New website!

 For more blog posts about our schools' events, teaching methods and engaging lessons, please visit: 

https://markoulaki.gr/en/news 

Our students' blog posts are now published on the school's new educational platform of private access:

https://myschool.markoulaki.gr 

Congratulations, Nassia!

Great news on our very first day back to school: Nassia Tournaki has passed the CPE exams with a straight A after only 8 months of (admittedly) hard work! Congratulations, Nassia! We have had the pleasure to teach you since the A' Junior and we can confidently say that you deserve the high grade! In the photo, you can see Nassia providing the world with some serious food for thought.

 

Inversions!!

                                                         Inversions a pain in everybody's neck!!

Inverted conditionals sentences without if

If the first verb if is were, should or had, we can drop the if &begin with an inversion .

Should you go to the supermarket,buy me some apples.

Were I less pessimistic, I would see that everybody is happy with my party.

Had he gone to the party , he would have seen Mary hanging out with John.

Negative adverbials

Here the verb takes the same form that it does in questions , using do or did if necessary

No sooner/ Hardly/Scarcely + past perfect 

The following are used with the past perfect to describe an event that happened immediately after another.

No sooner had the car started than I saw Brad Pitt.

Slides on Tolerance

Tolerance

Tolerance and Black History

Writing an opinion essay on tolerance

Study the above slides so as for our classroom discussion to be facilitated. 

The tall-tale heart by Edgar Allan Poe

We were assigned to read this short story and express the thoughts and feelings it evoked.

The story is about a young man, describing his experience of planning and executing the murder of the old man he was catering for. He suffered from a disease that heightened and made all his senses more sensible. Although he did long to kill the old man, he did not have a problem with him, but rather for his pale blue vulture eye. Every time he paid a visit to the elderly man’s chamber, he thought it was watching him. To me, that seems quite paranoid. It is very interesting to mention that throughout his descriptive monologue, he repeats he is not mad, as though trying to convince himself that this is true. Nevertheless, after committing the terrible crime, he is consumed by guilt and the illusion that he can still hear the poor deceased man’s heart beating from where he had hidden him, under the wooden floorboards. This forces him to give up his well-planned act as the policemen investigate the house and confess to having killed the man.

 I found the story very well-written and the illustration of the guilty man's feelings quite exemplary. Moreover, I admired the idea of telling the story from a first-person perspective. It was definitely an enjoyable read, although I found the author's raw description of the stalking and actual murder a bit disturbing at first. I would undoubtedly recommend it to someone who enjoys scary stories. 

Hunger & Poverty

In this video we can see one of the most depressing pictures in the whole world.

Hunger is a problem that tortures a huge amount of our population. People like us pass away , because they do not have enough food. About 963 million people are hungry and approximately 16,000 of them are children who died from poverty. 

WHY MUST PEOPLE MUST DIE BECAUSE OF FAMINE ?

In my opinion , solutions should be found in order to eliminate this tremendous problem. Firstly, one proper step is to give poor people some cultivated land  to survive . By doing this action , we can increase people's health and productivity and, of course, the sense of hope . However, (comma) to make this step right, we should teach the undernourished countries how to grow plants and breed animals. Should we take these steps, we can reduce the high levels of poverty .

Hunger and poverty

Hunger is one of the most important problems the world has to face. It cannot be accepted that there are still people who are deprived of the ability to satisfy their most essental needs, in a world where technology and scinece have helped us achieve the unachievable. Hunger is considered the most serious form of poverty. Supporting that, it is no coincidence that out of 963 million people who battle hunder daily, 947 come from developing countries with a tenuous economic system. It is sad to know that millions of people worldwide suffer from a wide variety of problems caused by famine. This is the reason why it is inportant that something be done to help those in need.

A lot of problem in people's health are said to be caused by under-nurishment. Growth can be stunted and it can affect the way we think and act. Adding to that, it is a known reason for the development of mental retardation. As far as the economy is concerned, hunger can have tremendous repercussions on it as it consumes a lot of time and energy, thus leavig people with less time for work and earning an appropriate income. Concerning its social  consequences, it can influence people's relations as it feeds shame, so most hungry people are prevented to seek help.

It is clear that something needs to be done in order to come to aid of those people who lack a proper nutrition. To begin with, it is vital that we continue raising funds and awareness, as we cannot defeat hunger if we do not battle poverty, as well, since the two are so interrelated. Furthermore, we can create adequate job vacancies and offer incentives, so that low wage people manage to make enough money to look after their families. Another feasible solution would be to distrivute land and crop seeds to under-developed areas to urge the locals to cultivte their own land.

Concluding, I believe that famine is a formidable issue that has to be tackled in order for the world to go forward. Were we to alleviate the situation of those in hunger, the benefits to be reaped would be innumerable. 

Why don't you take photographs of the buildings which are destroyed in the Middle East by the U.S. Army?

This is the answer to one of classmates' questions. Read more about the project here:

THE QUESTIONS WE NEED TO ASK THE WORLD


It is a fact that misinformation from the media is a major problem of society. Not only do the press, the Intermet and other sources of information present false data and events, but they also change them in order to suit individuals and cover up for some of the nation's, the government's or even some people's mistakes. Moreover, it is very common for the media to hide some of the most grotesque facts about wars taking place, the repercussions of extreme phenomena, like floods and earthquakes, which are a peril to plenty of countries and, last but not least, the situation in which the under-developed countries live in. By doing that, they make us feel safe and secure, but totally oblivious to what is going on around us. They offer us a feeing of living in a restless utopia where everything is perfect and there is no injustice.
 Acknowledging all this, it is not peculiar that we do not see a lot of things about the destruction of buildings in the Middle East, as the government wish that people, and especially Americans, have their heads in the sand about what their fellow U.S. citizens are doing to others, and instead regard them as national heroes fighting for the defence of their country and/or the protection of their allies.
 However, not all information sources choose to be quiet when it comes to such matters, but it is important that we understand that the community does not really want to believe them. We, ourselves, prefer to ignore despair and misery around us and focus on the positive aspects of life, thus creating a false sense of happiness and ease.

Technology: a blessing or a curse?

Nobody can deny that, for the last few decades, technology has been a major part of our lives. However, it still remains a thorny issue. Some support the theory that technology will lead to the solution of all problems humanity suffers from. On the other hand, some detractors of technology claim that it will eventually cause the destruction of our lives. I am inclined to believe that, up to a certain point, both sides are correct.

Technology has undoubtedly resulted in a lot of benefits for us to reap and still has plenty to offer. To begin with, it is much easier nowadays to communicate with our friends and loved ones whether that is by using the telephone or via the Internet. Previously, it was virtually impossible, let alone time-consuming to contact people who were far away. Technology has brought us all together. Furthermore, as curiosity has always been one of humankind’s most basic qualities, people have used technology to explore the world around them. They have succeeded in learning about what existed underground, as well as in the sky. We have managed to travel in space and reach the moon, all thanks to technological advances and our need to explain the unknown. Last but not least, all fields of work and study have bloomed due to technological development. We wouldn’t have found the cure to various diseases and ailments, had there not been machines and equipment to do so. In addition to that, physics wouldn’t exist as a science as without adequate aid, we wouldn’t be able to explain the world around us.

Although the positive aspects of technology are impossible to ignore, there are two sides of that coin. Despite all the things it has helped us conquer, our excessive use of technology has had some crucial repercussions. The most important of those is, of course, environmental degeneration. We have let our love for technology and development cause the deforestation of various areas, global warming and the greenhouse effect, to name but a few, which has set our lives in huge danger, as pollution, floods and other natural disasters are a serious peril that can occur every day. Another argument against technology is our vast addiction to it. The Internet is part of our everyday lives and the various equipment existing in our house to facilitate our routine have rendered us unable to resist the comfort and well-being that technology offers to us, usually with a formidable impact on our health and social life.

Taking all into consideration, I strongly believe technology can be tremendously helpful and useful in helping us face and solve our problems, if we continue to co-exist with it, as it has already helped us deal with a lot of them. However, we should it cautiously as it is essential that we protect the environment and consequently, our lives. We should consider if technology is actually more worth ruining our planet and all that we have managed to build.

Microchip implants replacing ID cards

 There has been a lot of discussion recently concerning whether microchip implants are an effective substitute for identity cards. Some people are in favor of this idea as it would be easier to have your ID embedded in you, rather than having to carry your card everywhere. On the other hand, some others claim that microchips would bring an end to the privacy and anonymity everyone is entitled to. I am inclined to believe that it could be beneficial to have a microchip implanted under our skin.

 To begin with, chips are much more convenient than ID cards. How many times have we been prevented from doing something because we did not have our identity cards on us? We need it in order to use our credit card or to book plane tickets. Our ID cards play a major role in our everyday life and activities, despite the fact that it is not that easy to carry it around and not to forget to take it with us. With microchips, you can be sure that your ID is always with you. Apart from that, implanted microchips have the power to cause a revolution as far as modern technology is concerned. For instance, automatic security doors, that allow in only those whose ID it recognizes or has been confirmed by the owner can be created and used for several purposes. It could be really useful if we take into account the crime rates nowadays.

 

 Another argument to support my opinion is that using microchips which contain our ID is much safer. There have been a lot of cases where people have lost or even had their cards stolen. When your ID is embedded in your skin, there is little to no chance of that happening. Last but not least, the country would be much more secure, should we adopt this identification system as terrorists would find it difficult to create a new identity and escape punishment easily.

All thing considered, it seems to me that microchip implants are a very advantageous way to replace identity cards, because not only do they protect us from various types of crimes(such as identity theft), but it also helps us feel safer and more at ease and is quite convenient. For all these reasons, I strongly support the use of microchips. Nevertheless, no matter what is chosen to be our next step, it should be done with respect to people and their rights.

Hotel Transylvania

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2013/07/hotel-transylvania-and-its-redefinition.html

Visit this page and find out what you have to do. :-)

Writing about microchips

Microchips: Read and listen before you write the essay

The Subjunctive!

Subjunctive

FORM

Use the simple form of the verb. The simple form is the infinitive without the "to." The simple form of the verb "to go" is "go." The Subjunctive is only noticeable in certain forms and tenses.

USE

The Subjunctive is used to emphasize urgency or importance. It is used after certain expressions (see below).

Examples:

·       I suggest that he study.

·       Is it essential that we be there?

·       Don recommended that you join the committee.

NOTICE

The Subjunctive is only noticeable in certain forms and tenses. In the examples below, the Subjunctive is not noticeable in the you-form of the verb, but it is noticeable in the he-form of the verb.

Examples:

·       You try to study often. you-form of "try"

·       It is important that you try to study often. Subjunctive form of "try" looks the same.

·       He tries to study often. he-form of "try"

·       It is important that he try to study often. Subjunctive form of "try" is noticeable here.

Verbs Followed by the Subjunctive

The Subjunctive is used after the following verbs:

to advise (that)

to ask (that)

to command (that)

to demand (that)

to desire (that)

to insist (that)

to propose (that)

to recommend (that)

to request (that)

to suggest (that)

to urge (that)

Examples:

·       Dr. Smith asked that Mark submit his research paper before the end of the month.

·       Donna requested Frank come to the party.

·       The teacher insists that her students be on time.

Expressions Followed by the Subjunctive

The Subjunctive is used after the following expressions:

It is best (that)

It is crucial (that)

It is desirable (that)

It is essential (that)

It is imperative (that)

It is important (that)

It is recommended (that)

It is urgent (that)

It is vital (that)

It is a good idea (that)

It is a bad idea (that)

Examples:

·       It is crucial that you be there before Tom arrives.

·       It is important she attend the meeting.

·       It is recommended that he take a gallon of water with him if he wants to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Negative, Continuous and Passive Forms of Subjunctive

The Subjunctive can be used in negative, continuous and passive forms.

Negative Examples:

·       The boss insisted that Sam not be at the meeting.

·       The company asked that employees not accept personal phone calls during business hours.

·       I suggest that you not take the job without renegotiating the salary.

Passive Examples:

·       Jake recommended that Susan be hired immediately.

·       Christine demanded that I be allowed to take part in the negotiations.

·       We suggested that you be admitted to the organization.

Continuous Examples:

·       It is important that you be standing there when he gets off the plane.

·       It is crucial that a car be waiting for the boss when the meeting is over.

·       I propose that we all be waiting in Tim's apartment when he gets home.

Should as Subjunctive

After many of the above expressions, the word "should" is sometimes used to express the idea of subjunctiveness. This form is used more frequently in British English and is most common after the verbs "suggest," "recommend" and "insist."

Examples:

·       The doctor recommended that she should see a specialist about the problem.

·       Professor William suggested that Wilma should study harder for the final exam.

Source:  here

Essay on vegetarianism :)

More and more people are deciding to quit consuming meat and other animal products and become vegetarians instead. Recent estimates suggest that the number of those people has grown greatly over the last few years. This alternative diet is particularly popular with youngsters and young adults, who are fond of the environment and defend the animals’ rights. Although there are some drawbacks to being a vegetarian, no one would deny that there are also some tremendous benefits.

To begin with, people who choose to follow a vegetarian diet tent to be generally healthier and slimmer than those who have a regular diet. The main reason is that their diet consists mainly of fruit and vegetables, which are essential for the proper development of our body. Furthermore, by choosing to become vegetarians, we lessen the chances of developing heart diseases or irregularities and even cancer later in our lives, as well as numerous other ailments. Last but not least, a diet as such can be almost equivalent to an ordinary one and the myths concerning the lack of proteins or iron it can cause can easily be proven wrong by combining the right foods.

However, we cannot deny the disadvantages of vegetarianism. First of all, there are very few vegetarian foods and goods available at local markets and they are quite difficult to find in shops. As a result, people with this kind of diet have to prepare their meals themselves, which can be inconvenient for those with a busy lifestyle. What is more, it is unhealthy for the children of vegans (extreme vegetarians who refuse to consume not only meat, but other animal products, as well) to follow in their parents footsteps, as they need dairy products (especially milk) and eggs, in order to be normally developed. The more their diet lacks of those, the worse their nutrition is.

On balance, I strongly believe being a vegetarian can have an extremely positive effect on our lives. Despite that, eating meat is a natural human behavior and we are not obliged to give that up, but consume it in moderation. Vegetarianism is simply a matter of choice.

Extra information on the death penalty

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2011/09/c2-level-students-debate-death-penalty.html

 

Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is becoming more & more popular with the younger generations. Approximately 2 million teenagers prefer vegetables to meat . As we know, a proper nutrition is necessary to everyone in the whole world , therefore we have to pay more attention to our eating choices . It is said that a vegatarian diet is the key to a healthy life . However, some people say that humans are not herbivores , so they have to eat meat, as well. Who is right? Is a vegetarian diet complete? Can it fulfill all the nutritional requirements of the body? The serious benefits and the tremendous drawbacks of being a vegetarian should be considered.

  First & foremost, vegetarians eat nuts, pulses, cereal, beans, grains in  musli, wholemeal flour,vegetables & fruits. Vegetables & fruits provide vitamins & minerals that are essential for our healthy body & they provide natural sugars, beneficial enzymes & elements. Green leafy  vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants . Moreover, vegetarianism can reduce the possibilities of developing te health problems caused by obesity . A vegetarian diet is also helpful for weight loss, since it lowers the blood cholesterol & decreases the risk of various and evil diseases , such as high blood pressure , osteoporosis & cancer . Vegetarians have a better digestive system than a meat-eater .
  
   On the other hand, a vegan diet is found to be low in proteins, calcium, vitamin B12 & iron . Vitamin B12 is found in meat products, fortified cereals & animal products . Meat is considered as the major source of vitamin B12 .Additionally, children who were raised as vegans will not get enough nutrients especially iron , vitamin D & B12 .Last but not least, protein plays an important role in any diet . It not only serves as a source of energy, but also as a bulding block to keep the body healthy . It is a nutrient that provides amino acids, which help repair injuries, such as cuts on the skin.
   

   Although there are certain advantages, vegetarianism entails  a number of serious disadvantages. Personally, I think that exaggeration is not the proper thing to do. So you can be a vegetarian, but not a vegan or you can be a meat-eater, but not with exaggeration. 

Congrats!

A huge bravo to all the girls and writers of this blog! They are all now proud holders of the ECCE (and FCE) certificate! Pure girl power! Ready to set higher goals this time; off to conquering the ECPE 'wonderland'!

You are invited, girls!

Halloween in the USA! Would you like to be there?

Film review

Jumanji

Jumanji is an adventure fantasy film directed by Joe Johnston and written by Jonathan Hensleigh and Greg Taylor. This movie is a bout two kids who are trapped in an old board game, called Jumanji, and after a decade are released into the real world. Then they have to face all the dangerous creatures, which are also released from the game on the city, and this can be achieved only if they manage to finish Jumanji.

The special effects are really spectacular, since very original and impressive techniques are used. In some sequences you even feel that the animals are coming out of the screen and instinctively you try to protect yourself. Consequently, they are very convincing, as well.

Jumanji has additionally other good aspects. For instance, the acting is believable as Robin Williams and Kristen Dunst star and give a great performance. Furthermore, the costumes are very well-designed and imaginative and represent exactly the situation that the actors are in each scene.

Overall, I would certainly recommend Jumanji because it’s an interesting film for the whole family and has a really outstanding directing. Don’t miss it.