My favourite holiday resort

Whenever I have some free time, I always choose to spend it in a

small village situated a few kilometres from where I live. Its
name is Porta.
Driving down the windy road leading the village you will be
amazed by the spectacular beauty of the spot. Crystal clear
waters and a few whitewashed houses with red tiled roofs. There
isnt much vegetation around apart for the some ancient olive
trees.
The thing I love in Porta is the peace and quiet of the place and
the hospitality of the locals. Apart from swimming, walking along
the beach and taste the delicious fish at the one and only
restaurant there is not much else you can do around here. But
who wants anything else?
In all, the place is fantastic, far from home but far away from
the hustle and the bustle of the city. A truly amazing place!

Describe a present you received which you loved

Last Christmas my mother gave me one of the best presents I
ever got, a giant sized handbag. It really came in handy since I
started working very soon after the holidays.
It is made of brown leather and it is hardwearing as it still looks
really good. It has a lot of different compartments and its very
roomy inside. So, I can carry all my bits and pieces around with
me.
What is more, the strap is adjustable so I can change the length
whenever I wish and that is very practical. The best feature of
the handbag though, is that my mother had the shop put my
initials on the front. I loved this!
The reason I love this more than other gifts I received is first of
all because it comes from my mum and then because it is
practical and stylish and its perfect for a young aspiring lawyer
as I am. It was indeed the best present I have ever got!

Suitcases - Airport - Lost luggage

Dear Sir,
I am writing to enquire of an item of luggage lost while travelling
to Berlin on February the 6th. I was on flight 207 and on my
arrival I realized that one of my suitcases was missing.
It was a medium size red Acron suitcase with black straps. My
initials are curved in the silver plate on the front of the suitcase.
Inside there are a few items of clothing and a jewellery box
containing a few pieces that are valuable.
Specifically, there is an 18 carat gold ring with a large blue
sapphire and round faced Swiss watch with a silver bracelet and a
date display.
Should you find it please contact me either via email or phone.
My email address is Karrycox@hotmail.com and my mobile phone
is +0306913535678.
Thank you in advance,
Yours sincerely

My best friend
Kate has been my best friend for six years. I first met her when
she accidentally spilled her juice on me on my first day at my
new school.
Physically Kate looks younger than fifteen. She is of average
height, slim and her oval face is framed by curly black hair and
her sparkling hazel eyes show her humour and friendliness. She
prefers wearing casual comfortable clothes and flat shoes and
her favourite colours are grey and blue.
In her free time she is into volleyball and skiing but what she
likes best is shopping and travelling abroad. She has already
visited a good number of countries as she wants to become an air
hostess.
As for her personality, Kates most striking characteristic is her
honesty. She would never consider doing anything behind
anybodys back. She is also very generous and trustworthy when
it comes to keeping secrets. She would never tell a soul and let

you down. And above all, she is very outgoing. We always have so
much fun.
All in all Kate is the perfect friend. Since the day I met her I have
never felt alone. Of course we do argue from time to time but
we always manage to overcome our problems I wouldnt change
her for the world.

Describe a grandparent
One of the early memories of my life is that of a woman with
grey hair who loved me too. That woman was my grandmother
Martha.
Martha is a plump woman with pink fat cheeks and short curly
grey hair. Her most striking feature though was her hot smile and
her sparkling blue eyes. She was always well dressing and we,
children, were very proud for her.
Unlike much people of her age my grandmother Martha was very
easy-going. She would always play football with us at the park.
Not many grandmothers may do that. She was also very spoiled
and she did her best to take care of us while our mother was at
work.
Spending so much time with my grandmother, you may
understand that she had been a great influence on my character
and personality. I will always admire her for her patience and
kind.

You received an invitation from a friend for his graduation party.

Refuse politely
Dear Brian,
Thanks for the letter and kind invitation to your graduation party.
I wish I could accept but unfortunately I have already got plans.
You see, Im wasting that weekend with a friend in Milan. This
trip was arranged a long time ago and he has already gone into of
his way to do plans. So you understand that its not really polite
to tell him that I wouldnt make it after all. He has even booked

tickets for the Opera. Imagine us wearing a tie and attending an

Opera performance!
You know how much Id love to be there with you all and
needless to say I am heartbroken that I will be losing the entire
fan. But soon, we can arrange to meet as fast as I come back and
we can go clubbing. And of course we will celebrate your
graduation in style.
Thanks again and sorry I cant make it. Write back and tell me all
about the party. I want every little detail, you hear? Have fun!
Yours,
Litsa

My home town
I live in Lamia, a small provincial town situated a few kilometres
northeast of Athens. It is a quiet place with about 80,000
inhabitants. Do I like my hometown? I do.
Lamia is at first sight just another small town with nothing
special to recommend on but a stroll around will make you
change your mind. The old part of the town with its picturesque
old buildings and cosy little cafes and restaurants will give you
the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the authentic Greece. Try
to smell the freshness in the central park, watch and hear the
birds flying over the castle and stay under the sun in a nearby
seaside.
If you are interested in history then this is the place for you to
be. Only a few kilometres away is Thermopylae, the place where
Leonidas and his 300 Spartan warriors stood against Xerxes. And if
you are interested in night life, well the town has some bars with
live music and a few clubs where you can dance the night away.
I really think Lamia is a great place to visit and, personally, I do
believe that it would be the right place for me. As Kavafis, the
poet once said Sooner or later we all discover the place of our
dreams. Whatever you visit Lamia for, you can be sure of one
thing: a warm welcome awaits you.

Lamia
I live at Lamia, a small town situated in 220 km north East of
Athens. If you ever come to Lamia you will not fail to see one of
the best preserving medieval castles in Greece.
The castle is built on top of a hill and is surrounded by a thick
pine forest. If you climb up there you will have a spectacular
view on the town lying at your feet. The castle itself is an
impressive building which dates back to the 13th century AD.
A narrow stony path leads up to the huge wooden door of the
castle. Through the door you find yourself at the yard. Stairs lead
off to the upper parts of the wall and narrow passages join the
levels. The central building of the castle is now a museum.
In all, the castle is a much impressive building. Step into it and
you travel to an age of nights on horses. Its a sight not to be
missed.
A local Festival
The Patras Carnival is the largest of its kind in Greece, it actually
has more than 160 years of history. It lasts for 3 weeks before the
Lent, the period that leads to Easter.
Preparations start months before the event, since the floats have
to be ready and costumes must be made and also the
choreography of each group has to be practised since every detail
counts. Preparations are made in secrecy since the groups do not
want others to know what they are up to.
When the time comes the opening ceremony takes place on
George Square and includes pantomimes, dances, music and
fireworks. Then we have the treasure hunt and balls and the
Saturday evening parade of the carnival groups. The highlight of
the carnival is the parade of floats and groups on the last Sunday
of the Lent and finally the ritual burning of king Carnival.
It is a very important festival and it attracts lots of tourists. It
gives people the opportunity to have fun and to get away from
their daily problems. If you happen to be in Greece next
February, dont miss it.

Describe how people in your country celebrate Easter

Dear Mary,
It was really great to have from you. Of course I can help you
with your school project. Since you want to know how we pass
Easter, here it is.
For the whole week leading up to Easter, we give up certain
types of food such as meat and dairy products, we go on a fast.
People go evening services at the church and on Big Friday we
hold a procession. Traditionally we dye eggs red. On Saturday at
midnight we go to church to celebrate the Resurrection, we let
off pyrotechnics and then go home and eat.
On Easter Sunday we put a lamb on a spit. We have a great time
eating, dancing and singing. The weather is usually good se we
spend the day outside. Its good fun.
Well lets hope that next year you can come and see for yourself.
Write soon.
Yours,
Helen

(Giving information)
Dear Mary,
It was so nice to receive your letter and Im glad to hear that
youre doing great at school. Of course Im sorry to hear that
youve got a problem. Cheer up though, there are a few things
you can do to put it right.
You said that you have put on a lot of weight lately and now you
cant lose any. Well why dont you check if there is something in
your diet which has changed. I mean do you consume more
processed or take away meals? If you do, then this is why.
If I were in your shoes Id cut down on sugar and fatty foods. Id
also try to consume more green vegetables and fresh fruit. Also
dont you think itd be a great idea to take up a port or join the
gym? This will help you shed weight and it will make you feel
happy again. Above all though dont lose heart. Losing weight
cannot happen overnight. Start cutting down on calories and take
some exercise and everything will be ok.

Well, I do hope Ive been of some use to you. When I see you
next month we can catch up on all our news. Give my love to
everybody.
Best wishes,
Stella

Your aunt has invited you to her new house by the sea.
Dear Aunt Mary,
I was delighted to get your letter. You finally made it. You got
your dream house by the sea. And of course I want to thank you
so much for your kind invitation to spend the weekend with you, I
wouldnt miss it for the world.
My only problem is that Ill be finishing work rather late that
Friday so I wont be able to make it for dinner. I hope to leave
Athens sometime between 5 and 6 and drive there. Of course Id
like you to send me directions because this part of the country is
quite unknown to me and you know how easily I get lost. Im
useless at reading maps.
You said that the place is secluded and quite far from the village
so would you like me to bring you something? Feel free to ask
whatever you need. Im definitely bringing Uncle Steven his
favourite whiskey but I can also do some shopping for you in case
you need something.
Im looking forward to seeing you both and of course a weekend
by the sea sounds just great. Thanks again for the invitation.
Write back soon and let me know if you need something.
Yours,
Sheila

Asking for information on the city

Dear Peter,
Im sorry I havent written earlier but I was up to my eyes. You
see I had exams to take. But alls good now and I am ready for
my trip to London but I need some information from you as well.

Ive decided to stay in a hotel quite near Kensington so as to

have easy access to the centre. But still your underground seems
a big mystery to me so can you explain how these lines work? Also
Id like a bit of information on the things I should not miss. There
are so many museums. Which ones should I choose?
Another thing that bothers me is what clothes to bring. Is July
usually wet in London and what are the temperatures like? Are
there any specialties I should try and is there something I should
be careful about? If you can think of any other information please
let me know.
I am looking forward to getting your letter. Thank you for all your
help.
Love,
Charlie

asked you for information university. .

Dear Paul,
I was really glad to get your letter and of course I am thrilled
that you are considering coming to Paxton next year.
I am enclosing a booklet, so as you can see the university has a
number of student halls of residence either offering full-board or
others with selfcatering. The full board ones offer 3 meals a day
served at set times not very convenient believe me! and the
selfcatering ones mean that 5 people share a kitchen.
Let me give you some information on other practical issues.
There is a laundry room and irons and ironing boards are also
provided not that anyone is using them and the rooms are
cleaned twice a week but clean sheets are distributed every two
weeks so you might need to have your own.
Last but not least as regards prices, well, self catering rooms
come to 50 a week but the full board ones can reach 80 or
more.
I hope this information will be of help. Write back and tell me
what youve decided.
Yours,
Mike

A lot of parents complain that their children spend too much

time in front of a computer. Suggesting ideas to help parents.
A lot of parents have written to our magazine to ask for help
since their children are spending everincreasing hours on the Net
either playing games or chatting on social networks. Well, we
have some ideas that might help.
The best solution to this problem is to keep children more
interested in sporting, educational or cultural events. Of course
this means that parents too, must engage in such activities. In
this way children will find an equally entertaining alternative.
Another solution might be to set a daily time limit. Of course we
know that this is easier said than done but if you succeed you will
have control of the amount of time spent on line and also on
keeping the one quarter-hour break to avoid eye-strain.
One cannot go against the times, of course. The Internet is a
fascinating world but you can regulate the time your child spends
online. And above all you should be aware of the sites he / she
visits when online.

Television has both benefits and drawbacks.

No one can deny that television has played an important role in
our lives. Ever since their invention they have spread to the
majority of the population of the planet.
On the one hand many television programmes are both
informative and educational. News and current affairs
programmes report on events even as they happen. On top of
that we have documentaries that give us the opportunity to
travel from the Antarctica to outer space or to the bottom of the
sea. In fact, TV brings the world into home.
On the other hand television has been accused of promoting
violence and consumerism. Not only does it show extremely
violent films, even in prime time when children and teenagers
watch TV, but it also bombards us with advertisements. What is
more it also chains people in front of a screen turning them into
vegetables.

All in all I would say that the benefits are more than the
drawbacks. Television is a miraculous invention whose full
potential has to be accepted.

Cars are more of a problem rather than a convenience."

The invention of the motor car has helped people go to places
but about a century later they have really become more of a
nuisance.
To begin with the quality of life in big cities has dropped because
of cars. Indeed, there are traffic jams and a lot of air pollution
too, so cities have become really unbearable.
Secondly a car costs a lot of money. Not only does the cost of
petrol rise but you also have car insurance, taxes and services. To
add to this you are constantly worrying about your car being
stolen.
Of course we have to admit that owning a car is a benefit since it
allows you to go anywhere you want, anytime and follow your
chosen destination. Still you should think twice before investing
money in buying one.
To conclude, cars do have a function to serve but living in a big
city gives you other cheaper and more eco-friendly alternatives.

People complain that young offenders get very light sentences.

There has been a lot of discussion lately whether young offenders
should be given prison sentences. To my mind this is absolutely
wrong.
Firstly, young people accused of petty theft, joy riding or
vandalism cannot be imprisoned. In other words putting them in
prison (of whatever kind) will not make them better people, it
will make them worse. Instead, they should be given community
service.
A young offender is usually a victim of circumstances. In other
words it is poverty or immaturity or peer pressure that leads
youngsters to misbehaving. Instead of a prison cell they should be
given psychological support

and a chance to return back to their studies and family.

In short, being lenient is better for young offenders. It is time to
sit back and think if spraying graffiti on a wall should drive a 15
year old behind bars.

Using animals for entertainment is wrong.

In the recent years more and more people oppose the use of
animals for entertainment. This attacks circuses, aquariums and
zoos. But there are other people that quite support this idea.
Some people claim that zoos and aquariums are educational and
that animals are well treated and fed.
Zoos in particular are supposed to actually help save endangered
species with their reproduction programmes. They also say that
modern zoos actually try to simulate the animals natural
habitats and that they no longer keep animals in cages. As for the
circuses they say that animals only perform for short periods and
that they are well provided for. Other people argue that it not
ethical to train animals and use them for our entertainment.
Additionally they say that the zoos are not educational since
there are numerous documentaries showing the animals in their
natural habitats. Instead of protecting endangered species in
zoos they suggest making more reserves and actually protect the
animals natural habitats instead.
In all, I think that both sides have a point but my personal view is
that maybe we should respect animals and their way of life
instead of using them for our own benefit.

The air quality has dropped dramatically.

It is a common phenomenon these days to see people having
trouble breathing in the big city centres. On top of that, the
asthma sufferers have been multiplied. Is there something we
can do to make the situation better?
As the population of the urban areas rises, towns and cities
become crowded. All these people have to move around either
commuting to work or shopping and this has resulted in traffic
congestions. All these cars emit exhaust fumes that are
particularly harmful. A solution would be to have a reliable public
transport system that will allow the banning of private cars in the
city centres. This can result in the reduction of the harmful
gases.
Apart from traffic, factories lying close to urban centres
contribute to the deterioration of the air quality. They pump
huge amounts of smoke into the atmosphere that makes the
problem even worse. New laws should be introduced that will
make factories use filters to reduce the air pollution. Another
more drastic solution would be to transfer them to another
location away from inhabited areas. The result of this would be
the cutting down on the air pollution.
In all we should do something soon because a lot of megacities as
well as smaller towns suffer the consequences of ever increasing
air pollution that affects the lives of the people.