Writing Task: Argumentative Essay (C 1)

Student: Mario Rodríguez Pantoja

Group: AE 

Has Globalisation Led to Increase Nationalism?

Never before has it been so easy for all different regions and cultures of the planet to contact and exchange goods and ideas. As a result of this, customs and habits until recently considered exotic, or exclusively local, have become common heritage of humanity. This process of greater rapprochement and incessant commercial exchanges between distant world areas - known as globalisation - is for many people a major cause of the rapid erosion of cultural diversity, and at the same time, the reason why xenophobia and nationalism bloom worldwide. However, the problem does not appear to be in globalisation itself, but in the way it has been taking place.

It is widely known that the contemporary process of globalization has had a neoliberal character and as the writer Naomi Klein states, under neoliberal policies of deregulation, privatisation, austerity and corporate trade, the overwhelming majority has seen their living standards declined precipitously. Indeed, a significant proportion of the working class has lost their jobs and pensions, and much of the social safety net that made them less vulnerable in the past has disappeared because of neoliberal policies.

For those people in the richest countries who saw employment stability and adequate salary as their birthright, these losses mentioned above are unbearable. All of the rising far-right parties in Europe and America speak directly to that pain, says Naomi Klein. Their proposal is to recover the ‘glorious past’ of their nations by bashing immigrants and people of colour, vilifying Muslims, and degrading women.

In my opinion, a globalisation contrary to neoliberalism would be perfectly viable and positive for all. I am referring to a globalisation able to fashion policies that fight institutionalised racism, economic inequality and climate change at the same time. I strongly believe that nationalist and xenophobic tendencies are perfectly avoidable with policies that promote equality and fraternity among people.

Writing Task: Review (C 1)

Student: Mario Rodríguez Pantoja
Group: F


General and Gladiator

Gladiator is an epic historical drama film about a fictional character – Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius – who is ousted when Commodus murders the Emperor Marcus Aurelius and seizes the throne. The film is directed by Ridley Scott and the cast includes Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Connie Nielsen.

Centring in the year 180 A.D., the story begins when, soon after leading the Roman army to a decisive victory, Maximus communicates the Emperor his desire to return home and work his farm. Marcus Aurelius begs Maximus to accept the regency of the Roman Empire as a last service to Rome before going back home. Maximus initially rejects the appointment arguing that he is not the right person for this assignment. Marcus Aurelius convinces Maximus that what enables him for this mission is just having remained untainted by greed and lust for power. Shortly after this meeting, Commodus murders Marcus Aurelius, declares himself emperor and asks Maximus for his loyalty. Maximus suspects Marcus Aurelius has been assassinated. Commodus then orders the arrest and death of the Roman general and his family. Maximus escapes, but not for long. Captured and reduced to slavery, is forced to become a gladiator.

The film is full of emotional moments like the first fight in the Coliseum in which Maximus' team is able to defeat 'Scipio's legionaries', or the scene in which Proximo – the owner of the gladiators – sacrifices himself to prevent the Praetorian Guard from catching Maximus. The actors – especially Crowe, who won the Oscar for Best Actor – give powerful and spectacular performances. Not only are the special effects in the film absolutely stunning but it also has an utterly beautiful score, and the directing is excellent.

The film is well worth seeing. It will touch your heart and make you cheer for people like Maximus and his comrades. Don't miss it!

Writing Task: Proposal (C 1)

 Student: Mario Rodríguez Pantoja
 Group: F


Proposal to improve urban mobility

Introduction

The aim of this proposal is to submit some initiatives developed by the homeowners association of our building, in order to enhance crucial aspects related to urban mobility in our area. Although in recent years, the Palma City Hall has been affected by the economic downturn and continuous budget cuts, local authorities cannot ignore the state of deterioration of roads, as well as other aspects concerning people’s mobility.

Streets and sidewalks

The streets in our neighbourhood are in bad repair. All community members are concerned about the existence of potholes in many sidewalks. Lamentably, it is common to find lengths of pavements with loose or broken tiles, which affects particularly children, disabled and elderly people. In addition to this, some nearby abandoned buildings have balconies and overhangs in risk of collapse, whereupon it is dangerous to walk near them.

Small businesses and public space

Some grocery stores use public spaces without paying fees for it. In other words, they do not rent zones for loading and unloading operations, so double-parking occurs every time a delivery van arrives, which besides obstructing traffic lanes, prevents other vehicles from departing. The same applies to certain fruit shops recently opened. These latter ones occupy part of the sidewalks with counters or plastic boxes that block passage to pedestrians.

Recommendations

In light of the above, we believe that some corrective measures should be taken. Firstly, budgetary allocations must be increased in order to guarantee proper maintenance of sidewalks and roads. Secondly, compulsory purchase orders on derelict properties should be imposed with a view to demolish the buildings and reconstruct them. Finally, it would be advisable to demand small shop owners to pay for the public space they use to load and unload merchandises, and with regard to the fruit shops, the obligation to remove counters and boxes from the sidewalks.

Writing Task: Article (B 2)

 Student: Mario Rodríguez Pantoja
  Group: AE


The Antic Celler Son Toreo Restaurant

Sineu is a small village located in the center of Majorca, about 36 kilometers from the capital of the island. If by chance you visit this small Majorcan village, you will probably see the Antic Celler Son Toreo, a cozy restaurant offering typical food. It is on Son Torello street, near a CaixaBank office and the local church. Besides, there is a sign in big letters on the lintel. Really easy to find.

I first visited Son Toreo in 2008 with my wife and a group of friends. Hardly had we passed through the main entrance when we were welcomed by huge wine barrels, which remind you that what is now a restaurant was once a winery. Towards the bottom of the spacious salon is a great showcase on the wall which contains a magnificent collection of Cuban cigar bands of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Sitting at any table you have a pleasant view of the interior architecture. Vaulted ceilings and walls built of brick and hewn stone give the place a comfortable temperature, especially in summer.

The menu offers a wide variety of delicious starters. I usually have stuffed artichokes with shrimps, which are always exquisite. As a main course, I prefer 'frito mallorquin' made with lamb, followed by a scrumptious 'gató' with two scoops of hazelnut ice cream.

The products they use are fresh, and the chef takes great care in choosing the best quality ingredients. Son Toreo also caters for all tastes by providing a large selection of the best wines of the region, which are rather expensive but worth sampling. I strongly recommend it.

Writing Task: For and Against Essay (B 2)

 Student: Mario Rodríguez Pantoja
  Group: AE


What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?

At the beginning of the twentieth century only one-tenth of the world's population lived in cities. Today, only nearly half the inhabitants of the planet live in rural zones. Ever since the great Industrial Revolution in England, people have been attracted to the city for many reasons, including work opportunities and pleasures that urban life offers. There is no doubt that living in a big town has both positive and negative consequences.

One undisputed advantage of city life is the large quantity of things people can do in their free time. If we consider the entertainment facilities in urban areas, city dwellers have so many options, like theatres, art galleries, museums, amusement parks, restaurants, libraries, etc. Another positive aspect is the countless public services that make life easier and more comfortable. For example, the public transport system and health centres. Cities also provide well-equipped police forces which work to maintain order and public safety.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks. Towns are very noisy places. Construction companies are permanently building houses or repairing roads, and garbage trucks usually make an infernal noise when emptying wheelie-bins in the early morning hours. In addition, not only are cities boisterous but they are also quite dirty. There are dog faeces everywhere, and sidewalks are covered with chewing gum and cigarette butts.

Taking everything into account, city life has serious inconveniences and great benefits. Personally, I think the advantages outweigh the shortcomings. Moreover, most of the problems of urban areas could be easily solved.