Most people take time off work to travel, but for Ian Wright making a living requires travelling. Ian, who (A1) ... around the world many times, is one of the presenters of Globe Trekker — a popular TV series which (A2) ... the sights and sounds of different countries.

Since he (A3) ... the job as a presenter on British TV, Ian (A4) ... in over 50 episodes of the show, visiting countries like Ethiopia, Cambodia, Jamaica and Iran. On his travels, Ian often (A5) ... local food and sometimes exposes himself to danger. Once, while filming in the Pacific, he (A6) ... by a block of lava. "In Vanuatu we visited the most accessible volcano of the world. It erupted every ten minutes, spitting out lava all over the crater. It was unbelievable — until the wind changed. A piece of lava landed two meters away from my head. And we ran crying like babies."

Although Ian (A7) ... Globe Trekker episodes for many years, he is as enthusiastic as ever!

Most people take time off work to travel, but for Ian Wright making a living requires travelling. Ian, who (A1) ... around the world many times, is one of the presenters of Globe Trekker — a popular TV series which (A2) ... the sights and sounds of different countries.

Since he (A3) ... the job as a presenter on British TV, Ian (A4) ... in over 50 episodes of the show, visiting countries like Ethiopia, Cambodia, Jamaica and Iran. On his travels, Ian often (A5) ... local food and sometimes exposes himself to danger. Once, while filming in the Pacific, he (A6) ... by a block of lava. "In Vanuatu we visited the most accessible volcano of the world. It erupted every ten minutes, spitting out lava all over the crater. It was unbelievable — until the wind changed. A piece of lava landed two meters away from my head. And we ran crying like babies."

Although Ian (A7) ... Globe Trekker episodes for many years, he is as enthusiastic as ever!

Most people take time off work to travel, but for Ian Wright making a living requires travelling. Ian, who (A1) ... around the world many times, is one of the presenters of Globe Trekker — a popular TV series which (A2) ... the sights and sounds of different countries.

Since he (A3) ... the job as a presenter on British TV, Ian (A4) ... in over 50 episodes of the show, visiting countries like Ethiopia, Cambodia, Jamaica and Iran. On his travels, Ian often (A5) ... local food and sometimes exposes himself to danger. Once, while filming in the Pacific, he (A6) ... by a block of lava. "In Vanuatu we visited the most accessible volcano of the world. It erupted every ten minutes, spitting out lava all over the crater. It was unbelievable — until the wind changed. A piece of lava landed two meters away from my head. And we ran crying like babies."

Although Ian (A7) ... Globe Trekker episodes for many years, he is as enthusiastic as ever!

Most people take time off work to travel, but for Ian Wright making a living requires travelling. Ian, who (A1) ... around the world many times, is one of the presenters of Globe Trekker — a popular TV series which (A2) ... the sights and sounds of different countries.

Since he (A3) ... the job as a presenter on British TV, Ian (A4) ... in over 50 episodes of the show, visiting countries like Ethiopia, Cambodia, Jamaica and Iran. On his travels, Ian often (A5) ... local food and sometimes exposes himself to danger. Once, while filming in the Pacific, he (A6) ... by a block of lava. "In Vanuatu we visited the most accessible volcano of the world. It erupted every ten minutes, spitting out lava all over the crater. It was unbelievable — until the wind changed. A piece of lava landed two meters away from my head. And we ran crying like babies."

Although Ian (A7) ... Globe Trekker episodes for many years, he is as enthusiastic as ever!

Most people take time off work to travel, but for Ian Wright making a living requires travelling. Ian, who (A1) ... around the world many times, is one of the presenters of Globe Trekker — a popular TV series which (A2) ... the sights and sounds of different countries.

Since he (A3) ... the job as a presenter on British TV, Ian (A4) ... in over 50 episodes of the show, visiting countries like Ethiopia, Cambodia, Jamaica and Iran. On his travels, Ian often (A5) ... local food and sometimes exposes himself to danger. Once, while filming in the Pacific, he (A6) ... by a block of lava. "In Vanuatu we visited the most accessible volcano of the world. It erupted every ten minutes, spitting out lava all over the crater. It was unbelievable — until the wind changed. A piece of lava landed two meters away from my head. And we ran crying like babies."

Although Ian (A7) ... Globe Trekker episodes for many years, he is as enthusiastic as ever!

Most people take time off work to travel, but for Ian Wright making a living requires travelling. Ian, who (A1) ... around the world many times, is one of the presenters of Globe Trekker — a popular TV series which (A2) ... the sights and sounds of different countries.

Since he (A3) ... the job as a presenter on British TV, Ian (A4) ... in over 50 episodes of the show, visiting countries like Ethiopia, Cambodia, Jamaica and Iran. On his travels, Ian often (A5) ... local food and sometimes exposes himself to danger. Once, while filming in the Pacific, he (A6) ... by a block of lava. "In Vanuatu we visited the most accessible volcano of the world. It erupted every ten minutes, spitting out lava all over the crater. It was unbelievable — until the wind changed. A piece of lava landed two meters away from my head. And we ran crying like babies."

Although Ian (A7) ... Globe Trekker episodes for many years, he is as enthusiastic as ever!

Most people take time off work to travel, but for Ian Wright making a living requires travelling. Ian, who (A1) ... around the world many times, is one of the presenters of Globe Trekker — a popular TV series which (A2) ... the sights and sounds of different countries.

Since he (A3) ... the job as a presenter on British TV, Ian (A4) ... in over 50 episodes of the show, visiting countries like Ethiopia, Cambodia, Jamaica and Iran. On his travels, Ian often (A5) ... local food and sometimes exposes himself to danger. Once, while filming in the Pacific, he (A6) ... by a block of lava. "In Vanuatu we visited the most accessible volcano of the world. It erupted every ten minutes, spitting out lava all over the crater. It was unbelievable — until the wind changed. A piece of lava landed two meters away from my head. And we ran crying like babies."

Although Ian (A7) ... Globe Trekker episodes for many years, he is as enthusiastic as ever!

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (A8) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (A9) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (A10) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (A11) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (A12) ... television. (A13) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (A14) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (A15) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (A8) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (A9) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (A10) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (A11) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (A12) ... television. (A13) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (A14) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (A15) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (A8) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (A9) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (A10) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (A11) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (A12) ... television. (A13) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (A14) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (A15) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (A8) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (A9) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (A10) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (A11) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (A12) ... television. (A13) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (A14) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (A15) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (A8) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (A9) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (A10) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (A11) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (A12) ... television. (A13) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (A14) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (A15) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (A8) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (A9) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (A10) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (A11) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (A12) ... television. (A13) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (A14) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (A15) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (A8) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (A9) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (A10) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (A11) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (A12) ... television. (A13) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (A14) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (A15) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

A recent survey has been analysing information about the time that people in the UK take off work because of illness. The study was carried (A8) ... in 4,300 businesses around the country. The analysts looked (A9) ... the number of absences, when they took place and the reasons given (A10) ... them. It was found that Manchester was the city where people took most days off- an average of 11 days a year. People were off the least time of all in London (only 7 days (A11) ... average). Employers also claimed that many workers chose to be absent when there was something good (A12) ... television. (A13) ... most employers thought their employees often did not tell (A14) ... truth about why they were taking time off. Bosses said that they believed that less than 10% of (A15) ... sick notes they received were genuine.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (A22) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (A23) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (A24) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (A25) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (A26) ... is that it is (A27) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (A28) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (A29) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (A30) ... out to be a matter of (A31) ... rather than necessity.

Everyone, whatever their age, can share in the joy and fulfillment of learning, as June Weatherall found out.

§ 1. When I first retired, I thought I'd love spending more time on the gardening, needlework, and other creative activities I'd found so relaxing after my demanding job. But it didn't turn out that way. I found that I didn't want, or need, that kind of relaxation anymore, I wanted to stimulate my mind instead.

§ 2. So, with a couple of friends, I went along to an art appreciation evening class at our local regional college. It was wonderful, but only lasted a year. At the end, I asked my tutor, "What next?' He suggested I attend his history of art access course. "Whatever's that?' I asked. The college had an open evening coming up, so I went along to find out. A full-time access course takes one year and gives you access to university if, like me, you left school without any qualifications, and it's free if you do it full-time. I only wanted to do the art history bit.

§ 3. Lyn, who organises the courses for the college, was enthusiastic. "Why don't you do the whole course? You could start in the spring term with art history, do another module in the summer, then go full-time in the autumn and do all the subjects." It sounded wonderful, but wasn't I a bit old, at 63, to start being a student? A definite 'no'. One of the students that year was 82. That decided it. It must be worth having a go.

§ 4. The art history part of the course, which I've just completed, was stimulating. The tutors are enthusiasts and infect us all with their enjoyment of the subjects they teach. "Lively' would be the word to describe the classes. My fellow students, who are also doing subjects like psychology, maths, biology, etc., are good company. They're mainly people in their thirties with children, taking a second bite at the educational cherry.

§ 5. We have homework and have to do an essay each term for each subject, and sit exams. For art history, we had to produce a journal about all the painters we'd learnt about — which was fun, but rather time-consuming. Occasionally, I envy the more typical mature students, who just do courses for fun and don't have to do exams or essays, but really I'm a very happy lady. There are drawbacks, however. The main one is you have to make a commitment. During term time, you can't just drop everything and go out for the day if the sun shines — one of the supposed joys of retirement.

§ 6. Will I go on to university if I'm successful? I'll see how next year goes. Meanwhile, exercising my brain cells is working well for me. I feel alive. The garden's getting a bit out of control, but that's the least of my worries!

Everyone, whatever their age, can share in the joy and fulfillment of learning, as June Weatherall found out.

§ 1. When I first retired, I thought I'd love spending more time on the gardening, needlework, and other creative activities I'd found so relaxing after my demanding job. But it didn't turn out that way. I found that I didn't want, or need, that kind of relaxation anymore, I wanted to stimulate my mind instead.

§ 2. So, with a couple of friends, I went along to an art appreciation evening class at our local regional college. It was wonderful, but only lasted a year. At the end, I asked my tutor, "What next?' He suggested I attend his history of art access course. "Whatever's that?' I asked. The college had an open evening coming up, so I went along to find out. A full-time access course takes one year and gives you access to university if, like me, you left school without any qualifications, and it's free if you do it full-time. I only wanted to do the art history bit.

§ 3. Lyn, who organises the courses for the college, was enthusiastic. "Why don't you do the whole course? You could start in the spring term with art history, do another module in the summer, then go full-time in the autumn and do all the subjects." It sounded wonderful, but wasn't I a bit old, at 63, to start being a student? A definite 'no'. One of the students that year was 82. That decided it. It must be worth having a go.

§ 4. The art history part of the course, which I've just completed, was stimulating. The tutors are enthusiasts and infect us all with their enjoyment of the subjects they teach. "Lively' would be the word to describe the classes. My fellow students, who are also doing subjects like psychology, maths, biology, etc., are good company. They're mainly people in their thirties with children, taking a second bite at the educational cherry.

§ 5. We have homework and have to do an essay each term for each subject, and sit exams. For art history, we had to produce a journal about all the painters we'd learnt about — which was fun, but rather time-consuming. Occasionally, I envy the more typical mature students, who just do courses for fun and don't have to do exams or essays, but really I'm a very happy lady. There are drawbacks, however. The main one is you have to make a commitment. During term time, you can't just drop everything and go out for the day if the sun shines — one of the supposed joys of retirement.

§ 6. Will I go on to university if I'm successful? I'll see how next year goes. Meanwhile, exercising my brain cells is working well for me. I feel alive. The garden's getting a bit out of control, but that's the least of my worries!

Everyone, whatever their age, can share in the joy and fulfillment of learning, as June Weatherall found out.

§ 1. When I first retired, I thought I'd love spending more time on the gardening, needlework, and other creative activities I'd found so relaxing after my demanding job. But it didn't turn out that way. I found that I didn't want, or need, that kind of relaxation anymore, I wanted to stimulate my mind instead.

§ 2. So, with a couple of friends, I went along to an art appreciation evening class at our local regional college. It was wonderful, but only lasted a year. At the end, I asked my tutor, "What next?' He suggested I attend his history of art access course. "Whatever's that?' I asked. The college had an open evening coming up, so I went along to find out. A full-time access course takes one year and gives you access to university if, like me, you left school without any qualifications, and it's free if you do it full-time. I only wanted to do the art history bit.

§ 3. Lyn, who organises the courses for the college, was enthusiastic. "Why don't you do the whole course? You could start in the spring term with art history, do another module in the summer, then go full-time in the autumn and do all the subjects." It sounded wonderful, but wasn't I a bit old, at 63, to start being a student? A definite 'no'. One of the students that year was 82. That decided it. It must be worth having a go.

§ 4. The art history part of the course, which I've just completed, was stimulating. The tutors are enthusiasts and infect us all with their enjoyment of the subjects they teach. "Lively' would be the word to describe the classes. My fellow students, who are also doing subjects like psychology, maths, biology, etc., are good company. They're mainly people in their thirties with children, taking a second bite at the educational cherry.

§ 5. We have homework and have to do an essay each term for each subject, and sit exams. For art history, we had to produce a journal about all the painters we'd learnt about — which was fun, but rather time-consuming. Occasionally, I envy the more typical mature students, who just do courses for fun and don't have to do exams or essays, but really I'm a very happy lady. There are drawbacks, however. The main one is you have to make a commitment. During term time, you can't just drop everything and go out for the day if the sun shines — one of the supposed joys of retirement.

§ 6. Will I go on to university if I'm successful? I'll see how next year goes. Meanwhile, exercising my brain cells is working well for me. I feel alive. The garden's getting a bit out of control, but that's the least of my worries!

Everyone, whatever their age, can share in the joy and fulfillment of learning, as June Weatherall found out.

§ 1. When I first retired, I thought I'd love spending more time on the gardening, needlework, and other creative activities I'd found so relaxing after my demanding job. But it didn't turn out that way. I found that I didn't want, or need, that kind of relaxation anymore, I wanted to stimulate my mind instead.

§ 2. So, with a couple of friends, I went along to an art appreciation evening class at our local regional college. It was wonderful, but only lasted a year. At the end, I asked my tutor, "What next?' He suggested I attend his history of art access course. "Whatever's that?' I asked. The college had an open evening coming up, so I went along to find out. A full-time access course takes one year and gives you access to university if, like me, you left school without any qualifications, and it's free if you do it full-time. I only wanted to do the art history bit.

§ 3. Lyn, who organises the courses for the college, was enthusiastic. "Why don't you do the whole course? You could start in the spring term with art history, do another module in the summer, then go full-time in the autumn and do all the subjects." It sounded wonderful, but wasn't I a bit old, at 63, to start being a student? A definite 'no'. One of the students that year was 82. That decided it. It must be worth having a go.

§ 4. The art history part of the course, which I've just completed, was stimulating. The tutors are enthusiasts and infect us all with their enjoyment of the subjects they teach. "Lively' would be the word to describe the classes. My fellow students, who are also doing subjects like psychology, maths, biology, etc., are good company. They're mainly people in their thirties with children, taking a second bite at the educational cherry.

§ 5. We have homework and have to do an essay each term for each subject, and sit exams. For art history, we had to produce a journal about all the painters we'd learnt about — which was fun, but rather time-consuming. Occasionally, I envy the more typical mature students, who just do courses for fun and don't have to do exams or essays, but really I'm a very happy lady. There are drawbacks, however. The main one is you have to make a commitment. During term time, you can't just drop everything and go out for the day if the sun shines — one of the supposed joys of retirement.

§ 6. Will I go on to university if I'm successful? I'll see how next year goes. Meanwhile, exercising my brain cells is working well for me. I feel alive. The garden's getting a bit out of control, but that's the least of my worries!

Everyone, whatever their age, can share in the joy and fulfillment of learning, as June Weatherall found out.

§ 1. When I first retired, I thought I'd love spending more time on the gardening, needlework, and other creative activities I'd found so relaxing after my demanding job. But it didn't turn out that way. I found that I didn't want, or need, that kind of relaxation anymore, I wanted to stimulate my mind instead.

§ 2. So, with a couple of friends, I went along to an art appreciation evening class at our local regional college. It was wonderful, but only lasted a year. At the end, I asked my tutor, "What next?' He suggested I attend his history of art access course. "Whatever's that?' I asked. The college had an open evening coming up, so I went along to find out. A full-time access course takes one year and gives you access to university if, like me, you left school without any qualifications, and it's free if you do it full-time. I only wanted to do the art history bit.

§ 3. Lyn, who organises the courses for the college, was enthusiastic. "Why don't you do the whole course? You could start in the spring term with art history, do another module in the summer, then go full-time in the autumn and do all the subjects." It sounded wonderful, but wasn't I a bit old, at 63, to start being a student? A definite 'no'. One of the students that year was 82. That decided it. It must be worth having a go.

§ 4. The art history part of the course, which I've just completed, was stimulating. The tutors are enthusiasts and infect us all with their enjoyment of the subjects they teach. "Lively' would be the word to describe the classes. My fellow students, who are also doing subjects like psychology, maths, biology, etc., are good company. They're mainly people in their thirties with children, taking a second bite at the educational cherry.

§ 5. We have homework and have to do an essay each term for each subject, and sit exams. For art history, we had to produce a journal about all the painters we'd learnt about — which was fun, but rather time-consuming. Occasionally, I envy the more typical mature students, who just do courses for fun and don't have to do exams or essays, but really I'm a very happy lady. There are drawbacks, however. The main one is you have to make a commitment. During term time, you can't just drop everything and go out for the day if the sun shines — one of the supposed joys of retirement.

§ 6. Will I go on to university if I'm successful? I'll see how next year goes. Meanwhile, exercising my brain cells is working well for me. I feel alive. The garden's getting a bit out of control, but that's the least of my worries!

Everyone, whatever their age, can share in the joy and fulfillment of learning, as June Weatherall found out.

§ 1. When I first retired, I thought I'd love spending more time on the gardening, needlework, and other creative activities I'd found so relaxing after my demanding job. But it didn't turn out that way. I found that I didn't want, or need, that kind of relaxation anymore, I wanted to stimulate my mind instead.

§ 2. So, with a couple of friends, I went along to an art appreciation evening class at our local regional college. It was wonderful, but only lasted a year. At the end, I asked my tutor, "What next?' He suggested I attend his history of art access course. "Whatever's that?' I asked. The college had an open evening coming up, so I went along to find out. A full-time access course takes one year and gives you access to university if, like me, you left school without any qualifications, and it's free if you do it full-time. I only wanted to do the art history bit.

§ 3. Lyn, who organises the courses for the college, was enthusiastic. "Why don't you do the whole course? You could start in the spring term with art history, do another module in the summer, then go full-time in the autumn and do all the subjects." It sounded wonderful, but wasn't I a bit old, at 63, to start being a student? A definite 'no'. One of the students that year was 82. That decided it. It must be worth having a go.

§ 4. The art history part of the course, which I've just completed, was stimulating. The tutors are enthusiasts and infect us all with their enjoyment of the subjects they teach. "Lively' would be the word to describe the classes. My fellow students, who are also doing subjects like psychology, maths, biology, etc., are good company. They're mainly people in their thirties with children, taking a second bite at the educational cherry.

§ 5. We have homework and have to do an essay each term for each subject, and sit exams. For art history, we had to produce a journal about all the painters we'd learnt about — which was fun, but rather time-consuming. Occasionally, I envy the more typical mature students, who just do courses for fun and don't have to do exams or essays, but really I'm a very happy lady. There are drawbacks, however. The main one is you have to make a commitment. During term time, you can't just drop everything and go out for the day if the sun shines — one of the supposed joys of retirement.

§ 6. Will I go on to university if I'm successful? I'll see how next year goes. Meanwhile, exercising my brain cells is working well for me. I feel alive. The garden's getting a bit out of control, but that's the least of my worries!

Everyone, whatever their age, can share in the joy and fulfillment of learning, as June Weatherall found out.

§ 1. When I first retired, I thought I'd love spending more time on the gardening, needlework, and other creative activities I'd found so relaxing after my demanding job. But it didn't turn out that way. I found that I didn't want, or need, that kind of relaxation anymore, I wanted to stimulate my mind instead.

§ 2. So, with a couple of friends, I went along to an art appreciation evening class at our local regional college. It was wonderful, but only lasted a year. At the end, I asked my tutor, "What next?' He suggested I attend his history of art access course. "Whatever's that?' I asked. The college had an open evening coming up, so I went along to find out. A full-time access course takes one year and gives you access to university if, like me, you left school without any qualifications, and it's free if you do it full-time. I only wanted to do the art history bit.

§ 3. Lyn, who organises the courses for the college, was enthusiastic. "Why don't you do the whole course? You could start in the spring term with art history, do another module in the summer, then go full-time in the autumn and do all the subjects." It sounded wonderful, but wasn't I a bit old, at 63, to start being a student? A definite 'no'. One of the students that year was 82. That decided it. It must be worth having a go.

§ 4. The art history part of the course, which I've just completed, was stimulating. The tutors are enthusiasts and infect us all with their enjoyment of the subjects they teach. "Lively' would be the word to describe the classes. My fellow students, who are also doing subjects like psychology, maths, biology, etc., are good company. They're mainly people in their thirties with children, taking a second bite at the educational cherry.

§ 5. We have homework and have to do an essay each term for each subject, and sit exams. For art history, we had to produce a journal about all the painters we'd learnt about — which was fun, but rather time-consuming. Occasionally, I envy the more typical mature students, who just do courses for fun and don't have to do exams or essays, but really I'm a very happy lady. There are drawbacks, however. The main one is you have to make a commitment. During term time, you can't just drop everything and go out for the day if the sun shines — one of the supposed joys of retirement.

§ 6. Will I go on to university if I'm successful? I'll see how next year goes. Meanwhile, exercising my brain cells is working well for me. I feel alive. The garden's getting a bit out of control, but that's the least of my worries!

1. Stacey

I had lessons in Hindi at a local language school. Unfortunately the only class available at my level was late in the evening. So after a long day at school, and then all the written homework we have to do, I didn't have a lot of energy left for language learning. Also, some of my classmates were much older than me and I didn't really get to know them. But that didn't matter because whenever we did group activities, which I'd never done before, but took to straight away, I made sure I was with the younger ones. I was having lessons every evening and that was costing my parents quite a lot, but we'd booked to go to India later that year so there was no time to lose.

2. Chloe

I really want to learn Polish so I bought a course of language lessons as an MP3 to play on my iPod. That meant I could work on it anywhere I went, particularly at those times when you've got nothing to do, like standing at the bus stop. Once I was concentrating so hard on getting a grammar point right that I completely forgot I was on the bus and I started repeating restaurant phrases aloud. I felt a bit uncomfortable when I noticed everyone looking at me, so I didn't do that again. Actually, one problem with learning on my own was not knowing when I was saying words properly and when I wasn't. Overall, though, it was a useful course and I think it was good value for money.

3. Amy

I used the Internet to improve my Spanish. It cost nothing, of course, and although at first I didn't know quite where to look, in the end I came across some great websites where I could practise reading and listening and do grammar exercises. At the same time, I was joining social networking sites and getting in touch with Spanish-speaking teenagers from various parts of the world. I also tried online chat in Spanish, but I couldn't keep up with people. All the time I was thinking about my grammar and it was taking me so long to reply to each sentence after I'd read it that I didn't think it was fair on them, so I gave up. I'll try again sometime, though.

4. Laura

I was living with an English-speaking family and the idea was that I'd pick up a lot of language by being there with them, but it just wasn't happening. Everyone watched television all the time and rarely spoke to me. After a week I left and moved in with a couple who had young children, and that was better. They were all very friendly and I could chat with them anytime, really. When I got things wrong they would often correct me and I think that helped me improve my speaking a lot. I would also have liked to be nearer the city centre, because the house was so far out of town that I couldn't get to the kinds of places where other teenagers went in the evenings.

1. Stacey

I had lessons in Hindi at a local language school. Unfortunately the only class available at my level was late in the evening. So after a long day at school, and then all the written homework we have to do, I didn't have a lot of energy left for language learning. Also, some of my classmates were much older than me and I didn't really get to know them. But that didn't matter because whenever we did group activities, which I'd never done before, but took to straight away, I made sure I was with the younger ones. I was having lessons every evening and that was costing my parents quite a lot, but we'd booked to go to India later that year so there was no time to lose.

2. Chloe

I really want to learn Polish so I bought a course of language lessons as an MP3 to play on my iPod. That meant I could work on it anywhere I went, particularly at those times when you've got nothing to do, like standing at the bus stop. Once I was concentrating so hard on getting a grammar point right that I completely forgot I was on the bus and I started repeating restaurant phrases aloud. I felt a bit uncomfortable when I noticed everyone looking at me, so I didn't do that again. Actually, one problem with learning on my own was not knowing when I was saying words properly and when I wasn't. Overall, though, it was a useful course and I think it was good value for money.

3. Amy

I used the Internet to improve my Spanish. It cost nothing, of course, and although at first I didn't know quite where to look, in the end I came across some great websites where I could practise reading and listening and do grammar exercises. At the same time, I was joining social networking sites and getting in touch with Spanish-speaking teenagers from various parts of the world. I also tried online chat in Spanish, but I couldn't keep up with people. All the time I was thinking about my grammar and it was taking me so long to reply to each sentence after I'd read it that I didn't think it was fair on them, so I gave up. I'll try again sometime, though.

4. Laura

I was living with an English-speaking family and the idea was that I'd pick up a lot of language by being there with them, but it just wasn't happening. Everyone watched television all the time and rarely spoke to me. After a week I left and moved in with a couple who had young children, and that was better. They were all very friendly and I could chat with them anytime, really. When I got things wrong they would often correct me and I think that helped me improve my speaking a lot. I would also have liked to be nearer the city centre, because the house was so far out of town that I couldn't get to the kinds of places where other teenagers went in the evenings.

1. Stacey

I had lessons in Hindi at a local language school. Unfortunately the only class available at my level was late in the evening. So after a long day at school, and then all the written homework we have to do, I didn't have a lot of energy left for language learning. Also, some of my classmates were much older than me and I didn't really get to know them. But that didn't matter because whenever we did group activities, which I'd never done before, but took to straight away, I made sure I was with the younger ones. I was having lessons every evening and that was costing my parents quite a lot, but we'd booked to go to India later that year so there was no time to lose.

2. Chloe

I really want to learn Polish so I bought a course of language lessons as an MP3 to play on my iPod. That meant I could work on it anywhere I went, particularly at those times when you've got nothing to do, like standing at the bus stop. Once I was concentrating so hard on getting a grammar point right that I completely forgot I was on the bus and I started repeating restaurant phrases aloud. I felt a bit uncomfortable when I noticed everyone looking at me, so I didn't do that again. Actually, one problem with learning on my own was not knowing when I was saying words properly and when I wasn't. Overall, though, it was a useful course and I think it was good value for money.

3. Amy

I used the Internet to improve my Spanish. It cost nothing, of course, and although at first I didn't know quite where to look, in the end I came across some great websites where I could practise reading and listening and do grammar exercises. At the same time, I was joining social networking sites and getting in touch with Spanish-speaking teenagers from various parts of the world. I also tried online chat in Spanish, but I couldn't keep up with people. All the time I was thinking about my grammar and it was taking me so long to reply to each sentence after I'd read it that I didn't think it was fair on them, so I gave up. I'll try again sometime, though.

4. Laura

I was living with an English-speaking family and the idea was that I'd pick up a lot of language by being there with them, but it just wasn't happening. Everyone watched television all the time and rarely spoke to me. After a week I left and moved in with a couple who had young children, and that was better. They were all very friendly and I could chat with them anytime, really. When I got things wrong they would often correct me and I think that helped me improve my speaking a lot. I would also have liked to be nearer the city centre, because the house was so far out of town that I couldn't get to the kinds of places where other teenagers went in the evenings.

1. Stacey

I had lessons in Hindi at a local language school. Unfortunately the only class available at my level was late in the evening. So after a long day at school, and then all the written homework we have to do, I didn't have a lot of energy left for language learning. Also, some of my classmates were much older than me and I didn't really get to know them. But that didn't matter because whenever we did group activities, which I'd never done before, but took to straight away, I made sure I was with the younger ones. I was having lessons every evening and that was costing my parents quite a lot, but we'd booked to go to India later that year so there was no time to lose.

2. Chloe

I really want to learn Polish so I bought a course of language lessons as an MP3 to play on my iPod. That meant I could work on it anywhere I went, particularly at those times when you've got nothing to do, like standing at the bus stop. Once I was concentrating so hard on getting a grammar point right that I completely forgot I was on the bus and I started repeating restaurant phrases aloud. I felt a bit uncomfortable when I noticed everyone looking at me, so I didn't do that again. Actually, one problem with learning on my own was not knowing when I was saying words properly and when I wasn't. Overall, though, it was a useful course and I think it was good value for money.

3. Amy

I used the Internet to improve my Spanish. It cost nothing, of course, and although at first I didn't know quite where to look, in the end I came across some great websites where I could practise reading and listening and do grammar exercises. At the same time, I was joining social networking sites and getting in touch with Spanish-speaking teenagers from various parts of the world. I also tried online chat in Spanish, but I couldn't keep up with people. All the time I was thinking about my grammar and it was taking me so long to reply to each sentence after I'd read it that I didn't think it was fair on them, so I gave up. I'll try again sometime, though.

4. Laura

I was living with an English-speaking family and the idea was that I'd pick up a lot of language by being there with them, but it just wasn't happening. Everyone watched television all the time and rarely spoke to me. After a week I left and moved in with a couple who had young children, and that was better. They were all very friendly and I could chat with them anytime, really. When I got things wrong they would often correct me and I think that helped me improve my speaking a lot. I would also have liked to be nearer the city centre, because the house was so far out of town that I couldn't get to the kinds of places where other teenagers went in the evenings.

1. Stacey

I had lessons in Hindi at a local language school. Unfortunately the only class available at my level was late in the evening. So after a long day at school, and then all the written homework we have to do, I didn't have a lot of energy left for language learning. Also, some of my classmates were much older than me and I didn't really get to know them. But that didn't matter because whenever we did group activities, which I'd never done before, but took to straight away, I made sure I was with the younger ones. I was having lessons every evening and that was costing my parents quite a lot, but we'd booked to go to India later that year so there was no time to lose.

2. Chloe

I really want to learn Polish so I bought a course of language lessons as an MP3 to play on my iPod. That meant I could work on it anywhere I went, particularly at those times when you've got nothing to do, like standing at the bus stop. Once I was concentrating so hard on getting a grammar point right that I completely forgot I was on the bus and I started repeating restaurant phrases aloud. I felt a bit uncomfortable when I noticed everyone looking at me, so I didn't do that again. Actually, one problem with learning on my own was not knowing when I was saying words properly and when I wasn't. Overall, though, it was a useful course and I think it was good value for money.

3. Amy

I used the Internet to improve my Spanish. It cost nothing, of course, and although at first I didn't know quite where to look, in the end I came across some great websites where I could practise reading and listening and do grammar exercises. At the same time, I was joining social networking sites and getting in touch with Spanish-speaking teenagers from various parts of the world. I also tried online chat in Spanish, but I couldn't keep up with people. All the time I was thinking about my grammar and it was taking me so long to reply to each sentence after I'd read it that I didn't think it was fair on them, so I gave up. I'll try again sometime, though.

4. Laura

I was living with an English-speaking family and the idea was that I'd pick up a lot of language by being there with them, but it just wasn't happening. Everyone watched television all the time and rarely spoke to me. After a week I left and moved in with a couple who had young children, and that was better. They were all very friendly and I could chat with them anytime, really. When I got things wrong they would often correct me and I think that helped me improve my speaking a lot. I would also have liked to be nearer the city centre, because the house was so far out of town that I couldn't get to the kinds of places where other teenagers went in the evenings.

1. Stacey

I had lessons in Hindi at a local language school. Unfortunately the only class available at my level was late in the evening. So after a long day at school, and then all the written homework we have to do, I didn't have a lot of energy left for language learning. Also, some of my classmates were much older than me and I didn't really get to know them. But that didn't matter because whenever we did group activities, which I'd never done before, but took to straight away, I made sure I was with the younger ones. I was having lessons every evening and that was costing my parents quite a lot, but we'd booked to go to India later that year so there was no time to lose.

2. Chloe

I really want to learn Polish so I bought a course of language lessons as an MP3 to play on my iPod. That meant I could work on it anywhere I went, particularly at those times when you've got nothing to do, like standing at the bus stop. Once I was concentrating so hard on getting a grammar point right that I completely forgot I was on the bus and I started repeating restaurant phrases aloud. I felt a bit uncomfortable when I noticed everyone looking at me, so I didn't do that again. Actually, one problem with learning on my own was not knowing when I was saying words properly and when I wasn't. Overall, though, it was a useful course and I think it was good value for money.

3. Amy

I used the Internet to improve my Spanish. It cost nothing, of course, and although at first I didn't know quite where to look, in the end I came across some great websites where I could practise reading and listening and do grammar exercises. At the same time, I was joining social networking sites and getting in touch with Spanish-speaking teenagers from various parts of the world. I also tried online chat in Spanish, but I couldn't keep up with people. All the time I was thinking about my grammar and it was taking me so long to reply to each sentence after I'd read it that I didn't think it was fair on them, so I gave up. I'll try again sometime, though.

4. Laura

I was living with an English-speaking family and the idea was that I'd pick up a lot of language by being there with them, but it just wasn't happening. Everyone watched television all the time and rarely spoke to me. After a week I left and moved in with a couple who had young children, and that was better. They were all very friendly and I could chat with them anytime, really. When I got things wrong they would often correct me and I think that helped me improve my speaking a lot. I would also have liked to be nearer the city centre, because the house was so far out of town that I couldn't get to the kinds of places where other teenagers went in the evenings.

Ali Baba's restaurant in central London is one of the best restaurants I've been to for a long time. It has an extensive range of Turkish dishes including plenty of choices which are (B1) ... even for vegetarians. The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere. At weekends diners can enjoy performances by Turkish singers and dancers. We are sure that you will have an (B2) ... evening if you go to Ali Baba's. You will also find it unexpectedly (B3) ... . A meal for two will cost roughly £20 on condition that you stick to the house wines. But there is an excellent (B4) ... of these on the wine list.

Ali Baba's restaurant in central London is one of the best restaurants I've been to for a long time. It has an extensive range of Turkish dishes including plenty of choices which are (B1) ... even for vegetarians. The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere. At weekends diners can enjoy performances by Turkish singers and dancers. We are sure that you will have an (B2) ... evening if you go to Ali Baba's. You will also find it unexpectedly (B3) ... . A meal for two will cost roughly £20 on condition that you stick to the house wines. But there is an excellent (B4) ... of these on the wine list.

Ali Baba's restaurant in central London is one of the best restaurants I've been to for a long time. It has an extensive range of Turkish dishes including plenty of choices which are (B1) ... even for vegetarians. The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere. At weekends diners can enjoy performances by Turkish singers and dancers. We are sure that you will have an (B2) ... evening if you go to Ali Baba's. You will also find it unexpectedly (B3) ... . A meal for two will cost roughly £20 on condition that you stick to the house wines. But there is an excellent (B4) ... of these on the wine list.

Ali Baba's restaurant in central London is one of the best restaurants I've been to for a long time. It has an extensive range of Turkish dishes including plenty of choices which are (B1) ... even for vegetarians. The restaurant has a very pleasant atmosphere. At weekends diners can enjoy performances by Turkish singers and dancers. We are sure that you will have an (B2) ... evening if you go to Ali Baba's. You will also find it unexpectedly (B3) ... . A meal for two will cost roughly £20 on condition that you stick to the house wines. But there is an excellent (B4) ... of these on the wine list.

Acupuncture, an ancient Eastern art, is widely available. Many people go to acupuncture practitioners when, for example, they wish to (B5) ... up smoking. A small pin is inserted into both earlobes (мочка уха) in (B6) ... to rid the patient of the desire to smoke. Cynics may say that they are cured by a form of faith-healing, (B7) ... by acupuncture itself. However, many ex-smokers swear (B8) ... it works for them.

Acupuncture, an ancient Eastern art, is widely available. Many people go to acupuncture practitioners when, for example, they wish to (B5) ... up smoking. A small pin is inserted into both earlobes (мочка уха) in (B6) ... to rid the patient of the desire to smoke. Cynics may say that they are cured by a form of faith-healing, (B7) ... by acupuncture itself. However, many ex-smokers swear (B8) ... it works for them.

Acupuncture, an ancient Eastern art, is widely available. Many people go to acupuncture practitioners when, for example, they wish to (B5) ... up smoking. A small pin is inserted into both earlobes (мочка уха) in (B6) ... to rid the patient of the desire to smoke. Cynics may say that they are cured by a form of faith-healing, (B7) ... by acupuncture itself. However, many ex-smokers swear (B8) ... it works for them.

Acupuncture, an ancient Eastern art, is widely available. Many people go to acupuncture practitioners when, for example, they wish to (B5) ... up smoking. A small pin is inserted into both earlobes (мочка уха) in (B6) ... to rid the patient of the desire to smoke. Cynics may say that they are cured by a form of faith-healing, (B7) ... by acupuncture itself. However, many ex-smokers swear (B8) ... it works for them.