WORK WOES

I am studying in Matayom 1 at Wat Suthiwararam School, and I have a younger brother. I want to tell everybody about my mom.

My mom worked for foreign banks for around 10 years. Unfortunately, her job was terminated in August 2004. She has not been able to find a new job since then. She always feels unhappy and cries, but she still smiles when my brother and I come home from school. It's difficult to find a job at the moment because the world's economic situation is not good.

My mom gives me 100 baht each day for bus fares and lunch, so I try to help by returning the money that I don't use. I want to help mom in other ways, but I have no idea how can I help her.

Jakrin Chatchaipruk, Bangkok

I think you're already doing a lot to help your mom, Jakrin. By returning the money you don't use every day, you're being a conscientious member of your family. You're also concerned about your mom's well-being, which is important. There are some simple ways you can help out, too. Help lower your monthly bills by making sure to turn off lights and electrical appliances when you're not using them. When you go shopping, help your mom find the best prices on the things that you need. Most importantly, support your mom in every way that you can. Be a good kid, study hard and be a positive role model for your younger brother. Good luck. — Editor

LEARNING LISTENING

I've been reading Student Weekly for about three years, and my English has improved a lot.

Writing letters is a good way to improve English. The first time I wrote was about two years ago, when my English was still very bad. I didn't know how to greet my pen pal properly, and I used simple sentences to communicate with her. She was very kind, and she didn't get annoyed.

My main problem is listening. I can't understand what people say in English movies and songs. Can you give me some advice about improving my listening skills?

Cherdchonanee Tanthanawigrai, Bangkok

Congratulations on improving your written English, Cherdchonanee. The best way to improve your listening is the same way that you improved your writing — practise. Try to listen to as much English as you can. Watch movies and TV shows and listen to music in English. Watching the same things over and over again while repeating what the characters are saying is a good way to practise pronunciation and listening. Try watching the characters' mouths when they talk. Then, hold a mirror in front of you and watch your mouth as you repeat the words. If you have friends or teachers who speak English, practise with them as much as possible. It will take time and hard work, but you can do it! — Editor

HOMEWORK HORROR

My name is Kay, and I'm studying in Matayom 3. I always have a lot of homework and it is difficult. I have to do a lot of homework every night, and I don't get to sleep until 11 pm.

Sometimes at school I fall asleep in class because I'm so tired.

The teachers need to decrease the amount of homework that they set.

Samatcha Cheewaphan, Songkhla

I'm sorry that you're having a tough time with homework, Kay. Unfortunately, you're at the mercy of your teacher right now. One thing that you can do is get together with some of your friends to form a study group. With more heads thinking about the same stuff, you'll get more done, come up with more ideas to solve problems and retain more information. You'll probably find that your homework load becomes more manageable as time goes on, but until then you and your friends can help each other out. — Editor

woes (n): the troubles and problems that somebody has
terminate (v): to make something end
conscientious (adj): taking care to do things carefully and correctly
well-being (n): general health and happiness
support (v): to help or encourage somebody
role model (n): a person that you admire and try to copy
repeat (v): to say something again or more than once
retain (v): to keep something; to continue to have something

Idiom

at the mercy of somebody: not able to stop somebody harming you because they have power or control over you

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