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Monday 26 September 2011

The Amish 
click on the word Amish to see more info
The Amish came into being in 1693 when a group of Swiss Mennonites led by Jacob Amman broke from the main body of Mennonites over differences related to the celebration of Communion (a remembrance of Christ's last earthly meal) -- Amman wished to celebrate Communion twice per year, while the Mennonites celebrated it once per year; the Biblical command to remain separate from non-believers -- Amman wished to adhere to this separatism, while the Mennonites intermingled with non-believers; and the washing of feet (a display of humility) -- Amman wished to practice this ritual, while the Mennonites did not include it in their ceremonies.

Facing persecution from both Catholic and Protestant Christians, Amish in large numbers eagerly took up William Penn's offer of religious freedom in the American colony of Pennsylvania. Immigration to Pennsylvania began in 1727 and continued in earnest through 1770, settlement being concentrated in the Lancaster County area.

The Amish do not have church buildings. Perhaps because of early persecution, the tradition arose of worshiping in the homes. The home that will hold services is selected on a rotating basis, so all homes are equipped for conducting worship services. You can identify these homes today by the large number of buggies present on a Sunday morning.
The Amish settled into farming because this rural lifestyle made it easier for them to keep their distance from non-believers, referred to simply as "The English." Cities and towns have more of a tendency to become melting pots. As their numbers grew, Amish settlements were established in Ohio, Indiana and many other states, as well as in Canada. The establishment of new communities is ongoing.
The Amish speak a Low German, similar to Pennsylvania Dutch, among themselves. High German is used for church services, and English is spoken with outsiders.

The Ordnung

The buggy has become one of the identifying marks of the Amish.Amish faith and life is governed by a (largely unwritten) set of rules known as the Ordnung (order). Since the Amish lack the central governing authority present in the many other Christian sects, all governance is local, as is the Ordnung.

The Amish believe in literal interpretation of the Bible. The Ordnung is designed to ensure that all members of the church live life according to the scriptures. A member of the Amish Church must live a simple life devoted to God, family and community, in accordance with God's laws. Electricity, automobiles, television, clothing fashions and the like are considered to be distractions that promote pride, envy, vanity, sloth, dishonesty and other undesirable traits.
The mode of dress, the buggy and the lantern have become the identifying marks of the Amish and are not likely to change. The mode of dress emphasizes that the Amish person is separate from the non-Amish world, but also part of a community of equals. The buggy likewise promotes equality and limits travel, keeping communities together. The lantern, a non-electric light, does not require connections outside of the community.
The Amish are not really "stuck in time." Although home and social life has remained essentially unchanged, new technologies that have passed a rigorous examination have been accepted. The Ordnung is applied to any proposed use of new technology. A technology may be accepted for business or practical reasons, but never for indulgence, desire or entertainment. A technology is more likely to be accepted if it is a natural extension of an existing technology and will have a minimal social impact. Using a nylon rope in place of a hemp rope would be an example of a natural extension. A technology is likely to be rejected if it is radically different or could have social implications. Listening to a portable stereo while doing chores would be considered a needless distraction. Any technology that is seen as degrading family or spiritual life is rejected out of hand. Television is definitely out as it brings questionable values into the home.
Now, how would the Ordnung affect the purchase of something like a stove? If an Amish buyer wished to burn wood, he could buy any wood stove. It is not necessary that the stove be an antique or even a reproduction. A modern, efficient, airtight stove would not only be acceptable, but the improved economy would make a modern stove a thrifty choice.

An Amish Home
So what would you find in an Amish home? The home is one place that really hasn't changed much since the 18th century, but then it is, after all, a refuge from the world. There are not a lot "things" sitting around. Furnishing and decoration would fall under the classification of "primitives," that is, functional and simply styled. Some of the appliances, such as a stove, may be a little newer, but there is no electricity to operate modern appliances. All lighting is by candle or oil and gas lamp. Bottle-gas appliances are acceptable, although bottle gas can be expensive. If you think about it, little more is needed in a place where you will eat, sleep, read, study the Bible and socialize with the family.
If you were to visit the Amish at home, what would you expect to find in the dairy barn? Surprise -- a thoroughly modern, automated milking system complete with refrigerated tanks! The Amish are not totally self-sufficient. They must trade what they have for what they need just like the rest of us. When you choose to sell dairy products, you encounter organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the three-legged stool and metal pail will not do. The Amish do not expect special treatment in these matters. Electricity is required to operate a modern dairy barn, so gas or diesel generators are employed. Generators are more expensive than the power company product, but generators have the virtues both of avoiding the intrusion of electric lines and of running on petrol fuel, a product that can be purchased and transported as needed.
The Amish require that all equipment use horses for locomotion."Real horsepower" is used whenever possible. Included would be the moving of buggies, wagons and farm equipment. It is permissible to use small gas engines on farm equipment, but all equipment must use horses for locomotion.

Amish horses are draft horses. Draft horses have thick legs and muscular shoulders and haunches. They have been bred to pull things. The Amish do not ride draft horses -- they ride in wagons or buggies. Draft horses are not fast, but they can pull a buggy uphill and downhill without breaking stride.
Wind, water and solar energy are also allowed as power sources because they promote separateness. Wind power has a long history in farming.
It is permissible for an Amish person to use modern transportation provided that he does not personally own or operate the equipment. Some travel has become a necessity as growing communities have had to move westward in order to acquire additional farmland for young couples. Some of the newest communities are in Utah.







Thursday 8 September 2011

Writing a Complaint Letter

When writing a complaint letter you want to keep it short and to the point to help ensure that your letter will be read in its entirety, if you write a seven page complaint letter, it's highly unlikely that someone will sit down and read all seven pages.


The complaint letter should be addressed to the customer service/consumer affairs department or the head office if there is no customer service department. The address and contact information of the customer service department should be available on the company's products or website.

A hard-copy complaint letter should be written in the business letter format, while an email should be sent in the same format but without the heading (your return address, their address, and the date).


Complaint Letter Writing
In the first paragraph you should identify what the issue is and any relevant information that you believe is important. Be sure to include the following information if it's applicable to the situation: the date/time of the issue, location, name of person on duty, name of product, what the problem was, your account number, model number, price, warranty information and reference number. Be sure to stick with the facts and avoid putting emotions into your letter.
The next paragraph should state what you would like done to resolve the situation. If you received poor service, you could request an apology or a coupon. If a product malfunctioned, you could request that you could exchange the product for a new one or request a refund.
The last paragraph should thank the reader for the time. You can also throw in some compliments about something you liked about their company's product or service.
You should include your telephone number/e-mail address after your printed name so that they can contact you ASAP if necessary.
Be sure to keep a copy of the letter for yourself and include photocopies of any relevant documents and enclose them with your letter.

Sample Complaint Letter

                                                                                                                                                   65 Market Street
                                                                                                                                             Val Haven, CT 95135                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                             September 08, 2011.
Customer Service
Cool Sports, LLC
8423 Green Terrace Road
Asterville, WA 65435

Dear Sir or Madam,

                                  I have recently ordered a new pair of soccer cleats (item #6542951) from your website on June 21. I received the order on June 26. Unfortunately, when I opened it I saw that the cleats were used. The cleats had dirt all over it and there was a small tear in front of the part where the left toe would go. My order number is AF26168156.
                                To resolve the problem, I would like you to credit my account for the amount charged for my cleats, I have already went out and bought a new pair of cleats at my local sporting goods store so sending another would result in me having two pairs of the same cleats.
                                Than you for taking the time to read this letter. I have been a satisfied customer of your company for many years and this is the first time I have encountered a problem. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at (555) 555-5555.

                               Faithfully,
                                    Signature
                                   
                             Ken Thomas

MEDIA VOCABULARY


Vocabulary


Label the sections below with different types of media. Most types have more than one section each.

guest, FM, AM, long wave, short wave, frequency, local, NPR, receive/ pick up, listen to, broadcast,
remote control, high definition, couch potato, channel hopping, commercial break, reality show, cable, satellite, announcer, anchor, documentary, live coverage,
static, tuner, podcast, DAB/ digital, turn the dial, turn up, turn down, on air, DJ, talk show, interview, traffic news, weather forecast, newsflash, World Service,
weather forecast, (Nielsen) ratings, switch channels, the zapper, soap opera, sit-com, breaking news, talk show, quiz show, prime time, on air, VJ, pop video, telly, telly addict,
popcorn, PG, X, trailers, the credits, B movie, review, producer, director, green screen, CG, subtitles, sequel, prequel, drama, IMAX, cartoon, Western, musical, horror, 15, 12, U, outtakes, special effects/ SFX
broadsheet, tabloid, editorial, classified ads, obituaries, crossword, your stars, sports pages, headline, reporter, editor, subeditor, columnist, column, the press, paparazzi,
caption, interview, (entertainment) listings, circulation, newsstands, newsagents, photographer, Sunday supplements, travel section, celebrity gossip,
interview, subtitles, rolling news, cameraman, miniseries, drama, rerun/ repeat, the box, terrestrial, listings magazine, CNN, game show, viewer, infomercial, current affairs, costume drama, episode, contestants, shopping channel,
extra, stuntman, box office, star studded, blockbuster, black and white, wildlife documentary, projector, censor, shoot, rom com, 3D glasses, drive in, double bill,
cartoon, candid camera, flat screen, surround sound, the watershed, dish, black and white, travel programme, broadcast, cop show, aerial/ antenna,

Extra practice of media vocabulary online

Online vocabulary quiz- fill the gaps
Online movie vocabulary quiz with vocabulary in short texts

File 5 C Reporting verbs


REPORTED SPEECH
SUMMARY OF REPORTING VERBS
Note that some reporting verbs may appear in more than one of the following groups.
1. Verbs followed by 'if' or 'whether' + clause:
ask
know
remember
say
see
2. Verbs followed by a that-clause:
add
admit
agree
announce
answer
argue
boast
claim
comment
complain
confirm
consider
deny
doubt
estimate
explain
fear
feel
insist
mention
observe
persuade
propose
remark
remember
repeat
reply
report
reveal
say
state
suggest
suppose
tell
think
understand
warn
3. Verbs followed by either a that-clause or a to-infinitive:
decide
expect
guarantee
hope
promise
swear
threaten
4. Verbs followed by a that-clause containing should
(but note that it may be omitted, leaving a subject + zero-infinitive):
advise
beg
demand
insist
prefer
propose
recommend
request
suggest
5. Verbs followed by a clause starting with a question word:
decide
describe
discover
discuss
explain
forget
guess
imagine
know
learn
realise
remember
reveal
say
see
suggest
teach
tell
think
understand
wonder
6. Verbs followed by object + to-infinitive
advise
ask
beg
command
forbid
instruct
invite
teach
tell
warn

Click on VERBS and do the excercises.

Wednesday 7 September 2011

One small word, one big difference in meaning

Vocabulary

leap
verb ( MOVE SUDDENLY ) /liːp/ v (leapt or leaped, leapt or leaped)
[I + adverb or preposition] to make a large jump or sudden movement, usually from one place to another
He leapt out of his car and ran towards the house.
I leaped up to answer the phone

quote
verb ( SAY ) /kwəʊt//kwoʊt/ v
• [I or T] to repeat the words that someone else has said or writtenHe's always quoting from the Bible.
"If they're flexible, we're flexible", the official was quoted as saying.

momentous
adjective /məˈmen.təs//-t ̬əs/ adj
very important because of effects on future eventsthe momentous news of the President's death
Whether or not to move overseas was a momentous decision for the family.

mankind
noun /mænˈkaɪnd/ n [U] (also humankind)
the whole of the human race, including both men and women.
Mankind has always been obsessed by power.

vindicate
verb /ˈvɪn.dɪ.keɪt/ v [T] Definition
• to prove that what someone said or did was right or true, after other people thought it was wrong
The decision to include Morris in the team was completely vindicated when he scored three goals.

relieved
adjective /rɪˈliːvd/ adj Definition
happy that something unpleasant has not happened or has ended[+ to infinitive]
I'm so relieved to find you - I thought you'd already gone.
He was relieved to see Jeannie reach the other side of the river safely.
[+ (that)] I'm relieved (that) you didn't tell her.

Speaking to the world

One small word, one big difference in meaning

Functions and examples

1. We use a / an when we are talking about something for the first time.
He is wearing a suit and a tie.
They have a cat.

2. We use the when we are talking about a specific person or thing, or if there is only one, or if it is clear which one we are talking about.
She took a glass of water and started to drink. (one of many glasses of water)
She took the glass of water nearest to her. (a specific glass)
She took the glass of water and started to drink. (there is only one glass of water)
Can you turn on the TV? (it's clear we are talking about the TV in this room)
I have to see the doctor tomorrow. (it's clear I am talking about my usual doctor)
I need to see a doctor. (not any specific doctor)
How many people have walked on the moon? (there is only one moon)
The best film I've ever seen is Top Gun. (there can only be one best film)

3. We use no article when we are talking about people or things in general.
Carrots are good for you. (carrots in general)
The carrots growing in my garden are almost ready to eat. (specific carrots)
English people drink a lot of tea. (English people in general)
The English people in this hotel are very nice. (specific English people)

4. We use a / an to say what kind of person or thing someone or something is (often with an adjective, or to say it belongs to a particular group.
You have a nice house.
That's a very expensive car!
A cat is an animal a bus is a vehicle.

5. With school, university, prison, hospital, church, bed, work and home we use the when we are talking about a particular one, and no article when we are talking about the idea of school, university...
The church on our street was built in the 17th Century. (a particular church)
I go to church every Sunday (the idea of church, not a particular building)
My friend works at the prison outside the city centre.
My husband is in prison.
The work isn't finished yet.
I was feeling sick yesterday so I didn't go to work.
The new bed is bigger than the old one.
I put my children to bed a 8pm.

6. We use the with singular countable nouns to talk about a type of thing.
The computer was invented in the 20th Century. (not a particular computer)
The computer in my office is broken. (a particular one)
The crocodile is very dangerous. (this type of animal)
The crocodile in the river is very big. (a particular one)
She plays the piano. (not a particular piano but this type of instrument)
The piano she is playing is very old. (a particular one)

7. We use the + adjective to talk about a group of people (including nationalities).
I always give money to the homeless.
The unemployed receive money from the government.
The French produce good wine.

8. We use a / an to talk about someone's job.
My wife is an optician.
She works as a mechanic.

9. We use no article with continents, countries, regions, cities, streets, mountains, lakes and parks.
Asia, Italy, California, Bristol, Main St., Mount Everest, Lake Superior, Central Park

We use the if the country contains Kingdom, Republic, State, Union

10. We use the with plural names of people and places.
The Smiths, The Netherlands, The United States, The Bahamas, The Alps (also The Caribbean)

11. We use the with oceans, seas, rivers and canals.
The Atlantic Ocean, The Red Sea, The Nile, The Panama Canal

12. We use the with north, south, east and west to talk about the location of a place within another place, but no article to compare the location of two places.
Greece is in the south of Europe.
Spain is south of France.

We use no article with northern, southern, eastern and western:
Greece is in southern Europe.

13. We normally use the with buildings, except if the first word is the name of a place.
The White House, The Sheraton Hotel.
Oxford University, Buckingham Palace.