E-Waste

In today's digital age, electronic waste, or e-waste, is becoming a significant environmental (0) issue. E-waste refers to waste from electronic devices such as computers, phones, and televisions. With rapid technological progress, old gadgets are quickly (9)                      leading to an increase in e-waste.

One major problem with e-waste is the pollution it causes. Many electronic devices (10)        harmful substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. When the disposal of these devices is not managed properly, the chemicals can be absorbed into the soil and water, causing serious health (11)        for people and animals. For example, lead can affect the nervous system, and mercury can (12)          the kidneys and liver.

Furthermore, e-waste contributes to resource reduction. Electronics contain valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper. When these devices are (13)                                                  rather than recycled, these precious resources are lost. Recycling e-waste can recover these materials, reducing the (14)                                                  for new production and preserving natural resources.

To address the e-waste problem, several steps can be taken. Firstly, individuals should

(15)                      their old electronics. Many communities have special programmes or drop- off points for e-waste. Secondly, manufacturers can design products that are easier to repair and recycle. Finally, governments can (16)                              regulations to ensure proper disposal and recycling of electronic devices.

In conclusion, e-waste is a growing environmental challenge that requires immediate

(17)                     . By recycling old electronics, supporting responsible manufacturing, and implementing effective policies, we can reduce the negative impacts (18)        e-waste on our planet. Taking these steps will help protect both our environment and our health.

Football is crying. “Even the sky is crying,” a Brazilian newspaper reporter wrote during Pelé’s last game. That was half a century ago, and the tears are flowing again for the successful football player who once worked as a shoe polisher. More than a week since his death and into a new year, the game is sad for its king, still praising him and debating his place in history.

As a footballer, he was as close to perfect as it gets. Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona used their right legs only for standing, but Pelé could do more. He was stronger and 2.5 cm taller than Messi, while Messi was lighter and faster. Nor did he need to use his hand like Maradona did. He could run the 100 m in 11 seconds, and with the ball glued to his feet, he moved smoothly. Altogether, he scored 1,283 goals in 1,363 matches.

Sportswriter Hugh McIlvanney described him best when he wrote: “His relationship with the ball was different from that achieved by anyone else. Other great footballers concentrated on mastering and using the ball as a tool. For him, it felt like the ball was his friend, moving around his feet as if it wanted to be there.” To protect Pelé, Brazil declared him a “national treasure,” stopping him from moving abroad. But there was a small mistake. His club, Santos, had to tour Europe to earn money, and host clubs always insisted that Pelé play. And so, he was still open to attack by other players.

One of his fans from Plymouth, England, said, “I saw every game he played in the 1970 World Cup and could not get enough of him. That tournament made him football’s first superstar, like Elvis in music.” On the day before the final, Italy defender Tarcisio Burgnich kept telling himself: “He’s only a human being just like me.” After the game, he said, “I was wrong.”

Pelé remained very much Pelé to football and the outside world. He was first a businessman and later the sports minister in Brazil, who was known by his proper name of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. The official name was indeed long and hard to pronounce and it's hard to think his fame would have spread and lasted as long as the universally popular "Pelé". Easy to say and impossible to forget, Pelé was declared the most famous person in the world in 1970, even above Muhammad Ali, the American professional boxer.

Around the year 2000, he was voted World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football Historians and Statisticians. In 1999, the International Olympic Committee chose him as the Athlete of the Century and Time magazine named him one of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century.

“We should stop crying and start celebrating a player who reached for – and touched – the stars. Eighty-two is a good age for the life he lived and better than average for where he came from,” said his fans from Brazil. His mother, Celeste, a cart driver’s daughter, was 16 when she gave birth to him in a small town called Tres Coracoes (Three Hearts), in the south of Rio. His father, Donadinho was a promising footballer. “We named him after Thomas Edison as electricity had only just come to our town. However, we spelt the name wrongly, but you could still say it was a lightbulb moment,” said his 98-year-old mum, who is still alive but has not been told of her son’s death.

He certainly sets an example. He was nowhere near as perfect off the field as he was on it, but he was not only an inspiration to footballers, he was also in demand by famous people too – he signed his autograph for 70 presidents, 5 kings, 10 emperors and 2 popes. “When they buried him, I just hope they did so with a football, for he was never the same without it,” wrote a newspaper reporter.

Adapted and edited from The Edge Malaysia

Students and Technology: Learning in the Digital Age

Technology is an important part of our lives, especially for students. It has changed the way students learn and interact with their studies. For students, technology can make learning easier, more interesting, and more fun. Understanding how technology helps students can show us why it is so valuable in education today.

One of the best things about technology is that it makes learning fun and interactive. Instead of just reading from a textbook, students can use computers, tablets, and smartphones to access educational games, videos, and apps. For example, learning about history can become more exciting with virtual tours of ancient places or animated stories about famous events. 27_______________.

Technology makes it easier for students to work together, even if they are not in the same place. Online tools like shared documents and chat rooms help students cooperate on projects and assignments. 28_______________. This kind of teamwork helps students learn how to communicate and share ideas, which are important skills in school and in life.

The internet is full of information. 29_______________ . For example, if a student is curious about space, they can watch videos, read articles, and even take virtual tours of the solar system. This makes learning more exciting and helps students become better at finding and using information.

Using technology helps students prepare for the future. 30_______________. By using technology in school, students learn how to type, use software, and find information online. These skills will be very useful when they grow up and start working.

While technology is helpful, it also comes with challenges. Not all students have access to computers or the internet at home. 31_______________. It is also important for students to learn how to use the internet safely. They should know how to protect their personal information and be careful about what they share online.

In conclusion, technology is a powerful tool for students. It makes learning enjoyable, allows them to progress at their own pace, helps them work together, and gives them access to a world of information. 32_______________. With careful use and guidance, technology can make education better and more exciting for everyone.

A. Many jobs today require people to use computers and other devices.

B. They can write stories together, create presentations, or solve problems as a team.

C. By using technology, students can prepare for the future and become more engaged in their studies.

D. Technology allows students to take control of their own learning.

E. Interactive quizzes and games can also help students practise their skills in a way that feels like playing.

F. Educational applications and online resources let students choose how fast they want to go.

G. Students can use it to research topics for school projects, find answers to their questions, and learn new things.

H. Teachers and schools need to make sure everyone has a chance to use technology.

Teens’ Restaurant Reviews

A – Reena, 17

If you love barbecue ribs, head to Charlie’s Grill Restaurant. It's perfect for dining with friends, colleagues, or family. Senior citizens enjoy a 30% off the price. They offer set lunch or buffet dinner six days a week. The set lunch includes a starter, main course, dessert, and drink. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.

B – Swee Leng, 16

Craving traditional food? Visit International Restaurant, specialising in Malaysian, Nyonya, and Indonesian dishes. You can choose from à la carte or set lunch and dinner options. The foodchoicesareendless.Therestaurantalsoprovidesbuffetlunchordinneraccordingtoyour budget, perfect for small parties or gatherings.

C – Ariz, 17

Looking for a cosy and private dining experience? Hanoi Restaurant is the ideal choice for you and your loved ones. Enjoy their signature Phò noodles and Bánh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that is simply delicious. Despite being authentic Vietnamese dishes, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Reservations are recommended especially during lunch hour.

D – Balan, 16

If you’re in the mood for Indian food, Hyderabad Tandoori Palace is the spot. Choose from tandoori chicken, kebabs, naan bread, and biryani rice. They also offer various Indian curries and desserts. A daily lunch set costs RM30 per person. They provide catering and takeaway options as well.

E – Kim Jeri, 17

For delicious Chinese food, The Dynasty Restaurant is the place to be. Dine like royalty with your family and friends, and don’t miss their Kung Pao chicken and roasted Peking duck, the restaurant’s signature dishes. Special drinks are available, or you can enjoy their Chinese tea. The restaurant is open Mondays to Fridays, from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

F – Jade, 16

The Sun Restaurant offers set lunches on weekdays for RM25++ (for two to four people) and RM60++ (for five to eight people). Customers can enjoy a combination of Malay and Western dishes. The restaurant also offers special packages for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and

companyevents.Thelively venuemakesitan excellentchoice foranyoccasion.