I will not take up any more of your time. — я не стану больше отнимать у вас время.

The trip was cancelled because of concerns about safety.

In the first place, watching television will obviously take up our leisure time that can be otherwise spent staying with our friends and family. In fact, the television has provided us with a variety of shows, which can easily catch our eyes. An example is that, a very hot television play will eat much of our free time magically! Many people will admit that the glamour of television is irresistible (irresistible grace — неотразимое изящество)! So, how about talking with our old friends? Let us watch another hot television soap opera instead! Without television, we will obviously have more time to share with friends, namely (а именно, то есть videlicet), playing tennis, swimming, playing football etc. These activities are all good entertainment and improve our physical fitness as well! Do you expect getting in a good shape or having floppy muscles when sitting in front of television?

In the second place, programs on televisions have some negative effects on us in terms of violence, illusion and even brain malfunctions (нарушение работоспособности). People who are infected with long exposure (контакт, соприкосновение) to television will indulge (потворствовать, потакать; баловать) themselves in a world full of illusionary love, violence or even pessimistic views of life. How can those people have good time with their friends or other family members? Without television we will have more chances to realize this world realistically, cherishing people who are loving me, paying more attention to social problems and leading an optimistic life! From this point of view, television seems to be the source of all these tragedies!

He did not agree with indulging children. — Он был против того, чтобы баловать детей.

Admittedly (следует признать, что), television is obviously a tool for us to broaden our horizon and entertain ourselves. And such positive effects of television should not be neglected (пренебрегать, игнорировать). However, it seems to me that the disadvantages brought by television have outweighed its advantages.

Although I cherish my children, I do allow them their independence. — Я очень забочусь о своих детях, но при этом не лишаю их независимости.

All in all, if all the factors are contemplated (рассматривать, обдумывать, собираться), we can easily reach a conclusion that television has destroyed our communication with our friends and family and is not as effective as we might expect. Let us give up tonight's soap opera and pay a visit to our old friends instead.

Topic 9 a small town vs. A big city

I grew up in a small town and then moved to a big city, therefore I have experienced the good and bad sides of both. I never thought that I would like living in a big city, but I was proved wrong. After ten years of living in one, I can't imagine ever living in a small town again.

Small towns and big cities both have some problems in terms of transportation, but in different ways. In a small town, you have to own a car to ensure a comfortable living. You can't get around without one because there isn't any kind of public transportation. Big cities generally have heavy traffic and expensive parking, but then you have a choice of taking public transportation. It's not free, but it's often cheaper than driving when you consider gas and insurance. Especially if you don't have a car, you're better off living in a city.

I love the excitement of big cities. Small towns have a slow pace. Large cities mean you have to adapt to a variety of situations, like finding a new route to work or trying a new restaurant. I enjoy that challenge very much. Another aspect of the excitement of city living is the variety of cultural activities available. There is a wide assortment of theatres, music and dance performances available in big cities. These things are rare in small towns.

The final thing I like about large cities is the diversity of the people. The United States is made up of people of different races, religions, abilities, and interests. However, you seldom find such a variety of people in a small US town. Living in an area where everyone is just like me would quickly make me bored.

Of course, security is a concern, and that's one area where small towns are superior (численно превосходящий; больший) to big cities. Still, I would rather be a bit more cautious and live in a large city than to feel secure but bored in a small town.