Open Day 2014

The Agym Bloggers welcome you to the Rodian Pedia’s Open Day 2014. Thank you for visiting our Class Blog display.  Today we have a special blog post with questions for you to answer on the blog while you’re here. The questions are related to the blog topics we’ve covered, our blog and the Open Day. You can answer as many or few as you like. Just click on the “Σχόλια” button below, type in your answers and click send. If you don’t have a gmail account, then comment as “Open ID” and add your own email. You can either sign off with your name at the end of the post, or comment anonymously if you prefer. You can also write in Greek if you like. If you need any help, just ask us!

Questions

• On the Darfur issue: Do you have any suggestions for ways to help solve the Darfur crisis?
• On fashion and the environment: Can you think of some ways to reduce the damage to the environment caused by fashion?
• Tell us about a local Greek festival.
• Write 3 things that you are grateful for.
• Are you enjoying the Open Day?
• What has impressed you the most so far?
• Do you like our blog?
• Do you read blogs on the internet? Tell us about a blog you follow. 

 ...Or write a comment about whatever you choose.

 Happy Blogging!

The Agym Bloggers

Task 4 Mersina

Darfur Genocide

Now in Darfur is war and the people are fighting . Darfur is a region of the African nation of Sudan .There the people have to flee from their country . A lot of Sudanese people have been murdered . The elimination of a group of people like this is called genocide . 

In  Sudan are two groups of people : the black and the Arab Africans . The Arab Africans think that they are better than the black Africans , which is a descrimination . Another reason of the genocide is that under Darfur exists a large amount of oil and water which the Sudan government is interested in . Also the government of Sudan is a dictatorship which doesn't give any power to the people .

This war has to stop . But what can we do for it ? The country leaders need to get together and make it stop . We all could give some money to organisations which help Darfur's refugees . Also students can write letters to newspapers , articles for school newspapers and blogs and can hold various activities to raise awareness .

Task 4 Anna

Darfur Genocide 

As we are talking now, people in Darfur are fighting. Darfur is a region of the African nation of Sudan. Every week, refugees from Darfur are forced to flee their country because of this war. In Soudan, there are two groubs of Africans: the Arab and the black Africans. This has as consequence the genocide. 

The Arab Africans think that they are better than the black Africans. This called descrimination. Also, a group of people called "Janjaweed" (which means  "dehvil on horseback") are worsen the violence against Black Africans. But this is not the only reason of this genoside. Under Darfur exists a large amount of oil and water . So, the  interests in Sudan's resources are another reason. The Sudan government is interested in this large amount of oil and water. Ending, the third reason is...power! The government of Sudan is a dictatorship that doesn't want to give any power to the Sudan people. Those are the three main reasons that this is happening. Now we have to think how we could stop it!

Initially, countries need to get together to help to this serious situation. Then, they could give some money to the non-governmental organisations that help Darfur's refugges. Now, in a local level , students could make people sensitive with projects, events and with spreading it online by facebook, twitter or youtube. 

With the indifference nothing will not change!

Task 4: Instructions

Task 4: A blog post on the Darfur Genocide

The topic of task 4 is the Darfur Genocide issue. We will be looking at this serious crisis in class and in the "Blog Topics" section of this blog and then you will write your post.

We are going to learn about an ongoing conflict in which horrific injustices continue to happen while the world, for the most part, stands by silently.

By writing a post, we will be helping, even if just a little, to raise awareness in our country about this serious problem. 

To get an initial idea of what's happening in Darfur, watch the following video which was made by a group of secondary school students in the USA.

 

Task instructions

1) Go to the "Blog Topics" page and see the material on the Darfur Genocide. 

2) Write your blog post: An article on the Darfur Genocide to raise awareness in Greece on the crisis. Refer back to the "Blogging Guide" for general information and follow the following tips which are specific to this task. 

Specific task tips:

• Use the three part structure that we use for all our writing types: Introduction - Main Body - Closing. 
• Introduction: Introduce the topic; say something general about it: what, where, why, and possiby a general comment saying that things must / can be done to to stop it.
• Main Body: Divided into smaller paragraphs, developing a specific aspect of the issue in each paragraph.
• Closing: Summarise everything said in main body and end post with a personal comment.
• Remember: Keep to the topic; Express your opinion throughout; Quality is important. 
• And also: Think carefully about your use of English: grammar, vocabulary, spelling. Check draft carefully and edit before finally posting. 
• Do the best you can. By writing this post you're not just working on your English writing skills but you're contributing to helping with a serious human injustice, acting as responsible and active citizens of the global 21st century world in which we live.

Happy Blogging!
Miss Melissa

Task 3 Mersina

Fashion and the enviroment

  The most people like buying a lot of clothes not only because they like them , but because they are very cheap . But clothes affect a lot the environment and the people .
  To make clothes are used a lot of toxic substances which are responsible for ilnesses like cancer . Also , they polute the environment and the ecosystem . The factories use a lot of energy and they produce carbon dioxide . The mostclothes are made in Asian and are brought to the shops in Europe . The vehicles use a lot of petrol and make very much gas . Also , to clean , dry and iron the clothes is need much energy so fashion lets a big carbon footprint . When we throw clothes away they polute the atmosphere . Also , many times the people who work in the factories don't work in a good situation . There also work a lot of children .
  For that issue we can do a lot things . At first to don't buy so much clothes if we don't need them and give them to people who need them . Also , we can recycle them and buy second-hand clothes . We can help compaigns about this issue like "Greenpeace" . If we do these things we will have a better and green future.

Task 3 : Anastasia & Dionisia

          THE ENVIRONMENT OPPOSITE THE FASHION

A serious issue that worries many people today is how fashion harms the environment and the ecosystem.The factories use a lot of energy to make clothes, so they pollute the atmosphere. A good idea  would be to buy  from second- hand shops and to prefer clothes with organic fabric. We believe  that  every time we buy something , because it's cheap or because we just  want to have lots of clothes , we have to think if we harm the environment.

Task 3 Anna Smaragda Irene

Fashion and environment

All girls like fashion. But have you ever thought about the consequences that have on the environment? Clothes are covering a lot miles every day to arrive at each shop every day, causing polution in the environment. That is on e of the many issues of the ''fashion problem". We could recycle our clothes or give them to other people than throw them away. We should make people sensitive about this issue so can  have a better future!

Task 3 Nefeli and Athina

Fashion and the enviroment!

Everybody likes fashion,but no one ever thought about the consequences to the enviroment...Clothes are traveling with big ships until they come here, to shops like ''Zara'', ''Pull and Bear'' , ''Bershka'' and many other.When those ships pass through the sea a lots of fishes die because of the pullution.So maybe,we should n't buy so many clothes which are coming from countries far away from our, just to stop the pullution of the sea and athor issus that they cause.We feel really sad and we want this thing to stop!

task 3 stergos baltensperger peter zouroudis

Fashion effects the environment by buying clothes and of course throing them in the waste land and not giving it to poor people!!also to give the clothes to companies like ZARA,PULL&BEAR or BERSHKA the ships need alot of petroll so they pollute the environment with an other way..

Task 3: Instructions

Task 3: Instructions

So, we're moving on to Task 3. This time, you will write a regular blog post about "Fashion & the environment".
1) Watch the following video which I created for an assignment on Environmental Education in my Master's of Education course (in Greek).

It's here also if the video doesn't open:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRDoR_n3200

 2) Now write your post. Mention:

• The issue
• What can be done about it.
• Your opinion on the issue.  

Tips: Refer to the "Blogging Guide" and the section "Posting".

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Useful vocabulary:
fashion, environment, issue, serious issue, clothes, affect, toxic substances, illnesses, problems, contamination, ecosystem, factories, energy, carbon dioxide, petrol, greenhouse gases, washing, drying, ironing, carbon footprint, atmosphere, rubbish tips, recycle, rework, second-hand, organic, campaigns, sustainable fashion

Sustainable fashion definition: Clothes production that does not affect negatively the environment and tommorow's world.



Happy Blogging!
Miss Melissa

Hi Marianna,
  How are you?I hope fine.So you asked me to tell you about one particular festival we celebrite in Greece.

  Well here in Greece we have a lot of festivals.The one that Ilike more is Assumption.One reason that I like this festival is I have my name day.Also we collected groups and bake kebabsand generally goes to virgin Bunches and worship the image of Mary and have a great time. Another thing to do is going to various outings.Finally,in feasting and chore foumai alla up late.I hope you like the destcription and consider with come here.
  I wait for yours news.In your next letter I hope to see your positive answer.

                                                                                                                                     See you soon, your
                                                                                                                                       friend Maria

Task :2 Anastasia

Hi Mary,

How are you? I hope you are fine! It was great to hear from you.You asked me to tell you about a particular festival we celebrate in Greece.

Well, we have lots of traditional festivals in Greece. One of my favourite festivals is the festival of  the '' Assumption of Mary''. After the church it follows lots of music and traditional dancing too until very late. In the festival there are lots of kiosks which sells food, small items and jewelery. There is also a report which takes place every year in this festival. In this report there are plenty of shops and organisations with purpose to sell their products or to inform for something that we must know.

That's all for now. How about you come and visit in the summer for the festival? Then you could have the experience about the festival by yourself. I hope your answer will be positive.

See you soon,

Anastasia

(about 137 words)

Task 2: Instructions

For task 2, we will be working on PET writing (Writing Part 3: longer piece of continuous writing). You will write an email to a friend.

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Task: 

This is part of an email you receive from an English friend.Write back to this friend. (about 100 words)

We're doing a project on life in the UK at school and I wondered if you could tell me something about a particular festival you celebrate in Greece. 

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Guidance:

• Genre: email
• Writing style: informal (email to a friend)
• Main content: A festival celebrated in Greece
• Pay attention to organisation: Introduction - Main Body - Closing. Paragraphs. Topic sentences. Linking words and phrases. 
• Pay attention to language: Use a wide range of vocabulary, play CLOSE attention to grammar!
• See "Writing an email" in the "Writing Guide" of this blog.
• Pay attention to word count. 
• Make sure you stay on topic.  
• Golden rule: Plan - Write - Edit  
• For a title write: Task 2 and your name  
• We'll be commenting too on each other's posts. See again the "Commenting" section in the "Blogging Guide".

Happy writing!
Miss Melissa

Task 1 Nefeli

                                        Be grateful!

I think that we should be always grateful for things we have in life and we shouldn't ask for more! I am grateful for having a house to live and family who cares about me.Also,I have many friends and I know they will stand next to me to any problem in my life.Some kids don't have nice clothes to wear and I do,so I'm grateful of it! I believe that everybody should be happy for what they have!

                                                                                                                          Nefeli          

task 1 stergos

I feel greatful of my ability to windsurf because windsurfing is an expensive sport and you need a lot of money to buy the windsurf board and all the equipments.Windsurfing gives me an unforgettable experience of the greek sea.

Task 1: Miss Melissa

I feel grateful for having a job I thoroughly enjoy. Being with children and teenagers gives me lots of happy moments every day. Seeing them engaged in their learning and becoming really brilliant at using English is wonderful.

I'm also grateful for having a dog that adores me and sits and waits by my garden gate to meet me when I come home from school. Here he is. His name's Harvey.

Sometimes Harvey is a bit naughty. He runs off when the opportunity arises which makes us worried but he always comes back very happy... and dirty. Then we need to give him a shower. Grrrr! So sometimes he's a real nuisance but we still love him!

Miss Melissa

Task 1: Instructions

 Our first post was a dummy post using the story "Running Late" which we wrote as a class at school. From now on, I'll be setting up new tasks for you to work on. Once you've read and understood the task, you'll prepare your response and post it. Remember to be mindful of everything mentioned in the "Blogging Guide" section. 

So here goes, with task no 1...

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Task 1. 

Watch the following video about a project a young woman from Australia started. The concept behind the project is being grateful for the simple things in life.

Your task. 
Write a short paragraph about some things that you are grateful for. Mention what (it is you're grateful for) and why.

For the title write: Task 1, and at the end of the post, sign off with your first name only. I'll go first then it's your turn. 

Happy Blogging!
Miss Melissa

                Running late

                                     By whole class

I rushed along in panic. I was late again, and today was the one day I really couldn't be late. I had an important interview for my first real job as a reporter for a local newspaper. I'd not long finished my studies in journalism and I was so excited. I love writing about people and events and here was my opportunity to do it for a living. It was a cold winter's day and it had been snowing the night before. This made the buses late so I was running through the town to get to my interview at 9 o'clock. 

I decided to take a short cut and go through the park. While I was rushing along, something caught my eye. There was a boy, about 9 or 10 years-old, chasing a dog. At first, I didn't think much of it but then then I realised the boy seemed distressed. He saw me and called over.

"Help, I need some help please, please could you help me "

I didn't know how to respond. My first thought was to ignore the boy and walk away. However, I couldn't do that so I went to see what the problem was. 

"Hello there. What's the problem?"

"It's my dog! He was chasing a cat around the park and now he's stuck in a bush. Please help me."  

No way. This was not happening. Not today! I asked the boy for his mother or father's phone number so I could ring for help and still make my interview. But then I heard the dog crying and looked at the boy's big sad green eyes.

"Ok," I said. "Let's go and help your dog."

The dog's name was Charlie. The poor thing really was in trouble. He'd got caught up in a rose bush and the thorns had cut his legs. It took some effort but we managed to free him.

I hurried off hoping to make my interview. As I was running towards the newspaper's office, I glanced at my watch and saw that it was quarter past 9. Too late. My opportunity to do something really special was gone. I almost decided to just go home but I know that wouldn't have been very professional. At least I should go and apologise, I thought. As I was walking into the office, the editor was walking out. My interview was with him so I thought I'd say sorry to his face. I took a deep breath, 

"Excuse me Mr Walker, I had an interview at 9 o'clock but something stopped me getting here on time. I had to help a boy in the park..."

He looked at me and laughed.

"What? You're kidding, right? I'm sorry but I don't have time for poor excuses" 

"But..."

There was no point, he was already walking away. I was just about to walk away too but then I spotted the boy, and Charlie. He was walking towards Mr Walker.

"Dad! Dad! Charlie had a an accident in the park and this really kind girl saved him. There she is!" 

Mr Walker turned around and started walking towards me. 

"Excuse me, Miss. How about we go into my office and have the interview after all?"

I felt a big smile coming on. I couldn't believe how lucky I was...