Carmen

A magazine is running a series of articles on people’s experiences of being close to nature,

for example, visits to beautiful lakes or mountains, or encounters with wildlife. You decide
to write an article in which you briefly describe an experience you have had when you were
close to nature, and explain what you learned from this. You should also evaluate the role
that contact with nature plays in people’s lives.

A ray of sunshine

Have you ever felt as if the world stopped around you and everything went tranquil when you
get closer to nature? That is specifically what happened to me when I visited the vibrant and
breath-taking beaches of a tiny island located in Thailand.

Last year I visited Thailand with some friends and what was expected to be a usual trip to a
beach turned out to be a completely different experience, almost close to Stendhal’s
syndrome. When I set foot on that golden and moist sand, I knew that moment would be a
once-in-a-lifetime experience. Notwithstanding the crowds in that little bay, I only heard the
sound of the tide going in and out. Not only were the birds chirping in the background, but also
the sun was shining on my face. It may seem like the typical commercial on TV but I actually
learned a lot from this moment. It taught me how to concentrate on myself without paying
attention to the hustle and bustle of my surroundings. Had it not been for this lifechanging
experience, I would feel more anxiety and stress nowadays.

In the same vein, nature plays a significant role in people’s lives. In this day and age, society’s
main concern is working. Therefore, having the time to set aside the everyday hardships and
getting in contact with nature are of utmost importance. Whenever a connection is stablished
with nature, the benefits that can come out of it can be significant. Not only will you
disconnect from reality, but also it will strengthen your inner self.

All in all, no matter how often I try to replicate that exact same moment, it will never be the
same. However, the lessons I learned by being in nature will forever help me move forward
and make progress in my daily life.

You have recently read some letters in a magazine discussing the question 'What are good
manners?'. The magazine has invited readers to join the debate. You decide to write a letter
in which you briefly describe one or two examples of what you consider to be good manners,
explaining why behaving politely in those situations in necessary. You should also evaluate
just how important good manners are nowadays.

Dear Sir or Madam

I am writing in response to the publication posing a debate around the topic of good manners.
It cannot be denied that the definition of this vastly used term has changed throughout time.
Romans had rules of etiquette that may differ from those Victorian people had to comply with
in the XIX century, which may seem outdated nowadays. However, there still are situations in
which good manners might be universal.

Even though good manners also depend on cultures, I strongly believe that saying “thank you”
or expressing gratitude is a global sign of politeness. If assistance is given, regardless the
Carmen

situation, the person that has been helped should be thankful for the action. It does not matter
how big the gesture is when good intentions are implicit in the process. Therefore, treating
others the way you want to be treated is of utmost importance.

Another situation in which good manners should be followed is greetings. Meeting a person
for the first time could potentially become a complicated process if one of the speakers
involved in the discussion tends to be unpolite. Signs of respect such as saying hello, listening
to the conversation or being considerate should be included in order to have good manners.
Not only will your behaviour mirror your politeness, but also it will make you and the other
person feel at ease during the conversation.

Having said that, I reckon that nowadays the importance society places on good manners is
relative if compared to other times. In this day and age some rules of etiquette, such as
curtsies or kissing a lady’s hand, have been lost because they do not match the mindset of the
moment. However, more emphasis has been placed on other manners related punctuality,
gratitude, respect, tolerance and so forth.

All in all, I strongly recommend that the readers of this forward-looking magazine take into
account the relevance of good manners in terms of consideration and politeness, not as
obsolete and archaic gestures.

Yours faithfully.