Good-Bye and Good Luck

Well, my dear students the fall semestre is about to end and it is time to say goodbye. Don't worry, I'm not going to make you cry, no sensitive words at all.  I have really enjoyed teaching you (most of the time :) You have always been respectful and kind, I appreciate that. And you made me laugh many times and brightened my day, thank you. Hope, you feel the same and hope you all pass... Here comes another good luck totem, this time for the finals.

Goodbye and Good luck...

Exercises on Perfect Modals

You can practise perfect modals by using the following links: http://www.autoenglish.org/gr.could.pdf
http://www.autoenglish.org/modalverbs/gr.might.pdf                                                
 http://www.esl-classroom.com/grammar/perfmodals1.html
http://www.esl-classroom.com/grammar/perfmodals2.html

Let's Discuss

You know we have started writing argumentative essays, that means we argue on certain issues.Here are some topics for you to discuss. Write your opinions for and against on the following issues. I really want to learn what you think about them. Have a nice weekend.

Are human beings becoming too dependent on technology?

Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?

Should we do more to deal with the problem of domestic violence, or is the problem exaggerated?

Cheating helps students learn.

Lying (not telling the truth) is a natural and necessary part of good relationships.

Pelin's Recommendations

My dear students,
I am sure you have a lot to do in your free time, but still I have a few recommendations for you. Firstly, I watched the play called 'Vahşet Tanrısı' last week, and just loved it, it is one of the best plays I have ever watched, so please try to get tickets in January, the tickets are only 6 TL. You can buy the tickets online from the following link. http://www.devtiyatro.gov.tr/web/index.html
Also, an outstanding exhibition will start at Pera Museum on December the 23rd. It includes the paintings of famous Mexican painters Frido Kahlo and Diego Rivera. If you visit the museum,you will have the chance to learn more about their unconventional lives. You can get more information about the exhibition from the following link  http://www.peramuzesi.org.tr/

Good Luck Totem

My dear students, you know you will be having your midterm exams this week. I believe in totems that bring luck (Aytac will remember from the previous semester), so I have chosen a strong one for you. Hope it works, if you like you can print and keep it with you during the exams. Good luck.

Ethical Issues

What do you think about the following questions? Please make a few comments on some of them.

1- Should animals be used in scientific experiments?

2- Should humans be cloned?

3- Does a company have the right to read its employees' emails?

4- A. Should we consider addiction a "disease"? What does that mean in terms of the role of the alcoholic or other drug abuser?
(1) Should we collectively pay for drug treatment?
(2) If they enter rehab and relapse, should they be taken back? How many times?

5- Should abortion be allowed? Is this a religious or a legal issue?

6- What about conditions for adopting babies?
(1) Is it okay for gay or lesbian partners to adopt a child?
(2) What about adopting a child of a different race? Or religion?

7- Is there a moral justification for capital punishment, also known as institutional murder?

8- Is it O.K. to shop at a store that sells products made in countries that have bad human rights records?

I Have a Problem

The following letters are taken from a British Newspaper, two teenagers have serious problems and hope to get some useful suggestions. What do you think, can you help them?

I am scared of all sorts of things

Ever since I can remember, I have been scared of all sorts of things and I can't shake it off.
I'm 18 and I know all teenagers have problems but this is eating away at me and nothing anyone says seems to make an ounce of difference.
I am scared of swine flu, global warming, nuclear war and almost anything else. When a plane goes by, the noise makes me think that Yellowstone is erupting or it's the apocalypse.
I have talked to my mum and she just tells me to stop worrying.
I have a boyfriend in America. We met online and I'm terrified that he will die before I ever get a chance to see him. That's another downside to overseas relationships.
My fears are enveloping me now. I know people will think that I'm just paranoid but I think I'm justified in worrying about those I love.
Please help me,
Fragile



My brother has a secret debt- to a drug dealer

I am starting to hate coming home because I feel invisible. Everything revolves around my big brother even though he treats my mum badly.
I'm 19 and at college, so it's an important stage in my life. I don't get any support from my mum because she is so busy with my brother.
He is 21. He has got into debt with a drug dealer. He has been diagnosed with depression and my mum thinks it is because he can't get any work, but I know the truth which is that he smokes a lot of weed.
He still lives at home. He has never been able to control his money and is always asking my mum for it and this is putting her in debt.
For as long as I can remember he has been horrible to her and on more than one occasion has made her cry.
My mum complains to me about it because she doesn't know what to do. When I suggest she talks to my dad (they're divorced) or just lets my brother figure it out for himself because he has to learn, she brushes it aside.
She says he won't talk to his dad because he doesn't see him as his dad. She says she is the only one my brother can turn to, but I feel this is his own fault because he doesn't see any of our family.
I know my mum can't take much more but if I get involved at all my brother threatens me so I'm stuck.
Whenever I need my mum she is too busy with my brother. I am not jealous but I am fed up with being ignored.
I'm beginning to feel I can't go home sober any more as I can't cope with hearing about what my brother has done next and my mother complaining about it.
What should I do?
Desperate Brother