercise. It might be dangerous but, if you can afford it, the expensive is unique.

Pros and Cons of Tourism

Have you ever thought about the effect tourism can have on an area? It may seem, at first, that tourism brings only benefits, but further consideration shows that it also has negative effects.

On the positive side, tourism provides employment. Many local people find jobs in hotels and restaurants, and shopkeepers have more customers. What is more, the extra income means that local councils have more money to spend on expending and improving their facilities, thus making them better for both visitors and residents.

On the other hand, tourism can do a great deal of harm. For example, pollution is caused both by the increase in traffic and the litter that visitors leave behind. In addition, local traditions and lifestyles are replaced by new customs and habits. This creates confusion among the local people and causes conflicts between young and old.

In conclusion, an area can benefit from tourism in many ways. However, it can also do a great deal of harm, and local residents should be aware of this before deciding to encourage it.

Should Animals Be Kept in Zoos?

The question of whether it is right to keep animals in captivity is one that has been under discussion for some time now. After all, what right do we have to decide if an animal should be free or not?

There are several points in favour of keeping animals in zoos. First of all, it gives people the chance to see and learn about animals which they would probably otherwise never see. Moreover many species are saved from becoming extinct by being kept in zoos, where they are encouraged to breed.

On the other hand, animals in zoos are forced to live in a completely unnatural environment and are often not given the amount of living space that they need. What is more, living in captivity makes animals dependent on humans and means that they cannot be released back into the wild, as they would not be able to survive.

To sum up, it is obvious that keeping animals in zoos can deprive them of the right to live in their natural environment. It is, however, sometimes the only way to prevent more species from becoming extinct. Therefore, we should try to ensure that animals are only kept in captivity when necessary.

Why Attend College or University?

People attend colleges or universities for a lot of different reasons. I believe that the three most common reasons are to prepare for a career, to have new experiences, and to increase their knowledge of themselves and the world around them.

Career preparation is becoming more and more important to young people. For many, this is the primary reason to go to college, They know that the job market is competitive. At college, they can learn new skill for careers with a lot of opportunities. This means careers, such as information technology, that are expected to need a large workforce in the coming years.

Also, students go to colleges and universities to have new experiences. This often means having the opportunity to meet people different from those in their hometowns. For most students, going to college is the first time they’ve been away from home by themselves. In additions, this is the first time they’ve had to make decisions on their own. Making these decisions increases their knowledge of themselves.

Besides looking for self-knowledge, people also attend a university or college to expand their knowledge in subjects they find interesting. For many, this will be their last chance for a long time to learn about something that doesn’t relate to their career.

I would recommend that people not be so focused on a career. They should go to college to have new experiences and learn about themselves and the world they live in.

Can Parents Be Important Teachers?

Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to have a very good relationship with my parents. They have supported me, given me necessary criticism, and taught me a great deal about how to live my life. Parents can be very important teachers in our lives; however, they are not always the best teachers.

Parents may be too close to their children emotionally. Sometimes they can only see their children though the eyes of a protector. For example, they may limit a child's freedom in the name of safety. A teacher might see a trip to a big city as a valuable new experience. However, it might seem too dangerous to a parent.

Another problem is that parents may expect their children's interests to be similar to their own. They can't seem to separate from their children in their mind. If they love science, they may try to force their child to love science too. But what if their child's true love is art, or writing, or car repair?

Parents are usually eager to pass on their value to their children. But should children always believe what their parents do? Maybe different generations need different ways of thinking. When children are young, they believe that their parents are always rights. But when they get older, they realize there are other views. Sometimes parents, especially older ones, can't keep up with rapid social or technology changes. A student who has friends of all different races and backgrounds at school may find that her parents don't really understand or value the digital revolution. Sometimes kids have to find their own ways to what they believe in.

The most important thing to realize is that we all have many teachers in our lives. Our parents teach us, our teachers teach us, and our peers teach us. Books and newspapers and television also teach us. All of them are valuable.

Are Books More Important than Experience?

“Experience is the best teacher” is an old cliché, but I agree with it. The most important, and sometimes the hardest, lessons we learn in life come from our participation in situations. You can’ learn everything from a book.

Of course, learning from books in a formal educational setting is also valuable. It’s in schools that we learn the information we need to function in our society. We learn how to speak and write and understand mathematical equations. This is all information that we need to live in our communities and earn a living.

Nevertheless, I think that the most important lessons can’t be taught; they have to be experienced. No one can teach us how to get along with others or how to have self-respect. As we grow from children into teenagers, no one can teach us how to deal with peer pressure. As we leave adolescence behind and enter adult life, no one can teach us how to fall in love and get married.

This shouldn’t stop us from looking for guidelines along the way. Teachers and parents are valuable sources of advice when we’re young. As we enter into new stages in our lives, the advice we receive from them is very helpful because they have already bad similar experiences. But experiencing our own triumphs and disasters is really the only way to learn how to deal with life.

What Would You Change About Your Hometown?

If I could change one thing about my hometown, I think it would be the fact that there's no sense of community here. People don't feel connected, they don't look out for each other, and they don't get to know their neighbors.

People come and go a lot here. They change jobs frequently and move on. This means that they don't put down roots in the community. They don't join community organizations and they're not willing to get involved in trying to improve the quality of life. If someone has a petition to put in a new street light, she has a very hard time getting a lot of people to sign. They don't feel it has anything to do with them. They don't get involved in improving the schools because they don't think the quality of education is important to their lives. They don't see the connection between themselves and the rest of their community.

People don't try to support others around them. They don't keep friendly eyes on their children, or check in on older folks if they don't see them for a few days. They're not aware when people around them may be going through a hard time. For example, they may not know if a neighbor loses a loved one. There's not a lot of community support for individuals.

Neighbors don't get to know each other. Again, this is because people come and go within a few years. So when neighbors go on vacation, no one is keeping an eye on their house. No one is making sure nothing suspicious is going on there, like lights in the middle of the night. When neighbors' children are cutting across someone's lawn on their bikes, there's no friendly way of casually mentioning the problem. People immediately act as if it's a major property disagreement.

My hometown is a nice place to live in many ways, but it would be much nice if we had that sense of community.

How do Movies or Television Affect People?

Do movies and television affect our behavior? A special concern is whether movies and television make children and society more violent. I believe that movies and television do influence our behavior, both for the better and for the worse.

Movies do make people more violent. The more we see violent acts on television, the less sensitive we become to them. Eventually violence doesn’t seem wrong. We may even commit violent acts ourselves. This is especially true because we don’t always realize that violence has consequences. Actors can be killed and come back for another movie. Sometimes we confuse that with reality. We forget that killing someone is permanent.

Movies and television also influence our behavior because they make us less active. Looking at films is a passive activity. If we watch too much, we become unhealthy, both mentally and physically. We stop using our own imagination when we see things acted out for us. Mental laziness becomes physical laziness; we’d rather watch sports on to than play sports ourselves. We’d rather visit with the characters on “Seinfeld” or “Friends” than go chat with our own neighbors. Imaginary people have exciting lives. Is it any wonder that some people would rather live a fantasy life than their own?

Of course, watching movies and television can also be good for us. It can give us a broader window on the world. For example, seeing movies can expose us to people of different races and cultures. We can then overcome some prejudices more easily. Recently there have been more handicapped people in films, and this also helps reduce prejudice.

The best influence on our behavior is that movies and television reduce stress. Watching films, we can escape our own problems for a little while. Also, sometime movies show positive ways to resolve problems we all face. While TV and movies shouldn’t be a way to hide from life, sometimes they can help us cope.

It is true that movies and television can influence our behavior negatively. However, I also believe that they influence our behaviors in positive ways. How they affect you depends on how much you watch, what you watch, and how you respond to what you watch.

A small Town and a Big City

I grew up in a small town and then moved to a big city, so I have experienced the good and bad sides of both. I never thought that I would like living in a big city, but I was wrong. After ten years of living in one, I can’t imagine ever living in a small town again.

Small towns and big cities both have some problems in terms of transportation. In a small town, you have to own a car to ensure a comfortable living .you can’t get around without one because there isn’t any kind of public transportation. Big cities generally have heavy traffic and expensive parking, but there you have a choice of taking public transportation. It’s not free, but it’s often cheaper than driving when you consider gas and time, especially if you don’t have a car, you’re better off in the city.

I love the excitement of big cities. Small towns have a slow pace. Large cities mean you have to adapt to a variety of situations, like finding a new route to work or trvine a new restaurant. I enjoy that challenge very much. Another part of the excitement of city living is the variety of cultural activities available. There is a wild assortment of theatre music and dance performances available in big cities. These things are rare in small ones.

The final thing I think about large cities is the diversity of the people. the United States is made up of people of different races, religions, abilities, and interests. However, you seldom find such a variety of people in a small town. I think that living in an area where everyone was just like me would quickly become boring.

Of course, security is a concern, and that one area where small towns are superior to big cities. Still, I would rather be a bit more cautions and live a large city than to feel secure but bored.

Why People Visit Museums?

People love to visit museums when traveling to new places. I think this is because museums tell them a lot about the culture of those places.    Museums are also fun. It’s almost impossible to get bored in a museum. Every museum will have at least one thing of interest to somebody.

When visiting someplace new, you can find out about the culture of that place in many ways. You can go to a movie or a place of worship or a nightclub. Another option is to sit in the park and listen to the people around you. The easiest way to learn about a place's culture, though, is by visiting its museums. Museums will show you the history of the place you're visiting. They’ll show you what art the locals think is important. If there aren't any museums, that tells you something, too.

Museums are fun. Even if you're not interested in art or history, there is always something to get your attention. Many museums now have what they call "hands-on" exhibits. These were originally designed to keep children occupied while their parents were looking at exhibits. However, museums have found that adults enjoy hands-on opportunities just as much as children. These exhibits have activities like pushing a button to hear more about what you're looking at, creating your own work of art, or trying on clothes like those on the models in the museum.

People also enjoy visiting museums about unusual subjects. For instance, in my hometown there's a museum devoted to the potato. This museum has art made out of potatoes. It also tells all about the history of the potato, and sells potato mementos like key chains and potato dolls. People enjoy visiting this museum because it's different. It’s not something they'd find in their hometown and the museum's curator enjoys talking about the Great Potato.

Museums are popular because they are about us. They reflect our creations, our values, and our dreams. No matter who you are or what you like, somewhere there is a museum that will amaze and interest you.

Eat at Home or at Restaurant?

Some people like to eat out at food stands and restaurants, while others like to prepare food at home. Often it depends on the kind of lifestyle people have. Those with very busy jobs outside the house don't always have time to cook. They like the convenience of eating out. Overall, though, it is cheaper and healthier to eat at home.

While eating in restaurants is fast, the money you spend can add up. When I have dinner at restaurant with a friend, the bill is usually over twenty dollars. I can buy a lot of groceries with that much money. Even lunch at a fast-food stand usually costs five or six dollars for one person. That’s enough to feed the whole family at home.

Eating at home is better for you, too. Meals at restaurants are often high in fat and calories, and they serve big plates of food--much more food than you need to eat at one meal. If you cook food at home, you have more control over the ingredients. You can use margarine instead of butter on your potatoes, or not put so much cheese on top of your pizza. At home, you can control your portion size. You can serve yourself as little as you want. In a restaurant, you may eat a full plate of food "because you paid for it".

It's true that eating out is convenient. You don't have to shop, or cook, or clean up. But real home cooking doesn't have to take a lot of time. There are lots of simple meals that don't take long to make. In fact, they're faster than eating out, especially if you think of the time you spend driving to a restaurant, parking, waiting for a table, waiting for service, and driving home.

Both eating at restaurants and cooking at home can be satisfying. Both can taste good and be enjoyed with family and friends. I prefer cooking at home because of the money and health issues, but people will make the choice that fits their lifestyle best.

What are The Qualities of a Good Neighbor?

If you have a good neighbor, you are a lucky person. You have someone who cares about your needs and your property, who is helpful in the little day-to-day situations that come up, and who is supportive in times of crisis.

A good neighbor is someone who, for instance, understands that your children may occasionally run across his lawn, even though you tell them not to. He'll realize that children can be careless about things like that, and he won't make a big fuss about it unless it becomes a regular thing. In the same vein, he knows that you'll understand if some of the trash from his trash cans blows across into your yard. IN other words, he is sensitive to the unintentional things that can happen. He doesn't make a big deal about them.

A good neighbor is also respectful of your property. For example, she asks your permission before doing anything that interferes with what's yours. This means she wouldn't plant a huge tree in between your houses without asking how you feel about it. If she wanted to put up a fence, she would let you know first. She might work with you to decide where it should be placed. Maybe the two of you would even split the cost.

A good neighbor would lend you some milk if you ran out. She'd give you a ride to work if your car was broken, and let your children stay at her house in the evening if you got stuck working overtime. You would do the same for her. Both of you would help make the other's life easier. When something really awful happens to you, like a death in the family, a good neighbor will volunteer to help in any way he can. This could mean something small, like making some casseroles to put in your freezer to feed vesting relatives, Or it could mean something big, like helping you get through the sadness of the funeral.

I think only someone who has experienced a bad neighbor can really appreciate a good one! A good neighbor can be a good friend. He or she can make all the difference in the world to your life.

Which Transportation Should Governments

Spend More Money on?

Governments should definitely spend more money on improving all forms of public transportation. These include buses, subways and trains. This is the best way to preserve natural resources and reduce pollution.

As a planet, we’re dealing with a finite amount of natural resources. Once they're gone, they can't be replaced. They can't fill our need for oil and gasoline forever. But we seem to forget that and consume them at an incredible rate. In wealthier counties, some families have two or three cars. As soon as teenagers get their driver's licenses, they’re given cars so their parents won't have to drive them places.

Public transportation hasn't been sufficiently developed. Because of this, suburban areas surrounding cities have been allowed to sprawl more and more widely. This means that people can't even go to the store without having to hop into the car. Everything is too far away from where they live. If there were better and more frequent public transportation, people would be able to give up their cars for local driving.

As a result of all the cars being driven, we’re dealing with terrible pollution problems. In big cities, there are days during the summer when the elderly and people with respiratory problems are advised not to leave the house. Ten years ago this was unheard of! Now it's the norm. Public transportation would cut down considerably on air pollution.

Public transportation also encourages a sense of community. People who travel to work together all the time get to know each other. Car isolate us from neighbors. However, people feel they need to drive because they can't depend on public transportation to fit their schedules. If more money were available, buses, subways and trains could run 24 hours a day. Then they would be available all the time to the people who need them.

I always try to take public transportation whenever possible, and I encourage friends and neighbors to try it too. I think we must support public transportation in order to create a better world.

Is Daily Homework Necessary for Students?

I believe that daily homework is necessary. Students already spend most of the day in school. They need their time outside of school to do other things. They need time to spend with their families, to work, and just relax. They can learn their lessons with homework two or three times a week, but every day is not necessary.

All students need to spend time with their families. They are still young and they need the guidance and support their parents can give them. They need the companionship of their brothers and sisters. In addition, many families rely on their older children to help out at home. They take care of the younger children and help with the cooking and cleaning. If students have too much homework, they will not have time for their families.

Many high school students have jobs. They go to their jobs after school and on weekends. Some work in order to help their families. Others work to save money for college. Students’ jobs are important for them. If they have too much homework, they will not have time and energy to go to work.

Students need time to relax. They study hard in school all day and many work at jobs after school. But they are still young. They need to spend time with their friends and have fun. When students relax with friends, they then have more energy for school and work. They have a chance to develop social skills or to pursue their own interests. Having free time is important for a child’s development. If students have too much homework, they will not have time for relaxation.

Homework is important for students, but other things are important, too. Some homework is good, but daily homework can take time away from a student’s family, job and relaxation. There needs to be a balance.

Is it Better to Have a Teacher?

Most of us can learn how to do something simple on our own with just a set of instructions. However, to learn about something more complex, it's always best to have a teacher.

Teachers bring with them varied and useful backgrounds. They've been trained to teach individuals in different ways depending on their style. For instance, omen students learn better by discussing a topic. Others learn more by writing about it. Teachers can help students learn in the way that's best of each student. A textbook or a manual can only give you one way of learning something. Plus they're only as helpful as your ability to understand them. A good teacher can adapt her teaching to your needs.

Teachers help you focus on what you're learning. If you're learning something by yourself, it’s easy to become distracted, and go on to other activities. Teachers keep your attention on the subject. They also approach a subject logically, taking it one step at a time. On your own, it's tempting to skip parts of the learning process you think you don’t need. That can binder your ability to really understand the subject.

Learning a subject on your own is a very narrow way of learning. You can only use the information you get from the textbook. With a teacher, you get the information in the written materials as well as the teacher's own knowledge of the topic. Teachers can also provide extra materials to broaden the scope of what you're learning.

There's nothing wrong with studying on your own, and a learner can always benefit from some quiet study. For the best possible learning, though, a good teacher is the biggest help you can have.

Grow up in the Countryside or in a Big City?

There are advantages and disadvantages to a childhood in either the country or a city. It's hard to say which is better. Growing up in the country means a certain amount of isolation. You're in a small town or on a armband not with a lot of people. Even more important, the people you meet everyday tend to be just like you. Most will be the same race as you, have the same background as you, and will have gone to the same school as you. In the city, the people you meet are different. There are different races and different cultures. You get a more interesting mix.

City people tend to come from a lot of different places and move around a lot. So, there isn't the sense of community in the city that you have in the country. People in the city can live in the same apartment building for twenty years and never get to know their neighbors. In the country, everybody knows everybody. For a child, this means the country is more secure. A child can get lost or hurt in the city and have no one to turn to. In the country, everyone’s a neighbor. People in the country feel connected to each other.

A child growing up in the city has the advantages of a lot of interesting and exciting place to visit. He or she can go to the zoo, museum, art galleries and concerts. There are a lot of restaurants with different kinds of food. It’s easy to see every new movie that comes out. Child in the country don't have a lot of these activities nearby.

All in all, I think a childhood in the city is better because it prepares you more for what real life is like.

Sports or Library?

I disagree strongly with the idea that the same amount of money should go to university sports activities as to university libraries. Although playing sports is a wonderful way to learn about teamwork, strategy and reaching your goals, it should not be the principal focus of a university education.

Students need the most up-to-date library facilities available to get the best education. Many of those facilities are very expensive to buy and maintain. These include computerized programs and access to internet research databases that students can use to find information all around the world. If a university is only offering its students resources of a decade ago, it’s depriving those students of a tremendous amount of information.

Even the book and magazine budget of universities has gone up tremendously in last decade. More is being published on every subject, and every university wants to have this information available to its students.

It also costs money for universities to keep their libraries open. Students need to have access to all the libraries' research tools as much of time as possible. Because students are young and can stay up all night studying, many universities are starting to leave their libraries open all night during exam periods. This costs money, because the staff has to be paid extra to be there. It also costs money to run the building (electricity, heat) during that time.

Students at universities are only going to benefit from their education if they can get to all the tools they need to learn. Sports are secondary to the resources that students need from university libraries. For this reason, libraries should always be better funded than sport activities.

Why people work?

Although people work to earn money, money is not the main reason people stay in their jobs. They also work because they enjoy working, they receive job satisfaction, and they like the sense of accomplishment.

Most people work for work’s sake. They enjoy going to an office, or store, or school each day. They like to interact with other people. They like to help people solve problems, learn something, or get a product. People like to help other people.

A lot of people keep the same job because the job gives them a lot of satisfaction. They genuinely enjoy what they do. This is true for most teachers. A teacher’s pay is not very great, but the job satisfaction can be very high. Helping someone learn is one of the greatest things anyone can do.

People enjoy their work because they like the sense of accomplishment. They like to know what they finished a project. People, who work in factories, take pride in the car they produce or the television they assemble. When they see a car on the street, they can feel a sense of accomplishment. They helped make that car.

Money is nice, but it is not the only reason people get up and go to work each day. I believe that people work because they enjoy the act of working; they find their work personally rewarding; and they like the feeling of a job well done.

Large Company or Small Company?

I would prefer to work in a large company rather than a small one. A large company has more to offer in terms of advancement, training, and prestige.

In a large company, I can start at an entry-level position and work myself up to the top. I could start in the mailroom and, once I know the company, can apply for a managerial position. In a small company, there is not as much room to grow.

In a large company, there are a variety of jobs. I could work in sales, in marketing, in distribution, in shopping, or in any department I applied for. I could be trained in a variety of positions and would have valuable experience. In a small company, there would not be the same opportunity.

In a large company, there would be more prestige. I could brag to my friends that I worked for one of the biggest companies in the world. I would always have something to talk about when I met strangers. If I worked in a small company, I would always have to explain what the company did.

Working for a small company would not give me the same opportunities for advancement or on-the-job training as working for a larger company would. Nor would I be as proud to work for a small company – unless the small company was my own.