Omicron coronavirus variant spreading worldwide

29th November, 2021

A new variant of the covid-19 virus is beginning to spread worldwide. The WHO named the mutation Omicron, after a letter of the Greek alphabet. It was first reported in Botswana on the 9th of November. Two weeks later, it was detected in South Africa and flagged as a "virus of concern". Soon after this, cases were reported in Hong Kong, Israel, Madagascar and Belgium. Epidemiologists have warned that this new strain could be extremely infectious. They also said it may be able to evade protections afforded us by current vaccines. This has led to countries reinstating travel bans. Despite these, new cases have already been reported in the UK, Germany and the Czech Republic. Scientists are currently analyzing Omicron to assess the dangers it might pose. They have detected 50 genetic changes in the DNA that affects the spikes surrounding the crown of the virus. Current vaccines focus on these spikes. Any changes in the DNA of the spikes could make the virus more virulent, more transmissible and possibly more resistant against vaccines. Scientists say it could take a few weeks to determine how effective our vaccines are against Omicron. The White House's chief medical adviser has warned that: "When you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility, and you're already having travel-related cases…it almost invariably is ultimately going to go all over [the world]."

Why have some countries put travel bans back due to this new variant covid -19? Because …

Omicron coronavirus variant spreading worldwide

29th November, 2021

A new variant of the covid-19 virus is beginning to spread worldwide. The WHO named the mutation Omicron, after a letter of the Greek alphabet. It was first reported in Botswana on the 9th of November. Two weeks later, it was detected in South Africa and flagged as a "virus of concern". Soon after this, cases were reported in Hong Kong, Israel, Madagascar and Belgium. Epidemiologists have warned that this new strain could be extremely infectious. They also said it may be able to evade protections afforded us by current vaccines. This has led to countries reinstating travel bans. Despite these, new cases have already been reported in the UK, Germany and the Czech Republic. Scientists are currently analyzing Omicron to assess the dangers it might pose. They have detected 50 genetic changes in the DNA that affects the spikes surrounding the crown of the virus. Current vaccines focus on these spikes. Any changes in the DNA of the spikes could make the virus more virulent, more transmissible and possibly more resistant against vaccines. Scientists say it could take a few weeks to determine how effective our vaccines are against Omicron. The White House's chief medical adviser has warned that: "When you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility, and you're already having travel-related cases…it almost invariably is ultimately going to go all over [the world]."

How long might it take scientists to find out how dangerous Omicron is?

Omicron coronavirus variant spreading worldwide

29th November, 2021

A new variant of the covid-19 virus is beginning to spread worldwide. The WHO named the mutation Omicron, after a letter of the Greek alphabet. It was first reported in Botswana on the 9th of November. Two weeks later, it was detected in South Africa and flagged as a "virus of concern". Soon after this, cases were reported in Hong Kong, Israel, Madagascar and Belgium. Epidemiologists have warned that this new strain could be extremely infectious. They also said it may be able to evade protections afforded us by current vaccines. This has led to countries reinstating travel bans. Despite these, new cases have already been reported in the UK, Germany and the Czech Republic. Scientists are currently analyzing Omicron to assess the dangers it might pose. They have detected 50 genetic changes in the DNA that affects the spikes surrounding the crown of the virus. Current vaccines focus on these spikes. Any changes in the DNA of the spikes could make the virus more virulent, more transmissible and possibly more resistant against vaccines. Scientists say it could take a few weeks to determine how effective our vaccines are against Omicron. The White House's chief medical adviser has warned that: "When you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility, and you're already having travel-related cases…it almost invariably is ultimately going to go all over [the world]."

What make  the new virus considered to be more resistant against vaccines?

Omicron coronavirus variant spreading worldwide

29th November, 2021

A new variant of the covid-19 virus is beginning to spread worldwide. The WHO named the mutation Omicron, after a letter of the Greek alphabet. It was first reported in Botswana on the 9th of November. Two weeks later, it was detected in South Africa and flagged as a "virus of concern". Soon after this, cases were reported in Hong Kong, Israel, Madagascar and Belgium. Epidemiologists have warned that this new strain could be extremely infectious. They also said it may be able to evade protections afforded us by current vaccines. This has led to countries reinstating travel bans. Despite these, new cases have already been reported in the UK, Germany and the Czech Republic. Scientists are currently analyzing Omicron to assess the dangers it might pose. They have detected 50 genetic changes in the DNA that affects the spikes surrounding the crown of the virus. Current vaccines focus on these spikes. Any changes in the DNA of the spikes could make the virus more virulent, more transmissible and possibly more resistant against vaccines. Scientists say it could take a few weeks to determine how effective our vaccines are against Omicron. The White House's chief medical adviser has warned that: "When you have a virus that is showing this degree of transmissibility, and you're already having travel-related cases…it almost invariably is ultimately going to go all over [the world]."

  Which information can we conclude about the new variant covid-19?

A.     

Top 25 travel destinations for 2022 revealed   

Foreign travel has been beyond most of us for the past 18 months because of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are signs of hope for us to resume our sojourns to exotic and faraway places. The National Geographic magazine has released its list of the top 25 travel destinations for 2022. The list is split into five categories: adventure, culture and history, family, nature and sustainability. George Stone, Nat Geo's executive editor for travel, explained the rationale behind the list and how covid-19 helped shape it. He said: "In many ways, the pandemic provided a moment for travellers and communities around the world to reflect and regroup on how we explore the world." The list includes a visit to London's Tin Pan Alley, famed for its music history, and a tour of Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for the unique heritage of its indigenous Ainu people. For nature lovers, exploring Namibia's Caprivi Strip is recommended for its abundance of natural wildlife. Mr Stone said the pandemic has made people choosier about their vacations. He said: "People are going to be making much more conscientious choices…so we wanted…specific ideas about what is a unique, revealing and safe destination for the year ahead." He added: "These superlative destinations speak of resilient communities, innovative conservation efforts, and thrilling opportunities for future exploration."

What is the purpose of the writer informed Nat Geo’s list of the top 25 travel destinations for 2022?

Top 25 travel destinations for 2022 revealed   

Foreign travel has been beyond most of us for the past 18 months because of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are signs of hope for us to resume our sojourns to exotic and faraway places. The National Geographic magazine has released its list of the top 25 travel destinations for 2022. The list is split into five categories: adventure, culture and history, family, nature and sustainability. George Stone, Nat Geo's executive editor for travel, explained the rationale behind the list and how covid-19 helped shape it. He said: "In many ways, the pandemic provided a moment for travellers and communities around the world to reflect and regroup on how we explore the world." The list includes a visit to London's Tin Pan Alley, famed for its music history, and a tour of Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for the unique heritage of its indigenous Ainu people. For nature lovers, exploring Namibia's Caprivi Strip is recommended for its abundance of natural wildlife. Mr Stone said the pandemic has made people choosier about their vacations. He said: "People are going to be making much more conscientious choices…so we wanted…specific ideas about what is a unique, revealing and safe destination for the year ahead." He added: "These superlative destinations speak of resilient communities, innovative conservation efforts, and thrilling opportunities for future exploration."

What kind of travel opportunities did Nat Geo say would be in the future?

Top 25 travel destinations for 2022 revealed   

Foreign travel has been beyond most of us for the past 18 months because of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are signs of hope for us to resume our sojourns to exotic and faraway places. The National Geographic magazine has released its list of the top 25 travel destinations for 2022. The list is split into five categories: adventure, culture and history, family, nature and sustainability. George Stone, Nat Geo's executive editor for travel, explained the rationale behind the list and how covid-19 helped shape it. He said: "In many ways, the pandemic provided a moment for travellers and communities around the world to reflect and regroup on how we explore the world." The list includes a visit to London's Tin Pan Alley, famed for its music history, and a tour of Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for the unique heritage of its indigenous Ainu people. For nature lovers, exploring Namibia's Caprivi Strip is recommended for its abundance of natural wildlife. Mr Stone said the pandemic has made people choosier about their vacations. He said: "People are going to be making much more conscientious choices…so we wanted…specific ideas about what is a unique, revealing and safe destination for the year ahead." He added: "These superlative destinations speak of resilient communities, innovative conservation efforts, and thrilling opportunities for future exploration."

What kind of choices did Nat Geo say people are making about their vacation?

Top 25 travel destinations for 2022 revealed   

Foreign travel has been beyond most of us for the past 18 months because of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are signs of hope for us to resume our sojourns to exotic and faraway places. The National Geographic magazine has released its list of the top 25 travel destinations for 2022. The list is split into five categories: adventure, culture and history, family, nature and sustainability. George Stone, Nat Geo's executive editor for travel, explained the rationale behind the list and how covid-19 helped shape it. He said: "In many ways, the pandemic provided a moment for travellers and communities around the world to reflect and regroup on how we explore the world." The list includes a visit to London's Tin Pan Alley, famed for its music history, and a tour of Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for the unique heritage of its indigenous Ainu people. For nature lovers, exploring Namibia's Caprivi Strip is recommended for its abundance of natural wildlife. Mr Stone said the pandemic has made people choosier about their vacations. He said: "People are going to be making much more conscientious choices…so we wanted…specific ideas about what is a unique, revealing and safe destination for the year ahead." He added: "These superlative destinations speak of resilient communities, innovative conservation efforts, and thrilling opportunities for future exploration."

What can we conclude about travel destination released by Nat Geo?

Top 25 travel destinations for 2022 revealed   

Foreign travel has been beyond most of us for the past 18 months because of restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. However, there are signs of hope for us to resume our sojourns to exotic and faraway places. The National Geographic magazine has released its list of the top 25 travel destinations for 2022. The list is split into five categories: adventure, culture and history, family, nature and sustainability. George Stone, Nat Geo's executive editor for travel, explained the rationale behind the list and how covid-19 helped shape it. He said: "In many ways, the pandemic provided a moment for travellers and communities around the world to reflect and regroup on how we explore the world." The list includes a visit to London's Tin Pan Alley, famed for its music history, and a tour of Hokkaido, Japan, renowned for the unique heritage of its indigenous Ainu people. For nature lovers, exploring Namibia's Caprivi Strip is recommended for its abundance of natural wildlife. Mr Stone said the pandemic has made people choosier about their vacations. He said: "People are going to be making much more conscientious choices…so we wanted…specific ideas about what is a unique, revealing and safe destination for the year ahead." He added: "These superlative destinations speak of resilient communities, innovative conservation efforts, and thrilling opportunities for future exploration."

Nat Geo's executive editor for travel said: "In many ways, the pandemic provided a moment for travellers and communities around the world to reflect and regroup on how we explore the world." What did he say about the pandemic? He said (that) …

Portugal bans bosses contacting staff after work

Technology is an integral and often indispensable part of our lives. However, it can also be an intrusive part, especially where the workplace is concerned. Many employers and bosses contact employees outside of working hours. This means staff can never entirely switch off from work. The government in Portugal has taken steps to limit this incursion into the lives of workers. It has introduced a law that prohibits employers and bosses from contacting workers by email, message or phone outside of working hours. The law applies to companies with more than 10 employees. It states that any violation constitutes a "serious offense" and could result in financial penalties. The Portuguese government has introduced the new privacy law after receiving a deluge of complaints during the coronavirus lockdowns. An increasing number of employees are now working from home remotely because of COVID-19. The research company Gartner estimated that remote workers will nearly double to represent 32 per cent of the global workforce by the end of 2021, compared to 17 per cent in 2019. Portugal's government said: "The employer must respect the privacy of the worker." The new law also requires employers to provide employees with the appropriate tools to work from home, and reimburse them with any costs incurred to assist with increased energy bills.

What does the article say is a crucial part of our lives?

Portugal bans bosses contacting staff after work

Technology is an integral and often indispensable part of our lives. However, it can also be an intrusive part, especially where the workplace is concerned. Many employers and bosses contact employees outside of working hours. This means staff can never entirely switch off from work. The government in Portugal has taken steps to limit this incursion into the lives of workers. It has introduced a law that prohibits employers and bosses from contacting workers by email, message or phone outside of working hours. The law applies to companies with more than 10 employees. It states that any violation constitutes a "serious offense" and could result in financial penalties. The Portuguese government has introduced the new privacy law after receiving a deluge of complaints during the coronavirus lockdowns. An increasing number of employees are now working from home remotely because of COVID-19. The research company Gartner estimated that remote workers will nearly double to represent 32 per cent of the global workforce by the end of 2021, compared to 17 per cent in 2019. Portugal's government said: "The employer must respect the privacy of the worker." The new law also requires employers to provide employees with the appropriate tools to work from home, and reimburse them with any costs incurred to assist with increased energy bills.

  What will employers have to provide employees with?

Portugal bans bosses contacting staff after work

Technology is an integral and often indispensable part of our lives. However, it can also be an intrusive part, especially where the workplace is concerned. Many employers and bosses contact employees outside of working hours. This means staff can never entirely switch off from work. The government in Portugal has taken steps to limit this incursion into the lives of workers. It has introduced a law that prohibits employers and bosses from contacting workers by email, message or phone outside of working hours. The law applies to companies with more than 10 employees. It states that any violation constitutes a "serious offense" and could result in financial penalties. The Portuguese government has introduced the new privacy law after receiving a deluge of complaints during the coronavirus lockdowns. An increasing number of employees are now working from home remotely because of COVID-19. The research company Gartner estimated that remote workers will nearly double to represent 32 per cent of the global workforce by the end of 2021, compared to 17 per cent in 2019. Portugal's government said: "The employer must respect the privacy of the worker." The new law also requires employers to provide employees with the appropriate tools to work from home, and reimburse them with any costs incurred to assist with increased energy bills.

What size of company does the new law apply to?

Portugal bans bosses contacting staff after work

Technology is an integral and often indispensable part of our lives. However, it can also be an intrusive part, especially where the workplace is concerned. Many employers and bosses contact employees outside of working hours. This means staff can never entirely switch off from work. The government in Portugal has taken steps to limit this incursion into the lives of workers. It has introduced a law that prohibits employers and bosses from contacting workers by email, message or phone outside of working hours. The law applies to companies with more than 10 employees. It states that any violation constitutes a "serious offense" and could result in financial penalties. The Portuguese government has introduced the new privacy law after receiving a deluge of complaints during the coronavirus lockdowns. An increasing number of employees are now working from home remotely because of COVID-19. The research company Gartner estimated that remote workers will nearly double to represent 32 per cent of the global workforce by the end of 2021, compared to 17 per cent in 2019. Portugal's government said: "The employer must respect the privacy of the worker." The new law also requires employers to provide employees with the appropriate tools to work from home, and reimburse them with any costs incurred to assist with increased energy bills.

How are number of employees working at home in 2020 compare to those in 2019?

Portugal bans bosses contacting staff after work

Technology is an integral and often indispensable part of our lives. However, it can also be an intrusive part, especially where the workplace is concerned. Many employers and bosses contact employees outside of working hours. This means staff can never entirely switch off from work. The government in Portugal has taken steps to limit this incursion into the lives of workers. It has introduced a law that prohibits employers and bosses from contacting workers by email, message or phone outside of working hours. The law applies to companies with more than 10 employees. It states that any violation constitutes a "serious offense" and could result in financial penalties. The Portuguese government has introduced the new privacy law after receiving a deluge of complaints during the coronavirus lockdowns. An increasing number of employees are now working from home remotely because of COVID-19. The research company Gartner estimated that remote workers will nearly double to represent 32 per cent of the global workforce by the end of 2021, compared to 17 per cent in 2019. Portugal's government said: "The employer must respect the privacy of the worker." The new law also requires employers to provide employees with the appropriate tools to work from home, and reimburse them with any costs incurred to assist with increased energy bills.

Portugal's government say about the privacy of the worker?

Poem signed by Anne Frank sells for nearly $150,000

Haarlem, Netherlands | Fri, November 25, 2016 | 10:33 am

A rare handwritten poem signed by Anne Frank sold at auction Wednesday for 140,000 euros ($148,620). In a sign of the enduring popularity of the Jewish diarist who became a symbol for Holocaust victims, the sale price, which doesn't include the auctioneer's commission, was nearly three times the upper limit of the Dutch auction house's pre-sale estimate.

The eight-line poem, half of which was copied from a Dutch book of verse, is dated March 28, 1942, shortly before Anne and her family went into hiding from the Netherlands' wartime Nazi occupiers in a secret apartment in an Amsterdam canal house.

It was sold to an online bidder, whose identity wasn't released. The poem was accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the seller, Anne's former school friend, Jacqueline van Maarsen. The poem is addressed to Van Maarsen's late sister, Christiane. Jacqueline van Maarsen also has a poem written by Anne that was addressed to her.

A rare handwritten poem signed by Anne Frank sold at auction Wednesday for 140,000 euros ($148,620).

We can say that :

Poem signed by Anne Frank sells for nearly $150,000

Haarlem, Netherlands | Fri, November 25, 2016 | 10:33 am

A rare handwritten poem signed by Anne Frank sold at auction Wednesday for 140,000 euros ($148,620). In a sign of the enduring popularity of the Jewish diarist who became a symbol for Holocaust victims, the sale price, which doesn't include the auctioneer's commission, was nearly three times the upper limit of the Dutch auction house's pre-sale estimate.

The eight-line poem, half of which was copied from a Dutch book of verse, is dated March 28, 1942, shortly before Anne and her family went into hiding from the Netherlands' wartime Nazi occupiers in a secret apartment in an Amsterdam canal house.

It was sold to an online bidder, whose identity wasn't released. The poem was accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the seller, Anne's former school friend, Jacqueline van Maarsen. The poem is addressed to Van Maarsen's late sister, Christiane. Jacqueline van Maarsen also has a poem written by Anne that was addressed to her.

Which of the following information IS CORRECT about the poem?

Poem signed by Anne Frank sells for nearly $150,000

Haarlem, Netherlands | Fri, November 25, 2016 | 10:33 am

A rare handwritten poem signed by Anne Frank sold at auction Wednesday for 140,000 euros ($148,620). In a sign of the enduring popularity of the Jewish diarist who became a symbol for Holocaust victims, the sale price, which doesn't include the auctioneer's commission, was nearly three times the upper limit of the Dutch auction house's pre-sale estimate.

The eight-line poem, half of which was copied from a Dutch book of verse, is dated March 28, 1942, shortly before Anne and her family went into hiding from the Netherlands' wartime Nazi occupiers in a secret apartment in an Amsterdam canal house.

It was sold to an online bidder, whose identity wasn't released. The poem was accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the seller, Anne's former school friend, Jacqueline van Maarsen. The poem is addressed to Van Maarsen's late sister, Christiane. Jacqueline van Maarsen also has a poem written by Anne that was addressed to her.

The poem was accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the seller, Anne's former school friend, Jacqueline van Maarsen. From the sentence above we can know that …

Poem signed by Anne Frank sells for nearly $150,000

Haarlem, Netherlands | Fri, November 25, 2016 | 10:33 am

A rare handwritten poem signed by Anne Frank sold at auction Wednesday for 140,000 euros ($148,620). In a sign of the enduring popularity of the Jewish diarist who became a symbol for Holocaust victims, the sale price, which doesn't include the auctioneer's commission, was nearly three times the upper limit of the Dutch auction house's pre-sale estimate.

The eight-line poem, half of which was copied from a Dutch book of verse, is dated March 28, 1942, shortly before Anne and her family went into hiding from the Netherlands' wartime Nazi occupiers in a secret apartment in an Amsterdam canal house.

It was sold to an online bidder, whose identity wasn't released. The poem was accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the seller, Anne's former school friend, Jacqueline van Maarsen. The poem is addressed to Van Maarsen's late sister, Christiane. Jacqueline van Maarsen also has a poem written by Anne that was addressed to her.

Jacqueline van Maarsen also has a poem written by Anne that was addressed to her.  In other words we can say …

Cooped-up Jakartans find brief respite in reopened city parks

Visitors sit in designated circles to keep their distance from other groups and limit the spread of COVID-19 at Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta on May 14.(Antara/Aprillio Akbar) A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta   ●   Sat, November 27, 2021

Jakartans have returned with gusto to the city’s public parks, which are now open after months of closure under COVID-19 restrictions, but many have expressed concerns that the parks’ reopening will be brief as the government plans to tighten curbs during the year-end holidays.

Desi Permata Sari, a 21-year-old college student, spent her class-free day at Suropati Park in Menteng, Central Jakarta, a popular spot for strolling and jogging before the pandemic.

 “I actually don’t visit parks that often. But today I have no classes, and I was looking for somewhere green,” Desi told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

She said she frequented museums before the pandemic. But museums, like public parks, have been closed for much of the pandemic.

At the height of the second COVID-19 wave in July, the government imposed widespread emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat). These were followed by a four-tiered PPKM system in the following months, which allowed for different restriction levels in each region. Public parks in Jakarta were closed to visitors during PPKM Darurat and under PPKM levels 3 and 4 – the two highest of the four-tiered system. They reopened on Oct. 23 when Jakarta eased restrictions to level 2. The curbs have since been lowered to level 1.

Why did some people predict that park’s reopening will be short?

Cooped-up Jakartans find brief respite in reopened city parks

Visitors sit in designated circles to keep their distance from other groups and limit the spread of COVID-19 at Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta on May 14.(Antara/Aprillio Akbar) A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta   ●   Sat, November 27, 2021

Jakartans have returned with gusto to the city’s public parks, which are now open after months of closure under COVID-19 restrictions, but many have expressed concerns that the parks’ reopening will be brief as the government plans to tighten curbs during the year-end holidays.

Desi Permata Sari, a 21-year-old college student, spent her class-free day at Suropati Park in Menteng, Central Jakarta, a popular spot for strolling and jogging before the pandemic.

 “I actually don’t visit parks that often. But today I have no classes, and I was looking for somewhere green,” Desi told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

She said she frequented museums before the pandemic. But museums, like public parks, have been closed for much of the pandemic.

At the height of the second COVID-19 wave in July, the government imposed widespread emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat). These were followed by a four-tiered PPKM system in the following months, which allowed for different restriction levels in each region. Public parks in Jakarta were closed to visitors during PPKM Darurat and under PPKM levels 3 and 4 – the two highest of the four-tiered system. They reopened on Oct. 23 when Jakarta eased restrictions to level 2. The curbs have since been lowered to level 1.

What can we conclude about emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat) in Jakarta?

Cooped-up Jakartans find brief respite in reopened city parks

Visitors sit in designated circles to keep their distance from other groups and limit the spread of COVID-19 at Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta on May 14.(Antara/Aprillio Akbar) A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta   ●   Sat, November 27, 2021

Jakartans have returned with gusto to the city’s public parks, which are now open after months of closure under COVID-19 restrictions, but many have expressed concerns that the parks’ reopening will be brief as the government plans to tighten curbs during the year-end holidays.

Desi Permata Sari, a 21-year-old college student, spent her class-free day at Suropati Park in Menteng, Central Jakarta, a popular spot for strolling and jogging before the pandemic.

 “I actually don’t visit parks that often. But today I have no classes, and I was looking for somewhere green,” Desi told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

She said she frequented museums before the pandemic. But museums, like public parks, have been closed for much of the pandemic.

At the height of the second COVID-19 wave in July, the government imposed widespread emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM Darurat). These were followed by a four-tiered PPKM system in the following months, which allowed for different restriction levels in each region. Public parks in Jakarta were closed to visitors during PPKM Darurat and under PPKM levels 3 and 4 – the two highest of the four-tiered system. They reopened on Oct. 23 when Jakarta eased restrictions to level 2. The curbs have since been lowered to level 1.

Visitors sit in designated circles …  keep their distance from other groups. The appropriate word(s) to fill in the blank:

In our commentary today we turn to the issue of education, and to the question raised by the government’s Education Secretary yesterday: how to get poorer students into higher education. The solutions suggested b the Secretary, Ms. Holland, have so far all been concerned with access regulation. Among others, it has been proposed that good university should be financially encouraged – or shall we say bribed – to admit underprivileged students. Another suggestion is that the best candidates’ application forms should simply be rejected with more places being allocated to students with lower grades or learning problems.

                In short, the proposed solution to the crisis in the country’s system of education aim to punish good schools, and this is not how the problems should be solved. As we stated clearly in our editorial today, the only way to help poor students is to improve the schools which are not as good. More money should be provided and spent on teacher training and teachers’ professional development. Schools  in remote parts of the country should be better equipped, and local communities must be encouraged to attract good teachers by offering them better working conditions and pay rises. But the Education Secretary is surely no novice to these points: they have appeared in every petition and innumerable articles ever since the problems with poorer students emerged for the first time. As any good teacher knows, the way to make a slow student remember something is to repeat it. So we do repeat our arguments, and can only hope there will be no need to do it yet again.

  Which way of improving schools is NOT included in the text?

In our commentary today we turn to the issue of education, and to the question raised by the government’s Education Secretary yesterday: how to get poorer students into higher education. The solutions suggested b the Secretary, Ms. Holland, have so far all been concerned with access regulation. Among others, it has been proposed that good university should be financially encouraged – or shall we say bribed – to admit underprivileged students. Another suggestion is that the best candidates’ application forms should simply be rejected with more places being allocated to students with lower grades or learning problems.

                In short, the proposed solution to the crisis in the country’s system of education aim to punish good schools, and this is not how the problems should be solved. As we stated clearly in our editorial today, the only way to help poor students is to improve the schools which are not as good. More money should be provided and spent on teacher training and teachers’ professional development. Schools  in remote parts of the country should be better equipped, and local communities must be encouraged to attract good teachers by offering them better working conditions and pay rises. But the Education Secretary is surely no novice to these points: they have appeared in every petition and innumerable articles ever since the problems with poorer students emerged for the first time. As any good teacher knows, the way to make a slow student remember something is to repeat it. So we do repeat our arguments, and can only hope there will be no need to do it yet again.

  The general aim of this text is to :

In our commentary today we turn to the issue of education, and to the question raised by the government’s Education Secretary yesterday: how to get poorer students into higher education. The solutions suggested b the Secretary, Ms. Holland, have so far all been concerned with access regulation. Among others, it has been proposed that good university should be financially encouraged – or shall we say bribed – to admit underprivileged students. Another suggestion is that the best candidates’ application forms should simply be rejected with more places being allocated to students with lower grades or learning problems.

                In short, the proposed solution to the crisis in the country’s system of education aim to punish good schools, and this is not how the problems should be solved. As we stated clearly in our editorial today, the only way to help poor students is to improve the schools which are not as good. More money should be provided and spent on teacher training and teachers’ professional development. Schools  in remote parts of the country should be better equipped, and local communities must be encouraged to attract good teachers by offering them better working conditions and pay rises. But the Education Secretary is surely no novice to these points: they have appeared in every petition and innumerable articles ever since the problems with poorer students emerged for the first time. As any good teacher knows, the way to make a slow student remember something is to repeat it. So we do repeat our arguments, and can only hope there will be no need to do it yet again.

  Which of the statements is NOT correct based on the text?

Technology plays an increasingly important part in our daily lives. While many technological developments may be beneficial-in the field of medicine, for instance-there are many others whose effects are less positive. We may find examples of these in the world of work, in the home and in the whole area of freedom and privacy.

In the world of work, technological advances have had various negative effects, the development of robotics has meant that in industries, such as car-manufacturing, robots are replacing people. They work faster and more accurately and they don’t need breaks. As a result, industrial workers seed work opportunities decreasing further and unemployment level rising. In addition, more and more people are working from home using personal computer, which means they lose the stimulus that comes from working in direct contact with other people and may feel isolated.

Finally there are the implication information technology for freedom and privacy. More facts about individuals are being stored in data banks, which may be accessed thought networks of computer. This creates an ever-increasing risk of accidental or deliberate leaking of private detail. Everyday more information is collected by banks, credit card companies, consumer organization and so on and who is there t keep an eye on what happens to it? It is certainly convenient to store information in this way, but I feel it could lead to long-term problems. There may be other hidden danger- theoretically; could a thinking computer start to use the data against us?

To sum up, I believe that we must be careful with technology. While it has clear advantages, there is also the danger that it could turn us and we could find ourselves the victims of our success.

  The text mainly discusses….

Technology plays an increasingly important part in our daily lives. While many technological developments may be beneficial-in the field of medicine, for instance-there are many others whose effects are less positive. We may find examples of these in the world of work, in the home and in the whole area of freedom and privacy.

In the world of work, technological advances have had various negative effects, the development of robotics has meant that in industries, such as car-manufacturing, robots are replacing people. They work faster and more accurately and they don’t need breaks. As a result, industrial workers seed work opportunities decreasing further and unemployment level rising. In addition, more and more people are working from home using personal computer, which means they lose the stimulus that comes from working in direct contact with other people and may feel isolated.

Finally there are the implication information technology for freedom and privacy. More facts about individuals are being stored in data banks, which may be accessed thought networks of computer. This creates an ever-increasing risk of accidental or deliberate leaking of private detail. Everyday more information is collected by banks, credit card companies, consumer organization and so on and who is there t keep an eye on what happens to it? It is certainly convenient to store information in this way, but I feel it could lead to long-term problems. There may be other hidden danger- theoretically; could a thinking computer start to use the data against us?

To sum up, I believe that we must be careful with technology. While it has clear advantages, there is also the danger that it could turn us and we could find ourselves the victims of our success.

Which is TRUE about the technological modernization in factories?

Technology plays an increasingly important part in our daily lives. While many technological developments may be beneficial-in the field of medicine, for instance-there are many others whose effects are less positive. We may find examples of these in the world of work, in the home and in the whole area of freedom and privacy.

In the world of work, technological advances have had various negative effects, the development of robotics has meant that in industries, such as car-manufacturing, robots are replacing people. They work faster and more accurately and they don’t need breaks. As a result, industrial workers seed work opportunities decreasing further and unemployment level rising. In addition, more and more people are working from home using personal computer, which means they lose the stimulus that comes from working in direct contact with other people and may feel isolated.

Finally there are the implication information technology for freedom and privacy. More facts about individuals are being stored in data banks, which may be accessed thought networks of computer. This creates an ever-increasing risk of accidental or deliberate leaking of private detail. Everyday more information is collected by banks, credit card companies, consumer organization and so on and who is there t keep an eye on what happens to it? It is certainly convenient to store information in this way, but I feel it could lead to long-term problems. There may be other hidden danger- theoretically; could a thinking computer start to use the data against us?

To sum up, I believe that we must be careful with technology. While it has clear advantages, there is also the danger that it could turn us and we could find ourselves the victims of our success.

The technological advantages in business also result in…

Technology plays an increasingly important part in our daily lives. While many technological developments may be beneficial-in the field of medicine, for instance-there are many others whose effects are less positive. We may find examples of these in the world of work, in the home and in the whole area of freedom and privacy.

In the world of work, technological advances have had various negative effects, the development of robotics has meant that in industries, such as car-manufacturing, robots are replacing people. They work faster and more accurately and they don’t need breaks. As a result, industrial workers seed work opportunities decreasing further and unemployment level rising. In addition, more and more people are working from home using personal computer, which means they lose the stimulus that comes from working in direct contact with other people and may feel isolated.

Finally there are the implication information technology for freedom and privacy. More facts about individuals are being stored in data banks, which may be accessed thought networks of computer. This creates an ever-increasing risk of accidental or deliberate leaking of private detail. Everyday more information is collected by banks, credit card companies, consumer organization and so on and who is there t keep an eye on what happens to it? It is certainly convenient to store information in this way, but I feel it could lead to long-term problems. There may be other hidden danger- theoretically; could a thinking computer start to use the data against us?

To sum up, I believe that we must be careful with technology. While it has clear advantages, there is also the danger that it could turn us and we could find ourselves the victims of our success.

Information technology for freedom and privacy may hurt computer users because…

Technology plays an increasingly important part in our daily lives. While many technological developments may be beneficial-in the field of medicine, for instance-there are many others whose effects are less positive. We may find examples of these in the world of work, in the home and in the whole area of freedom and privacy.

In the world of work, technological advances have had various negative effects, the development of robotics has meant that in industries, such as car-manufacturing, robots are replacing people. They work faster and more accurately and they don’t need breaks. As a result, industrial workers seed work opportunities decreasing further and unemployment level rising. In addition, more and more people are working from home using personal computer, which means they lose the stimulus that comes from working in direct contact with other people and may feel isolated.

Finally there are the implication information technology for freedom and privacy. More facts about individuals are being stored in data banks, which may be accessed thought networks of computer. This creates an ever-increasing risk of accidental or deliberate leaking of private detail. Everyday more information is collected by banks, credit card companies, consumer organization and so on and who is there t keep an eye on what happens to it? It is certainly convenient to store information in this way, but I feel it could lead to long-term problems. There may be other hidden danger- theoretically; could a thinking computer start to use the data against us?

To sum up, I believe that we must be careful with technology. While it has clear advantages, there is also the danger that it could turn us and we could find ourselves the victims of our success.

From the text we may conclude that….

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