Enhancing English Skills: Travel, Ethics, and Digital Culture

Planning a Trip: Online Tools and Enjoyment

The internet puts the tools for trip planning into the hands of average computer users. After choosing a destination, travelers can use the Net to find schedules and fares for airlines, hotels, and rental cars. While the web offers remarkable tools for finding bargains and making bookings, it's much more than a one-way medium. Some people are finding that planning a trip can be almost as enjoyable as the excursion itself.

Synonyms for Travel Planning

• Destinations
• Schedules
• Similar
• Save

Phonetics for Travel Vocabulary

• Today, Day
• /z/ sound
• Destination, International

Use of English: Travel Context

1. His jokes are better than hers.
2. We may be together soon.
3. English is spoken all over the world.
4. I wish I had told him everything.
5. Fiona, who is smiling in the picture, is my boss.
6. Although it was very hot, she was wearing her winter clothes.

The Right to Die: Ramon Sampedro's Story

Ramon Sampedro was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident as a young man. He could control a computer and write using a pen he held in his mouth. His brother, in fact, was completely opposed to euthanasia. He died after planning his death in such an ingenious way that, even if all the details were discovered, no one could be legally charged with the crime.

Synonyms for 'The Right to Die'

• Paralyzed
• Nephew
• Pedaled
• Euthanasia

Phonetics for 'The Right to Die'

• By, Right, Die
• Opposed, Discovered, Played
• Day, Jockey

Use of English: Ethical Discussions

1. He asked me if I would open the door.
2. John was given a prize for winning a medal in the last Olympics.
3. This task hadn't been expected to be so difficult.
4. The shop assistant, who I spoke to at Harrods, was very polite.
5. If I could afford to go on holiday, I would go.
6. Although the weather was good, we stayed indoors.

Internet Music Piracy: The Ongoing Battle

It is false that the music industry has announced an intensification of its campaign against illegal file-sharing. The use of file-sharing services such as Kazaa and eDonkey is the target. It is false that individuals are charged for making copyrighted music available on the internet, as against the law throughout Europe. It is true that the fight against online music piracy has become the subject of daily debate.

Synonyms for Music Piracy Terms

• Illegal
• Fans
• Copyright
• Instant messages

Phonetics for Music Piracy Vocabulary

• Against, Race, Daily
• Copyrighted
• The 'n' sound (second instance)

Use of English: Digital Rights Context

1. It is eight years since I last read a play by George Bernard Shaw.
2. Sharon's mother recommended going out in the afternoon.
3. The fireman was able to rescue the child from the burning house.
4. The suspects aren't obliged to pay anything.
5. How old is your grandfather?

Effective Writing: Structure and Transitions

When presenting a topic, consider its advantages and disadvantages. To begin, one might say: "First of all, I will present you this topic which is about important [subject]."

To discuss advantages:

• Let us, first of all, consider the advantages of this topic.
• On the one hand,
• Moreover,
• Also,
• In addition to this,

To discuss disadvantages:

• On the other hand, we are going to speak about disadvantages.
• Furthermore,
• But,

To conclude: "To sum up..."