THE SMOKING BAN

Some people think that the new smoking ban will decrease the number of smokers in Spain. Other people consider that it will be a complete disaster for restaurants and pubs owners. In my opinion, people will get used to it and nobody will talk about it.

For one thing is clear, smoking is bad for our health; experts think that if people don’t smoke in public places there will be a reduction in lung cancers, especially when we talk about people such as waiters, who work in places where smoking is something natural. This is one of the reasons why the government has decided to go on with the prohibition despite the criticism of smokers in general.

However, in my opinion, this law should have been passed before. We must not forget that this same government allowed pubs and restaurants to create special rooms for smokers. Consequently they spent a lot of money just two or three years ago and now they are not allowed to use those spaces.

In short, there will always be different opinions and points of view about smoking but I honestly think that everybody will be pretty happy about the new legislation in the future.

JOSÉ Mª MORILLAS JIMÉNEZ 2n Batx. C

SHOULD CHILDREN USE LAPTOPS IN CLASS?

We live in a word very influenced by technology which is progressing constantly. If technology advances, we do too. Consequently, these days, more and more schools are introducing laptops in classes. So, against this, many people ask if the use of laptops in classrooms is beneficial, or on the contrary, they are a distraction.

The advances of this are obvious: firstly, using computers in classrooms allows students to take notes more easily. Moreover, using laptops means an adaptation to the technological word in which we live (“If you don't get a laptop, you will get old fashioned”). Also, using computers in classes involves making less spelling mistakes since computers correct them for you.

On the other hand, the disadvantages of using them are: firstly, people can't take notes more easily on the computer because they are slower, and, consequently, the prefer taking them by hand. Secondly, many people consider them like an incentive to a distraction, because having Internet involves access to websites like Messenger, Tuenti, twitter or Facebook. Finally, the fact that laptops correct our mistakes means that students don't pay attention and make more spelling errors.

On balance, I'm in favor of using laptops in classes because they help us to take notes more easily. However, I believe there are occasional cases in which using laptops in class is not a good idea, because in languages classes, for example, we have to learn to write and not make mistakes.

Paula Gómez de Tejada, 2º bx. B

SHOULD MEN AND WOMEN SHARE HOUSEWORK?

In my opinion, the man’s role in household duties has changed dramatically compared to the previous years, but still today (or it seems to me), in the twenty-first century, there is still discrimination against women.

First of all, although many men do things, most household chores are done by women. So, they have a double duty: on the one hand they have their own work (they can be doctors, architects, teachers...) and, on the other hand they have housework to do. Many of them, when they arrive home, despite being tired, have to cook, iron, wash dishes... On the contrary, many men arrive home and relax on the sofa and wait for women to do everything.

I think men should work more at home. This is because society years ago educated women as submissive to men. For this reason, before they were taught to cook and iron, men were taught to work and relax. Seeing that, a lot of people think that housework is easier for women, but they are wrong. They forget that, in the past, women didn't work and, consequently had more time to do this type of things.

To conclude, I'm convinced that men should work more at home. And, if they don't know, for example, how to cook, they must learn, because no-one was born knowing!

Paula Gómez de Tejada Espinosa, 2º bax. B

SON BOU

Son Bou is located on the south coast of the island of Menorca, near Alaior. I have chosen Son Bou because it is one of the most popular places on the island and because it has one of the most fabulous beaches of the Balearic islands.   In Son Bou, you can find everything: beach, bowling, water slides, restaurants, shops, discos and a former reservoir.

In general, Son Bou beach is 4 km long and has a campsite beside the pines which are  about 20 m from the center of the beach. As you go down to the beach, you can see lots of shops and restaurants. The hotels are on your left and on your right you can see lots of villas and water slides.

The climate varies depending on whether it is summer or winter, in summer the sun shines during most days, and in winter, it is very cold with very strong winds. The most modern building is the bowling alley, located next to the shops, while the oldest thing is the prehistoric basilica which you can see at the eastern end of the beach.

In Son Bou, during the summer, you only hear the tourists speak or screams coming from the beach, but during the winter you don’t hear anything because there is absolutely peace and quiet. And if you're near the beach, you can smell the sea and the dead algae, which are called "posidonia". In summer, you can spend all day on the beach , in the water slides, in the bowling alley, eating at the buffets that offer the hotels or restaurants there, and then at night, visiting nightclubs or bars, which are always full (but only in summer).

In conclusion, Son Bou is one of the best beaches on the island, and that is why, and for all the activities offered in the summer, tourists and the inhabitants of Menorca love it. In my opinion, the best place on the beach and surrounding area is the beach itself and the bowling alley if you like bowling.  In short, I would recommend this beach to everyone who comes to the island.

                                                                                      Sergio Toledo 2n BTX B

SANT CLIMENT

Sant Climent is a small village in Menorca which is only five minutes from Maó. It's not as busy as Maó, therefore, it's extremely picturesque. I'm going to describe this town during the “fiestas”, which are celebrated in a different town every week in summer, but I think that the “fiesta de Sant Climent” is the best.

The town is small but very pretty, it has a yellow and white church. This is a building every tourist should see. The most attractive place for me is the square, near the church, where the “Jaleo” is celebrated.

The “Jaleo” is a typical meeting of black Minorcan horses and their riders. They jump around the square to the sound of specific music.


When you are there you can see people who are dancing, drinking “pomada” (an alcoholic drink, a mixture of Minorcan gin with lemonade) and you can also hear the music band playing the “Jaleo”. You can watch the Jaleo or, if you are brave enough, you can make the horses jump. It’s the perfect moment to meet many people and have fun.


In conclusion, I recommend a visit to this town in summer , especially during its “fiestas”, because it's amazing and it's an experience that you can't miss.


Natàlia Mercadal Llambias  2n BTX A

PUNTA PRIMA

Punta Prima is a beach which is located in the south coast of Menorca. It is near a town which is called “Sant Lluís”, and in front of the beach there is an island called “Illa de l’Aire” where many people go on boat. It has a lighthouse and it illuminates the beach at night. This island is famous for the black lizards that live there.



Punta Prima is a big beach with white sand and light blue water, which shines in the morning with the sunlight. In summer it’s very hot on the beach, and the sea is warm; you can swim till autumn because the water isn’t cold yet. In summer, the beach is usually crowded because of the tourists who go there on holiday. Near the beach there are some hotels.

In winter, it’s absolutely calm, only a few people go for a walk near the beach, and it is often windy, but not very cold.


Sometimes, there is seaweed on the sand, which has an intense smell and depending on the year, there is jellyfish. On windy days, it is fun to swim because there are many waves and people play in them.


There is also a park very close to the beach, restaurants, houses and shops, most of them sell souvenirs and ice-creams, but there are also a few supermarkets. In winter, hardly any people live there, so, it’s very quiet.


In conclusion, I like Punta Prima, because it’s a rather big beach, which has a picturesque landscape and because depending on the season it is a crowded or a deserted beach.
   
                                                                                Paula Segui Llull 2n BTX A

Punta Prima - The best place in Menorca

Punta Prima is a small town with really nice people, It has a beautiful beach where you can swim and spend time with your friends, family or alone. Punta Prima has few inhabitants but they know each other. It is the perfect place if you want to have a good time.


When you arrive at Punta Prima, the first thing you see is the beach, with white sand and plenty of space to enjoy. When you go to the beach, you can swim, sunbathe, play tennis, volleyball, read or play with the sand. If you don’t like the beach, you can go the Hotel Pueblo or another hotel to swim in the swimming pool. If you like sports, you have two football fields, a basketball, a volleyball court and two tennis courts. You can hang out with your friends and when you walk away, you see all the children riding their bikes and going from one side to another. At nights you can have dinner at one of the many restaurants that are next to the beach and later you can go for a walk on the beach with the moonlight.


In Punta Prima, everything is perfect, the atmosphere is really nice because you feel like home. In summer it is full of tourists and many families that live there with many children who spend their time in the street. However, in winter, it is practically empty; there are just the people who live there all the year. At Christmas, it smells like fire and the houses are decorated.


I recommend this place because I used to spend my childhood summers there and I went to visit my grandparents in winter. At present I hardly ever go to Punta Prima, but I recognize I love this place.


                                                                                        Bea Dominguez 2n BTX B

PREGONDA

I will describe a special place for me: Pregonda. It is a beach in Es Mercadal, in Menorca. I like to be there because it is very relaxing, like a paradise. When you are there, you can forget everything and be happy with all the nature around you. It is the most beautiful and peaceful place you could ever see in the world.

To arrive at this beach, you have to leave your car at a previous beach called Binimel·là. You have to walk for about twenty minutes until you arrive at Pregondó which is very close to Pregonda. To get to Pregonda from Pregondó you have to walk for about five more minutes. Walking is worth it when you arrive there but you can also get there by bike.

This beach has some little islands in front. The sand is thick and depending on where you are, it can be a little bit reddish. There are also three houses and one of them is camouflaged by the surrounding  rocks.

For me, the best season to visit is in winter. I occasionally go there when I want to feel free, as it was my own place. It is extremely quiet and completely deserted. You can smell the happiness and feel how time stops.

To conclude, if I were you and if I had the chance, I would definitely go there and have a rest forgetting the world.

                                                                             Sara Ortego Huguet  2n BTX A

THE HARBOUR OF MAÓ- Feeling a fresh atmosphere

Menorca is the second biggest island in the Balearics. This peaceful and attractive bit of land can offer you a relaxing place to rest. I’d like to emphasize the picturesque Harbour of Maó, which is really successful due to its natural length. Moreover, our port is located in Maó, which makes it easier to be visited.

Firstly, when you look at your surroundings, you can feel a historical atmosphere, because Menorca was the perfect place for pirates to get power or to be the owners of the Mediterranean. Furthermore, during the summer holidays, our harbour is usually used so as to carry out some exciting activities like sailing small boats, which are called optimist.

Finally, if you walk along the seafront, on one side you will see the dark blue sea, where, frequently, quite big ships moor and on the other side, there is plenty of whatever you want to find, well-known restaurants, busy bars at nights, lively pubs, little businesses, etc. I should say that what I love most are the tasty ice-creams, which are made of several flavours by Italian experts.

For this reason, if you are looking for huge cities, this is not your suitable place; but, who wants big places if you can enjoy yourself in a place like this! you will not only fall in love with it, but you will also look forward to coming back. That’s for 

                          Salomé Mir Sánchez 2n btx B

Illa de l'aire

My favourite place on the island is Illa de l'Aire.  It is a small uninhabited island situated in the most extreme south east point of the island of Menorca, just in front of Punta Prima beach, about a kilometre away.

I like to go there because it is a natural protected space and it is very quiet (not in peak season, July and August, of course, because then, there is a large number of visitors). The best time to go there is in spring. It is a paradisiacal place.

Illa de l'Aire is a very interesting place from an ecological point of view. For there, you can observe migration birds which rest to cross Sahara and others that live there all the year, for example an endemic species of the Balearics like the seagull. But the most important animal is the Podarcis lilfordi lilfordi. It's a lizard that is characterized by its large size and its black colour. It's a protected species and if you try to move it away from its habitat it changes its colour into green.

Illa the l'Aire is interesting too to practise scuba-diving and discover the bottom of the sea and to contemplate the sea life.

Of course you have to get there by boat, and you have to remember that it is a natural protected area so it's forbidden to take away animals or plants!

                                                                                                   Kasandra Pons  2n Btx B

FAVARITX

My name is Cristina. I live in Menorca, a small island on the East coast of Spain. It has many wonderful landscapes, but my favourite one is called “Favàritx”. It’s located on the north coast of the island. You can go there by car, boat, bike or motorbike because there isn’t a bus which goes there, and it’s far away from all the villages. It’s on a diversion from the road Maó-Fornells. It’s a very well-known place.

There’s a narrow curved way which takes you to a parking area. From there you can see a natural lake and a tall striped lighthouse built in 1922, with lots of steep cliffs and slate rocks surrounding it. There’s hardly any vegetation and no animals (only seagulls flying and other kind of birds). In summer it’s normally hot and sunny like many other places and in winter it depends (it can be sunny, rainy, cloudy…) but the climate is colder than in other seasons, especially when “Tramuntana” (a typical strong north wind) blows. Then, the sea becomes rough and there are big waves.

Even though there are always lots of visitors, it’s a really relaxing and peaceful place. You can hear the noise of waves hitting the rocks and see the reliefs of other coastal places like “Es Grau”, the huge blue sea or the skyline. There, you can smell a marine atmosphere, pure air and swim in its natural pools. It’s also a good fishing area.

I would recommend everybody to visit it because it’s the most famous lighthouse in Menorca. You can’t go into the lighthouse or do anything special there, but it’s a nice place just for its sights.

                                                                                        Cris Melià  2n BTX B

Es Grau

Es Grau : A visit to  paradise


Es Grau is a peaceful town in Maó by the Mediterranean Sea. It has a big and fascinating beach but, that’s not the only thing that Es Grau has, because there’re lots of other activities to do if you want to you have fun.

Obviously, a town with a beautiful beach is really attractive to everybody in summer as people can make the most of their free time sunbathing, swimming, playing, diving, spending time with friends…, so it's the perfect place for people of all ages. In Es Grau you can enjoy every moment to the max and apart from going to the beach you can play whenever you want in the football field and basketball court.

The town has a small lagoon near a little pine forest with a fascinating viewpoint where you can observe the whole lagoon. The pine forest also has a route where you can enjoy a really relaxing moment listening to the birds and different animals and which takes you to the end to the majestic beach.

In the middle of the beach you’ll find a stop where you can rent a canoe or different sea-objects. If you’re strong and motivated, you can try to arrive at the “Illa de’n Colom” canoeing which is not too far away. What I like about that little island is that I always feel I’m in paradise. There, the sand is absolutely soft and the water is extremely crystal clear.

Finally, there, people are really nice, there are two quality restaurants and you shouldn’t miss a visit to the “Illa de’n Colom”. I totally recommend a visit to Es Grau, however, be careful because I’m sure if you decide to go there, you won’t go back home.
                                                                                      Marta Seoane  2n BTX A

Cova d'en Xoroi

Menorca is the island where I live and, where you can find many delightful places, like the place which I am going to describe to you. This spectacular place is a cave called Cova de’n Xoroi situated in the municipality of Alayor on the south coast of Menorca in the middle of a cliff in Cala en Porter, which is a popular tourist resort. In my opinion, it is the best place on the island.

According to legend, there is an interesting story that I will summarize for you. One day a Moorish man appeared on the coasts of Menorca, but nobody knows how. Perhaps he was the only survivor from some shipwreck and took refuge in the cave. Xoroi, which is the Moorish man’s name, was in love with a girl who lived in the countryside. Xoroi kidnapped her when she was about to marry. Nothing was known about the missing girl. But one day it snowed on the island and some footprints appeared and betrayed him. Armed men followed the footprints which led to a cave and they found a man, a woman and three children, fruit of their love. Xoroi and his oldest son threw themselves into the sea, the sea which had brought him and then taken him away.

Cova de’n Xoroi is a place where you can find a chill atmosphere during the day and party atmosphere at night. It is open from early in the morning until dawn. During the summer, every afternoon, people can enjoy the ‘’ambient session’’ from 18.00 in the evening and then at eleven Cova d’en Xoroi becomes a disco with international DJs. There are many parties at night, Ambient live, Dolce Vita, Freestyle, Ibizabla, We love 80’s, Hippychic party and so on, but the most popular one is the foam party.

In this fascinating place in the middle of the cliff, just above the sea you can watch the sunset perfectly from the large terrace. At night you may have to wear a cardigan, as its privileged position by the sea means that when strong winds blow the cold is quite uncomfortable, particularly in the foam party.

This is a place which is different from the other places that you can visit because it adapts to the shape of the rocks along the cliff to make it a fabulous place where you can relax in the afternoon and you can dance like a mad person at night. Cova de’n Xoroi has some bars inside with comfortable chairs and tables. Sometimes it is like being in the Caribbean with the spectacular sunshades.

In conlusion, Cova de’n Xoroi is my favorite place in Menorca. And you shouldn’t forget the camera or you will miss the glorious views.                        

                                                                      Carolina García Belmonte 2N BTX B

SLEEP DEBT

Everybody needs to sleep at least eight hours, but a lot of people sleep less because they have many things to do.

From my point of view, people sleep less now than before because there are many people that work long hours and don't have time to sleep. Besides, there are a lot of people that prefer to sleep during the day and at night they play at the computer or watch TV.

Firstly, modern life may be bad for us because was need enough sleep and if we don't sleep , we may be in a bad mood the next day. Secondly, nowadays many teens work at night and during the day they want to for to the beach and do lots of things, but they prefer not to sleep or to sleep less.

In conclusion, I think that modern life is bad, yet this is the kind of life that we must lead these days and whoever wants to sleep more should just not do so many things.  

Pily Pons 2n BTX C

ALCAUFAR, A PLACE TO VISIT

In the southeast of Menorca we can find a small beach called Cala Alcaufar, which from my point of view, is the most beautiful place on the island .The small white houses, which are reflected in the blue sea, and a white sand beach just at the end of the cove, make it an ideal place where you can feel calm and relax.

At the entrance to the cove there is a tower, built during the eighteenth century, that rises to the top of a cliff, this is an ideal place to see the sunrise; on the right there is a small beach called Cala Roig with transparent waters where you can enjoy diving and see the seabed.

But the best of Alcaufar is its people. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, there you feel like a big family. No doubt this little corner of the island of Menorca is a treasure.

                                             

                                                                                              Nuria Sintes Gomila  2n BTX A

Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery is one of the most important medical practices and one of the most practiced. The business of plastic surgery generates millions of euros for the companies that are devoted to this. These companies take advantage of the need for some people wanting to be more beautiful.

I agree with plastic surgery because it is a medical practice which normally safe. Plastic surgery makes the person feel happier because this person has a physical complex removed. Nowadays it is a well-known fact that people believe that it is more important to be beautiful than a good person, which makes people draw on to plastic surgery.

I don’t agree with plastic surgery because it can be dangerous and many times it doesn’t have the results that people expect. Another reason is these companies earn a lot of money at the expense of their patients. Furthermore, these patients may have an addiction to plastic surgery. Finally the most important reason is personality is more important than the physical appearance.

In conclusion, i don’t agree with plastic surgery because I think personality is more important than physical appearance, however, if plastic surgery is completely necessary, for example when a person has had an accident and his face has been disfigured then plastic surgery is justified.

ABORTION, SHOULD IT BE ALLOWED?

Nowadays, abortion is highly discusses, there are many opinions about that issue. Actually, it is difficult to have a clear position about abortion, since it is very controversial.

On the one hand, there are people who agree with abortion because they think that the unborn child cannot be considered a human yet. Others say that girls who have been rapped may have the option to abort so that they do not have to carry this misfortune for life. The other reason that supports abortion is that when a woman has a child, her life changes completely, especially for young school girls or women without enough money. For this reason, it may be irresponsible to have a child when you cannot take care of him. Moreover, some believe that a woman should have freedom or the right to decide about her own life, this means that she is the person who has to decide whether to abort or hot, and not the society. Finally, the major reason is that sometimes, the child that a woman is going to have can put his mother's life at risk, because of an illness or deformation, then, the woman should choose between her own lifer and her child's life.

Nevertheless, on the other hand, there are also many people who disagree what abortion since they think that a foetus, even though not a human, is a life, and it is said that a foetus' organs are almost completely formed at the fourth month, so, although being in his/her mother’s womb,  he can hear and fell. Moreover, though a rape is a misfortune, the child is innocent, and he or she does not have to pay what others did. People also believe that reasons such as money or mother’s age are not enough to kill a baby because the situation can change, while you are alive you have hope, but if you die, you do not have anything! For example, the woman may take government aid if she does not have money. And even a woman has the right to decide, but do not forget that she only has the right to decide about her own life, but not about her child’s life.

In conclusion, I think that abortion should not be allowed since a foetus is also a life, like you and me. So, please do not undervalue a life which doe not belong to you, in spite of being his mother. However, I believe that when a foetus can put his mother’s life at risk, then the woman can abort, since she has to decide when her own life is also involved. But I think this is the only reason that permits a woman to abort.

Mengjun Lin 2n BTX A

SHOULD THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT REMOVE THE BAN ON SMOKING?

Since the Spanish government passed the law that prohibits smoking in public areas like bars, restaurants and some other places, there are many criticisms and complaints about the issue, nevertheless, many people are also in favour of the law.

Some consumers say that it should be a personal choice and business owners are really affected by the law. But in my opinion, there is something more important than economic losses and personal pleasure, it is the right of non-smokers, for instance, babies, children, pregnant woman, older people…

The OMS says that peoples who live with a smoker have a 35 times higher risk of suffering lung cancer than those who do not. And do you know that 42 per cent of children with chronic respiratory disease are caused by tobacco fumes? So I think that even though this ban could be too tough and difficult to obey, it is absolutely necessary and fair, since in my view, people who smoke are not only killing themselves, but also killing others.

To conclude, I want to tell all smokers, please think about their sons, daughters, parents, husband, wives, friends and everyone who loves you and live with you, stop killing them!

Mengjun Lin 2n BTX A

USE OF MOBILE PHONES IN CLASS

I’m going to talk about for and against the use of mobile phones in class.

On the one hand, mobile phones distract the attention of students and limit their concentration. Now a days, the students use their mobile phones to copy in the exams. Furthermore, mobile phones interrupt the teacher’s explanation.

On the other hand, if the student’s parents have an emergency, they can phone them or students can phone their parents to let them know if the students arrive late home. When students have free hours, they can play with it. And the last one, if the students have to hand in homework and they leave it in their homes, they can phone their parents, and they can bring it to school.

In my opinion, the use of mobile phones in class is very negative for the student’s marks. I’m against the use of mobile phones in class, but I recognize that sometimes I use it.

Bea Domínguez 2n BTX B

YOUNG PEOPLE- NOW AND BEFORE.

Nowadays, young people are different from before. Our hobbies are different, our sleep hours, our diet. A lot of things are different, some people think that customs were better and young people were happier than now. But not all people think that, some teenagers think that they are funnier than their parents.

In my opinion, all of this is relative, the social environment is completely different and the infrastructures too. This two things change the lifestyle of the world. So, if we compare some parts of the society, it will be different for sure. I think some old customs are still maintained, but most of them have lost. The only thing that should be stay is that young people, now or in the past, must respect older people.

In conclusion, we shouldn’t compare our habits with those of the past. Because the society sets our customs. But the only think that we should keep are the same manners.

Cicerón Mercadal 2n BTX A

FORBIDDEN TO SMOKE

Spain has suffered the consequences of the smoking ban. It has been forbidden to smoke in restaurants and outside some public areas like hospitals or schools. In my opinion, it will make smokers become angry because there’s no reason not to let them smoke in the street.

The way I see it, smokers should be allowed to smoke outside all the public establishments as the new law doesn’t let them smoking in bars. I think the government should have imposed the law in parts in order to help people to get used to it. In my view, if the government had first only banned smoking in bars, people wouldn’t have reacted in that way. What’s more, if people were able to smoke anywhere in the street, they wouldn’t be so angry. The problem is that in many cities or small towns there are lots of schools, hospitals and parks. As a result, it has become a problem for smokers to find a place where to smoke without breaking the law and in peace. It’s seems like some day people will only be able to smoke in their houses.

To sum up, I think that the biggest mistake made by the government has been forbid people to smoke in the street. The citizens must be able to choose if they want to smoke in an open area and I am sure that the tobacco effects are not worse than the pollution from cars.

              Elisabet Carbó 2A

THERAPEUTIC MARIJUANA

Despite being a forbidden plant in many countries in the World, some of them have recognised cannabis as a medicine. It has been demonstrated that it can alleviate the sickness and the pain, among other health problems. However, many people disagree about its legality because it is actually a drug. Consequently, it has caused differences of opinion.

It is true that marijuana can be addictive and it can provoke a potential abuse. Besides, many people think that the components of cannabis can be toxic and not very healthy and they say that safety is over efficacy. For this reason, they think that we should use more safer medicines.

However, it is clear that it has been used as an herbal medicine for a long time before forbidding it.  Moreover, it can not be argued that it is natural and organic plant safer than synthetic drugs and surely less addictive than other artificial substances. In addition, cannabis has a really strong therapeutic potential. What is more, many people have demonstrated their support to this plant as a medicine and many countries have already legalised it.

As I see, there are many reasons to believe that it is not bad as a medicine when used cautiously. In my opinion, therapeutic marijuana has more advantages than disadvantages. The effects of this plant have been showed in the results of many patients who have been treated with it. To conclude, I would say that we should provide an opportunity to this natural with no-additive substance which is less problematic than many pills we have at home.

Elisabet Carbó 2A

The government is thinking of banning the sale of alcohol to people under the age of twenty-one.

             In my country, the minimum legal age for buying alcohol is eighteen. In my opinion it's a good age to be able to buy it, because when you're eighteen you are mature enough to know that alcohol is detrimental to your health. For this reason, I disagree with the idea of banning the sale of alcohol to people under the age of twenty-one.

            First of all, I think that when young people have been told not to drink alcohol, then they are more interested in tasting it. For this reason, from my point of view, raising the age to sell alcohol is not the solution to this problem, because a ban doesn’t make them realise of the negative consequences of drinking alcohol.

            Secondly, in my own opinion, what the government and we all really have to do is change the culture of drinking alcohol. Teenagers see alcohol as the only way to have a good time when they go out. Parents should talk about it with their children and they should advise them not to drink alcohol because it's also a drug, even though it's a legal substance. Furthermore, I think that the government must launch campaigns to warn about the negative effects of alcohol as well as making education programmes in schools.   

            In conclusion, I would say that if we want the number of young people who drink alcohol decrease, we must promote a different way to have fun without drinking alcohol.

Kassandra Pons Haro

2^nd B

EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia is the practice of ending with someone's life who's seriously ill in order to ease the pain. Nowadays, in our society, euthanasia is a legal and a moral challenge. Some people, who are terminally ill, want us to let them die, so that they could finish with that life that is driving them crazy. It is in this moment, when we think about the possibility of legalizing euthanasia. There are two points of view about this issue.

On the one hand, some people think that euthanasia must be legalized because, when someone is terminally ill, it depends a lot on other people. They feel like their lives have no sense at all. Moreover, they say that everybody is different, so it's difficult to apply the same law to all the patients. For this reason, when someone asks for the euthanasia, even though he is ill, we must respect his autonomy and accept to do it. We must all have the right to decide what to do with our life.

On the other hand, there are people, usually religious people, who feel that life is one of our basic rights. God gave us life as a present, so we must make the most of it. Besides, they say that euthanasia is usually requested by depressive or disturbed people. This group of people think that therapies are the solution for this kind of patients, because they can build their hopes up. It is also important to know that there could be some mysterious deaths to receive an inheritance or related to political and economic interests.

                                  

In my own opinion, although it's a difficult decision, people might have the chance to decide what to do with their lives. For this reason, we should have the opportunity to ask for euthanasia if we are terminally ill. I think that everyone must be in control of himself. Even though I'm in favor of the legalization of euthanasia, I think that there is a narrow relationship between economic development and euthanasia, so it must be carefully legalized.

Kassandra Pons Haro   2nd Batxillerat B 

SLEEP DEBT

Nowadays many people sleep fewer hours than they should because their pace of life is very stressing. Moreover, due to this stress and the lack of sleep they are tired and they aren’t productive at work. In addition, if they don’t work well, companies lose money and the economy goes bad.

I think these people don’t sleep enough because the modern society doesn’t let them. People work too much because they need to earn more money in order to pay their huge houses, electrical appliances, clothes and other purchases, new and expensive cars... They have lots of things to do and little time, therefore, they hurry up in excessive way, so they are stressed, they need more time and they reduce their hours of sleep. Nevertheless, if they don’t sleep, their abilities diminish, health can be harmed and they work in a bad way. Consequently, people also drink much coffee and the caffeine can also damage their health.

I believe that in some cases this lifestyle can be bad and harmful to us. Society advances and we must advance with society too, but we must do this cautiously.    

     Natàlia Mercadal 2n BTX A

KEEPING ANIMALS IN ZOOS

Nowadays, the fact of keeping animals in zoos is very discussed. Is it really good from the ethic point of view? Is it so bad and horrible as lots of people say? It creates a serious controversy.

On the one hand, when we visit a zoo we can see many animals that we could never see without a zoo. Moreover, a zoo can also be a nice way to learn about animals, because we don’t have to go so far as a jungle and we aren’t in danger.  Furthermore, it’s useful to children so they can appreciate the diversity of the nature.  

On the other hand, keeping animals in zoos is wrong because these animals haven’t lived in freedom and their conduct is different from other animals that have lived in their natural habitat. Sometimes animals haven’t got enough space. Therefore, although these animals live longer than the rest of animals that are free, they are shut in cages with deplorable conditions and most of them are bored and depressed.

In spite of what some people say, I’m against keeping animals in zoos. We shouldn’t let people have animals in captivity in zoos in order to earn lots of money. In addition, these people don’t care about the animals. Animals have animal rights too, they’re living beings.   

Natalia Mercadal 2n BTX A

SHOULD COMPUTERS BE USED IN CLASS?

It seems that more and more often computers and technology are being used in an educational setting. This use of computers in education has changed the way that people learn in a short period of time. However, there are many people who think that it’s not a good idea to use computers in classroom.

On the one hand, it is said that computers allow students to have access to different ideas, thoughts, and materials they wouldn’t have if they didn’t have any. Furthermore, students can be interactive learners, since they may read, do activities or play educational games. In addition, children would be able to see anything they can’t see. For instance, so many children have no concept of what an ocean is as their parents can’t afford to take them, but with a laptop they can see it and understand. The possibilities are endless. Furthermore, computers can also help students with visual disabilities.

On the other hand, many people think that computers shouldn’t become the centre of attention during the lesson, seeing that laptops bring on too many distractions, from messenger to other web pages, or games. Furthermore, due to the use of computers, students are becoming worst and worst writers. As they can’t practise writing with paper and pen, their calligraphy is awful. But not only the calligraphy is worse, the spelling is also getting worse, since the computer corrects their mistakes, so now children make more spelling mistakes.

As I see it, there are more advantages than disadvantages about the use of computers. However, it’s necessary to solve the problems as well. Besides, nowadays children spend too much time on the computer, and it can be dangerous as it interferes with other physical activities that can help them be balanced individuals.

                                               Martina López 2nd B batx

TO SMACK OR NOT TO SMACK

The law isn’t very clear about hitting children. It’s known that teachers cannot smack children, but what about parents? You are allowed to use physical punishment to your child if you aren’t very tough, but it’s difficult to know exactly what being very tough means.

On the one hand, some people think that corporal punishment has to be banned since it makes children become violent. On the other hand, many people say that smacking children is the most useful punishment and it has been used by parents many years, so it really works.

In my opinion, there’s no excuse for smacking children. It should be banned, because when you hit a child you are transmitting him/her the idea that hitting is the way to get what you want. For this reason, children learn to solve their problems using violence instead of dialogue. Although smacking children is easier than making them understand why they have been wrong using dialogue, it’ll be more beneficial if you try to speak with him/her.

To sum up, I strongly believe that smacking children is a mistake, as children have to understand that violence is always worse than dialogue, and that everything can be solved in a pacific way.

Martina López 2º b batx.

SHOULD TEACHERS BE STRICTER?

Nowadays, most people think that teachers should have more authority to improve education; but others think that they shouldn’t because we wouldn’t have freedom.

On the one hand, people who are in favor, think that if teachers had more authority, students would have a better behaviour and they would listen more in class; as a result, they would have a higher educational level. In addition, children would be more controlled and they couldn’t use cribs.

On the other hand, some parents think that their children wouldn’t have so much freedom because teachers would be too hard and, if they had more authority, they could get to abuse them. Consequently, the students who were in these schools would have a closed thought; they should learn other rules.

I think that some teachers should be stricter with some of the students; especially with students who have a bad behaviour so they can modify it. And if they were stricter, students would have better performance.

              Raquel Haro 2n BTX A

Is our society too obsessed with problems of weight?

It has been said that humanity has had a negative effect on our world because of the obsession with our weight. The causes of this obsession may end in eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia. As far as I’m concerned, not everyone is equally affected; although people who have eating disorders, have a problematic disease.

On the one hand, you only have to look at the sizes which are sold in shops; there aren’t any big sizes. And people who are fat, they can’t dress as they want to because they don’t find anything for them. Moreover, the shop-window mannequins affect our society because that people think that they need to wear a size 34 to be normal. Consequently, they begin to obsess about their weight.

On the other hand, I think that shops should sell big sizes so that people wouldn’t be obsessed with their weight and they could have a normal life. But, the problem is that if shops sell big sizes, people don’t worry and they begin to be fat.

In conclusion, I believe that people should eat a balanced diet and do a lot of exercise; to be normal. Therefore, I think that shops should sell up to size 46.

                                                                         Raquel Haro Lendínez

                                                                                              2n Batx. A