The name Shakespeare is world famous. It is not something alien to earthlings. He was a king who ruled the literature world. His works are genuine and one of a kind. We hear our parents say – be a doctor, be an engineer and such.

But if you can't be one of them, try something different, be another Shakespeare. That idea is definitely worth thinking over. It may seem ridiculous, but interesting. For those who are talented in literature, it's a good piece of advice. Becoming Shakespeare isn't hard. After all, he was a human being. When you read his works, you find the key. That is, his imagination.

So, expand you mind, think critically and translate your thoughts into simple words. It isn't necessary to use deep words. Shakespeare used them but, he became popular not because of deep words. But his words touched the reader's heart.

Be the influence for your own work, be the thoughts, live in your imagination, create art and be a Shakespeare!

A school trip

By Aysha Farook (Grade 3), OKI International School, Kotikawatte

Our school organised to take us on an excursion. They wanted to take us to Water World to learn and see the many different kinds of fish.

On the day of the trip, my brother and I woke up early in the morning. My parents packed us some food and drinks. Later, my father dropped us at school. Around 8.30 in the morning we started our trip. We went in two buses.

When we reached Water World, I was very excited. We saw many fish, such as dogfish, catfish, batfish, and even a zebrafish. In a pool of water we even saw an octopus. Our teachers were explaining about each fish.

Then we took a break. After that we went to see the bird park. Here we saw many different kinds of birds. After that we all got in the buses and made our way back to school. We were all tired but we all sang songs on the way.

When we came to school, my father was there to pick us. My brother and I both enjoyed the trip very much. This trip helped me to learn a lot about fish and birds and it helped me to understand my Science
subject about the living world, better.

My ambition in life

By Lemuel Elanovan (8 years), Lyceum International School

My ambition in life is to be a space engineer. I like it because I want to be the next man on the moon and it is interesting. We live on Earth, the only planet that supports life. The biggest planet is Jupiter. Saturn is the second biggest planet. The Earth's distance form the Sun is 150 million km. There are nine planets that revolve around the Sun.

When you or I go to the moon, we have to wear oxygen masks. Planet Jupiter has 13 smaller moons as well as four bigger moons.

I love my ambition very much.

How I spent my holidays

By Dhanaja Weerasekera (Grade 3), Musaeus College

I went to Kandalama with my family. On our way, we visited Sigiriya and Dambulla. We climbed Sigiriya Rock and saw the frescoes. At Kandalama we went to see Eco-park. We went on a boat ride and in an air balloon. My sister and I went on horse and elephant rides too.

I really enjoyed the swim in the swimming pool. I really liked my holiday very much. I would like to go again and again and again.

Money

By Shanmuraja Thanusheak (Grade 1), Harrow International College

Money is so valuable. We save money in the bank. Without money we cannot live. There are some countries that use dollars. There are special cards with which we can take money. In Sri Lanka there are rupees.

We shouldn't waste money. Humans want money to live. Money is very useful to everyone.

Nuwara Eliya

By Pavitra Pandithagedare (11 years), Colombo International School – Kandy

I went to Nuwara Eliya during my school holidays. We started our journey at 6 in the morning. After reaching there, we took some photos of the beautiful waterfalls. There were huge tea estates and we bought fresh vegetables that they plant in Nuwara Eliya.

I was disappointed to see mountains without trees. My father told me if people are going to cut trees, we won't have cool and clean air to breathe, our water cycle will stop, we won't have food and people will have to face drought. We walked to the hotel and had lunch.

We played near the fire where it made us warm after walking in the cold street. It was six o'clock and we left the hotel and returned home. It was an enjoyable trip for me.

Importance of learning English

By Sandamali Paranagama (14 years), Kalutara B.N.S.

English is the most powerful language in the world today. Also it is the most important international language. It is also the key to success.

"English can be regarded as the window to the world." This idea was expressed by the first Prime Minister of India, the late Jawaharlal Nehru.

Today nearly two-thirds of the world population use English language. It is considered the international language, trade language, communication language, link language and as the language of everyday.
Today the world is highly advanced in Science and Technology. Also the whole world has become a global village through modern methods of communication. But we can't get a good knowledge by using these methods if we haven't a good knowledge of English.

The higher education of international standard is based on English. Also the majority of books are
written in English. Today, the ability to speak and write in English is a must for job opportunities.
To develop our economy we should use English because the international trade language is English. Also it is the way to foreign employment.

Therefore we should understand the importance of English and take immediate steps to improve our English knowledge. But if we are not familiar with English, we can live as frogs in the well everyday.

Archaeological sites in Sri Lanka

By Wishmin Chamanga (Grade 8), Ceylinco Sussex College, Kurunegala

My country is a very beautiful country that tourists visit. The archaeological sites attract most of these tourists. The ancient cities which are in ruins today had been the capitals of ancient kings.

Archaeological cities like Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Panduwasnuwara and Yapahuwa have many ruins. Archaeologists believe that these ruins may be the ruins of palaces of ancient kings.

My country has a heritage of over 2,000 years. These cities had been very popular in the olden days. Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura had been the most popular among them, because many kings had lived and ruled in these cities. The other importance is these cities were rich in natural resources, which added more beauty.

Therefore it is our paramount duty to safeguard these valuable sites and resources for our future generations.

My best friend

By Pasindu Bandara (Grade 2), Dharmaraja College, Kandy

He is in Trinity College in Kandy. He likes dogs and rabbits. He is seven years old. His name is Isuru. He's my best friend.