____________

Pretend you are someone else writing the paper. For instance, assume you are the president of a strong feminist movement and are asked to write about sexist advertising. Or, pretend you are the president of a major oil company asked to defend the high price of oil. Consider being someone in another time period, perhaps Abraham Lincoln, or someone with a different perspective from your own on things, someone living in Hiroshima at the time the bomb was dropped. Pulling yourself out of your usual perspective can help you think more about the subject than writing about the subject.

Task 2

My Greek Christmas

Family Bonding Takes on New Meaning in My Loud, Loving Family.

Every Christmas, my entire family overstuffs their suitcases and heads over to my grandparents’ house for a vacation filled with comfort, food and family bonding. But this is not just any family bonding, this is customary Greek family bonding. Driving up to the house is an experience in itself. On their street we pass about 13 cars all with cleverly titled Greek-themed license plates only to find my Grandpa in the yard, decorating a miniature replica of the Parthenon with blue and white lights. We step inside the door to an overwhelming greeting, and 643 kisses later. Every year, it never fails. I wander around their house in search of a majestic Christmas tree. And every year I find a tall basket of tomatoes standing in for it instead.

After my discovery (or re-discovery) of the glowing tomato “temple’’, I watch my baby cousins torture the Greek Gods — also known as the cats — Kosta, Aristotle and Athena. The dinner bell has been politely rung, otherwise known as my Grandma banging her spoon against a bowl, and in a matter of seconds there is utter chaos, and there is no other way of describing it. Looking into the kitchen I see four loaves of bread, 40 stuffed tomatoes, a platter of freshly sliced lamb, a massive Greek salad, an equally massive “peasant” salad, giant lemon shrimp, and of course, a beautiful block of feta cheese.

We all sit down to eat, and soon enough, all my great-uncles are screaming at each other about money or Greek politics. (News flash: They have all lived in America for the past 40 years). By the end of dinner Grandma takes out the CD player for a little tsifteteli and kalamatiano. And then we dance in circles around the kitchen until we can’t see straight and return to the table, only to find more food being served for us — watermelon, grapes, cookies and coffee. It is almost three in the morning now and I figure when the Greek alphabet is racing through my mind that I am unable to think and must retire to my plastic-covered couch.

As I lie there, I suddenly realize how truly lucky I am. I was graced with such a vibrant, loving culture and wouldn’t change it for the world. Sure, my big Greek family can be overwhelming with their eating and kissing and dancing, but the love they have for each other is so obvious and so comforting. When I spend time with my Greek relatives I feel where I belong. Furthermore, growing up Greek has taught me to appreciate the different cultures that this world has to offer.

I wake up the next morning to find my whole family singing Greek Christmas songs with Santa ... dressed in a toga. Merry Christmas, Kala Christouyenna, Feliz Navidad, however you want to say it, and I hope you cherish your family time as much as I do.

What is TRUE of the cars near the house of the author’s grandparents?

My Greek Christmas

Family Bonding Takes on New Meaning in My Loud, Loving Family.

Every Christmas, my entire family overstuffs their suitcases and heads over to my grandparents’ house for a vacation filled with comfort, food and family bonding. But this is not just any family bonding, this is customary Greek family bonding. Driving up to the house is an experience in itself. On their street we pass about 13 cars all with cleverly titled Greek-themed license plates only to find my Grandpa in the yard, decorating a miniature replica of the Parthenon with blue and white lights. We step inside the door to an overwhelming greeting, and 643 kisses later. Every year, it never fails. I wander around their house in search of a majestic Christmas tree. And every year I find a tall basket of tomatoes standing in for it instead.

After my discovery (or re-discovery) of the glowing tomato “temple’’, I watch my baby cousins torture the Greek Gods — also known as the cats — Kosta, Aristotle and Athena. The dinner bell has been politely rung, otherwise known as my Grandma banging her spoon against a bowl, and in a matter of seconds there is utter chaos, and there is no other way of describing it. Looking into the kitchen I see four loaves of bread, 40 stuffed tomatoes, a platter of freshly sliced lamb, a massive Greek salad, an equally massive “peasant” salad, giant lemon shrimp, and of course, a beautiful block of feta cheese.

We all sit down to eat, and soon enough, all my great-uncles are screaming at each other about money or Greek politics. (News flash: They have all lived in America for the past 40 years). By the end of dinner Grandma takes out the CD player for a little tsifteteli and kalamatiano. And then we dance in circles around the kitchen until we can’t see straight and return to the table, only to find more food being served for us — watermelon, grapes, cookies and coffee. It is almost three in the morning now and I figure when the Greek alphabet is racing through my mind that I am unable to think and must retire to my plastic-covered couch.

As I lie there, I suddenly realize how truly lucky I am. I was graced with such a vibrant, loving culture and wouldn’t change it for the world. Sure, my big Greek family can be overwhelming with their eating and kissing and dancing, but the love they have for each other is so obvious and so comforting. When I spend time with my Greek relatives I feel where I belong. Furthermore, growing up Greek has taught me to appreciate the different cultures that this world has to offer.

I wake up the next morning to find my whole family singing Greek Christmas songs with Santa ... dressed in a toga. Merry Christmas, Kala Christouyenna, Feliz Navidad, however you want to say it, and I hope you cherish your family time as much as I do.

What did the author say about the Christmas tree in her grandparents’ house?

My Greek Christmas

Family Bonding Takes on New Meaning in My Loud, Loving Family.

Every Christmas, my entire family overstuffs their suitcases and heads over to my grandparents’ house for a vacation filled with comfort, food and family bonding. But this is not just any family bonding, this is customary Greek family bonding. Driving up to the house is an experience in itself. On their street we pass about 13 cars all with cleverly titled Greek-themed license plates only to find my Grandpa in the yard, decorating a miniature replica of the Parthenon with blue and white lights. We step inside the door to an overwhelming greeting, and 643 kisses later. Every year, it never fails. I wander around their house in search of a majestic Christmas tree. And every year I find a tall basket of tomatoes standing in for it instead.

After my discovery (or re-discovery) of the glowing tomato “temple’’, I watch my baby cousins torture the Greek Gods — also known as the cats — Kosta, Aristotle and Athena. The dinner bell has been politely rung, otherwise known as my Grandma banging her spoon against a bowl, and in a matter of seconds there is utter chaos, and there is no other way of describing it. Looking into the kitchen I see four loaves of bread, 40 stuffed tomatoes, a platter of freshly sliced lamb, a massive Greek salad, an equally massive “peasant” salad, giant lemon shrimp, and of course, a beautiful block of feta cheese.

We all sit down to eat, and soon enough, all my great-uncles are screaming at each other about money or Greek politics. (News flash: They have all lived in America for the past 40 years). By the end of dinner Grandma takes out the CD player for a little tsifteteli and kalamatiano. And then we dance in circles around the kitchen until we can’t see straight and return to the table, only to find more food being served for us — watermelon, grapes, cookies and coffee. It is almost three in the morning now and I figure when the Greek alphabet is racing through my mind that I am unable to think and must retire to my plastic-covered couch.

As I lie there, I suddenly realize how truly lucky I am. I was graced with such a vibrant, loving culture and wouldn’t change it for the world. Sure, my big Greek family can be overwhelming with their eating and kissing and dancing, but the love they have for each other is so obvious and so comforting. When I spend time with my Greek relatives I feel where I belong. Furthermore, growing up Greek has taught me to appreciate the different cultures that this world has to offer.

I wake up the next morning to find my whole family singing Greek Christmas songs with Santa ... dressed in a toga. Merry Christmas, Kala Christouyenna, Feliz Navidad, however you want to say it, and I hope you cherish your family time as much as I do.

Why did the author’s grandmother hit her spoon against a bowl?

My Greek Christmas

Family Bonding Takes on New Meaning in My Loud, Loving Family.

Every Christmas, my entire family overstuffs their suitcases and heads over to my grandparents’ house for a vacation filled with comfort, food and family bonding. But this is not just any family bonding, this is customary Greek family bonding. Driving up to the house is an experience in itself. On their street we pass about 13 cars all with cleverly titled Greek-themed license plates only to find my Grandpa in the yard, decorating a miniature replica of the Parthenon with blue and white lights. We step inside the door to an overwhelming greeting, and 643 kisses later. Every year, it never fails. I wander around their house in search of a majestic Christmas tree. And every year I find a tall basket of tomatoes standing in for it instead.

After my discovery (or re-discovery) of the glowing tomato “temple’’, I watch my baby cousins torture the Greek Gods — also known as the cats — Kosta, Aristotle and Athena. The dinner bell has been politely rung, otherwise known as my Grandma banging her spoon against a bowl, and in a matter of seconds there is utter chaos, and there is no other way of describing it. Looking into the kitchen I see four loaves of bread, 40 stuffed tomatoes, a platter of freshly sliced lamb, a massive Greek salad, an equally massive “peasant” salad, giant lemon shrimp, and of course, a beautiful block of feta cheese.

We all sit down to eat, and soon enough, all my great-uncles are screaming at each other about money or Greek politics. (News flash: They have all lived in America for the past 40 years). By the end of dinner Grandma takes out the CD player for a little tsifteteli and kalamatiano. And then we dance in circles around the kitchen until we can’t see straight and return to the table, only to find more food being served for us — watermelon, grapes, cookies and coffee. It is almost three in the morning now and I figure when the Greek alphabet is racing through my mind that I am unable to think and must retire to my plastic-covered couch.

As I lie there, I suddenly realize how truly lucky I am. I was graced with such a vibrant, loving culture and wouldn’t change it for the world. Sure, my big Greek family can be overwhelming with their eating and kissing and dancing, but the love they have for each other is so obvious and so comforting. When I spend time with my Greek relatives I feel where I belong. Furthermore, growing up Greek has taught me to appreciate the different cultures that this world has to offer.

I wake up the next morning to find my whole family singing Greek Christmas songs with Santa ... dressed in a toga. Merry Christmas, Kala Christouyenna, Feliz Navidad, however you want to say it, and I hope you cherish your family time as much as I do.

It can be inferred from the text that tsifteteli and kalamatiano are ________ .

My Greek Christmas

Family Bonding Takes on New Meaning in My Loud, Loving Family.

Every Christmas, my entire family overstuffs their suitcases and heads over to my grandparents’ house for a vacation filled with comfort, food and family bonding. But this is not just any family bonding, this is customary Greek family bonding. Driving up to the house is an experience in itself. On their street we pass about 13 cars all with cleverly titled Greek-themed license plates only to find my Grandpa in the yard, decorating a miniature replica of the Parthenon with blue and white lights. We step inside the door to an overwhelming greeting, and 643 kisses later. Every year, it never fails. I wander around their house in search of a majestic Christmas tree. And every year I find a tall basket of tomatoes standing in for it instead.

After my discovery (or re-discovery) of the glowing tomato “temple’’, I watch my baby cousins torture the Greek Gods — also known as the cats — Kosta, Aristotle and Athena. The dinner bell has been politely rung, otherwise known as my Grandma banging her spoon against a bowl, and in a matter of seconds there is utter chaos, and there is no other way of describing it. Looking into the kitchen I see four loaves of bread, 40 stuffed tomatoes, a platter of freshly sliced lamb, a massive Greek salad, an equally massive “peasant” salad, giant lemon shrimp, and of course, a beautiful block of feta cheese.

We all sit down to eat, and soon enough, all my great-uncles are screaming at each other about money or Greek politics. (News flash: They have all lived in America for the past 40 years). By the end of dinner Grandma takes out the CD player for a little tsifteteli and kalamatiano. And then we dance in circles around the kitchen until we can’t see straight and return to the table, only to find more food being served for us — watermelon, grapes, cookies and coffee. It is almost three in the morning now and I figure when the Greek alphabet is racing through my mind that I am unable to think and must retire to my plastic-covered couch.

As I lie there, I suddenly realize how truly lucky I am. I was graced with such a vibrant, loving culture and wouldn’t change it for the world. Sure, my big Greek family can be overwhelming with their eating and kissing and dancing, but the love they have for each other is so obvious and so comforting. When I spend time with my Greek relatives I feel where I belong. Furthermore, growing up Greek has taught me to appreciate the different cultures that this world has to offer.

I wake up the next morning to find my whole family singing Greek Christmas songs with Santa ... dressed in a toga. Merry Christmas, Kala Christouyenna, Feliz Navidad, however you want to say it, and I hope you cherish your family time as much as I do.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text?

Task 3

This is a prime example of what can be called a Quality Awful Film. This is one of those movies that have you wondering. Long before the actors signed up and the locations were chosen and the sets were built and the filming began, how did someone not say, “Um, we have a big problem with this story”?

Which movie ________?

While the complex special effects shots and stunt work keep you on the edge of your seat, you can’t shake that feeling that it’s all one Wile E. Coyote gag from a Looney Tunes cartoon. If this is the end, this is a good one... but, of course, another sequel has already been announced.

Which movie ________?

Directed by Tim Johnson, it has a bright, candy-coloured look, with a few fancy 3-D effects and some wonderfully detailed “sets.” Steve Martin voices Smek. Jennifer Lopez lends her voice to the role of Tip’s mother. The soundtrack features a number of Rihanna tunes. Anyone over 10 will see the plot twists a mile away. Kids will enjoy a goofy race of aliens called Boovs, the rainbows of colours and the music.

Which movie ________?

It’s a film about a scenarist worried about writing a romantic comedy script because he’s never been in love, even as he falls for someone. It’s a smart script, but it’s also completely overwritten, as every line feels like it’s been carefully crafted to be absolutely hilarious. Thankfully, the cast adds some charm to the screen, and the genuinely witty script keeps the audience laughing.

Which movie ________?

It’s long, loud, and overloaded with effects. What it doesn’t have is any sense of going above and beyond. Unlike some other entries in the Marvel universe, it doesn’t transcend its boundaries. Fans of the series will be pleased, but those looking in from the outside of comic-book culture will find themselves looking at their watches.

Which movie ________?

It’s a perfectly friendly comedy. It’s not as funny as the first film, but it is funny enough. But for some reason, it has become subject to some of the most sarcastic reviews in recent memory. Reading over a sampling of them, it is difficult to figure out why. At least audiences seem to like Blart’s latest adventure.

Which movie ________?

Task 4

Cowboy Chocolatier

On the rare days when I happen to glimpse my distant and long-ago life as a child, I remember my love of chocolate. I also remember cowboys — mostly through the medium of television. Growing up on the wrong side of the pond, (17)_____ . They seemed a pretty strong breed, likely to be found out in the wilderness somewhere with a horse, a gun and not much else. Much later I was fortunate enough to move to where some real cowboys live — Cody, Wyoming.

Tim Kellogg, the Meeteetse Chocolatier, was named as one of “Wyoming’s 40 under 40” for 2009, proving beyond a doubt that (18)_____ and turn his knowledge and passion into a successful business operation. He runs both a Meeteetse store and an online business.

Tim can be found in his store — dressed in true cowboy style — with his signature black hat. Inside, the chocolates are displayed to good effect with Tim’s motto “Fear No Chocolate” inscribed on a blackboard by the door. Tim is proud of all his chocolates, some of which, he explains, are the traditional flavours — Baileys, Champagne — (19)_____ , while others are unique local treats, specific to their community and to their creator’s cowboy heritage.

Tim fell into chocolate-making by accident in the 1990s “to keep chocolate in the family” after his grandmother died. Thus, (20)_____ , Tim decided that he would be the backer and chocolate-maker for family occasions, and began to make confections for his friends and family.

He is the sole chocolatier in his business (21)_____ a few miles outside of Meeteetse. This combination of roles can be seen unusual, but Tim is happy to note that although his friends do find it funny, (22)_____.

Cowboy Chocolatier

On the rare days when I happen to glimpse my distant and long-ago life as a child, I remember my love of chocolate. I also remember cowboys — mostly through the medium of television. Growing up on the wrong side of the pond, (17)_____ . They seemed a pretty strong breed, likely to be found out in the wilderness somewhere with a horse, a gun and not much else. Much later I was fortunate enough to move to where some real cowboys live — Cody, Wyoming.

Tim Kellogg, the Meeteetse Chocolatier, was named as one of “Wyoming’s 40 under 40” for 2009, proving beyond a doubt that (18)_____ and turn his knowledge and passion into a successful business operation. He runs both a Meeteetse store and an online business.

Tim can be found in his store — dressed in true cowboy style — with his signature black hat. Inside, the chocolates are displayed to good effect with Tim’s motto “Fear No Chocolate” inscribed on a blackboard by the door. Tim is proud of all his chocolates, some of which, he explains, are the traditional flavours — Baileys, Champagne — (19)_____ , while others are unique local treats, specific to their community and to their creator’s cowboy heritage.

Tim fell into chocolate-making by accident in the 1990s “to keep chocolate in the family” after his grandmother died. Thus, (20)_____ , Tim decided that he would be the backer and chocolate-maker for family occasions, and began to make confections for his friends and family.

He is the sole chocolatier in his business (21)_____ a few miles outside of Meeteetse. This combination of roles can be seen unusual, but Tim is happy to note that although his friends do find it funny, (22)_____.