Reading texts

How to be a good citizen ?

Definition of citizenship
Citizenship is a sacred honor, a plaque we carry proudly on our chests and a burden
pressing hard on our backs. A citizen is a member of a country. He has the right to
ask for its protection, and the duty to protect it and obey its laws and rules. In other
words, citizenship is the relationship between an individual and a state in which the
individual belongs, and owes allegiance to the state and in turn is entitled to its
protection.
Fortunately, being a good citizen doesn't stop
at the exchange of rights and duties, it
requires a lot of civilized behavior, and
responsible acts.
Simple acts to do in your daily life
All the members of our community, from the youngest to the eldest, have to
cooperate. By cooperating, I dont mean giving huge efforts. Simple acts and easy
behavior can help us ameliorate our level of life. As citizens, and students in
particular,
all
we
have
to
do
are
the
steps
below :
Start with your own home, clean it regularly, and take care of your front door area.
Being a good neighbor by caring about others.
Dont overuse water and electricity.
Respect your neighbors, help them if necessary, and act politely.
Don't litter, or throw trash in the street.
Don't spit in the street, it doesn't only bother the other passers-by, but it also
affects your discipline, and it's very far from being civilized.
Try to cross the street in the crossing passage. The town will look organized, and it
lowers the level of accidents.
Lets try to walk in the sidewalk, or the pavement, because it causes fewer
difficulties to drivers in the city.
Respect your school, especially its doors, walls and windows. They are not yours ;
you only borrow them for a year or more.
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Being a citizen is a source of pride. Dont try to ignore your origins in front of
foreigners. Have you ever seen any of them deny being who s/he really is ?
Act nicely with tourists. If we want our country to receive millions of tourists , try to
be nice.
If you can study about your country, it would be great. See the extreme diversity
you have (the desert, the sea, the mountains, the different dialects, the traditions,
the traditional clothes).
If you dont vote, who will ? A simple act can place the right person in the right
place.
In emergencies, dont be afraid. Help the people in need. (Blood donations, call the
police, the ambulance, and help a lady in the street...) Imagine you were in their
place, wouldn't you like to have other people standing by your side ?
When you become a parent, teach this to your children. Citizenship starts from
childhood, and only ends by the time you die. Its only by practicing those really
simple acts that our daily life can get better. I hope this will help us understand
another meaning of good citizenship.
Top of Form
Comprehension:
The

text

talks

and

the

traits

about:

a.

citizenship

b.

traits

c.

what citizenship is and how one can be a good citizen.

of

of

good

bad

citizens

citizens.

Citizens:
a.

have

rights

b.

have

rights

and

responsibilities

c.

have responsibilities towards Their community

Allegiance
a.

protection

b.

loyalty and support

towards

Their

community

means:

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1Y

Stereotypes
A stereotype is a fixed idea that people have about what specific social groups or
individuals are like, especially an idea that is wrong. Other terms that are associated
with the term stereotype are prejudice and clich. The term has a Greek
origin: stereos means solid or firm andtypos mean blow,
impression,
engraved or mark. The term was first used in the printing business. The first modern
English use of the term was in 1850,
meaning
"image
perpetuated
without
change."
Because stereotypes are standardized and
simplified ideas of groups, based on some
prejudices, they are not derived from
objective facts, but rather subjective and
often unverifiable ideas. As Sociologist
Charles E. Hurst states* "One reason for
stereotypes is the lack of personal, concrete
familiarity that individuals have with persons
in other racial or ethnic groups. Lack of familiarity encourages the lumping together
of unknown individuals".
The existence of stereotypes may be explained by the need of groups of people to
view themselves as more normal or more superior than other groups. Consequently,
stereotypes may be used to justify ill-founded prejudices or ignorance and prevent
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people of stereotyped groups from entering or succeeding in various activities or

fields. The stereotyping group are, generally, reluctant to reconsider their attitudes
and behavior towards stereotyped group.
Stereotypes may affect people negatively. This includes forming inaccurate and
distorted images and opinions of people. Stereotypes may also be used for
scapegoating or for making general erroneous judgments about people. Some
stereotyping people may feel comfortable when they prevent themselves from
emotional identification with the stereotyped group, which leads to xenophobic or
racist behavior. Finally another serious consequence of stereotypes is the feeling of
inferiority that the stereotyped people may have and which may impair their
performance.
*Hurst, Charles E. Social Inequality: Forms, Causes, and Consequences. 6. Boston:
Pearson Education, Inc, 2007
Source: Wikipedia
Top of Form
Comprehension:
The

word

a.

b.

an English origin.

stereotype

has:

Greek

Stereotypes

origin.

are

a.

make

b.

have an accurate understanding of the stereotyped people.

If

you

generalizations

used

label

people

having

in
an

about

terms

of

a.

be

exact

b.

be behaving in a discriminatory way

different

stereotypes,
judgment

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4

to:

groups

you
of

of

will

people.

probably

their

worth.

ducation
Education encompasses both the teaching and learning of knowledge, proper
conduct, and technical competency. It thus focuses on the cultivation of skills,
trades or professions, as well as mental, moral &
aesthetic development.
Formal
education
consists
of
systematic
instruction, teaching and training by professional
teachers. This consists of the application of
pedagogy and the development of curricula.
The right to education is a fundamental human
right. Since 1952, Article 2 of the first Protocol to
the European Convention on Human Rights obliges all signatory parties to
guarantee the right to education. At world level, the United Nations' International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 guarantees this right
under its Article 13.
Educational systems are established to provide education and training, often for
children and the young. A curriculum defines what students should know,
understand and be able to do as the result of education. A teaching profession
delivers teaching which enables learning, and a system of policies, regulations,
examinations, structures and funding enables teachers to teach to the best of their
abilities. Sometimes educational systems can be used to promote doctrines or
ideals as well as knowledge, which is known as social engineering. This can lead to
political abuse of the system, particularly in totalitarian states and government.
Primary (or elementary) education consists of the first years of formal, structured
education. In general, primary education consists of six or seven years of schooling
starting at the age of 5 or 6, although this varies between, and sometimes within,
countries. Globally, around 70% of primary-age children are enrolled in primary
education, and this proportion is rising.
In most contemporary educational systems of the world, secondary education
consists of the second years of formal education that occur during adolescence.It is
characterized by transition from the typically compulsory, comprehensive primary
education for minors, to the optional, selective tertiary, "post-secondary", or
"higher" education (e.g., university, vocational school) for adults.
Higher education, also called tertiary, third stage, or post secondary education, is
the non-compulsory educational level that follows the completion of a school
providing a secondary education, such as a high school or secondary school. Tertiary
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education is normally taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education,

as well as vocational education and training. Colleges and universities are the main
institutions that provide tertiary education. Collectively, these are sometimes known
as tertiary institutions. Tertiary education generally results in the receipt of
certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees.
Top of Form
Comprehension:
a

definition

of

education

a.

the

b.

the process of teaching and learning

Everywhere

process

in

the

a.

at

b.

the age may differ.

tertiary

world

b.

secondary

c.

post secondary education.

a.

optional.

b.

compulsory

children

go

teaching,

to
same

education

primary

Tertiary

of

the

a.

includes:

refers

primary

schools:
age

to:
education,

education,

education

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is:

Humor
A big mystery: the tremendous benefits of laughter.
Humor, the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and
provide amusement, affects how we perceive and respond to life. It enhances the
quality of life and may relieve the body from so many health problems. In fact,
humans are the only creatures on earth that are
endowed with the ability to laugh.
The difference between humor and laughter is that
humor is a perceptual process while laughter is a
behavioral response. People of all ages and cultures
respond to humor. The majority of people are able to
experience humor, i.e., to be amused, to laugh or
smile at something funny, and thus they are
considered to have a sense of humor. The hypothetical
person lacking a sense of humor would likely find the
behavior induced by humor to be inexplicable, strange,
or even irrational. Though ultimately decided by personal taste, the extent to which
a person will find something humorous depends upon a host of variables, including
geographical location, culture, maturity, level of education, intelligence and context.
Regular laughter sessions can have important effects on our health and well being.
For instance, laughter is considered to be a stress buster and researchers found a
direct link between laughter and healthy function of blood vessels. Laughter causes
the dilatation of the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, and increases
blood flow. It also has been shown to lead to reductions in stress hormones such as
cortisol and epinephrine. When laughing the brain also releases endorphins that can
relieve some physical pain. Laughter also boosts the number of antibody-producing
cells and enhances the effectiveness of T-cells, a type of cells that lead to a stronger
immune system.
Since laughter does effect the body, mind and spirit the only thing you have to do to
lead a happy life is LAUGH, as simple as that.
Source: Wikipedia
Top of Form
Comprehension:

The

expression

"stress

a.

something

that

b.

something that produces stress.

buster"

means:

stops

stress,

Laughter

strengthens:

a.

the

immune

b.

the muscles

The

response

a.

True

b.

False

to

humor

is

the

same

system

everywhere

in

the

world.

A person lacking the sense of humor may find it difficult to get along with other
people.
a.

True

b.

False

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Reassessing the Impacts of Brain Drain on Developing Countries

Brain drain, which is the action of having highly skilled and educated people leaving
their country to work abroad, has become one of the developing countries concern.
Brain drain is also referred to as human capital flight. More and more third world
science and technology educated people are heading for more prosperous countries
seeking higher wages and better working conditions. This has of course serious
consequences on the sending countries.

While many people believe that immigration is a personal choice that must be
understood and respected, others look at the phenomenon from a different
perspective. What makes those educated people leave their countries should be
seriously considered and a distinction between push and pull factors must be made.
The push factors include low wages and lack of satisfactory working and living
conditions. Social unrest, political conflicts and wars may also be determining
causes. The pull factors, however, include intellectual freedom and substantial
funds for research.
Brain drain has negative impact on the sending countries economic prospects and
competitiveness. It reduces the number of dynamic and creative people who can
contribute to the development of their country. Likewise, with more entrepreneurs
taking their investments abroad, developing countries are missing an opportunity of
wealth creation. This has also negative consequences on tax revenue and
employment.
Most of the measures taken so far have not had any success in alleviating the
effects of brain drain. A more global view must take into consideration the provision
of adequate working and living conditions in the sending countries. An other option
should involve encouraging the expatriates to contribute their skill to the
development of their countries without necessarily physically relocating.
Top of Form
Comprehension:
Another

term

a.

capital

b.

human capital flight

To

address

for

brain

drain

is:
flight

the

a.

the

b.

the effects.

problem

of

brain

drain

we

should

understand:
causes.

Brain drain has terrible consequences on the economic development of :

a.

sending

b.

receiving countries

To

limit

the

countries

negative
back

to

impact

of

their

brain
home

drain,

a.

come

b.

try to help their home countries while staying there.

expatriates

countries

for

should
good.

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Information Technology
If you want a brief history of information technology, here is one. Humans were the
first "computers". Then machines were invented to carry out the computational
tasks. Now these machines have given way to new form of information technology.
Information has become accessible from anywhere.
Information technology deals with the acquisition, processing,
storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual and numerical
information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing
and telecommunications. Thanks to the continuous development of computers, the
original computing systems became minicomputers and later personal computers
took the lead. Nowadays, mobile phones are dethroning the personal computer and
computing is evolving faster to become disembodied more like a cloud, becoming
accessible more easily whenever needed. Information technology in this sense has
transformed people and companies and has allowed digital technology to influence
society and economy alike.
Top of Form
Comprehension:

10

Information

technology

is

a.

the

b.

new technological advances

According

changing

principally

because

changing

to

a.

calculators

b.

humans

the

author

the

of:
needs

first

computers

were:

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Juvenile Crime
Juvenile delinquency refers to antisocial or illegal behavior by children or
adolescents and is considered a serious problem all over the world. It is caused by
social, economic and cultural factors. This juvenile criminality is apparent in
marginal sectors of urban areas where children are exposed to violence in their
immediate social environment, either as observers or as victims. Because
delinquents basic education, if they have any, is poor they have been marginalized
from society and destitute of any dignity or self esteem. Although most legal
systems prescribe specific procedures for dealing with young criminals, such as
juvenile detention centers and suppression, approaches to prevent youth from
becoming delinquent should also include measures to instill equality and justice,
fight poverty and create an atmosphere of hope and peace among youth. These
preventive policies should be given priorities over any coercive measures.
Socioeconomic opportunities and administrative services should be provided in rural
areas to discourage young people from migrating to urban areas. Similarly, youth
from poor urban settings should benefit from plans that focus on education,
employment and access to leisure programs , especially during long school
holidays. Young people who drop out of school or come from broken families should
have access to specific social programs that help them become responsible adults.
Information campaigns should be planned to sensitize youth to be aware of the
detrimental effects of violence on the family, community and society, to teach them
how to communicate without violence. Focus on the importance of family should
become a priority because it is the primary institution of socialization of youth and
continues to play an important role in the prevention of juvenile delinquency and
underage crime.
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Sustainable Development
The best definition of Sustainable development was presented by the report Our
Common Future (also known as the Brundtland Report):
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Sustainable development is thus the ability to meet the needs of the present while
contributing to the future generations needs. It focuses on two goals:
To improve the quality of life for all of the Earth's citizens.
To stop using up the natural resources beyond the capacity of the environment to
supply them indefinitely.
Green development is generally differentiated from sustainable development in that
Green development prioritizes what its proponents consider to be environmental
sustainability over economic and cultural considerations. In addition to that,
sustainable development has underlying concepts: the concept of 'needs', in
particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should
be given; and the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social
organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs. There is
an additional focus on the present generations' responsibility to improve the future
generations' life by restoring the previous ecosystem damage and resisting to
contribute to further ecosystem damage.
Sustainable development requires action on the part of world states, governments
and people. The detrimental situation of the environment, the enormous stress
upon our natural resources and the huge gap between developed and
underdeveloped countries, necessitate practical strategies to reverse the
trends. The World Commission on Environment and Development suggested seven
critical objectives for environment and development policies that follow from the
concept of sustainable development:
Reviving growth
Changing the quality of growth
Meeting essential needs and aspirations for jobs, food, energy, water and sanitation
Ensuring a sustainable level of population
Conserving and enhancing the resource base
Reorienting technology and manage risk
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Including and combining environment and economics considerations in decisionmaking

These recommendations are still valid; not to do things differently is dangerous and
condemnable. Slow actions would be detrimental

The Great Wall Of China

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was first built
between 220206 BC. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states
when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty.
Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to
serve as fortification to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire from
invasion. Afterwards it was rebuilt and maintained over the years, between the 5th
century BC and the 16th century.
One of the myths associated with the Great Wall of China
is that it is the only man-made structure that can be seen
from the moon with the naked eye. The legend originated
in Richard Halliburton's 1938 book Second Book of
Marvels. However, This myth is simply not true. Richard
Halliburton's claim was contradicted by astronauts Neil
Armstrongby and Yang Liwei. A more plausible assumption
would be to say that the Great Wall can be visible from a
low orbit of the earth which is not unique in this regard as many other artificial
constructions can be seen from that height.
Source: Wikipedia
Top of Form
Comprehension
The

Great

a.

True

b.

False

Wall

of

China

was

13

first

built

as

single

wall.

The

Great

Wall

a.

was

b.

was refurbished during its history.

The

built

Great
protect

in

of
a

Wall

was

a.

to

the

Empire

b.

to help trade between different provinces.

China

single

dynasty.

first

designed

from

invasion.

Bottom of Form

Seven ways to protect the environment

We all want to protect our planet, but we're mostly too busy or too lazy to put up big
change that would improve our lifestyle and save the environment.
These are 7 simple habits to implement in your everyday life which will make a
difference. There is nothing new here but if you follow at least some of these tips,
you can be proud of yourself participating in the protection of the environment.
Use
compact
fluorescent
light
bulbs:
It is true that these bulbs are more expensive, but they last much longer and they
can save energy and in the long term your electricity bill would be reduced.
Donate:
You have tons of clothes or things you want to get rid of. If they are still usable, give
them to someone who needs them. You may also choose to give them to
associations. These associations may sell them and collect a little money. Not only
will you protect the environment, but you will also contribute to a good cause.
Turn
off
your
devices:
When you do not use a house device, turn it off. For example, if you don't watch TV,
turn it off. Turn off the light when you leave a room (even if you intend to return.)
It's an easy habit to take up which will help you save a lot of money.
Walk
or
cycle:
Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution. If you want to use your car, ask

14

yourself the following question: do I really need my car? Walk or use your bike if the
journey is a short one.
Detergent:
Follow the recommended dose of detergent to wash your clothes or dishes.
leaky
faucets:
Watch leaky faucets, which can cause a significant increase in the the water bill. An
average of 120 liters of water can be wasted due to a dripping faucet.
Rainwater:
Think of recovering rainwater. This water can be used for different purposes.
This list is far from being exhaustive but in addition to saving the environment, all
these tips will help you save money.

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