The last (and most important!) blog assignment of the semester is to write a 300 word essay titled: The advantages and disadvantages of blogs in the English classroom. You need an introduction, middle and conclusion. If you need further description of how to write an essay go here.
Please have this post done by Nov. 30th!
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Assignment 5: Art
Post a piece of art you like and write an accompanying text of at least 150 words. Include: the artist´s name, why you like the piece of art, when you first saw it, and where you found a copy online.
When you are done, go to a classmate´s blog and post an evaluation of one of their blog entries. List 2 or more strong points and 2 or more weak points, correct their grammar or syntax and comment on their ideas in 150 words or more.
When you are done, go to a classmate´s blog and post an evaluation of one of their blog entries. List 2 or more strong points and 2 or more weak points, correct their grammar or syntax and comment on their ideas in 150 words or more.
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Assignment 4: A Website You Enjoy Visiting
In 150 words or more, write about a website you enjoy visiting. Say how you found this site, and how often you visit it. Explain what you like about the website and add a link to the webpage.
Example: I enjoy reading The New York Times online, and found it via a friend. I visit at least twice a week, and enjoy reading all types of articles. I like the mix of news that is available and the various perspectives covered. This week I found this NYT blog post particularly interesting. The links on the side allow you to procrastinate more effectively, while simultanenously learning about ethics and other things. I hope you enjoy my link!
Example: I enjoy reading The New York Times online, and found it via a friend. I visit at least twice a week, and enjoy reading all types of articles. I like the mix of news that is available and the various perspectives covered. This week I found this NYT blog post particularly interesting. The links on the side allow you to procrastinate more effectively, while simultanenously learning about ethics and other things. I hope you enjoy my link!
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
Assignment 3: Write a Film Review of a Scary Movie
Since tomorrow´s Halloween, today´s blog assignment is to write a 200 word or more film review of a scary movie you have seen in the last year.
Include: the title, the lead characters and what actors play them, the genre and rating, an explanation of the plot, a critique of any artistic or technical elements, and who should see the movie.
Helpful websites: http://www.wordreference.com (the best translation dictionary), http://www.rottentomatoes.com/ (a US film review website)
Include: the title, the lead characters and what actors play them, the genre and rating, an explanation of the plot, a critique of any artistic or technical elements, and who should see the movie.
Helpful websites: http://www.wordreference.com (the best translation dictionary), http://www.rottentomatoes.com/ (a US film review website)
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Assignment 2: Evaluate the Veracity of an Article
Today´s assignment is to evaluate the veracity, or truthfulness and accuracy, of an article in 6 or more sentences. After reading the article, find the author´s claim and state it in a sentence. A claim usually appears at the beginning of an article - put what the author says into your own words. Then examine the evidence the author uses to support the claim. After, evaluate the author´s claim and state whether you think the evidence supports the claim. Finally, suggest a claim that would better fit the author´s evidence.
Example: In the September 5th issue of Tabloid magazine, author Jimmy Cricket states white pants are the only pants to wear this season. To support his claim, Cricket names three popular actors who were seen wearing white pants that week, and describes a Milan runway that showcased white pants. Although Cricket´s evidence shows that rich and famous people find white pants fashionable, it does not prove that other types and colors of pants are unacceptable. His claim would better be stated as, ¨white pants are fashionable for the rich and famous¨.
Example: In the September 5th issue of Tabloid magazine, author Jimmy Cricket states white pants are the only pants to wear this season. To support his claim, Cricket names three popular actors who were seen wearing white pants that week, and describes a Milan runway that showcased white pants. Although Cricket´s evidence shows that rich and famous people find white pants fashionable, it does not prove that other types and colors of pants are unacceptable. His claim would better be stated as, ¨white pants are fashionable for the rich and famous¨.
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Assignment 1: My Fiestas Patrias
Today´s journal question is: How did you spend your fiestas patrias? (answer in 200 words or more)
Include: 1. Who you spent your fiestas patrias with, and their relation to you.
2. Where you spent your time, and what you thought of the place.
3. What you ate, danced, did (or didn`t do).
4. Recommendations for future fiestas patrias.
What´s the difference between ¨do¨and ¨make¨?
1. Explaining the difference: http://www.learnenglish.de/grammar/doormake.htm
2. Examples: http://eleaston.com/pr/verbs-make-do.html
3. Check your understanding: http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ii005/esl-test.php
Include: 1. Who you spent your fiestas patrias with, and their relation to you.
2. Where you spent your time, and what you thought of the place.
3. What you ate, danced, did (or didn`t do).
4. Recommendations for future fiestas patrias.
What´s the difference between ¨do¨and ¨make¨?
1. Explaining the difference: http://www.learnenglish.de/grammar/doormake.htm
2. Examples: http://eleaston.com/pr/verbs-make-do.html
3. Check your understanding: http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ii005/esl-test.php
Monday, 10 September 2007
Welcome back!
Hello my dear Thursday class that now meets on Tuesdays! We'll keep the same blog, despite the date change. To catch up (since we started six weeks late), please complete English Discoveries weeks 1 - 6. Your same name and password will work from last semester. New blog assignments will appear later this week. If you have any problems or questions about English Discoveries, please email me.
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Thursday Checklist
Because of the strike, I´m putting your assignments on my blog so you can do them despite us not having class. Please go to the lab or work from home to complete the following before our last class (June 28, 2007):
1. Post Assignment 5: Summary Writing to your blog. For directions, see the assignment below.
2. English Discoveries weeks 10 & 11
When you are done, finish any assignments from English Discoveries weeks 1 – 7. Then, edit your blog using the following tips:
Blog tips:
1. Write the assignment number and title in the subject line of your blog.
2. Make sure your full name appears on the first page of your blog. You can add it to your settings or profile, or write it in your entries.
3. Spell check all your posts. The icon with ABC and a checkmark is the spell check button on Blogger.
4. Publish everything you have done.
If there is anything you couldn’t finish during this class, finish it before next class! The computer lab is open every day except Sunday and you can work on your blog from home. Email me at kvarlyguina AT gmail DOT com if you have any questions.
1. Post Assignment 5: Summary Writing to your blog. For directions, see the assignment below.
2. English Discoveries weeks 10 & 11
When you are done, finish any assignments from English Discoveries weeks 1 – 7. Then, edit your blog using the following tips:
Blog tips:
1. Write the assignment number and title in the subject line of your blog.
2. Make sure your full name appears on the first page of your blog. You can add it to your settings or profile, or write it in your entries.
3. Spell check all your posts. The icon with ABC and a checkmark is the spell check button on Blogger.
4. Publish everything you have done.
If there is anything you couldn’t finish during this class, finish it before next class! The computer lab is open every day except Sunday and you can work on your blog from home. Email me at kvarlyguina AT gmail DOT com if you have any questions.
Monday, 4 June 2007
Assignment 5: Summary Writing
Today's blog assignment is to write a summary. This is the most important blog post so far, so show your best work!
Directions:
1. Look for a short article connected to your studies (1 - 2 pages). Some places to look: The New York Times or The British Broadcasting Corporation or CNN.
2. Read the article and look up any words you don't know using a dictionary.
3. Make a 100 - 200 word summary of the article. A helpful website for writing summaries is here.
4. You must post to your blog by the end of class today. You can edit your entry later this week, but post your entry instead of just saving it.
Recommendations:
1. Find an article that really interests you.
2. Make sure your post includes the title and author of the original article. If your article is available online, link to the article from your post.
3. Spell check your entry and read it over several times to make sure it says exactly what you want it to say.
Directions:
1. Look for a short article connected to your studies (1 - 2 pages). Some places to look: The New York Times or The British Broadcasting Corporation or CNN.
2. Read the article and look up any words you don't know using a dictionary.
3. Make a 100 - 200 word summary of the article. A helpful website for writing summaries is here.
4. You must post to your blog by the end of class today. You can edit your entry later this week, but post your entry instead of just saving it.
Recommendations:
1. Find an article that really interests you.
2. Make sure your post includes the title and author of the original article. If your article is available online, link to the article from your post.
3. Spell check your entry and read it over several times to make sure it says exactly what you want it to say.
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Assignment 4: Interesting Career-Related Topics
Today´s journal question is: What career-related subject or topic have you been working on or studying this term? It should be something you have liked or found interesting.
Directions:
1. In general terms, describe the subject or topic & what attracted your interest. (100 words or more)
2. Describe what you have done or learned about it so far, and where you learned it. (50 words or more)
3. Explain what else you’d like to know (or do) in connection with the subject or topic. (50 words or more)
4. Find 2-3 websites (in English!) connected to this particular subject or topic, and give a brief description in the post. (50 words)
5. Comment on 2-3 of your classmates´blogs.
Directions:
1. In general terms, describe the subject or topic & what attracted your interest. (100 words or more)
2. Describe what you have done or learned about it so far, and where you learned it. (50 words or more)
3. Explain what else you’d like to know (or do) in connection with the subject or topic. (50 words or more)
4. Find 2-3 websites (in English!) connected to this particular subject or topic, and give a brief description in the post. (50 words)
5. Comment on 2-3 of your classmates´blogs.
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Assignment 3: Your Weekend
Today´s journal question is: What exciting things did you do this past weekend?
After seeing Pablo Neruda´s house, my brother and stepfather decided to play near the rocks by the ocean. My brother put his shoes on a rock and began walking on the sand. Suddenly, a large wave came up and took his shoes away! Everyone began laughing and screaming as he tried to get his shoes out of the water without becoming soaked. Eventually, he got them out, but he was miserable the rest of the day in soggy sneakers.
Here`s a mural of Pablo Neruda and one of his shipheads (the women at the front of ships; he collected them):
Directions:
1. Make a 100 word post, with a couple of photos, telling about your previous weekend.
2. Include any funny stories or exciting adventures you had
3. Visit 2 classmates´blogs and correct the English from their posts by commenting on their blog.
1. Make a 100 word post, with a couple of photos, telling about your previous weekend.
2. Include any funny stories or exciting adventures you had
3. Visit 2 classmates´blogs and correct the English from their posts by commenting on their blog.
Helpful hints: You can find a link to everyone´s blog on the righthand corner of Ksenia´s blog. Please choose to comment and correct someone´s blog that hasn´t been already visited by someone else, so everyone can both comment and be commented on!
Example:
My family is visiting me for ten days. This past weekend we went
to Isla Negra, to see Pablo Neruda´s house. I had been to La Chascona, his house in Santiago, so I expected some unusual and exciting things at his Isla Negra house as well. The tour was informative, but went by too fast - we all had questions to ask our guide, but she had to lead another group.
My family is visiting me for ten days. This past weekend we went
to Isla Negra, to see Pablo Neruda´s house. I had been to La Chascona, his house in Santiago, so I expected some unusual and exciting things at his Isla Negra house as well. The tour was informative, but went by too fast - we all had questions to ask our guide, but she had to lead another group. After seeing Pablo Neruda´s house, my brother and stepfather decided to play near the rocks by the ocean. My brother put his shoes on a rock and began walking on the sand. Suddenly, a large wave came up and took his shoes away! Everyone began laughing and screaming as he tried to get his shoes out of the water without becoming soaked. Eventually, he got them out, but he was miserable the rest of the day in soggy sneakers.
Here`s a mural of Pablo Neruda and one of his shipheads (the women at the front of ships; he collected them):
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Assignment 2: Recommended Websites in my Area
Today´s journal question is: How did you become interested in your area of study? What motivates you to continue learning about your career?
After you´ve answered the journal question in 100 words or more, do the following:
1. Look for useful and interesting websites in English, connected to your area of study.
2. Pick 2 or 3 to share with the class and post the website link addresses in your blog.
3. For each one, explain why you´ve selected it and how it´s useful to your studies.
4. Visit your classmates´posts (everyone is listed on the left hand side of Ksenia´s blog), check their selection of websites, and write 2-3 comments to those students whose websites you´ve found useful and interesting.
Important information about next week:
We´ll be writing about our weekend activities in class next week, so bring some photos on a pen drive to put them in your blog entry.
After you´ve answered the journal question in 100 words or more, do the following:
1. Look for useful and interesting websites in English, connected to your area of study.
2. Pick 2 or 3 to share with the class and post the website link addresses in your blog.
3. For each one, explain why you´ve selected it and how it´s useful to your studies.
4. Visit your classmates´posts (everyone is listed on the left hand side of Ksenia´s blog), check their selection of websites, and write 2-3 comments to those students whose websites you´ve found useful and interesting.
Important information about next week:
We´ll be writing about our weekend activities in class next week, so bring some photos on a pen drive to put them in your blog entry.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Assignment 1: English Song
This week´s journal question is: What is an English song that you like? To answer, follow the directions below.
Directions:
1. Choose a song you´d like to share & post the lyrics.
2. Above the lyrics, introduce the song - write why you´ve chosen that song and what you like about it (50 words or more).
3. After you post the introduction and lyrics, post a link to the song. You can include an audio or video of the song.
Example:
A song I like is José González´s 2005 cover of ¨Heartbeats.¨ The original is by the mysterious Swedish band The Knife. I found out about the song because of a Sony Bravia commercial that used a fragment of the song to sell television sets. I enjoy both versions of ¨Heartbeats¨, but the video for the Sony Bravia is excellent. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! For more information about The Knife, visit this wikipedia article.
one night to be confused
one night to speed up truth
we had a promise made
four hands and then away
both under influence
we had devine scent
to know what to say
mind is a razorblade
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no
one night of magic rush
the start a simple touch
one night to push and scream
and then relief
ten days of perfect tunes
the colors red and blue
we had a promise made
we were in love
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
and you, you knew the hand of the devil
and you, kept us awake with wolfs teeth
sharing different heartbeats
in one night
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
Directions:
1. Choose a song you´d like to share & post the lyrics.
2. Above the lyrics, introduce the song - write why you´ve chosen that song and what you like about it (50 words or more).
3. After you post the introduction and lyrics, post a link to the song. You can include an audio or video of the song.
Example:
A song I like is José González´s 2005 cover of ¨Heartbeats.¨ The original is by the mysterious Swedish band The Knife. I found out about the song because of a Sony Bravia commercial that used a fragment of the song to sell television sets. I enjoy both versions of ¨Heartbeats¨, but the video for the Sony Bravia is excellent. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! For more information about The Knife, visit this wikipedia article.
one night to be confused
one night to speed up truth
we had a promise made
four hands and then away
both under influence
we had devine scent
to know what to say
mind is a razorblade
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no
one night of magic rush
the start a simple touch
one night to push and scream
and then relief
ten days of perfect tunes
the colors red and blue
we had a promise made
we were in love
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
and you, you knew the hand of the devil
and you, kept us awake with wolfs teeth
sharing different heartbeats
in one night
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no
to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Hello
Welcome to my blog. To create your own blog, follow these simple steps:
1. You must have a Gmail account. Once you have one, go to http://www.blogger.com and sign in using your Gmail information.
2. Switch your language preferences to English & save.
3. Click Create Your Blog Now. Name your blog & choose your layout.
4. In New Post, introduce yourself in 100 words or more.
5. In Settings, write a short description of your blog, informing your readers about your interests & career.
Helpful hints: Use spell check. If you need a dictionary, use http://www.wordreference.com to look up words.
1. You must have a Gmail account. Once you have one, go to http://www.blogger.com and sign in using your Gmail information.
2. Switch your language preferences to English & save.
3. Click Create Your Blog Now. Name your blog & choose your layout.
4. In New Post, introduce yourself in 100 words or more.
5. In Settings, write a short description of your blog, informing your readers about your interests & career.
Helpful hints: Use spell check. If you need a dictionary, use http://www.wordreference.com to look up words.
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