English writing

This page is created to motivate our dear students to write since writing is a fundamental skill that needs to be built up. As teachers, we need to motivate our students to write more effectively and to improve their writing skills without being bored since engagement and motivation are the pillars of success. One way of doing so is through allowing them to share their writings with a wider and more varied audience, which is the main objective behind creating this blog!

Sunday, November 28, 2021

section five: writing (third form)

Teenagers are in a Crisis: Beware of Them!

One of the most prominent social problems a teenager faces today is the dispute between him and his parents. Recently, we have heard of many complaints, such as Mike's, which demonstrate that parents don't see eye to eye with their children on a lot of things. In this article, we will focus on some of these problems and suggest some useful solutions to overcome them.

On the one hand, it seems that the classic problem of school results never ends as long as parents don't value their children's accomplishments or accept them for who they are. Besides, the excessive use of the internet or addiction is a significant cause of the strained relationship between the two generations. Parents are worried about their kids and usually translate their fears into verbal violence, which leads to serious social problems. In addition to this, laziness and failure to fulfill one's family role make the relationship worse.

On the other hand, the best solution to strengthen this relationship is through ensuring mutual respect. Moreover, it is advisable to talk about what is bothering you to avoid it. Also, it is necessary to establish trust and talk openly about good and bad results without lies and deceit. Organizing one's time also helps prove to your parents that you are responsible and worthy of their trust.

So, adolescence is one of the most difficult stages that a person goes through. To overcome this stage, sacrifices should be made from both sides

Thamer Khalifa

3rd Form Economics

Sidi Zid Secondary School Mahdia

Project Work: Designing a Leaflet on a Tunisian Destination

Welcome to my Beautiful Tunisia

Gabes is the Mediterranean's only coastal paradise, surrounded by excellent shorelines. Its wide palm forest is very charming, and its ancient city is notable for its original style. But Gabes is, above all, the gateway to the Sahara, the beginning of an adventure over valleys and dry hills, Bedouin tents, and ancient Berber communities. Traditions and indigenous lifestyles may still be found here, such as the spectacular subterranean town of Mount Matmata. In the colorful market in Jara, you can buy spices and Henna powder: a medicinal plant for dying picked in the oasis.

To completely feel the emotions of the desert, you may discover absolutely unique kinds of accommodation in the region: Saharan-style hotels, guesthouses in Tamezret, and lodging in a cave-dwelling in Matmata. The "mergoums" serve as furniture replacements with their warm colors: vivid red, night blue, brown, and orange.

Nour El Houda Toumi

Second Form Economics

Sidi Zid's Secondary School

Sunday, November 07, 2021

Section 5: Writing: An Article on Family Misunderstandings

Generation Gap: Is it Endless?

Nowadays, family problems are one of the most common causes of disruption for teenagers. Misunderstandings between teens and their parents might become severe, which makes it necessary to find some solution to this huge gap between two different generations.

Parents often don't see eye to eye with their children on a lot of things. Mothers usually have a row with their daughters over their looks. For example, the clothes, the haircut and the look make parents argue with their children. Besides, parents sometimes push their children over the edge to make them fulfill their own ambitions. Therefore, some teenagers get depressed when they feel that their parents don't value their accomplishments or accept them for who they are. But, there is always a way to deal with problems.

In order to improve the relationship between the two generations, it is important to adopt a control strategy. First, teenagers should show their parents that they are grown up and that they have their own preferences. Second, they should tell their parents openly what bothers them. Also, parents need to understand their kids and show interest in their choices. Finally, communication is the best way to transfer a damaged relationship into a smooth one.

To conclude, every family has problems once in a while because of trouble understanding each other since different generations see things differently. But, family problems shouldn't be blown out of proportion, otherwise, the whole family will collapse and the generation gap will remain endless.

Chaima Bousetta

3rd Form Arts

Sidi Zid Secondary School Mahdia

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Space Tourism

Space Tourism

Space tourism is a controversial topic that has gained attention over the years. It is considered as a positive phenomenon by some people, while others have an opposite view for some reasons.

To begin with, space tourism has many advantages. It offers the opportunity to discover outer space. Besides, it is an original and a special adventure. So, no one can deny the fact that this emerging industry has changed lives. However, it has tremendous limitations.

First, space tourism is a waste of money. Instead of throwing money away, it could be spent on developing countries to reduce poverty. Second, such space adventures are reserved for wealthy people, whereas millions of individuals would be deprived of those costly flights. In fact, it is illogical to spend money on luxurious flights while the basic needs are ignored or unfulfilled. Add to this, studies have proved that space tourism damages the ozone layer and affects the whole environment.

As a conclusion, I believe that it is really selfish and irresponsible to waste billions of dollars on space trips while millions of people suffer from poverty and diseases.

By Dhekra Hassin

4th Form Arts

Sidi Zid Secondary School-Mahdia-

A Radio Conversation about Family Problems

Radio Presenter (Maha): Hello ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our radio programme "Family Problems." Today, Mrs Clara wants to share her family problems with us. The floor is yours Clara!

Clara (Fedia): Hello everybody! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk. I am really exhausted. They want me to do all the home chores. My children are noisy and messy. My husband is lazy and demanding.

Radio Presenter (Maha): Well, that might be true, but we can find a solution, can't we?

Listener 1 (Kalthoum): Could I stop you here for a moment? It is your responsibility to assign family roles and teach your children how to be organized. You should have controlled everything since the beginning and remember, as the proverb says, that "Man is the head of the family and woman is the neck that turns the head." Clara! you should guide your family and together, I mean you and your husband, you can teach your kids the great value of life.

Clara (Fedia): I respect your viewpoint, but my life is totally unbalanced! I mean that I do everything like working, cooking, cleaning, gardening, etc. Apart from this, my children get in my hair and make me very angry.

Listener 2 (Wala): I can understand how you feel Clara. It is not easy at all to do everything by yourself. I advise you to keep calm and explain this misconduct to your partner, maybe he will give you a hand and the kids will follow his steps. Give it a try my dear!

Listener 1 (Kalthoum): Good idea Wala! I hope it helps Clara.

Radio Presenter (Maha): Thank you all and I hope that you can find a solution to your problem as soon as possible. Well, this is the end of our programme, see you next week and stay safe. Goodbye.

By 3rd Form Arts

Sidi Zid Secondary School

Maha Boukataya

Kalthoum Hammouda

Fedia Amri

Walaa Amara

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Silent Letters

For Third Form Arts and Economics

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Drawing a Poster on Freedom of Thought

By Wided el Mahdi

3rd Form Arts

Sidi Zid Secondary School

Monday, May 24, 2021

A Conversation between a mom and her daughter on low school grades!

Many thanks to the hard-working students Basma and Amatallah

Mother: Basma! Put the phone aside!I want to talk to you.

Daughter: Yes mum.

Mother: Today, while I was cleaning your room I found this paper. I am really shocked and disappointed! It's your school report, isn't it?

Daughter: Mum! I really apologize for hiding it from you. I was so afraid of your reaction.

Mother: Come on Basma, fear won't change anything! I didn't expect that from you. Tell me, what's wrong? What are the causes of this failure?

Daughter: Mum! Don't put all the blame on me, I have a problem in understanding some subjects at school because some teachers do not know how to communicate with low achievers like me!

Mother: But, this is not an exuse, you failed most of the subjects! You could have asked for help from your school mates. Also, you have the internet, you could find well explained lessons on the net.

Daughter: You're right mom, but I have another difficulty. Whenever I sit for an exam I get scared and I can't focus or answer correctly.

Mother: This happens with everyone my dear, but you should know how to deal with it. First, relax and take a deep breath. Second, you have to organize your ideas. Third, plan you time well and don't waste time on a single question. If you don't know the answer, leave it for the end. Do you have other problems?

Daughter: Well mom, the school schedule is overloaded with hours. I feel bored and tired, what shall I do to overcome such negative feelings that affect my mood and motivation?

Mother: I understand this very well and I have a suggestion for you. What about practising an extracurricular activity like sports or music?

Daughter: Thank you so much mom for this useful suggestion and for your patience. I promise you to work harder and make you proud of me. I love you mom.

Mother: I love you too my dear. I can't wait to see your next school report. All the best, and next time don't hesitate to talk to me about your problems. Remember that your mom is your best friend!

Daughter: Sure mom. I really appreciate that.

By Basma Haj Hani and Amatallah Feleh

3rd Form Sciences at Sidi Zid Secondary School

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Essay Planning 4th form students

1/ Brain Drain (impacts)

 Introduction: definition + positive & negative impacts

 Details

a) Impacts on Brains

b) Impacts on developing countries

c) Impacts on developed & industrialized countries

 Conclusion

Brain drain is a controversial issue & a double-edged weapon

2/ Brain Drain (solutions)

 Introduction: definition + negative impacts + solutions

 Details

a) Brains’ responsibilities towards their countries (right & duty)

b) Governments of developing countries (to provide/ to support..)

c) Developed & industrialized countries (stop luring / help/ donation…)

 Conclusion

Brain drain is a controversial issue & a double-edged weapon

3/ Smoking (drawbacks)

 Introduction: smoking is a dangerous issue + negative impacts

 Details

a) Health problems: mortal diseases (lung cancer..)

b) Psychological disturbances due to addiction (rejection, stress, anxiety...)

c) Waste of money on poison + coffee (or other related addictive behaviour a day)

d) Passive smoking (effects on close people)

 Conclusion

Smokers should quit this habit

4/ Smoking (ways to quit)

 Introduction: danger of smoking+ solutions

 Details

a) Strong will to quit ‘if there’s a will, there’s a way’ ‘Yes I Can’

b) Remind yourself of drawbacks (examples: lung cancer)

c) Find alternative (regular exercise, balanced diet...)

 Conclusion

It’s never too late to make a better change

5/ Healthy Diet (to keep fit & healthy/ to lose weight)

 Introduction: importance of having a balanced & healthy diet

 Details

a) Strong will to stop bad eating habits and start a healthy balanced diet ‘if there’s a will, there’s a way’ ‘Yes I Can’

b) Remind yourself of drawbacks (examples: obesity, diabetes, heart defect..)

c) To avoid unhealthy food (fast-food, fats, carbohydrates, irregular meals...) ‘your stomach shouldn’t be a waste basket’

d) To know what to eat (vitamins & proteins + examples..) + benefits ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’

e) To control life style (regular meals / sport / sleeping time..) ‘if you want to get thinner, walk after dinner OR diminish your dinner’

6/ Morals & Virtues

 Introduction: Moral concepts consist of values, virtues and ethics that help individuals distinguish their actions as being morally right or morally wrong

 Details:

a) Individual & personal qualities (physical): hard work, perseverance, strong will & determination followed by positive action, voluntary work for the community, donation (money, blood)

b) Psychological values: courage, honesty, trust and high self-confidence, strong belief in one’s abilities, self-reliance

c) Interpersonal & Mutual Values: community life should be based on certain noble values (freedom, love, empathy, compassion, solidarity, equality, democracy, tolerance) and these values are often taught within the home and in schools

7/ Ecological issues (threats)

 Introduction: Earth in danger/ in jeopardy due to natural and man-made threats (esp. pollution) + negative impacts Man’s polluting activities

 Details

a) Health problems: skin& lung cancer, asthma, breathing difficulties

b) Natural imbalance / disequilibrium (loss of habitat for endangered species/ extinction of species / waste of natural resources: food, forests, drinkable water)

c) Global warming: change in climate, rise in temperature, disappearance of poles (ice-melting), rise in water level, high frequency of natural disasters (Tsunami)

 Conclusion

Human life, welfare & existence are at risk unless we act positively to combat such disasters

8/ Ecological issues (solutions)

 Introduction: Human life, welfare & existence are at risk due to natural and man-made disasters unless we act positively

 Details

A/ Natural Disasters: find measures to reduce the effects (Flood: build dams + dig canals) (earthquakes/ Tsunami/ volcano..: study, research to predict and follow safety procedures: evacuate people..) (Deforestation: stop cutting down the trees+ plant more trees)

B/ Man-made Disasters (Pollution/ Global warming)

a) Individuals’ responsibilities (R.R.R.) / energy saving / eco-driving / economical methods / cleanliness

b) Governments & organisations: sensitizing people / pass and implement strict laws / find alternatives (factories, control..)

c) U.N. international community + super powers: sign, respect and implement the international treaties (Kyoto Protocol) + ban polluting activities (chemicals & nuclear) + protect nature (forests, seas, species..)

9/ Ecodriving

 Introduction: pollution + solutions (such as eco-driving)

 Details

a) Regular car maintenance: check engine oil and water / check tyre pressure

b) Safe driving style: smooth change of gear, avoid very high and low speed, keep average speed (50 km/h), avoid sudden brakes, avoid unnecessary car options (A/C &Heating)

c) Alternative ‘if it’s not far; don’t go by car’

10/ County life (benefits)

 Introduction: benefits of country life compared to city life

 Details

a) Health vs disease

b) fresh air vs pollution

c) calm vs noise , crowd vs open space

d) community virtues vs moral decline

11/ City life (benefits)

 Introduction: benefits of city life compared to country life

 Details

a) Easy & comfortable life: available services (health care, education, offices, internet....)