The art of theatre exists as long as the world does....

A play is a story devised to be presented by actors on a stage before an audience. In particular it must be noted that a play is not a story that is written to be read. By no means must the drama be considered primarily as a department of literature, like the epic or the novel, for example. Rather, from the standpoint of the theatre, should literary method be considered as only one of a multitude of means which the dramatist must employ to cinvey his story effectively to the audience. The great Greek dramatist needed a sense of sculpture as well as a sense of poetry; and in the contemporary theatre the playwrighter must manifest the imagination of the painter as well as the imagination of the man of letters. The appeal of a play is primarily visual rather than auditory. On the contemporary stage, characters properly costumed must be exhibited within a carefully designed and painted setting illuminated with appropriate effects of light and shadow; and the art of music is often called upon to render incidental aid to the general impression. The dramatist, therefore, must be endowed not only with the literary sense, but also with a clear eye for the graphic and plastic elements of pictorial effect, a sense of rhythm and of music, and a thorough knowledge of the art of acting.

 

Computers are a major technological breakthrough of the twentieth century. Not long ago they were considered an amazing invention, today they form part of our everyday lives. There is no doubt that computers have made our lives easier. But of course there are dangers as well as benefits. In the wrong hands it can be used for power fantasies, pornography and so on. Express your own opinion.

There have been two controversial issues about using computers in modern times. One issue states that using computers makes everyday life easier and it must be widely used. Another issue, in contrast to the first one, believes that computers have many disadvantages and therefore they should not be used at all. It is a matter of choice, to choose the first issue or the second one.

Those who support using computers in everyday life usually mention the benefits of computers on the job, or at home or maybe as consumers. For example, on the job, we usually do our work much faster if we use a computer: at home we can contact a library or many other resources areas that we need to get information by using a computer in order to do our work faster. Therefore it is useful to use a computer widely around the world. Another issue proclaims that using computers causes loss of jobs for many people and also losing the privacy of individuals. These machines can do multi-jobs at the same time without any need for people to help. Losing privacy is another main important disadvantage. Because any professional person using computers may easily reach the personal information of the individuals due to the lack of security system. In conclusion it is necessary to use a computer and do something about its disadvantages. I do believe that, as the time passes, the technology of computers can reach to a point to overcome its deficiencies and solve those problems that have been mentioned so far.

 

Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communicating with their office using computer technology. Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades. How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?

The spread of telecommuting is sure to have far-reaching effects on society. By itself, telecommuting refers to office workers spending much of their time working from home and using electronic technologies to communicate with their employers. The broader implications of telecommuting, however, may involve changes to corporate structure, workers' lifestyles and even urban planning. The most obvious changes may be apparent in the 'normal' offices of companies, governments and other organisations. If even half the working week is spent telecommuting from home, then we would initially expect many empty desks in the office. As offices grow smaller, workers coming in for the day would be expected to share desks with their absent colleagues. This, in turn, may affect the social atmosphere of an organisation; however, as less social contact with one's colleagues could harm morale and loyalty. For the individual office worker, telecommuting would mean spending more time at home. For a parent with young children, this may be a blessing. Moreover, many telecommuters would be able to work the hours they wished: having a nap in the afternoon, for example, but working some hours in the evening. One substantial benefit for all telecommuting workers is that there will be no need to travel to work, allowing more free time.

The structure of urban life is also likely to be affected by telecommuting. We would expect to see fewer cars on the road during peak hours and, eventually, a smaller concentration of offices in cities' central business districts. In short, people will have less reason to travel to city centres from outlying areas. As more people work and live in the same location, shops and cultural events will likely relocate themselves out of the city centre. In sum, telecommuting will serve not only to change the way we work but also the way we live.