The Galápagos Islands, part of the Republic of Ecuador, are an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean surrounding the centre of the Western Hemisphere, 906 kilometres (563 miles) west of continental Ecuador. The islands are known for their large number of endemic species and were studied by Charles Darwin during the second voyage of HMS Beagle. His observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin’s theory of evolution by means of natural selection.

Dear Ellie,

How have you been? I hope you still remember Dan. The other day, as I was visiting the supermarket, I ran into him and he told me that you were pursuing engineering at university. Jeez! I never thought you were that smart! Just kidding! I am really happy for you. I was really keen on taking up the course myself, so I thought it would be a great idea to ask you about it.

First, I would like to know whether you like the course. Dan said that you are in McGill. I’ve heard about it. Do you think the curriculum is up-to-date? Would it equip us well to deal with the developments and advancements in the field of engineering? I want to be well-versed with every technical aspect of the profession so that I can perform well whenI start working. Would this course ensure that?

I would also like to know how the project work is carried out. Does the project need to be based within our city? Are there opportunities for international exchange with other countries? I would love to travel a bit and explore opportunities in other countries as well. I hope I could do so through some exchange program! I’ve heard the exposure and experience are amazing. I would also like to know if I need to know a foreign language for it.

I also want to know about the hostel accommodation. How has your experience been at the hostel? I’m sure it’s enjoyable, but do we have all basic amenities available? Also, do we have access to library and other facilities available for students?

I know I have bombarded you with a lot of questions, but I do hope you find the time and patience to answer all of them. I can search for all this online, but I think getting this information from someone who has been experiencing it first hand is much better. I’m really counting on you to help me out with this. Thanks a ton!

Warm regards,

Jonathan

A. The orca (Orcinus orca), often called the killer whale, is actually the largest member of the dolphin family. Orcas are highly social animals that live in stable, family-related groups called pods. Their distinctive black-and-white colouring and large dorsal fins make them easy to spot and identify. As a result of increased water pollution, especially from toxic chemicals, they are listed as threatened under the Species at Risk Act.

B. The average weight of an Ocra whale is 4 to 5 tonnes and measures between 7 to 9 metres. The lifespan for a male in the wild is 17 years and for females it’s 29 years. They are found in colder regions of all of Canada’s oceans, as well as occasionally in Hudson Bay and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In British Columbia, they have been seen throughout almost all marine areas, including many inlets and narrow channels.

C. Throughout their worldwide range, killer whales eat a wide variety of prey, including squid, fish, sea turtles, seabirds, sea and river otters, sea lions, penguins, dolphins and other large cetaceans, such as blue whales. Northern and southern resident killer whales, however, eat mainly fish. The preferred prey of the offshore population of killer whales is not known, but it is likely fish as well. Transient killer whales eat mainly other marine mammals. However, because they tend to spend time in water less than five metres deep, often foraging in intertidal areas at high tide, transient whales have been known occasionally to eat animals such as deer, moose and pigs

D. Killer whales communicate with each other through a complex variety of whistles, squeaks and whines produced in special air-filled nasal sacs well below the blowhole. The sounds vary from pod to pod, with each group having its own unique dialect. Killer whales can recognize their own pods easily from several miles away based on distinctive songs. Researchers have shown that the more similar the dialects between two pods, the closer they are related. Pods of whales with similar dialects are called clans.

E. Not given in any of the above paragraphs.

According to a famous saying, ’The limits of my language are the limits of my world.’ Indeed, the ability to speak several languages is considered one of the hallmarks of a cultured person. From this perspective, foreign language instruction should begin as early as possible in order to achieve near-native fluency. The reasons behind this approach are intellectual, social and professional.

Intellectually, learning a foreign language at a young age enables children to develop their brains. At this age, children’s minds are like sponges and their capacities are limitless. They have less inhibition or biases against learning different subjects. They can learn one, two or three languages without confusion; it would only serve to expand their minds. Therefore, it is ideal to start teaching a foreign language in kindergarten. Famous Child Education and Development researcher and professor, Charles Lauren is of the opinion that children who are encouraged to learn more than one language at a young age show definite signs of increased intellectual ability in their teenage.

Child psychologist Erin Smith notes that, ’Socially, learning a foreign language enables the young child to enter a wider cultural world. By learning to speak, think and understand a different language, the child develops greater cross-cultural awareness. This critical ability enables the child to make friends with, identify with and empathize with others who speak the additional language.’

Leading HR firm Right Jobs in a workshop observed that, Professionally, by learning a foreign language in kindergarten, the child expands his/her future career horizons. In today’s increasingly globalized world, bilingual and multilingual individuals are in high demand.’ Therefore, a child who achieves this fluency naturally and easily at a young age already has an edge over others in the job market.

To summarize, numerous benefits flow from teaching a foreign language from kindergarten. Governments and agencies all across the globe are involved in the endeavour of making provisions for acquainting children with more languages from a young stage. This also means increased possibility of employment for language teachers and trainers around the world. The child, who has benefited under such a productive language learning environment, will most likely grow up to thank those who made such a learning experience possible.