Opinion Essay

Dogs and Cats as Pets

For a long time, people have liked dogs and cats and enjoyed close relationships with them. Today, many people have a cat or a dog as a pet. According to a survey of our class, sixty percent of the students have one of them. However, a lot of people who have a pet or want to have one consider whether a cat or a dog is better for their situation. Even in our class, they have different opinions about it. Thus, it is not easy to conclude whether a cat or a dog is better as a pet. Although cats and dogs as pets each have advantages and disadvantages, I think that dogs are better suited to be pets than cats because of three reasons.

The first reason that I think dogs are better than cats as pets is because a dog can be a good friend to a person who lives alone since it is more active than a cat. Specifically, most dogs like being with their owners more than cats do. My classmate Solji said, “Actually, I have both a cat and a dog. I think a dog is more friendly with people than a cat because my dog likes being with me, but the cat likes being alone,” and Lorena also agrees it, “Dogs express a lot of emotions and are more active than cats.” In addition, dogs always welcome their owner. For example, after a day’s work, when an owner comes back home, a dog greets the owner and wags its tail. However, a cat tends not to offer as much close contact as dogs do because they are more independent. If nobody welcomes you when you get home after finishing work, how would you feel? If I faced that situation, I would feel gloomy and depressed.

Another reason that dogs are better suited as pets than cats is that a dog tries to rescue an owner when the owner is in danger. Ninety percent of the students in this class have heard or watched an amazing news story about how a dog saves an owner or sacrifices itself for the owner. Moreover, a dog may prevent a burglar from trying to break into a house. This is because thieves generally do not target a house that has a dog. Even if they target a house with a dog, they can not steal things easily because dogs can bark to alert their owners when they see a stranger. Thus, dogs can help people to live safely.

The final reason that dogs are better as pets than cats is because they are devoted and faithful to their owners. Most dogs follow their owners well, and they do not betray their owners. For instance, dogs can learn to sit, stay and roll over through their owner’s training, but it is very hard to train cats. Baito, who is my classmate, said, “My dog can sit and roll over when I tell him to.” Also, some dogs that are trained to help a handicapped person can guide a blind person to walk on the street, but cats can not do it. Actually, in my class, eighty percent of the students have seen a scene where a guide dog leads a blind person. On the other hand, they never have seen a cat who leads a blind person.

To summarize, for many years, a lot of people have discussed whether a cat or a dog makes a better pet, but the discussion is not over yet. Some people say dogs have several main advantages as pets when compared to cats. These are companionship, security, and loyalty. For these reasons, I think that dogs are better suited to be pets than cats.

Definition paragraph

Red Devils

       The Red Devils is an official fan club that supports and cheers for the national soccer team of South Korea. When the club was made in 1995, the name of it wasn’t the current name, Red Devils, but Great Hankuk Supporters Club. In 1997, however, they decided to use the current name. This is because the club members and the Korean national soccer team have been called the Red Furies since the Korean youth team had a very good performance that made the soccer fans in the world surprised in the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship. The first members of this club created the club to improve the culture of Korea soccer. Their club uses volunteers to cheer for and support the Red Devils. The club members numbered about 80,000 before the opening games of the 2002 World Cup, but the number rose to 200,000 for two weeks. Moreover, over the one month period of the World Cup tournament, 450,000 joined the club. Most people registered through the Internet to become members of the Red Devils because most of the club activities are organized and planned online. Although membership is to support and to cheer for the Korean national soccer team, anyone who loves the team can join the club regardless of age and gender. In addition, they consider anyone who wears at least one item of red clothing a Red Devil during the games. For example, during the 2002 World Cup, millions of Koreans wearing red T-shirts came out of their homes to cheer collectively on the streets for the Korean national soccer team. Furthermore, during South Korea's quarterfinal with Italy, an astonishing 4,200,000 fans wearing red T-shirts were on the streets sending fervent messages to the players. The members of the Red Devils considered all people who wore red T-shirts and cheered for the Korean national soccer team to be the Red Devils. As a result, if you want to be a member of Red Devils, it’s very easy.

Educational System compare/contrast paragraph

Systems of Education in Saudi Arabia and South Korea

       After interviewing my international friends about educational systems, I found that there are several similarities and differences in regard to time spent in school between South Korea and Saudi Arabia. The first point of comparison is related to the time period students attend school. In both countries, students are required to attend school for 12 years. Specifically, these years are divided into 6 years in the elementary school, 3 years in the middle school and 3 years in high school. However, in Saudi Arabia, it’s necessary to attend school for 12 years, but it’s not essential to attend high school in South Korea. Still, like Saudi Arabian students, most Korean students do go to high school. The next area for comparison concerns time spent in school. For example, Saudi Arabian students are in school for about 6 hours per day, whereas Korean students are in school for about 9 hours per day. In addition, Korean students go to school for 6 days per week, unlike in Saudi Arabia where students go to school for 5 days per week. The final point is related to the vacation taken from school. For instance, in both countries, the period of vacation is about 4 months. Moreover, the vacation in both countries begins in July and December. In conclusion, although there are some differences in regard to time spent in school between two countries, there are many similarities.

Process timed writing

How to Learn a Language

       If you follow these steps, you can easily learn another language. First, enjoy learning the language you are studying. For example, I find it very interesting to learn new things, so I am not bored when I am learning a new language. In addition, I have learned from my two friends who went abroad. One of them didn't enjoy learning a foreign language, but the other friend enjoyed learning the language while he was abroad. Later, when I saw those friends, my friend who enjoyed learning the language spoke the foreign language better than the other friend. Next, make many foreign friends. For instance, if you have many foreign friends, you will talk with them in the foreign language. Then you can learn the language naturally and be familiar with using the language. Finally, don't be afraid of mistakes. If you are afraid of mistakes, you will miss many chances to speak in the foreign language. To illustrate my point, when I went to the United States the first time, I couldn't say anything because I was afraid of mistakes. However, I am not afraid of mistakes now because it's also a chance to learn the language. In summary, it's very interesting to learn a new language, so if you really want to learn a language, follow these steps.

Hawaii and Alaska compare and contrast paragraph

A Report about Alaska and Hawaii

       There are several similarities and differences between Alaska and Hawaii. First, the similarities are in regard to two main things. The first similarity is about accommodations. For example, the quality of hotels in Alaska is good, and accommodations vary from basic to luxury. Similarly, there is wide range of excellent hotels and condos in Hawaii, priced from luxury to budget. The next similarity is in regard to natural beauty. For one thing, both Alaska and Hawaii have natural beauty and places that you can climb to see a great view. Next, the differences are found in two main areas. One difference concerns climate. For instance, in Alaska, there is no humidity. On the other hand, it can be hot and humid in Hawaii in the summer. In addition, in Alaska, it seldom rains during the summer, but it often rains during the summer in Hawaii. The next difference can be found when comparing natural beauty. Specifically, Alaska has the Chugach Mountains and Mount Mckinley, the highest mountain in North America, whereas Hawaii has Volcano National Park, Waimea Canyon and beaches that are the most beautiful in the world. In summary, although the above two places are very wonderful, I recommend you visit Hawaii because Hawaii has more beautiful places than Alaska.

Process paragraph

How to Drive a Teacher Crazy

       If you follow these steps, you will be able to make a teacher crazy. First, be noisy in class. If you talk with your classmate when the teacher teaches you ,and you keep the cell phone ringing after the teacher says "Turn off cell phone," the teacher will be upset. The next step is to sleep in class. For example, you can nap, snore and doze. When the teacher sees a sleeping student, the teacher will be more upset than before. Finally, ask the teacher personal questions in class. After you do two the previous behaviors, if you ask the teacher what his or her password is, and ask her, "Are you pregnant?", at last, you will see a scene where the teacher is crazy. In summary, although driving a teacher crazy isn't a good action, if you really want to do this, follow these steps.

Descriptive paragraph/timed writing

A Scene from a Dream

       I had a very interesting and funny dream 1 month ago, so I can vividly remember that scene. First, I saw a letter that was painted green. Then I wanted to observe the letter, so I went in front of it, and I looked at it for a while. After seeing it clearly, I realized that the letter is the English letter "G." I touched the letter, for it was very mysterious. However, as soon as I touched it, the letter moved. Then the letter went away to an empty space, so I followed it because I wanted to play with the letter. But, suddenly, the letter got wings and began to fly over the sky. At this time, I couldn't help it, so I thought "What happened to me?" After a while, many kinds of letters came around me, so I was very surprised. After that, the biggest letter of them all came in front of me, and it gave me a present that was a covered box. I was very happy because it was a dog that I had when I was young. Later, when I got up, I thought that I missed my dog a lot. In summary, the dream made me happy and amused.

Description of the Picture 5

Description of the Picture 5

       I can never forget my last winter vacation. I took this picture when I was playing with my cousins, Mary and John, and my dog on a hill behind my house last winter. On the left of the picture, my cousins were riding on a snow sled. John, who is wearing a black woolen hat, a red and white striped muffler, a black jacket and blue pants behind Mary, looks very happy because he really like winter and snow. However, Mary, who is wearing a striped woolen hat, a blue and white striped scarf,  a red sweater and an ivory skirt in front of John, doesn't look happy because this was her first time riding on a sled. On the right of the bottom in the picture, my brown dog, a 2-year-old golden retriever, is following my cousins, but he couldn't move freely because the snow covered hill was very slippery. This picture is very valuable for me because I can vividly remember last winter when I look at it.

Steps to being a successful IECP student

Steps to being a successful IECP student

       There are four main steps to being a successful IECP student. The first step is not to be absent. For example, if you are absent, you can not learn new contents. Also, it is difficult to follow the next class. The next step is to concentrate on an instructor during class. For instance, if you don't focus on class, you can't understand all of the contents and can't learn many things during class. The third step is to try to speak English and think in English every day. If you do these things every day, you will get good habits, and you will be familiar with using English. Finally, asking instructors all things that I don't understand about English is the final step. For instance, you can increase your speaking and listening skills and can learn new concepts that you didn't know when you ask the instructors. Another example is that you can be efficient and save time. This is because figuring out something that you don't understand on your own takes a lot of time. In summary, being a successful IECP student requires four main steps.

Summary of "Can Animals Think?"

Summary of "Can Animals Think?"

       In the FYI article, "Can Animals Think?", Karen Blanchard states that many scientists have observed the intelligence of animals who can understand new situations, make decisions, and plan ahead. For example, a chimpanzee named Dandy could make plans and tricks, and a heron made and used tools. A parrot named Alex could use language to communicate with his trainer, and an octopus could watch another octopus then he could learn the behavior. A gorilla named Timmy could fall in love. In summary, many scientists believe that animals can think and behave now because many scientists have observed behavior of animals.

Summary of EU OKs Mobile Phones on Planes

Summary of EU OKs Mobile Phones on Planes

       In the article entitled "EU OKs Mobile Phones on Planes", an author named Sean Banville states that the EU have permitted passengers to use their cell phones in the skies over Europe starting later this year. The author writes that it gives air travelers greater connectivity that ever before, but some people are disturbed because others who are using cell phones may make noise. The EU telecoms commissioner Viviane Reding said that "I call on airlines to create the right conditions on board aircraft to ensure that those who want to use in-flight communication services do not disturb other passengers." She also warned "If consumers receive shock phone bills, the service will not take off." In summary, the EU's determination makes some people comfortable, but not everyone is happy about that.

Music Groups' Clothing

Music Groups' Clothing

       Music groups wear different types of clothing for various reasons. First, punk groups want to show that they are strange to people. For example, most of them have spiked hair, and they have body piercings. This is because they want to show that they are strange. Another example is something they usually wear ripped clothing. They also have theatrical makeup to be perceived as mystic. Next, hip-hop groups want to show that they are fashionable and stylish. For instance, they usually wear hooded sweaters, and they generally wear baggy jeans because they want to express their style. Some of them also wear big or floppy hats, and they wear scarves around their head. Finally, grunge groups want to give strong stimuli to people. For example, most of them have long straight hair because they want to maintain past clothing and spirits. In addition, they wear plaid flannel shirts, and they wear baseball caps worn backward. Also, they wear stonewashed jeans and heavy boots to give a strong impression to people. In summary, there are many reasons that musicians wear different types of clothing.

Pg. 32, Try It Out!

Heungbu and Nolbu

A Folktale from Korea

       Once upon a time, there were two brothers named Heungbu and Nolbu. Nolbu, the older brother, was rich and greedy. Heungbu, the younger brother, was the opposite. He was poor and generous. One day, Heungbu's seven children were so hungry that they were going to die. Heungbu decided to ask his brother for some rice, so he went to his brother's house, but Nolbu's wife didn't want to give him any rice. She hit him in the face with the rice spoon. He was so hungry that he took the little bit of rice his face and ate it. Then he asked her to hit his face on other side. This time she hit him with a clean spoon. On his way home, Heungbu found a swallow with a broken leg, so he took care of the bird. Then he let if fly away. The next spring the swallow brought a gourd seed to Heungbu. Heungbu planted it in the ground, and in the autumn he had gourds. When he cut upon the gourds, pieces of gold fell out.
       After that he became very rich and lived in a big house. His greedy brother came to him and asked, "How can you be so rich?". Heungbu told him the truth. After Nolbu left Heungbu's house, he found a swallow, and he broke the swallow's leg. Then he took care of it. When the bird was well again, he let it fly away. The next year the swallow brought him a gourd seed. He planted it in the spring, and in the fall he harvested it. When Nolbu opened the gourd, dirty came out. The water covered his house and his farm. Suddenly, he became a poor man, and he had nothing to eat and no place to sleep.

Pg. 50, Try It Out!

       There are various advantages of being bilingual. First of all, one advantage is that you can have many chances to meet a lot of people. For example, if I can speak English well, I can easily go to the USA, so I can meet many people. Second, you can learn some things that you want to know. For instance, if you can be bilingual, you can read books of two countries. Third, another advantage is you can understand other cultures. A language has the culture of the country using the language, so if you can speak another language, you can understand the culture. Finally, another advantage is you can get a wider perspective of the world. For example, if you go to another country, you can see many new things. In conclusion, if you can use two languages, it will be advantageous.

A Person Who Has Made a Difference: My Brother

A Person Who Has Made a Difference: My Brother

       My brother changed my ideas about living. He was born in a city of Ulsan in South Korea. He wasn't rich in his childhood, and he was normal. His environment was not good. But he didn't accuse his environment, and he always tried to make his evironment what he wanted. Consequently, he is working on his Ph.D in Penn State University now. I think he is a great person because he always does his utmost in everything that he does. Whenever I am depressed or frustrated, he advises me and is with me. I still remember his advice that "if you act like everyone else, you can never say that you tried!". I believe it because he is showing me it now. He is 7 years older than me. I spent a lot of time with him during childhood because my parents were busy. He learned a lot of things because he was curious about everything, and he did them well. I like him, so I have tried to follow him. Although I can't do all of the things he does, I can learn some of them. He is a person who has made a difference for me, and he is the best mentor in my life.

Try It Out!

Introducing Myself

       Hello! I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Jeongtaek Kim. Just call me JT. I'm from South Korea. I'm a senior student in University of Ulsan in South Korea. My major is Electronics. I was born in a city of Ulsan in South Korea, and I grew up there while I was in South Korea. Then I came here a month ago. Everything is new, and all things are unfamiliar. But they make me feel interested because I had never gone to other countries before I came here. There are five people in my family. They are my father, my mother, my old brother, my old sister and me. But I live here with my big brother now. My hobbies are listening to music, watching movies, playing basketball, surfing the Internet and playing flute. I have a lot of hobbies, but I don't think that I have outstanding talents. I have liked many kinds of pets since I was young. So, I am happy whenever I see rabbits on the grass on campus.