Earth or the earth? Hi everyone! I decided to check my basic grammar knowledge and read 'English Grammar in Use'. And one rule seems a bit confusing to me. Example 1: The earth goes round the sun. Example 2: Which planet is nearest Earth? Explanation: We use Earth (without the) when we think of it as a planet in space (like Mars, Jupiter etc.). But actually, I consider the earth from the first example as a planet in space too. So I don't see any difference between the context in these two examples. Is it correct in this case to say: 'Earth goes round Sun'. Is it possible or a mistake? Does it depend on my personal attitude to a planet? Thank you!

Causes and effects Exercise 1. 1. Higher rates of literacy caused greater demand for secondary education. 2. Due to the construction of the airport, more tourists arriving. 3. Last year's national election resulted in a new government formed. 4. Installing speed cameras on main roads produced a fall in the number of fatal accidents. 5. As a result of opening a new hospital in 2012, there was reduced infant mortality. 6. More people shopping on the Internet led to stores closing on high street. Exercise 2. 1. Increasing use of email for messages caused a decrease in producing paper. 2. Due to the violent storms last week, there was a considerable amount of homeless people. 3. The new vaccine for tuberculosis resulted in a rise in the people's lifespan. 4. Building a high-speed railway line led to a decrease the amount of time to take to the airport. 5. The invention of the jet engine caused the start of vital space expolarations. Exercise 3. 1. The serious motorway accident was caused by heavy snow. 2. There was the 1914–1918 war because of misunderstanding between some countries. 3. The increase in obesity was produced by a rise in fast food consumption. 4. Earthquakes were produced by missile test. 5. The rising prison population resulted from a decrease the number of public schools.

Should be using mobile phones banned in certain places as well as smoking? One of the main reasons why using mobile phones should not be prohibited that people should use their common sence to define acceptable circumstances for this. There is no doubt that there are some places where talking via phones or using mobile phones not in a silence mode could be annoying for other individuals. These are hospitals, libraries or lecture rooms, for example. Obviously, well-behaved person should understand these rules in spite of this is not a law and a considerable number of people prefer not to use their gadgets in this case. However, there are places like public transport where such rules exist but some individuals continue to infuriate other passengers by too loud talking or annoying sounds while they are playing games or chatting. In this case, some penalties might be effective but it is very difficult to define the extent of excessive using mobile phones. Consequently, the most useful measures are not banning mobile phones in certain places but increasing the level of manerliness society in general.

What can be done to attract local people to historical sites and museums? One of the most effective ways to attract individuals to local museums and historical places might be organizing free events for adults and children there. There is no doubt that free entertainment activities like festivals or concerts can not only prompt people to visit a place once but also pique their interest to a museum or a historical building. As a result people may want to explore local attractions more carefully. For the example how it can happen it should be considered the experience of libraries which usually organize a considerable amount of events, exhibitions and other activities. These steps allow libraries to be not only places where people can borrow some books but also points of interest for a significant number of grown-ups and children.

Why museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists and not local people? The main reason for this is the fact that usually local people do not have enough time to visit different places for entertainment. There is no doubt that nowadays adult individuals have to devote their time to working, doing housework and growning-up their children. Consequently, hardly had they spent time to visit local historical places or museums. For example, almost every adult's typical daily routine usually consists of resolving different kinds of problems in their working process or family. As a result, people grawitate toward simpler types of leisure such as shopping, going to the cinema or having dinner with friends.

Choosing a profession There is no doubt that a process of choosing apt profession is very essential for a lot of people. Obviously, that the wrong choice might change person’s life dramatically and lead to grave consequences. What usually prevents people from making a right decision? The most widespread reason is the influence of parents. The considerable number of teenagers has vague ideas about their tendencies and mostly do not aspire to excessive thinking about the future. Moreover, many parents suppose that their children are not capable of choosing a profession so they coax teenagers into parents’ preferable activity. In addition, kids often have no say in issues which can modify their life because parents usually make this decision for them and do not lend an offspring’s ear. They decide in which school their child must go, which language they need to learn and sports to do and too often underestimate children’s abilities and do not notice that their kids audacious and ambitious. On the other hand, some people have chosen a profession without any advice and pressure but they do not feel a fulfillment. The issue is only few children immerse in a particular activity and understand that clearly. Other high school students susceptible to choice of other people such as friends or a person who is admired them. Sometimes that admiration might turn into compulsiveness and result in a wrong decision. The problem has been considered above becomes urgent and vital. The results of recent research demonstrate that the level of people who are not satisfied their current profession is increasing dramatically. In spite of, this obstacle is daunting it is not infeasible and must be solved. First of all, the government should realize that the issue exists; it is doable and tries to confront it. Modern politicians are notorious for non-fulfillment their promises so results in detrimental consequences. Our students have scarce information about professional orientation and maintain to make wrong decisions such as their parents and grandparents. I hope that the situation will change soon and we all will have a society with happy people who have reciprocal feelings with their job.

A very positive experience you have had I’d like to tell you about one positive and breathtaking experience which I had last summer. The thing is my husband is quite enthusiastic in motorsport and he offered me to learn how to ride a bike. I had been thinking over about that for 2 months because I understood that this might be very risky and dangerous. At least I decided to try and one sunny day we went to a deserted place in our suburb and started to learn. I’d like to say that it wasn’t so difficult because I can drive a car and riding a bike is a similar activity. I can’t believe that I’m really keen on motorsport and this is my passion nowadays. I ride a bike with my husband from time to time and this experience really changed my life. I’ve met a lot of interesting people, visited a considerable number of competitions and events. And last but not least, one year ago we decided to start our business which related with our hobby and now this is our new way.

Perfectionism and procrastination Do you know these words? I’m sure that some of us not only listen about them but also know them so well. There is no doubt that perfectionism and procrastination should be called the biggest mental challenge for a considerable people in the world. Let’s start with perfectionism. This thing means that a person has never satisfied with the results of their businesses. The voice of their Inner Critic always loudly than the voice of Mind. Perfectionists often delay start of doing something because they suppose they cannot obtain the ideal result. Moreover, this phenomenon can decrease not only individual’s well-being but also their family’s and friends’. Obviously, people who are usually exacting for themselves also want their close people show similar effects. Not surprisingly, that many of them feel dissatisfaction, unhappiness and stress constantly. Procrastination is a real friend of perfectionism and these two meanings relate with each other. The issue is that perfectionists overestimate their abilities and often make impossible schedule without time for relax and leisure. It is widely believed that human brain saves energy physiologically in order to increase our life span. Our mind doesn’t want to do all these useful and energy-intensive activities and starts to watch videos, check e-mail and social networks and drink tea with colleagues. Therefore, many of items from to-do list usually aren’t made. Consequently, life of procrastinator and perfectionist akin a snowball. They would like to do a lot of things but they don’t do them and keeping spend their time for more pleasant business and feeling irritation and anxiety. Is there an escape from this situation? I think so. Some days ago I heard about Pomodoro technique. This is simple and very productive method which includes using of timer when you need to concentrate and work hard. The timer sets up in 20 or 25 minutes and turn off any irritants like Internet or mobile phone. When time is over you can take a short break and give yourself small gift like a piece of chocolate or checking a facebook account. I suppose this is sort of time management method and it’s really work well. I hope this small essay will help somebody to overcome their enemies and win a battle. Take care!

Small steps to become a professional. Some years ago when I listened one typical question which usually job applicants were asked on an interview I thought that it was actually useless information. As you can suggest I mean 'what are you going to do with your career in the nearest five years?' question. I have changed my mind, though. The issue is I have worked as a construction estimator for five years and the greatest problem which I have is that my tertiary education does not relate with my work experience. In addition, I am going to move to another country and I will need to obtain a special license of quantity surveyor. Presently, I have two main aims connected with my future plans. First, I would like to improve my English. It can help me to read and understand professional books and work in English-speaking countries. Second, I am going to become a member of Institute of Quantity Surveyors and take special test in 45 engineering disciplines. Obviously, both these goals connect with each other and I can learn language and electrical science at the same time.