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Web assignments
September 2002
ASSIGNMENT 1
AIDS
Scanning for information
Comprehension
Note taking
Writing practice
Individual/Pair work
40 minutes
In the September 2002 edition of Alquin magazine you read about the plight of countless AIDS orphans in South Africa. Today most people have a fairly good understanding of the different ways in which AIDS is transmitted and its general side effects. The purpose of this activity if for you to scan a particular website for specific information, in order to answer some comprehension questions, and then write a brief composition about AIDS.
Visit the 'AIDS Gateway to the Internet site': http://www.aids.org/FactSheets/
PART A
You don't have to read all the information contained in the Fact Sheet. In order to answer the following comprehension questions you will need to consider the heading of each section carefully to find the necessary information. Be sure to make a note of the section in which you found your answer.
1. What does 'AIDS' mean?
2. What are the physical signs of HIV?
3. How many people died of HIV/AIDS in Western Europe in 2001?
4. At the end of 2001, how many people around the world had HIV or AIDS?
5. Is it possible for the HIV virus to get through condoms?
6. What is HIV/AIDS fraud?
7. What are the most common Opportunistic Infections?
8. What are the main causes of AIDS wasting?
9. Describe at least three of the main side effects of HIV/AIDS medicines.
10. Describe at least four alternative treatments for HIV/AIDS, including both the positive effects and any known side effects.
Once you have finished compare your answers with those of a partner. Discuss any discrepancies.
PART B
Having refreshed your memory about certain AIDS related facts, and having learned some new things about AIDS, it is time to write a brief composition about the syndrome. Write about the disease as if your reader knows nothing about it. Describe the most important facts about the syndrome. Use the answers to the questions to start off with and refer to the website if you need additional information. Feel free to quote from the website (using quotation marks), but do not copy whole passages. You must use your own words: your teacher will know if you have copied. Use around 200 words.
ASSIGNMENT 2
GREENPEACE
Reading
Note taking
Writing practice
Discussion
40 minutes
Individual work
In the September 2002 issue of Alquin magazine you read about the controversial new Greenpeace calendar containing photographs taken by Jaume de Laiguana. The purpose of this activity is to find out a little more about Greenpeace campaigns and to decide which campaign you believe to be the most important.
PART A
Start off by visiting the Greenpeace International website: http://www.greenpeace.org/homepage/ If you are given the option of selecting a language you will obviously choose English!
Have a quick look around the site to get an overview of what the organization does. Once you have done this, go to 'campaigns': you will be presented with a list of Greenpeace's main environmental concerns.
Scan through the information provided about each campaign. As always, you should make a few basic notes as you read so you can review the contents of each section at a glance if necessary. Your teacher might ask you to hand your notes in so don't throw them out or lose them.
PART B
Based on what you read and what you already know you should select one of the environmental campaigns that you think is the most urgent and important. Write a brief composition in which you explain your decision. Use around 200 words.
Once you have finished, discuss your choice of environmental campaign in small groups. Be prepared to defend your decision.
ASSIGNMENT 3
GAP YEAR
Scanning for information
Note taking
Writing practice
40 minutes
Individual/Group work
PART A
Imagine this: you are approaching the end of secondary school and really want to take a year out before going on to study at college or university. You have just had a screaming row about this with your parents/guardians. They are convinced that you haven't thought it through and will never go on to further study once you have the travel bug. In fact, they refuse to discuss the issue at all. It is going to take a lot to convince them that you have thought it through and do plan to continue your studies eventually. For this reason, you need to write a letter in which you convince your reader that a gap year is a good idea (especially your idea for your own gap year) and demonstrate the fact that you have thought it through very carefully.
To get some ideas about interesting things to do during your gap year visit the following websites: http://www.idealist.org/ has lots of information about volunteer work throughout the world and http://www.gapyear.com/ has ideas and information galore. Obviously you can look around the Internet for additional informative sites.
Once you have made a decision about what you would like to do, and feel able to describe why you would really like to do it, you need to find out some practical information so that you can dazzle your parents/guardians with your in-depth knowledge about how to make your gap year wishes come true.
You need to find out things like what you need to take, the amount of money you will need, how you can get the money, how you can get there, what the risks are etc. Anticipate every complaint and be ready with an informed response! You can also give some examples of other people who took a year out and had a great time (and went back to their studies afterwards). Take notes as you look around the websites, so you don't forget to include any important information in your letter.
PART B
Use the notes your take as a basis for your letter. Structure your letter like an essay: with an introduction, supporting paragraphs and a conclusion. Use at least 200 words. Once you have finished, form a small group and compare your letters by reading them aloud. Your voice will have to be as convincing as your letter. Once everyone has finished, your group can vote to decide whose letter and presentation were the most convincing.
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