Cultural heritage preservation Many people contend that cultural heritage preservation should be a main aim for our governments since it is the source and the proof of human history. Cultural heritage involves not only tangible heritage (such as books, paintings, sculptures or museums) but also immaterial culture (such as knowledge, traditions or language). Due to that, cultural heritage preservation is not an easy task. However, in this essay I will propose two possible actions that governments should ponder. The first option to consider is an education campaign in schools. In fact, one of the Education’s purposes is, actually, to transmit cultural roots from generation to generation. Still, an education campaign to preserve cultural heritage should go further. For example, schools could set a week in its calendar of events to promote cultural activities such as visiting museums, practicing regional dances, listening ancient tales, etc. It would be successful if children could look at cultural activities as a game. A second approach could be increasing funding for museums. In times of crisis this approach is not always seen as a priority. People claim that governments should spend the money in more important things. But we cannot just get rid of museums. Museums facilitate individual development through education, promote happiness and wellbeing since they are entertaining and, definitively, museums could be a source for economic growth trough tourism. In my view, both options could go hand in hand. Maybe, an education campaign would be the most effective starting point but increasing funding of museums should also be considered as one of the most important lines in order to preserve cultural heritage.

Promoting health and fitness among young people It is often claimed that physical inactivity has become a serious problem among young people. Children around the world do not get enough exercise and do not follow a healthy diet either. Regular physical activity, on the contrary, reduces all-cause mortality and many chronic diseases. There is scope for the government to do something in order to change this situation. In this essay I will explain two possible actions that should be considered. Firstly, we ought consider improving teaching in schools. It is clear that education and health are closely related. In fact, education and health policy makers should work together. A good education improves health outcomes. However we can’t ignore that promoting health in schools improves educational outcomes as well. To this end, schools should be provided with specialist sport teachers. This would lead children and teenagers to discover sporty hobbies related with healthy diets. This would develop the beneficial habits that we are running after. A second approach could be improving the image of sports. Many children, especially girls, hold a negative image of sports. Girls and boys have different reasons to practice sports. Consequently we must understand their different interests to carry through fitness educational programmes that include both sexes. As I see it, both tactics could carry out together. The former approach starts from the beginning trying to change the educational system and the latter offers a good way to collaborate in such arduous task.

A REVIEW: The most uplifting and the biggest downer I have chosen two films that describe the most uplifting film I’ve ever seen ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and the one I found the biggest downer ‘Changeling’. Both of them are great stories, but each one arouses a different feeling on me. While ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ by Gabiele Muccino could be considered a depressing film, the message that the story carries, stands out the sad part. The film is based on a true story about the wonderful, full of adventure, hope and pain life of Chris Gardner. I had always considered that Will Smith was a comedian actor, a very good one though. However this film shows the quality of this actor for serious roles as well. I highly recommend this moving film to everybody, especially those who take everything for granted. On the other hand ‘Changeling’ shows many sad, downer and even horrific moments along the film. Just for being an Eastwood movie it affirms the audience a worthy story. Nevertheless I would like to emphasize on the fact that, in my opinion, it is a gruelling story. Settled in 1928, deep and daring, the film exposes corruption within LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) through the story of a mother who desperately wants to know the truth about her son’s disappearance. I would recommend both films however ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ is perfect for a family afternoon whereas I would keep ‘Changeling’ for one of this moments in life that you are expecting to be surprised with a five-star thriller.

Improving oral presentation skills: a proposal INTRODUCTION: The aim of this proposal is to outline common problems most students have in spoken presentations in order to suggest some tips which can help to overcome the difficulties. PROBLEMS WITH PRESENTATIONS: Many students find difficult to begin and to end an oral presentation. That makes that listeners can’t understand properly the message and they often get confused. Many others freeze in front of a multitude, start to stammer and hesitate if they are going to be capable of keep on going. The audience feels uncomfortable and looks at the speaker with pity. NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED: Timing the presentation and reducing the nervousness will encourage the students to face the oral presentations like a challenge instead of something that they are worried about. Hence those are needs that must be addressed. USEFUL TIPS: I would suggest the following tips that will help students to overcome both the timing problems and the anxiety throughout spoken presentations: • To time accurately a presentation it is convenient to begin the it by saying something like “Today I’m going to talk about…” instead of going directly ahead to the subject that we are going to talk about. • The same happens with the ending: Begin your last sentence with final words like “Finally, I wish to say…” or “In conclusion…” and then thank the audience for their attention. • Rehearse your presentation. It will help you to get used to public speaking and to reduce your anxiety.