Before the internet, both adults and children would use their free time to volunteer, discover the visual arts (painting, art galleries), write or read books, or learn a new language or sport. Now with the internet, most people are no longer interested in such activities and risk not becoming “well-rounded” individuals in the future . To what extent do you agree or disagree? Without a doubt, the internet has become an essential part of our life in modern society. Nevertheless, I personally believe that for most people the utility behind the internet is gone, and it has simply become a major distraction in their daily life. First of all, these days it is impossible to live without modern gadgets. New technology is utilized in everyday life by millions of people around the world. We can literally do everything online- make purchases, do business, communicate with friends etc. However, do most people actually use the internet as a “learning or business” tool? Probably not. University Professors in the United States are complaining students are simply “addicted” to technology but their critical thinking skills are not improving. Class discussions are weak, and seeing a book in someone's hand is now a rare sight. Hence, unlike generations of the past, most educated adults today are unable to maintain interesting or prolonged conversations with each other because they simply do not read enough quality information. Employers and University admissions officers also complain that most people do not have enough skills or interesting information to write on their CVs. The skills and life experience one learns from volunteering and community service is one of the best kept secrets amongst successful individuals of any age. Unfortunately, most people prefer to go online in their free time and miss out on amazing and life-changing volunteer opportunities. Second of all, the reality is most people simply do not use the internet as a “learning or business” tool. Most adults are now addicted to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter and have an extremely difficult time focusing in general. Describing a favorite movie or book in detail has even become a difficult task. Most educators agree that learning and success in general requires a very important skill—patience. Because the internet provides answers too quickly it makes people think they are experts simply because they can access anything and everything immediately. Therefore, students no longer care to read challenging books, they rarely read long articles and they do not see the benefit of volunteering or performing community service. They can no longer focus. A successful future belongs to those who can focus, and this will be an increasingly small and rare group of people. Quite frankly, the internet for most people has now simply become a major distraction. In conclusion, people should discipline themselves, make a conscious and honest effort to become aware of these issues and balance their time online wisely. The internet and technology are powerful tools, but we will only benefit from them when we use them in a positive and constructive way.

To: A&E Movie Channel Network Thank you so much for airing “Titanic” last evening and requesting viewers to submit their reviews. I saw the movie when it first came out in 1997 and it brought back some wonderful memories. First of all, this movie is an absolute masterpiece. It is based on the true story of the actual sinking of the Titanic ship, which ultimately carried over 1,500 people to their death in the ice cold waters of the North Atlantic ocean in the early hours of April 15, 1912. Without a doubt, Titanic is simply a glorious film. With incredible production values, first class acting, dynamic special effects, breathtaking cinematography, wonderful storyline, outstanding music, everything about the film is just perfect. I can't find one fault in it. Second, the way it depicts the human struggles of the characters, the arrogance of the ship's owners and passengers, the sheer proportions of the sinking, it is nothing short of brilliant. Finally, I was so completely captivated by the movie that when it finished it was like being thrown back into the real world. I literally forgot about reality for three hours and fifteen minutes. You're completely involved with the characters and their struggles from beginning to end, it's incredible. You immediately get the feeling that you are in the movie-- and when the boat sinks, you feel as if you are right there on board with them. One of the best movies ever made, period. I'd give the film a very solid 10 out of 10. Thank you so much again for continuing to share such family-oriented movies on your channel. Overall, I would definitely recommend Titanic as it will definitely continue to impress future generations for all time. Sincerely, ______ 262 words