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English is my mother tongue. Besides, I can speak French and Spanish. I studied the two languages when I was at high school. Now, I am still learning Spanish at the University. As for me, mastering a foreign language is not easy. After studying a language, practice is very necessary and useful. Travelling to the country where the target language is spoken is very helpful, but if you cannot speak the language well enough you will certainly have troubles. I also frequently go to the movies, watch television, listen to the radio in the language I am trying to learn. Reading is another good way to learn. Books are good, but I personally think newspapers and magazines are better. However, getting some knowledge of the language is the most important thing. Grammar and vocabulary should be mastered first.

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Everyday on radio, on TV, and in the newspaper, we hear, see or read about many problems in the world, for example, pollution problems.

Air pollution is the first kind. It mostly comes from fumes released from motorbikes, cars, airplanes, trains and poisonous gases emitted from factories. Also, waste is dumped any where, even in the city where many people are living. The second pollution problem is sea pollution. Many people earn their living from fishing in the sea, and the fish they catch feed many people. But the sea has become so polluted from oil spills and factory wastes that the fish are dying. This pollution is not only killing the fish, but is also affecting those people who eat fish. Seldom do you find a place nowadays that is not polluted. This problem is growing more difficult everyday. We must find a good solution that makes the world a better place to live.

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In the USA, people celebrate Mother’s day and Fathers day. Mother’s day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. On this occasion, mother usually receives greeting cards and gifts from her husband and children. The best gifts of all American Mom are a day of leisure. The majority of American mothers have outside jobs as well as housework, so their working days are often very hard. Flower is an important part of Mother’s day. Mothers are often given a plant for the occasion, particularly if they are elderly. Father’s day is celebrated throughout the USA and Canada on the third Sunday in June. The holiday customs are similar to Mother’s day. Dad also receives greeting cards and gifts from his family and enjoys a day of leisure.

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We were sorry to hear about the accident. Anyway, you mustn’t feel too anxious about work. A lot of people are away on holiday this month, so there’s not as much business as usual. When you are feeling a little better, we’d like to come and see you; we’ll bring some of your favourite chocolate. Now for office news. Have you heard that the boss is getting married next month? She tried to keep it quiet but one of the secretaries heard her talking about wedding arrangements over the phone, so now of course everyone knows! We’re collecting money to buy her a present. It’s really difficult to know what to get her as she had most things. Someone has suggested theatre or concert tickets, which is a good idea. We can find out from her personal assistant what her plans are and when she has a free evening. The only problem is that although we know what she likes, we don’t know whether her future husband shares her tastes.

All being well, we’ll see you some time next week. Until then we all send our good wishes and hope you recover quickly.

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