Global warming is the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere. It takes place when the levels of carbon dioxide and other toxic pollutants rise. Unfortunately, nowadays the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere shows a rapid increase, not a gradual one.

Large amounts of ice melt each and every day due to global warming in both the North and South Poles. The whole world is affected by it, not one region in particular. Antarctica, in the South Pole, is a colossal land mass with tonnes and tonnes of ice. It is affected by the effect of global warming in countless ways. The massive oil fields in Antarctica are gradually melting day by day and the inhabitants of Antarctica suffer immensely, as the amount of ice reduces and the level of the ocean increases.

Several endangered animals such as polar bears, dolphins, penguins, porpoises, sea lions, walruses and numerous species of whales are also under a huge threat of becoming extinct, due to the effect of global warming in Antarctica.

We must all take steps to reduce global warming, or else we will have to face an awful fate in the future.

My favourite Olympic athlete

9 –11 years

By Naheed Roomy (9 years), Ceylinco Sussex College, Negombo

My favourite Olympic athlete is 22 year old Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. He became the fastest man in the world by winning the 100 metres race with a new world record of 9.69. seconds, at the recently concluded Olympic Games in Beijing, China. He also set new world records in 200 metres and 4 x 100 metres relay at the same Olympics.

Usain Bolt was not so famous until this outstanding performance, as these events were dominated by Americans for many years. This champion athlete became the first Jamaican to win the Olympic 100 metres and 200 metres crown, and finished the race with a big lead over his opponents.

He celebrated his win with the traditional Jamaican dance, which is very attractive and funny at times.
Usain Bolt is my favourite Olympic athlete as the events he participated in are my favourite ones too.

The day I flew a kite

8 years and below

By Sanjana Fernando (8 years), Holy Family Primary B.V., Wennappuwa

Last Saturday was a happy day for me. My uncle made a nice kite for me on this day. It has two colours, blue and green. It took about one hour to make this beautiful kite. I helped my uncle to make it.

After finishing the work he brought a reel of thread. He then tied it to the kite and began to fly it. The kite flew higher and higher. I clapped and laughed. Then he gave it to me and asked to fly it.

Then I started to fly it. The kite began to fly. I was very happy. I shouted and called my mother to come and see it.