1. Life in a big city vs the countryside.

The city that makes you feel alive

Stepping out into the cool wet fog on a summer morning, I am reminded that this is July
in San Francisco. People leave their houses for work, hustling onto buses, boarding
street cars, evading the fog as it snatches at any bare skin. The fog does disappear...
usually... by late morning when the skyscrapers downtown are sparkling against the sun
again. But by late afternoon, it has invariably found its way back fingering its way
through the Golden Gate Bridge, hovering over the bay near Alcatraz, ready to wrap
around us again as we return home.
In Delhi, you don't find a moment's peace: cars are beeping loudly, people on bikes are
ringing their bells, market traders are selling their products and proclaiming this loudly,
and music is blaring out of windows. Pleasant smells and not so pleasant smells
surround you. Overcrowded streets and buses will force you to be in close touch with
other bodies and you will always find something to talk about to that stranger near you.
Here in this city, you feel at one with the world around you, here you understand that
you are just a small part of it and here you feel alive.
Sydney is waterborne. Life is intricately entwined in the crevices and crags of its
harbour. It is public art, transport hub and leisure centre rolled into one. The salt spray
and sea breeze stimulate the senses, and take the sting out of the ever-lingering
summer heat. We Sydneysiders are drawn to the harbour - its waterside parks,
renovated wharves, beach bars and cliff walks. It can be glimpsed from any viewpoint -
from the forecourt of the majestic opera house or from the tops of the skyscrapers. It is
the unifying essence, the civic adhesive that binds two million lives together.
2. Genealogy. Ways of researching your family history

Maybe, the one of the most interesting topics for everyone is their family and its history.
It's always nice to know about your ancistors, their names, the place and country they
were born in, etc. If you are interested in researching your family tree, it would be a
good idea to ask members of your family, especially older ones. They can tell you
names, surnames dares relating to people you have never known before. Your relatives
can also tell you some stories about those people. Some of them can be funny, with
happy ends, while others can be so painful, so it's important not to push your relatives
so hard and give them enough time to concentrate and tell you everything. Another
place to continue your research is of course the internet. Nowadays we can find
everything there starting with the date of birth and death and ending with the records of
marriages and divorces. There are a lot of different websites where you can find the
information you really need. So the only important thing you have to remember is not to
give up and continue your research.

3. The origins and traditions of your family./My family history. My family tree

Where does your family come from?

How long have you lived in the home you live in now? Has your family moved around a
lot?
Do you have family reunions? How often? What is the largest family reunion you've
been to?
Is anyone in your family currently living in a different country? Who? Where?
Are you interested in your family's history? Have you ever made a family tree?
Do you take lots of photos of your family? Who is the 'family photographer'?
Are your grandparents still alive? How old are they?
How big is your family? Do you think it's better to come from a big family or a small
family?
Think of three members of your family. What are they doing right now?
Are you and your mother alike? Or are you more similar to your father?
4. Optimism and pessimism. What are you optimistic about?

I am optimistic that open networks will continue to grow and become available to more
and more people. I am optimistic that computers will continue to become cheaper and
more available. I am optimistic that the hardware and software will become more open,
transparent and free. I am optimistic that the ability for people to create, share and
remix their works will provide a voice for the vast majority of people.
I believe that the internet, open source and a global culture of discourse and sharing will
become the pillar of democracy for the 21st Century. [...] I am optimistic that the internet
will enable the collective voice of the people and that voice will be a voice of reason and
goodwill.
5. Winning the battle against disease

Smallpox is the only one disease that was officially eradicated. Nevertheless, there are
a lot of other infectious and viral diseases that can be dangerous for people even now.
For example, the virus polio. It attacks the nervous system and even can cause
paralysis. This disease mainly attacks children, that's why from early childhood kids get
vaccinated to prevent polio. One more disease that attacks children is measles. Its
main symptoms are fever and a bad rash. It is really easy to get infected because it
spreads by coughing and sneezing. There is no specific treatment and usually children
recover in 3-4 weeks, but it can also have serious consequences for people with low
natural defenses. One more interesting disease I`ve never heard about before is
guinea worm disease. It's a parasitic disease caused by drinking contaminated water.
This disease can`t kill but the worms can cause intolerable pain and serious weakness.
Nevertheless, it's not hard to prevent it. You just need to install new clean water
supplies and filter water. And, of course, it's important to remember the basic rules of
hygiene, like washing hands or washing fruits before eating it, to prevent any disease.
6. Languages alive and dead

The question of global languages is so extensive and sounds really interesting to me. If
we talk back to ancient times, no one in ancient Rome thought that in future the Latin
language would be called “a dead language”. The influence of the Roman Empire on
Europe and the world was great and a lot of people were learning and talking latin
language. Nevertheless as soon as the Roman Empire fell, so did the Latin language.
Now we have a similar situation with English. Around 2 billion people in our world now
speak English. Of course it’s because the USA and UK also have a great influence on
the other countries. A lot of them want to cooperate with these countries, to sell
something to them, to buy. The English language is everywhere: in movies, in the music
industry, in books, in politics and actually in our everyday life. Life is much easier if you
know English. That’s why, now English is a global language. But, actually, we don’t
know what is going to happen in 30 or 40 years. Everyone knows that except for the UK
and USA, there is also China — a big country with a huge population and it also has a
great influence on the world. Maybe, in future English will become a dead language too,
and Chinese will be our new global language. Nothing is forever.
7. Changes in family life (traditions vs. globalization)

In Ukraine, our families are evolving amidst the waves of globalisation and cultural
exchange. Influenced by Western thought, the traditional concept of family has seen
significant changes.
Marriage customs, once guided by match-makers and parental arrangements, now
embrace the era of 'love marriages,' moving away from the old practices. Divorce, once
a taboo, has become more accepted, and the divorce rate is rising as a result.
Remarriage is no longer unusual, marking a new stage in ukrainian family life.
Contrary to the past, where divorce was laden with blame, it is now viewed as a natural
part of our evolving family dynamics. Despite these shifts, the family remains a strong
institution in Ukraine, adapting to new forms of marriage. Our families, resilient and
adaptive, continue to be a symbol of strength and continuity in our changing world.
8. Scientific theories. A famous scientist and his impact

An interesting case unfolded in 1633 when Galileo Galilei faced the Church on charges
of heresy. The Inquisition accused him of promoting the radical idea that Earth orbited
the sun, contrary to the prevailing geocentric theory. Found guilty, Galileo recanted his
views and endured a life under house arrest.
Legend has it that at the trial's end, Galileo muttered the famous phrase, "E pur si
muove!" (And yet, it turns!) symbolizing defiance against powerful denials of truth. His
earlier publication, challenging ancient beliefs about the cosmos, paved the way for his
trial.
Galileo's legacy endured beyond his death in 1642. In 1992, the Catholic Church
officially recognized his views, issuing an apology eight years later for past mistakes.
Galileo, once a symbol of persecution, emerged as a champion of intellectual freedom.
At the heart of the controversy was Galileo's support for heliocentrism, challenging the
geocentric theory. His story is a testament to the pursuit of truth in the face of
institutional resistance.
9. The information age. Access to information in the past and nowadays

It's not a secret that now we are living in the information age. I feel really optimistic
about our modern world. Nowadays the access to information is much easier than a few
years ago for example.The invention of the internet was a big breakthrough, and now
it`s a main source of information.
Thousands of people are looking for some information, reading e-books, and watching
films online. Teenagers can get much more knowledge than our parents. They can find
everything just by opening the browser. Teens and not only teens can engage in self-
development free and it will raise the cultural level of the society. It's really wonderful
that now we have a lot of opportunities to develop ourselves and it's really amazing.
But, nevertheless, it's important to remember that sometimes it's difficult to understand
what is wrong or right with all the information we have, so you should check all the
information you found in official, more reliable sources.
10. Language Problems

Everybody makes mistakes whether it's in their own or foreign language. Sometimes
instead of the word that they wanted to say, people use a similar-sounding word. This is
called malapropism. Malapropisms occur in everyday conversations, on TV, on radio, at
school, everywhere. In some cases the wrong word may sound really strange, but in
others, it can be even funny, especially when the person who said the wrong word is in
the group of hed-r or his friends. Another popular mistake is mispronouncing. This can
be because somebody doesn't know the pronunciation of an unusual word. To talk
about my experience, there were some words in the English language like queue or
choir, that I couldn`t read properly. The same situation was with French, because it has
other rules of reading and very often, some letters are simply not legible. Also, people
can mispronounce by mixing up the sounds in words. It is called spoonerism. Many
people use spoonerisms accidentally, when they are nervous or speak too fast.
Sometimes it can also sound funny.
11. Honesty and dishonesty. Moral dilemmas

Obi Okonkwo is an administrative assistant to the Inspector of Schools in Nigeria. It was

again the season for scholarships. But right now, he's dealing with the intersection of
morality and financial challenges.
A prosperous Lagos businessman, wearing an expensive agbada, asked for Obi's
assistance in securing a scholarship for his son. Even with the offer of a lot of money,
Obi stuck to his principles. He explained he could only recommend people, but not give
scholarships. The rich man still left behind a wad of notes.
Back in Nigeria and under pressure from his village and family to succeed, Obi gets a
job as administrative assistant to the Inspector of Schools. As he got the job, his
responsibilities grew, yet financial problems got worse. Loans from villagers, financial
support for siblings' education, and the weight of societal expectations plunged Obi into
a never-ending cycle of borrowing
Obi, despite facing money issues, stayed true to himself, thus he has rejected lots of
bribes offered to him. His criticism of widespread bribery, considered a necessary part
of daily life by many, went against what society believed.
Unexpectedly, some tough events took place. His ex-fiancee, Clara said she was going
to have a baby, whilist Obi's mother passed away. Under the weight of emotional stress
and financial pressure, Obi's moral compass changed. It was in this vulnerable moment
that the businessman revisited Obi, and for the first time, Obi accepted a bribe.
12. Gender equality

It's often said that women have made significant strides towards equality with men,
especially in the last few decades. We've witnessed improvements in various aspects of
women's lives globally, such as their right to vote and participate in politics.
Education has seen positive changes to be honest. In most countries, discrimination
against girls is no longer a barrier, unlike in the 19th century when only a handful had
the chance to attend school. Nowadays, girls have equal rights to education, standing
side by side with boys. Another noteworthy development is that women can now pursue
any career they desire. In Japan, for instance, a law passed in the 1980s granted
women the freedom to choose their jobs, challenging the previous limitations they
faced, especially in the corporate world.
However, despite these encouraging advancements, it's crucial to recognize that deep-
rooted biases still exist. While legislation has opened doors for women, the essential
problem remains. For example, women still remain underrepresented in management
and academic positions, hitting a so-called 'glass ceiling' that stops from advancing in
their career.
To truly achieve equality, we must confront these challenges head-on. We need to
enhance women's career paths by providing better childcare options and establishing
stronger role models for the younger generation. Most importantly, we must challenge
the ingrained prejudices that still linger in our society, acknowledging that women are
more than just housewives. Breaking through the remaining barriers requires collective
efforts and a commitment to building a truly egalitarian society.
13. The environmental problems

In our carefully curated human-made environment, where animals and plants of our
choice surround us, we've crafted an illusion of control, shielding ourselves from the
immediate impacts of weather and climate. Embraced by the allure of highly processed
food concealed in packages, we have totally lost the touch with its origins in the soil.
As cities continue to increase worldwide, policy decisions increasingly echo the illusory
bubble we've woven around ourselves. Enslaved by the demands of technology we
obediently respond to the ringing telephone, further distancing ourselves from the
natural world. Divorced from the sources of our existence and the skills of survival, we
have become dulled, impervious, and slow.
"The Sacred Balance" makes us recognize this dangerous trajectory, urging a collective
shift toward a new narrative — one that binds us back to the sources of our existence
and reinstates our connection to the living planet. We may find the path to restoring the
sacred balance through this reconnection and securing a sustainable future for all.
14. Trade language

The concept of a trade language, born out of necessity, raises some questions. On the
positive side, a trade language simplifies communication. It becomes a useful tool for
trade, diplomacy, everyday interactions, promoting global connectivity.
However, the idea of a trade language also comes with potential drawbacks. The
simplification of language might lead to a loss of linguistic richness. As people adopt
simpler speech patterns much easier, there is a risk of making the language less
unique. This raises concerns about cultural preservation and the potential
homogenization of linguistic diversity.
A notable example of a trade language evolving into a sophisticated form is Tok Pisin in
Papua New Guinea. What began as a means of basic communication between sailors
and locals developed into a national language, showcasing the adaptability and
resilience of languages in the face of diverse influences.
In conclusion, the concept of a trade language for English is a double-edged sword. On
one hand, it is reflecting the adaptability of English to different cultural contexts. On the
other hand, it raises concerns about the potential loss of linguistic richness and the
unique cultural expressions embedded in language. As we navigate the complex
dynamics of a globalized world, finding a balance that promotes understanding while
preserving linguistic diversity becomes paramount.