Moths Attracted to the Light in Gas Station Bathrooms
Jesus Christ inspired me, stare dead-eyed, cool, un-broken,
at vermin scurrying away from Golgotha,
then days later he was back to say “so long for now, kiddo”
as if Elvis in ’68 had been beaten to the post,
Colonel Steve Austin half-frozen escaping that freezer in ’74
that stunk of death and twisted rural hobbies,
warm as Jesus when he reached flat and sun-shadowed ground
in an epiphany that the mountain wasn’t coming to me, nor those steel-wrought cheque books,
not even those blood-lipped assassins I’d been lying awake thinking of had a dirty weekend
to concoct some 1940s shakedown,
in that final quarter of that December ballgame
across a set of lips so frozen I’d been sworn to steel’s most coldest silence,
even within this scurrying swoosh of frost those who’d shown me how to dream
spoke gently – slow down, take it in, this is the eternal –
no moth who worshipped a gas-station bathroom light means me any harm,
I watch them fly away, sunshine is their religion. Maybe we can teach each other how to pray.
Connemara : 1986
County Galway, it’s raining,
and the music doesn’t ask me for my song,
aching slender sonnets
on its mossy alphabets,
roadside, roadless,
the broken heart of the used-up railway line
asking me to me make it a poet. I swear to Jesus I will;
the internal organs of Autumn
speak watery creoles of their missing bones
The Sun Doesn’t Need to Set, It Hardly Moved a Muscle All Day
Out at the sandbanks
water doesn’t learn which way goes east, which ways make men violent;
we’re sailors; dumb and laugh-bleached dirty-garments stretched to our skin’s best instincts of fighting, rich and poor, no money, cash strangled in a bag of cats
superseded by a crippling map;
Tuesday-town owns nowhere, the moon reverses to our oceans
to calm its smoke, not too late for prevent a fire, too late
to drown secrets – look at a diagram the seashells left in the sand –
no, no-one can;
the sand has drowned – the seashells
are a wino’s roller coaster
of broken teeth, tremendous and bitter
A Poem Written on August 1st, 2024
Without thinking, I knelt in the grass, like someone meaning to pray
Louise Glück
In a bedroom, strange, though not foreign,
houndstooth eyes
gamble money-cash
as a witness points at a frightened light.
I think I hated someone this morning.
There’s time to reach a 24 hour confession-box
as hour 25 is swallowed by a snake,
cold sand and diamond tanning itself on a cactus tree’s wild language.
Every strand of cotton hanging to everyone’s nail
comes from somewhere belongs somewhere, comes from somewhere belongs somewhere.
Heligoland’s dark and speaks of a winter’s stolen grace,
everything’s whittled down to a glass firmament on a simple rib.
The sea feels it, existing as glass and light
between its nude after dark dreams,
people descend upon it with their foam-lip animals
and their relics of express trains and their silly stomachs jangling in food.
To experience an unwitting baptism,
the police patrol the ancient sands, this cannot be Egypt, we have fled knowledge,
reason, early vestiges of pornography
or false gods levitating in flame.
Everything is simple and lost to math, china-plate toes an emperor of sand.
Light cascading until nothing, light cascading until nothing, light cascading until nothing.
• A1~B2 grammar topics • Reading practice • Listening practice • New words and using them in sentences • Discipline and plan • Writing practice • Reading practice
1. Consistently learn grammar and use this knowledge to form sentences and practice them. 2. Read articles and books. 3. Listen to podcasts, TED talks. 4. Write texts and essays to express your thoughts. 5. Write formal articles such as emails and applications.
6. Watch Turkish movies (with subtitles, especially at the beginning). 7. Write down unfamiliar words from movies in a notebook and repeat them along with the actors. 8. Choose a specific actor from a movie and imitate them, also learning their speech and emotions.
9. Whenever possible, watch newly released films; it is not recommended to watch old, historical movies. 10. I recommend the following 3 movies: • Aşk Taktikleri 2 (Love Tactics 2) – Romantic Comedy • Sen Büyümeye Bak (You Look at Your Growth) – Drama • Bursa Bülbülü (Bursa Nightingale) – Musical Comedy
Learning Turkish in three months is a huge goal, but it can be achieved with determination! Live with the language every day: watch films, listen to music, and podcasts. Dedicate at least two or three hours daily; consistency is very important. Focus on basic grammar and everyday words. Don’t be afraid to speak; learn from your mistakes. Find language exchange partners. With perseverance and practice, you will certainly succeed! You can do it!
I am Muhammadjonova O’g’iloy Bunyodbekov qizi. I was born on September 11, 2010, in Qo’rg’ontepa district, Andijan region. I am a 9th-grade student at the 5th Specialized School.
Every nation has a heart. As long as that heart beats, the nation lives, awakens, and endures.
For the people of Uzbekistan, that heart is our national values.
Values unite the people, bring them back to their roots, and awaken pride and love in their hearts.
In today’s rapidly changing world, preserving and remaining faithful to national values means safeguarding spiritual independence.
National values embody a people’s history, language, religion, customs, beliefs, and way of life.
Main Part
National values are the spiritual roots of a nation.
Just as a tree cannot survive without roots, a person cannot live without values.
The values of the Uzbek people have endured through centuries and never disappeared.
In every era and generation, they have acquired new meanings and served as a mirror of our nation’s spirit.
From ancient times, our people have lived by the belief:
“The homeland is sacred, parents are dear, and the guest is a blessing.”
Traditions such as weddings, holidays, hashar (community work), Navruz, and Ramadan all teach kindness, compassion, and respect for one another.
These customs reflect our people’s moral world, dignity, and love.
National values are not just historical heritage — they are a living part of our everyday lives.
For example, greeting our parents every morning, beginning a meal with bismillah, and treating guests with honor — these simple acts represent the living expression of our culture, formed over centuries.
In the era of globalization, some young people are influenced by foreign cultures and tend to forget their own values.
However, modernity must never contradict national identity.
True progress is achieved by relying on one’s national values while striving for innovation.
As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated:
“National values are the soul of the people, and preserving them is our sacred duty.”
Indeed, our people’s hospitality, patience, tolerance, respect for women, and trust in youth all express our national pride.
National values are also vividly reflected in folk art:
love in our fairy tales, bravery in our epics, and life lessons in our proverbs.
Sayings such as “He who is one with his people will be honored by them” and “Serve your people as you would honor your father” have long called our nation to unity.
Today, national values play a vital role in the education of youth.
Because today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, scholars, teachers, and farmers — the future of the country.
If they know and cherish their national values, they will never fall under alien influences.
They will be proud of their land, language, and flag, and see service to their motherland as their sacred duty.
Therefore, every educational institution and family should plant the seeds of values in young hearts.
National values unite and strengthen a nation — they are the spiritual chain that binds generations together.
By preserving and harmonizing our values with modern life, we can elevate our nation to new heights.
Each value carries within it our people’s historical memory, dreams, and honor.
The heart of a nation beats within its values.
If that heart stops, the nation loses its identity.
Therefore, we — the youth — must love, protect, and pass down our national values in their purest form to future generations.
National values are not only the memory of the past — they are the pride of today and the foundation of tomorrow.
As long as they live, our nation’s heart will continue to beat — strong, proud, and eternal.
Ruzimbayeva Quvonchoy Jamoladdin qizi was born February 8, 2007, in Urgench District, Khorezm Region, Respublic of Uzbekistan. The participant of the regional subject Olympiad in the 2023-2024 academic year.Currently, a student of Urgench State University.
Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine life without social media. They have become an integral part of our lives: some people use them to stay informed about the news, others to communicate with friends, and some to gain knowledge. Especially among young people, the role of social media is enormous. However, their impact can vary from person to person — for some, they bring benefits, while for others, they become a reason for wasting time.
For me personally, social media brings more benefits. Because I try to use them properly. For example, through the “Ibrat Farzandlari” app, I do various exercises to learn German, English, and other foreign languages. This app helps me improve my vocabulary and make my speech more fluent. In addition, through the “Mutolaa” app, I read new books and stories every day. Such platforms awaken in me a love for reading and an interest in books.
However, unfortunately, not all my peers use social media correctly. Some spend most of their time watching useless or even harmful content. This reduces their attention to studying and negatively affects their mood. Some, on the other hand, become too immersed in the virtual world and gradually distance themselves from real-life relationships. In my opinion, the problem is not in social media itself, but in us, the youth. Because we are the ones who choose how to use them. If we use them to gain knowledge, learn languages, and stay informed about new events, they will be useful.
On the contrary, if we use them to waste time, compare ourselves with others, or follow meaningless posts, they will harm us. Social media, in fact, is a great opportunity for young people to expand their thinking, express themselves, and work on self-improvement. The important thing is to know how to use them in the right way. In conclusion, social media can be both useful and harmful — it depends on how we use them. I believe that every young person should learn to use social media in a way that brings benefit. Because every opportunity gives a real result only when it is used correctly.
O‘rozboyeva Shodiya Shonazar qizi was born on December 21, 2007, in Eshimjiron village, Gurlan district, Khorezm region, Republic of Uzbekistan. She is a first-year student at Urgench Innovative University, Faculty of Philology and Language Teaching: Uzbek Language.
Annotation: The article dissects the moral and social dimensions of responsibilities as portrayed in “O`tgan kunlar” (The Bygone Days) by Abdulla Qodiriy and Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence”. Both authors investigate the clash between duty and social accountability, yet they reflect opposite cultural viewpoint. Through a cross-cultural lens, the article analyses how individual freedom, moral imperative, and social duty intersects within diverse historical, cultural, and philosophical circumstance- early 20th century Uzbek realism and British modernism. Qodiriy`s novel demonstrate the significance of duty as ethical and cultural necessity, while novel by Maugham demonstrates it as a personal challenge against social etiquette. The comparative analysis can spotlight how literature could unveil the balance between duty and collective responsibility.
Keywords: obligation, social responsibility, personal duty, Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tgan kunlar’’ (The Bygone Days), Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence”, Otabek and Charles Strickland, moral imperative.
Moral duty, responsibility have been becoming central problem for centuries in world literature, philosophy, and ethics. Every society requests its members to respect and obey laws, moral norms and traditions while maintaining their individuality. Literature can demonstrate how people can keep balance between personal goals and societal responsibility. Social obligations are interpreted with atmosphere in express time and exact region. Accordingly, period and zone can reveal essence of works. In the light of common occasion, they are diverse. There are dissimilar visions towards collective responsibility in everywhere. Thereby, there are authors, who utilize different way so as to show them. In particular, Abdulla Qodiriy and Somerset Maugham conquer in history of world literature. Through their novels “O`tgan kunlar” (1926) and “The Moon and Sixpence” (1919), they investigate relevance of the individual and society with their own historical and cultural lenses. Nonetheless, both of them strive to present underlying assumption of moral and collective responsibility.
Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tgan kunlar” (The Bygone Days) is not only the first historical novel in Uzbek literature but also profound contemplation on moral duty and communal justice. It includes social and ethical changes occurring in Central Asia during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In fact, the story of Otabek and Kumush is not purely tale of love and tragedy. Author highlights deep reflection on the responsibilities of the individual to family, nation, and community by means of the story of Otabek and Kumush.
Conversely, Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence” explores the reverse extreme of this moral equation: the personal duty to self and art rather than to society. Charles Strickland abandons his family, profession, and ethical duty an account of his pursuit for artistic truth. In this novel, the individual tries to escape social responsibility or decline society itself is a type of moral stance.
Albeit the tension between West and East literature, both of them strive to demonstrate individual qualities in exact times. In addition, both writers unveil that universal freedom destitute of moral duty leads to spiritual loss, whereas authentic implementation emerge when human action align with virtuous function.
Literature review:
Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tgan kunlar’’ (The Bygone Days) and Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence’’ can facilitate to distinguish literature, traditional notion to society of West and East.
Conflict of social obligation and personal aspiration
In Maugham`s novel, personage not only repudiates social responsibility but he also disassociates himself from society: “I do not care what people think. I want to live in my own”.
Individuals and society, social duty
The individual is connected to society, who can see their life with social progress: “El-yurt tinchligi – har birimizning burchimiz’’ (Peace of our homeland is duty of each of us).
Impact of social environment
Collective circumstance has impact on human conduct. In Maugham`s novel, society could carry weight with personages` preference.
National outlook
Writings substantiate historical moment and viewpoint, culture in certain period, which can evolve national environment.
A lot of theoretical resources are analysed during studying theme. Articles and writings about duty and social responsibility in both novels are paid prime attention.
In Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tgan kunlar” (The Bygone Days), East culture and social duty are demonstrated with real examples.
Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence” shows conflict between social responsibility and personal ambition.
A. Khan “Comparative Literature: East and West’’ can confirm diverse and similar feature in literature of West and East about social obligation and duty.
An analysis of Ethical Dilemma in “The Moon and Sixpence” by Xinyi Yang (2022)- analyze social environment, conflict between society and individualism.
Research Methodology
In this study, an interdisciplinary methodology combines comparative literary with interpretative cultural analysis. The investigation seeks to analyze how the concept of social obligation evolves in two diverse literary and ideological environments- the Uzbek classical realism of Abdulla Qodiriy and the modern ethical contemplations of Somerset Maugham.
Research Design
The research design is relative and analytical, which could interpret how two literary system illustrate moral obligations of individuals to their society. Furthermore, it is utilized for determining connection of authors social backgrounds and their fictional representations.
Research Approach
The analysis adopts a hermeneutic and thematic approach, spotlighting the exposition of meaning within texts rather than mere illustration. Through this lens, both novels are dissected as reflection of consciousness and societal identity.
Data Analysis
Information was investigated utilizing a qualitative content analysis model supported by comparative thematic mapping. Each novel was coded for moral standards, depictions of responsibility, and portrayals of social duty. The findings were then cross- compared to demonstrate shared moral aspects and divergent worldviews.
Restrictions
The research is confined to two literature and does not take into account the full compass of either author`s oeuvre. The study concentrates on moral and social themes, eliminating linguistic and stylistic dimensions.
Analysis / Results
The comparative analysis of Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence” and Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tkan kunlar” (Bygone days) shows distinct yet convergent tactics to the concept of duty and responsibility to society. In both novels, the protagonists- Charles Strickland and Otabek- personify a conflict between personal perfection and general assumption. Maugham`s narrative questions the limits of social obligation when confronted by an artist`s inexorable pursuit of individuality. Strickland`s refusal of familial and collective norms reveals the fragility of moral imperative when human aspiration transforms into passion. Contrary, Qodiriy depicts Otabek as a man whose sense of social duty becomes a moral compass guiding him through the turbulent changes of early modern Uzbek civilization.
In “O`tkan kunlar”, social responsibility betrays trough loyalty, honesty, and care for one`s public. Otabek`s nature exposes that correct progress demands harmony between personal ambitions and social well-being. Meanwhile, Maugham`s Strickland explicates the opposite extreme: the annihilation of obligation in the pursuit of self- expression.
The results of the analysis represents that both authors formulate their protogonists as vehicles of ethical inquiry. Through conflicting resolutions, Maugham and Qodiriy cross-examine the connection between self and society, concluding that moral responsibility is neither merely individual nor purely communal but a dynamic interaction between two. The comparative reading also focuses on cultural differences: Maugham`s Western individualism contrasts with Qodiriy`s Eastern ethical collectivism. Nonetheless, both converge in portraying moral duty as a decisive foundation of human dignity and social harmony.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The comparison of Somerset Maugham`s “The Moon and Sixpence” and Abdulla Qodiriy`s “O`tkan kunlar” exposes how both writer`s balance between personal aspirations and duty to society. The findings of research demonstrate that both authors, in spite of cultural and temporal differences, engage with a universal moral question: how far should an individual`s pursuit of self- fulfillment extend before it contrasts with social duty? Maugham `s Strickland symbolizes the risk of egocentric freedom that neglects human responsibility, while Qodiriy`s Otabek denotes the harmony of moral imperative and personal belief.
The study contributes to a comprehensive grasping of how literary art can serve as a mirror displaying society`s moral dilemmas. By examining these two novels together, the article reflects that tension between individuality and duty is not confined to one culture or era but endures a recurring theme in evolution of human values.
Recommendations
1. Future comparative analysis should investigate how Eastern and Western authors interpret moral obligation and civic duty within various cultural frameworks.
2. University curricula could incorporate comparative literary ethics as a field of acquire to toughen students` understanding of collective and moral interdependence.
3. Interdisciplinary research integrating literature, sociology, and philosophy can deepen insight into moral dimensions of artistic individuality and populace principles.
References
1. Abdulla Qodiriy. “O`tkan kunlar” (Bygone days). Toshkent: Gafur Ghulam Publishing House of literature and Art 2019.
2. A. Khan. “Comparative Literature: East and West”. Oxford university Press 2016.
3. J. Brown. “Freedom and individuality in Western Literature”. Cambridge university Press 2017.
4. Somerset Maugham. “The Moon and Sixpence”. London: Heineman, 1919.
5. Xinyi Yang. “An analysis of Ethical Dilemma in “The Moon and Sixpence” 2
Abstract This article analyzes the main methods of developing writing skills in English. Written speech is one of the key elements in language learning and includes grammar, style, coherence, and clarity of expression. The article provides several recommendations for improving writing skills. These recommendations, presented with an analytical approach, may be useful for learners, students, language enthusiasts, and teachers.
Keywords: written speech, English language, writing skills, grammar, practical writing, editing, knowledge enhancement, basic methods.
Introduction Nowadays, as the ability to communicate fluently in English becomes increasingly important, so does the ability to express oneself correctly and clearly in written form. Writing skills have become an essential need for students, researchers, learners, educators, writers, businesspeople, or anyone who interacts with foreign countries. Below are the most effective recommendations to help improve writing proficiency in English. We know that the first step in writing in any language is mastering grammar, spelling, and punctuation in depth. Every sentence structure is based on this knowledge. In addition, in order to perform writing skills professionally, regular practice is essential. Writing short texts or stories every day, keeping a diary, or writing notes can be a great help.
Reading plays an important role in developing writing skills. A person who reads a lot absorbs writing styles and expressions and develops the ability to distinguish well-written texts. Therefore, to improve writing skills in English, we should read books, various articles, and short stories regularly.
Writing is extremely important in English language teaching. According to [4] McLaughlin, writing is a complex task where learners need to construct interrelated small tasks. On the other hand, in a comprehensive language approach, writing is not based solely on rules but on meaning-making, purpose, and audience. For students and professionals learning English as a second language, writing is one of the most important skills. It is complex because it requires one to reflect their inner world. When writing in English, one must automatically apply the natural grammar of the language. Achieving such a level of proficiency is only possible after being exposed to thousands of well-written sentences. Reading enables the natural acquisition of grammar concepts. As mentioned earlier, the more you read in English—books and articles—the more noticeable your improvement in writing will be. Reading is one of the most effective methods for improving writing skills not only in English but in any language.
In today’s world, most communication is done electronically. However, many exams are still conducted through handwritten responses. That is, as the French writer [6] Voltaire once said, writing is done through “drawing sounds.”
Indeed, effective communication in writing is very important to achieve success in academic domain. Conveying ideas and providing research effectively to readers with clear and coherent writing is vital. One of the most essential skills for a writer is to make writing coherent. Coherent writing aids readers to comprehend complicated ideas and arguments, and eases the construction of rigorous and nuanced discussions, that`s why generating is both persuasive and affecting writing is vital to achieve success in academic writing. However, many struggle in terms of coherence in their writing. Writing they produce suffers from obscure bond among concepts, disorganization, and insufficiency in paragraphs. Readers can get confusion and frustration for these problems and writers find it challenging to express their conception effectively and they potentially decrease the productiveness of their work. However, there are certain ways to be used to settle these problems. This article provides certain techniques to help writers to create writing that is comprehensible and compelling after looking into the research that has been done into it. [8] The following are the advantages of developing writing skills in English:[7]
-systematically learning the grammatical structure of English;
-enabling students to express ideas in written form in English;
-choosing appropriate words for different contexts;
-ensuring language learners work independently;
-enabling students to write letters and essays;
-allowing students to draw conclusions;
-enabling students to write stories;
-encouraging effective use of vocabulary;
-enabling students to make necessary changes to a given text.
It is no secret that nowadays young people are less engaged in writing because they have smartphones and other electronic devices connected to the internet, which provide ready-made texts and instant answers. They tend to spend their valuable time searching for what others have written instead of developing their own writing skills. It is clear that learners with strong writing skills are more successful in expressing their ideas independently and achieving their goals than others. Students and language learners often face difficulties in writing, which stem from various problems. To improve writing skills, they need to learn the following four recommendations:
1. Knowing how to write letters correctly;
2. Writing letter combinations correctly;
3. Writing words without spelling errors and knowing their meanings;
4. Forming sentences using a “mathematical approach.”
By applying these recommendations in practice, our writing skills can significantly improve. We know that many students are currently preparing for international certificates like IELTS, spending months or even years to achieve this goal. Most of them struggle in the writing section of the IELTS exam and face challenges in finding solutions to these problems during their studies. Below are some common problems in the writing section and their solutions:
1. Not fully understanding the task (Task Response):
Many students do not read the question carefully and go off-topic. Especially in Task 2 (essay), they fail to respond directly to the question and lower their overall score. They must read the question attentively, identify keywords, and provide a clear and focused response.
2. Lack of ideas and supporting details (Ideas & Support): Many students state their opinion but do not develop it with examples and explanations. The solution is to support each main idea with at least one explanation and one example, asking themselves “Why?” and “How?” while writing.
3. Paragraph structure issues (Coherence and Cohesion):
When ideas are jumbled and there is no order in the paragraph, it becomes unclear to the reader. Each paragraph should have one main idea. Linking words (e.g., for example, however, in contrast…) should be used appropriately and not excessively.
4. Lexical errors (Lexical Resource):
Simple and repetitive words are often used, such as “good,” “bad,” “big,” “a lot of.” Students should use synonyms, but only if they are sure of the meaning and if the words fit the context.
5. Grammatical errors (Grammatical Range and Accuracy):
Tenses, complex sentence structures, passive voice, and conditionals are either used infrequently or incorrectly. The solution is to practice a variety of grammatical structures and analyze each writing task after completion.
6. The most painful issue in writing for students is time management. Students often mismanage time between Task 1 and Task 2, and especially lack time for Task 2. A writing plan should be prepared beforehand to save time. Task 1 — 20 minutes, Task 2 — 40 minutes.
Conclusion To conclude, always pay attention to spelling when writing. Keep practicing, because otherwise it will be difficult to remember the correct spelling of every word. Developing writing skills in English is not a skill that can be mastered in a day or a week. It requires continuous learning, self-discipline, constant effort, clarity in expressing thoughts, and most importantly, a love for writing. The recommendations listed above serve as a guide. The identified problems and their solutions will help strengthen English writing skills even further.
REFERENCES
[1]. Harmer, J. (2004). How to Teach Writing. Pearson Education Limited.
[2]. Hedge, T. (2005). Writing. Oxford University Press.
[3]. Nation, I. S. P. (2009). Teaching ESL/EFL Reading and Writing. Routledge.
[4]. McLaughlin, B. (1987). Theories of Second Language Learning. Edward Arnold.
[5]. Richards, J. C., & Renandya, W. A. (Eds.). (2002). Methodology in Language Teaching: An Anthology of Current Practice. Cambridge University Press.
[6]. Voltaire. (1752). Aphorisms and Selected Writings.
[7]. Muzaffarova N.M. (2023). Rapid Development of Students’ English Writing Skills, International Scientific Journal “Новости образования: исследование в XXI веке”, No. 9(100), Part 3, pp. 1344–1345.
[8].Eldor E. Rajabov. (2024) ‘The ways to produce coherent writing in
English’, Inter education & global study, (5), pp. 421-428. (In English).
