In class, we talked extensively about how prepositions often occur in combination with certain nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Bring a print out of the poem to class and underline the prepositional phrases that you used. Be creative and have fun!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Prompt #5 - Prepositional Phrases Poem
In class, we talked extensively about how prepositions often occur in combination with certain nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Bring a print out of the poem to class and underline the prepositional phrases that you used. Be creative and have fun!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Prompt #4 - Music as a Catalyst for Change
1. Post a song on your blog that you feel had an impact or inspired people to action or feeling. The impact can be personal, as long as the song resonated with you in some way.
2. Then, post your interpretation of the song and why it is important to you using at least 3 words from the Academic Word List we went over in class (such as: theme, commentary, implicit, interpret, ideological, and vehicle.) Indicate the words in bold or by underlining them.
3. Comment on three other people's blogs. I encourage you to explore everyone's songs, however, because I am sure they are going to be inspiring to experience and share! You may also post more than one song on your blog. Here is one of my favorite songs. The lyrics are taken from a famous essay — written in 1997 by Mary Schmich, a columnist with the Chicago Tribune. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Prompt: The Secrets of Body Language
By Wednesday, please respond to one of the following two prompts in regards to the article we read in class:
1. The author states people communicate a lot of information through nonverbal
cues, cues that are often described as unconscious phenomena. However, some people say, “improve your body language if you want to improve your social life and relationships.” They believe that in order to obtain your goals, you should consciously change your body language to suit certain situations, no matter how you truly feel. Do you agree or disagree? Please give reasons and examples to support your opinion.
2. Identify a common gesture or body expression in your culture. In what ways is it different or similar to body language typical to another culture? Compare and contrast the differences between one aspect of body language in your culture and American culture, using examples and personal experiences.
1. The author states people communicate a lot of information through nonverbal
cues, cues that are often described as unconscious phenomena. However, some people say, “improve your body language if you want to improve your social life and relationships.” They believe that in order to obtain your goals, you should consciously change your body language to suit certain situations, no matter how you truly feel. Do you agree or disagree? Please give reasons and examples to support your opinion.
2. Identify a common gesture or body expression in your culture. In what ways is it different or similar to body language typical to another culture? Compare and contrast the differences between one aspect of body language in your culture and American culture, using examples and personal experiences.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Short Composition: Interpreting Quotations & Proverbs
For the next short composition, you will write about a proverb or quotation. You will interpret its meaning, and then give your personal opinion about it (developing your opinion with points and specific, supporting details.)
The composition should have two main parts:
1. The first paragraph interprets the meaning of the quotation/proverb. For example, beginning with "The saying 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' (St. Ambrose) means that wherever a person goes, he should follow the habits of the people who live there. Often this is true, but there are exceptions..."
2. The body of your short composition gives a response that explains/supports your opinion. The body should contain a personal story that supports your interpretation -- and should be organized as one extended example (narration), which includes parallel points and supporting reasons. (For example, "When I came to this country, I didn't know much about U.S. customs. I did know one custom though. I knew that Americans keep their shoes on in the house. One day, when I was invited to the house of my father's American friend I had an embarrassing moment..."
Please underline your articles after you have finished typing the composition and edit for the correct use of articles. A composition that works with quotations and proverbs is a great way to practice the use of articles with abstract nouns (such as love, time, war, and peace.) The quotation itself should be the title of your post. Please also include an image with your composition that illustrates your interpretation.
The composition should have two main parts:
1. The first paragraph interprets the meaning of the quotation/proverb. For example, beginning with "The saying 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' (St. Ambrose) means that wherever a person goes, he should follow the habits of the people who live there. Often this is true, but there are exceptions..."
2. The body of your short composition gives a response that explains/supports your opinion. The body should contain a personal story that supports your interpretation -- and should be organized as one extended example (narration), which includes parallel points and supporting reasons. (For example, "When I came to this country, I didn't know much about U.S. customs. I did know one custom though. I knew that Americans keep their shoes on in the house. One day, when I was invited to the house of my father's American friend I had an embarrassing moment..."
Please underline your articles after you have finished typing the composition and edit for the correct use of articles. A composition that works with quotations and proverbs is a great way to practice the use of articles with abstract nouns (such as love, time, war, and peace.) The quotation itself should be the title of your post. Please also include an image with your composition that illustrates your interpretation.
Online Writing Labs to Explore
The Kent State Online Writing Lab: http://dept.kent.edu/english/eslowl/ In addition to the Purdue Online Writing Lab we explored in class, the Kent State University ESL OWL offers a number of resources for English help.
http://www.dianehacker.com/writersref Diana Hacker's website also has many helpful writing and grammar exercises.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Prompt #2 -- Aristotle: A Definition of Justice
Please choose from one of the following topics:
1. Aristotle says that when people argue about justice they usually are "speaking of a limited and partial justice." What does this mean? What examples do you see in his discussions of justice that back him up? Why is it so difficult to talk about justice in the larger sense of the word rather than to discuss a limited aspect of justice? For example, people talk about taxing the rich very heavily to help the poor as a form of justice. How would Aristotle regard that choice?
2. At the end of paragraph 1, Aristotle refers to a philosopher named Lycophron and reminds us that even though states can create "just laws," the laws will not make the "citizens good and just." How true is that of our own time and place? What examples can you think of that illustrate how difficult it is for the nation to use laws to help make its citizens good and just? Is there any relationship between "just laws" and "just citizens"?
2. At the end of paragraph 1, Aristotle refers to a philosopher named Lycophron and reminds us that even though states can create "just laws," the laws will not make the "citizens good and just." How true is that of our own time and place? What examples can you think of that illustrate how difficult it is for the nation to use laws to help make its citizens good and just? Is there any relationship between "just laws" and "just citizens"?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Free Non-Fiction Audio Books
Go to this page to download non-fiction audiobooks in English in a variety of different formats (mp3, iPod, etc.) This website has an excellent collection of titles, including Walden by Henry David Thoreau, Dream Pyschology by Sigmund Freud, The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, and Politics by Aristotle! Audiobooks are a great way to improve your fluency.
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