Mead Margaret's Work

In this set of material, the reading passage is a research of Meat Margaret on the effects of culture on gender roles and the listening passage is a criticism of this work

Mead gives some hypothesis, examples, research and conclusion to support. She studied three different societies in New Guinea. First, in the Arapesh, she found that women were remarkably similar. For example she found that both men and women were sensitive and aggressive. Second, in the Mundugumor, she found this society the opposite of exhibited characteristics that are traditionally considered male, For instance, both men and women are harsh and aggressive. Third, in the Tchambuli, she found that men and women exhibited very different types of behavior. Like, men are emotional but women are dominant.

The listening passage is about what some critics say about Mead’s work. This criticism general idea is what she found is too pat, neat that it all fit neatly into specific categories. It’s unusual to have societies where everybody fits into neat categories. Human are more complex. Many people thank that she found what she was looking for and paid attention to behaviors that fit her theory but these critics think that she didn’t pay attention to behaviors that didn’t fit her theory.

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The Sahara Desert in the Past and Now

In this set of materials, the reading passage outlines the characteristics of the Sahara today and the listening passage is a lecture describing the evolution of the Sahara over time.

The reading passage explains that the Sahara is a very huge desert. In fact, it’s the largest desert in the world. For example, it is equal in size to the U.S. Also, it has a very dry climate. For instance, the average rainfall is only 10 centimeters. In addition, it has little surface water like the Nile River and some oases.

The listening passage describes the three stages of evolution of the Sahara. The first stage occurred after an ice age, 10,000 years ago. At that time, the Sahara desert was a lush, green jungle with forests grasslands, and lakes. It also had large animals such as hippos and elephants. There were many kinds of prehistoric people, such as hunters and fishermen. Secondly, 6,000 years ago, it began to dry out. Finally, 4,000 years ago, it had a dramatic shift in climate and became Sahara we know now.

My Photos

My Lovely Brother and Me

I was born in a small village called Awamia to two wonderful parents, who met in my grandmother's house. I have one spoilt brother who I realy miss . In this picture you can easily notice who I am and who my brother is because he has bigger and more beautiful eyes than I do :) ;). I was less than one year old in this picture.

Awamia

Awamia is in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia where many oil wells were discovered. There are about 25,000 people who live there.

In Beirut

After a very difficult semester at university, my friends and I decided to go to Syria and Lebanon and this picture was taken in Beirut, Lebanon, in front of the pigeon rock, the love rock or the suicide rock in summer 1998.

In Syria

Again in 2002, my friends and I decided to visit Syria and Turkey. No Lebanon this time which I found it very expensive :) when I visited at the first time in 1998.

This picture was taken in Damascus, the oldest capital city in the world, the capital city of Syria.

In a Hotel in Syria

This picture was taken in a hotel in Damascus, Syria - summer 2002. My room is messy

In Turkey

This picture was taken in a resturant surrounded by mountains near Antakya city, Turkey - summer 2002.

The Hilton Hotel

This picture was taken in the Hilton hotel in Mersin city, Turkey - summer 2002.

Turkish cave

This picture was taken in a very old cave near Adana city,Turkey - summer 2002.

In Mersin

With some friends in Mersin, Turkey - summer 2002.

In Saudi Arabia

This picture was taken in my country in 2001.

Why I’m Taking the TOEFL Class

Nowadays, the TOEFL exam is very important. It is one of the most important tests in English. Many people take it for different reasons. For instance, they take it to study in universities, to improve their English or even to get better jobs. Personally, I have two reasons why I’m taking TOEFL. The most important reason is to improve my English skills. Another reason is to help me to pass the TOEFL exam.

First, I need to improve my English skills because English is the most important language on the earth now. Learning it can open doors in life, especially in our countries, where there are not many people speaking it. Also, speaking English make people more knowledgeable because now we can get more information, which has been written in English, and not in any other languages. For example, when someone can speak English, she/he can find an abundance of information on the Internet. In addition, this person can speak to native English speakers from a variety of different countries such as England, the US, Canada, and Australia.

Second, I need to pass the TOEFL exam, so I’m taking the TOFEL class now. I need to go to study at a university this year in Canada or the U.S. to get the opportunity to have a good job in the future in my country, where many foreign companies are opening branches. This means people who graduate from English universities have better chances to get jobs.

In summary, the TOFEL class is very important for me inasmuch as I need to improve my skills in English and enjoy my life watching movies and reading books in English. I will be glad when I speak English with people who are from countries that speak English. In another way, English can be very usful to continue my study.

The Last Five Years in My Life

I think five years can change many things in anybody’s life. In my life, eircumstnees have changed a lot, especially, the country where I live and the activities that I participate in. On the other hand, it didn’t change many things about how I think or what I believe.

Many things have changed. For example, in 2002 I got a job in my country. It was the first time I had a job, so it was a new experience. I worked really hard because it wasn’t an easy job. It was a job with the government, which I learnt a lot from. At present, I’m in Canada studying English. Now that’s what I call a big change!

However, there are some things that haven’t changed at all. For example, I still love playing video games, which is exactly like when I was a kid. I also like watching movies, using my computer and exploring the internet. Moreover, I didn’t change my way of thinking. For instance, I still love everybody. To illustrate, I have never hit anyone, which I am happy about. My basic character has remained intact.

The past five years were useful to me in the way that I have been able to experiment with jobs and studies, all of which are necessary in life. What makes me happiest, however is that these changes haven’t affected my personality and my methods of dealing with people. I still the same Aziz!