WRITING 10

AN OPINION COMPOSITION

ABORTION

In many countries of the world, abortion is legal and often subsidized by the government. This means that in those countries anyone who wants to kill her baby, can easily access you practice an abortion.

I've heard that legal abortion in these countries, is for women who have suffered rape or have health problems that may affect the baby. These women have a preference and even more benefits than those practiced abortion just because they want to have children

Personally I disagre with abortion in general but I but might agree if the woman has suffered some kind of violence above. Then I would agree with the decision to abort. But I do not agree with women seeking abortions just because they don't want to have children and I think it would be disrespectful to the life of his son and God

In conclusion, I wish more couples become aware of the risks involved in having sex and thus could prevent the deaths of innocent babies who are not guilty of anything.

WRITING 9

A POLITE EMAIL

Dear Daniela

I hope you got home safely. I had an amazing time away, and I was delighted to find your letter in my room when I got back. Thank you very much for that. It was a beautiful detail. Was everything OK for you here in my flat? Were you comfortable in my room? The city is very pleasant and busy this time of year, isn't it? Did you have a chance to explore the Historic Center?

I'm sorry to bother you with this, but I've got a couple of questions for you. Did you use my washer while you were here? It's fine if you did, but I'm a bit worried because every time I turn on it makes a strange noise. Don't worry -fortunately, I've got the number of an excellent washer repairman, but I was wondering if you'd had a problem with the washer?

My other question is about my new watch. As you know, I normally keep my watch in my drawer, but I can't seem to find it. Do you know where it might be?

Well, that's all for now. I hope that we may actually meet one day -maybe next month?

All the best, Iván

WRITING 8

A LETTER OF COMPLAINT

Dear Presenter

I'm writing from Quito to express my concern about and advert which appeared on your TV program last week. I found it to be misleading and false.

The advert, which is for a supplements called STOMLIGHT claims to ward off colds flu, diseases and to improve their overall health. However, in the sample bottle supposedly testimonies of people who already have tried but they aren’t true. I bought these vitamins and they show many benefits that people can have if they use these vitamins, but I realized that nothing it says is true.

Furthermore, the advert uses false information to sell the product. For example it says that the vitamins comes from “Germany Formula” and is a lie because there wasn’t news about that formula on TV and the company that allegedly created vitamins, it doesn’t exist.

I am a regular viewer of your program and I have always found your programs very interesting and newfangled.

Unfortunately, this high standard is greatly reduced by the inclusion of misleading adverts such as this one.

Therefore, I urge you to remove it from your next issue and check all future adverts and products more carefully

Yours faithfully,

Iván Robalino

WRITING 7

WRITING A REPORT

REPORT

TO: GREENPEACE

FROM: Iván Robalino

RE:  Your planned visit to Ecuador

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this report is to recommend the Galapagos Islands as a place for your group to visit while staying in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND

Galapagos appears for the first time on a map in 1570, with the title of "Galopegos Insulae". Towards 1593-1710 it becomes refuge and operation center for British and American pirates, who used the giant tortoises as food. 

In 1892, the Galapagos are given their official name of "Archipiélago de Colón", reason for which some isles have at least two different names. During the Second World War, the US leased the islands from Ecuador for the duration of the war and built a military base in Baltra where they remained until 1948. On July 4, 1959 the Government of Ecuador declares all the Galapagos areas which have not been colonized as National Park and establishes its limits.

Galapagos Islands are located on both sides of the equatorial line approximately 970 km west from continental Ecuador. It is formed by thirteen greater islands, six smaller islands, 42 islets and several rocks. The largest island is Isabela, which presents the highest point of the archipelago, volcano Wolf, 1,690 meters. 97% of the total area of the isles belongs to the Galapagos National Park, the rest belongs to inhabited and developed areas like the island of Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela and Floreana, in addition to Baltra an island occupied by the Ecuadorian Armed forces. Today Galapagos Islands are also a province of Ecuador, whose capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, on the island of San Cristobal.

ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUR GROUP

BALTRA:

The pier is a 5-minute drive from the air terminal. If you happen to start your voyage in Puerto Ayora, you will take a bus ride to the Itabaca Channel, cross it by ferry towards Santa Cruz Island, and then an interesting ride,  the island to the extreme north to the extreme south will take yo from the lowlands up to the highlands and down again to the lowlands. The changes in vegetation that guests will experience will be a rewarding way to start your Galapagos Expedition.

CANAL DEL AMOR

Anyone who is looking to make the most of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos cannot miss an opportunity to see the Canal del Amor, or the Love Channel. The complete natural adventure, Canal del Amor is not considered a visitor site, but has a spectacular turquoise channel bedded in between mountainous rock. At the channel you can also spot shore birds and reef sharks, or if you have the means, have a swim or go snorkeling, and explore its diverse and plentiful aqua-life and flora.

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION

Is a great way to take in some interesting facts about the environment of the Galapagos many take for granted while relaxing on the beach and having a pina colada. On display, the center has available information on local conservation, habitats, and other interesting relevant statistics. The station's most impressive attraction is the tortoise breeding center, where you can see tortoises of all shapes and sizes. Access to the tortoises is quite open and visitors can feel free to walk amongst them as well enjoy taking photos.

FERNANDINA ISLAND

Is found on the west side of Isla Isabela, and is one of the least visited islands in the Galapagos. Its active volcanic state makes the island scarce of vegetation, and the scenery is almost surreal. Fernandina is home to an impressive colony of marine iguanas, as well as Galapagos penguins and cormorants. Follow the Lands End trail to experience the distinctive environment and even see a colony of sea lions on the waterline.

GENOVESA ISLAND

Genovesa Island is one of the most interesting in the Galapagos chain. Composed entirely out of a shield volcano, the horseshoe-shaped island is home to such geologic wonders such as the Great Darwin Bay, which was formed out of a collapsed volcanic structure, and Lake Arcturus, a salt water crater lake that lies at the center of the island. There are unique diving opportunities at both landmarks, so if you’re looking to get in the water, do not miss the chance to see sea lions, seals, or even a Hammerhead shark in their natural habitats. 

You can also visit the Bird Island, it is home to an incredible amount and variety of bird colonies, including Blue-footed Boobies, storm petrels, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Galapagos mockingbirds. Follow the path know as Prince Philip’s Steps that leads through the seabirds colonies’ homes. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

In order to enter the Galapagos islands all passengers need their passport. Even if you don't need vaccines to enter the isle, it is best to get protection against Malaria, Tetanus and Yellow Fever if you require to travel to the Amazon rainforest or the Coast. Please find out about this and look for requirements and recommendations in relation to this, at your local health center. 

In order to enter the Galapagos you need to pay US$ 100 in taxes to the National Park, which need to be paid in cash at Baltra or San Cristobal airports. Children under 12 will pay US$ 50. Only 20 kilos and one baggage per person will be allowed on flights towards Galapagos. The rest of the luggage will be kept safely for you at your hotel in Quito.

WRITING 6

A MOVIE REVIEW

I watched a movie recently called The Intouchables.  It's a comedy-drama film by Eric Toledano y Olivier Nakache, based on true events and it's really gripping. I couldn't stop watching the movie! It's very funny and the same time is sad and the movie made me think a lot about friendship and the people who can become your best friends and the things they can do for you.

Most of the storie takes place in Paris. The main protagonist is a rich French called Philippe who has been quadriplegic because of a paragliding accident.

After his accident Philippe decides to hire a live-in carer. So Philippe and his assistant Magalie, were interviewing candidates when Driss who has no ambitions to get hired, comes into the office and he says that he is just there to get a signature showing he was interviewed and rejected in order to continue to receive his welfare benefits.

He is told to come back the next morning to get his signed letter. His aunt, exasperated from not hearing from him for six months,  him to leave the flat.

The next day, Driss returns to Philippe's mansion and learns to his surprise that he is on a trial period for the live-in carer job. He learns the extent of Philippe's disability and then accompanies Philippe in every moment of his life, discovering with astonishment a completely different lifestyle.

Over time the two forge a powerful friendship that nothing can separate them. And until now they are still best friends.

I really recommended this movie because it's a really touching movie. You get totally involved with the characters, specially the way Philippe and Driss' characters develops during the course of the film.