Task: coverline practice

1. True love of Jen and Paul -- "She's fantastic!" said Paul
2. Stunning but easier makeover for your garden
3. The Hottest diet -- lose ten kilos in two months!
4. Fit  to quit smoking and give up nicotine
5. The coolest cars this year
6. The greatest tracks of guitar ever

My Inspiring Trip (Revised)

 The former landmark in Tokyo

     Last summer, my father decided to take a trip to Tokyo with the whole family. When I heard of the news, I was so excited that I could not sleep all night before the trip. Going to Japan had been my dream for a long time. It was also my first time to travel abroad as well as an inspiration for me.

     During the flight to Tokyo, I could not help keep looking at the beautiful scenery outside the window until we arrived at the airport. The airport was totally different from what I had thought. It was large and modern. Then, we went to the hotel by bus. On the way to the hotel, I was shocked by their neatness. The roads were quite neat and flat, and the drivers had such a good manner. Suddenly, a tower with red and white color caught my attention. It was Tokyo Tower, the former landmark of Tokyo. That moment, I immediately used my camera to take a picture. It seemed that the view was unreal because I had just seen it on the TV dramas in the past. I had never been so close to the famous tower in my mind. It was amazing!

     Later, we took the train to visit many tourist spots, ate delicious food, and strolled around the city. I noticed that the Japanese were super polite. No matter where we were, everyone was quiet even in the store like Café or McDonald. They also stood in a straight line, waiting for the order patiently. The clerks would bow with smile after you left the shops. The cars would stop while there was a crossroad. Everything in Tokyo looked unbelievably but admiring. Most interestingly, Japanese people are creative since I saw several cute and appealing signs on the streets. They truly care about each other and their country with their behaviors and infrastructures.

     Those days, Japanese culture and spirit inspired me a lot. I try to learn their positive attributes and want to go to Tokyo once more, but, instead of taking a trip, I desire to study or work there. Thus, now I regard Tokyo Tower as my target, working hard in my life. I hope that I will fulfill my goal one day and see the tower again.

     

A Picture's Worth: In-class Exercise

1. When was this photo taken? The narrator's first year at university
2. Who took the photo?  The narrator, Lori Smith, took the picture.
3. Where was this photo taken? around the corner from the narrator's halls of residence
4. Why was this photo taken?   the narrator found the graffiti very inspiring as it’s not often that we see such classy graffiti – something that really makes we think
5. Why is this photo meaningful for the writer?  the quote is inspiring, and if only everyone thought that way, the world would be a better place
6. What is the story behind this photo? The writer heard about the bad experiences of her gay friends in the village. She started to think why they are treated like this, and she saw  the quote on the fence round a building site, taking the picture because he felt inspired and hoped people can change their attitude to those people like her friends.
7. Who are the characters in the story? The narrator, and her friends in the village
8. Where is the setting? Manchester, where the writer lived
9. What are the series of Events? The writer moved to a gay village, and knew many new friends. They were all friendly. The place was also full of unthreatening atmosphere. However, she knew some people cannot accept this, and heard about sad experiences of her friends. She thought they should not be treated like this. She saw the quote which inspired him on the fence, so she took the picture.
10. What is the 'tension' generated in the story? The writer came to the gay village and found it had unthreatening atmosphere in most of the bars.
11. What is the climax in the story? Some people are not accepting homosexuality, and the writer chatted with her gay friends about their bad experiences. She was inspired by the quote. She hoped more people could be inspired.
12. What is the resolution? If everyone can think about the quote and be nice to them, the world would be better. Besides, even if it is just by using a spray can and a blank wall, a few people might change their attitude toward the homosexuality.
13. What is the message behind the story? Homosexuality should be respected as heterosexual. They should be treated better in the world.

Kindergarten Lose Money

     Last night, about 11-12 pm, a private kindergarten in Ipswich, Suffolk, was broken into by someone. The walls seem to be destroyed with tools, but it is fortunate that nobody got hurt. The spokesperson of the kindergarten said, "We were so shocked that we were targeted when we are a just a nursery.” Later, the police found that a safe containing  £ 1,200 in the nursery’s wheelie bin was lost. Everyone doubts it was done by a thief. The staff in the kindergarten were worried because the money is so important to them. In order to keep the public security and take back the money soon, the police promised, “We are doing all we can to arrest the thief.”