Some people believe that all students in Malaysia should learn at least three languages.

What do
you think ?

1. It improves their academic performance. Studying a foreign language strongly reinforces the core
subject areas of reading, English language literacy, social studies, and math, and helps students
consistently outperform control groups on standardized tests, often significantly, according to a
2007 University of Maine publication that collected dozens of research findings and citations to
illustrate the benefits of foreign language education. Simply put, learning a second language can help
kids improve their academic performance across the board.

2. Its good for brain development. One of the main reasons experts support getting kids into foreign
languages as soon as possible, rather than waiting until theyre tweens and teens, is based on how it
affects brain development. Studies have shown that the brain of a young child has several areas
active in language acquisition, a capacity that is significantly diminished as he or she grows older,
says Bob Hershberger, a professor of Spanish at DePauw University and the father of two soon-to-be-
bilingual children. In other words, young children (ages 2 to 6) are very active receptors of the
languages that surround them, a factor that means they can pick up a new language much easier than
they will out of a high school textbook.

After [age 7], language learning becomes effortful, says Jodi Tommerdahl, a professor in the
Southwest Center for Mind, Brain, and Education at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Furthermore, bilingualism is now thought to prevent cognitive decline in aging, and protects against
the early onset of Alzheimers. There is every reason to teach foreign languages to children at the
youngest age possible."

3. It helps them in their native language. I learned more about English grammar in my college foreign
language classes than I did in my rest of my career as a student, and research confirms that foreign
language study helps kids better understand how language works.

As for those who might worry that foreign language acquisition in young children will make it harder
for them to grasp a single language, Ral Rojas, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at
Dallas who specializes in bilingual development, says, Commonly held myths of language confusion
are exactly that: myths! Bilingual children coordinate and negotiate information across their
languages; bilingualism does not cause communication disorders, and monolingualism does not cure
them. The incorporation of a second language can actually improve a childs grasp of language as a
whole.

4. It connects them to their heritage. Not too long ago, parents who spoke a language other than
English often discouraged their kids from learning that language, in an effort to help them better
assimilate into American culture. Several generations later, the dominant culture is now, in many
ways, a global culture, and theres an increasing trend to celebrate differences rather than downplay
them. Now, children with personal connections to non-English-speaking people -- whether distant
ancestors or living relatives -- have a special opportunity to learn through language about their
families, their heritage, and themselves.

Rojas gives this advice: Do not limit contact with family or age-appropriate peers that do not speak
English. Speak, sing, and read to or with your child in the language you are most comfortable using,
even if that is not English. Involve family and age-appropriate peers, whether they speak the native
language and/or English. Language is a living thing that shouldnt be learned only from books.
5. Cultural awareness of others. Learning the language of your local immigrants can help your child
better communicate with and understand the people in his community. Its important our kids learn
not just about words but about people, and the very best foreign language exposure will incorporate
the cultures of native speakers, both abroad and down the street.

As the United States moves very rapidly to become a bilingual society, we almost have an ethical
responsibility to our children [when it comes to] the language skills they most likely will need later in
life, says Hershberger. Im convinced that exposure to a second language at an early age relates to a
more open and diverse worldview later in life. When a child is exposed to variety in speech patterns,
he or she learns that the world is a diverse place and that heterogeneity is the norm. If this child is
immersed in, or exposed to, a variety of cultural settings in which these languages are spoken, then he
or she will learn that language is a means to bridge these communities.
What is the Best way to help teenagers to stay fit and healthy ?

A Balanced Diet

It can be tempting to think that foods labeled low-fat or diet are automatically better for you;
however, these foods tend to be highly processed and low in nutrients. Instead, try eating mostly
whole foods like fruits, veggies, nuts, fish and whole grains instead of sugary drinks, processed meats
and potato chips. Achieving a balanced diet also means having a healthy relationship with food:
instead of viewing food as your enemy, remember that healthy foods keep your body and mind
nourished. And, rather than eating meals while texting your friends or browsing online, which is
associated with less healthy food choices, try to sit down at the table and simply enjoy and appreciate
your food.

An Active Lifestyle

Teens should engage in about an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Seem like
a lot? Choose activities you love, and fitness will be easier to integrate into your routine. Research
also shows that small bursts of exercise scattered throughout your day are just as effective for your
health as longer bouts. For example, do jumping jacks during the commercial breaks of your favorite
show, take the stairs instead of the elevator or surprise your parents by offering to vacuum!

A Good Nights Sleep

Although it can sometimes be tempting to stay up late, getting enough sleep is crucial for your health.
In fact, sleep deprivation is associated with higher rates of obesity. According to the National Sleep
Foundation, teens should get around nine hours of sleep per night. To make sure you get a sound
slumber, adopt good sleep habits. For example, go to bed at the same time every night, try not to
watch T.V. or browse on your cell phone in bed and make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet when
you go to sleep.

A Healthy Mind

The more you believe in your ability to make healthy choices, the more motivated you will be to
create positive habits in your life. However, from time to time, everyone experiences moments of
negative self-talk -- saying things like Ill never be able to jog for 20 minutes." Remember that these
thoughts are normal and be gentle on yourself. If you notice your negative thoughts persisting for
more than a week, or if they are seriously interfering with your ability to adopt healthy habits, find
someone you can talk to -- like a school counselor or an adult you trust.
Write a story about a time in someones life when music played an important role.

Music was in my life long before I learned to distinguish different styles and genres, knew
about work of great composers and musicians. The first melody that I still remember was the
lullaby my mother sang to me when I was a kid. When the lullaby lyrics ended, my mother
continued to vocalize quietly, and her melodious tunes calmed me down and, certainly, put
the beginning to my love for music. Then, there were musical theatricals and plays, favorite
childs songs and first idols.

My taste changed accordingly to my age as I grew up. One day I liked rock, the next it was
pop-music, in another week I was ready to give the last money for the records of well-known
rep performers, sometimes under a mood listened to reggae, and did my homework listening
to the popular songs played on various radios. And all the time it seemed to me that without
music my world would be imperfect, as cold beauty is repellent without a warm smile, or a
sea becomes boring without a gale and white horses on waves.

Music plays an important role in my life. When I am feeling sad, then I am trying to fix my
mood by listening to some merry and popular ditty, often I begin to sing along, and my spirit
rises literally in a few minutes. What is interesting, along with some popular tracks, which
my coevals are listening to at the moment and give their preference to, I love to listen to the
works of well-known classic composers. The sounds of violin and piano wake up mixed
feelings in my soul. From one side, it seems to me that I glide beyond the clouds and give a
way to the dreams, listening attentively in the easy flowing, ringing of bells and strong
chords, and from the other, an anxious or touching melody affects all strings of my soul and
draws me to tears. But such mood passes quickly because I understand that a musician
reflected a part of his world and experience and passed to the listeners his ideas and emotion
through the notes.

Classical music, to my belief, is an art, opening the entire world of passions and emotions,
high feelings and noble gusts. It renders people spiritually rich and paints life with new vivid
colors. Talented musicians, as nobody other, are able to express in their music their feelings
of sorrow and gladness, lightness and disappointment, whims of nature or an emotions
peculiar to the people falling in love. If a good melody is complemented with good lyrics,
then such a work is remembered in the hearts of enormous amount of people for centuries and
is listened to over and over, until every word and every sound it would have find a new sense.
Write about your experience helping Puan Ramlah, an elderly lady who lives alone. End
your story with: I learnt a lot about myself by helping Puan Ramlah.

I first saw her standing by the roadside. For a moment she looked like a normal old lady
wanting to cross the road. Then I noticed that she was hesitant about crossing even when the
road was clear.

Quickly I walked over to her and offered my hand. She took it. But as I tried to lead her
across the road, she resisted and said, in English, "I want to go to church."

Well, I had assumed wrongly she wanted to cross the road whereas she wanted to go to a
church on this side of the road. Still, why was she standing by the roadside appearing to want
to cross ? I looked in the direction of the church and saw her problem.

Between us and the church's entrance was a kerb meant for pedestrians to walk on, but
inconsiderate people had parked their motorcycles on the kerb making it impossible for
anyone to walk on it. She was forced to walk along the road, and she did not seem to be able
to cope properly.

She was at least seventy and showed signs of geriatric degeneration. Her steps were small
and uncertain. She should not be out on her own. Anyhow I led her by the hand step by step
along the road towards the church. On the way I suggested she get a walking stick. She
replied that she already had one given to her by her daughter. She said that she was just too
shy to use it in public. I would never have guessed that an old person could be shy, but I
guess they are still human, despite their age.

The reason for her to go to church was to attend a function that was being held there that
evening. It took about three minutes for us to walk the thirty or so meters to the entrance.
There one of her church members recognized her and came over to greet her. The old lady
thanked me for helping her.

I nodded my head, released my hold on her hand and headed off to where I was going
originally before I encountered her.