Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

I wish you all the best in your next steps where ever they may take you.  Please keep in touch to let me know how you're doing, and if there's ever anything I can do for you, please get in touch.  

Please start with this fun riddle.  See if you solve the riddle before you watch the solution. ;)

Can you solve the bridge riddle?

Here are some links to help you keep up your English skills. Remember if you don't use it, you lose it! ;)

Listening:

http://tigger.uic.edu/~onufrock/lecture_main.html

http://www.teachitelt.com/academic?T=1654

http://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_dare_to_disagree

http://ed.ted.com/on/gTGfE82A#review

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/general/sixminute/index.shtml

http://breakingnewsenglish.com/

Speaking:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/webcast/tae_betterspeaking_archive.shtml

http://m.busyteacher.org/18521-10-esl-speaking-mistakes-students-make.html

Grammar:

http://blog.ed.ted.com/2014/05/29/be-a-better-writer-in-15-minutes-4-ted-ed-lessons-on-grammar-and-word-choice/

http://www.englishpage.com/

http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/

http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/word-games/verb-machine

http://blog.britishcouncil.org/tag/blog-awards/

http://efllecturer.blogspot.com.es/2014/06/gerund-or-infinitive.html?m=1

http://talk2meenglish.blogspot.co.il/2014/05/the-present-simple-1-back-to-basics.html?m=1

http://www.engames.eu/nouns-prepositions/

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/678/01/

http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/grammar.htm

Pronunciation:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/quiz/quiz1/

http://evaeaston.com/

http://soundsofspeech.uiowa.edu/english/english.html (consonants)

http://soundsofspeech.uiowa.edu/english/english.html (vowels)

Test Preparation:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1143_exams/

http://www.ieltspractice.com/

http://ielts-simon.com/

http://www.dcielts.com/

http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/free-practice-tests

https://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare/test_questions

http://www.examenglish.com/TOEFL/toefl_listening.htm

Vocabulary:

http://www.lextutor.ca/

http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/wordlist/english/academic/

http://www.englishvocabularyexercises.com/AWL/

Mohawk College Writing Centre:

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/studentservices/writing-centre/esl-resources.html

http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/studentservices/writing-centre/helpful-fact-sheets.html

Online Language Tests:

http://clb-osa.ca/home  (The online CLB self-assessment tests listening & reading and gives you a benchmark range.)

http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/researchenterprise/dialang/about (The DIALANG Test tests reading, writing, listening, grammar, & vocab and provides a score using the CEFR [European CLBs; CLB: 8 = approx. CEFR:C1.1/TOEFL: 85/IELTS 6.5)



All the best,
Kim

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

I know it doesn't really feel like Spring yet, but it's officially here.  Hooray!  This afternoon, you'll be working on a couple of activities.  First, I'd like you to begin with some sentence stress exercise.  I'll give you the handout and the links for the audio files are here:

Pronunciation: Sentence Rhythm, pp. 221-222

Example #1

Example #2

Example #3

Activity A

Activity B

Click here to check your answers for Activity B.

Answer Key
On Monday, we talked a little about different kinds of Englishes and how you may hear a variety of different registers when you're listening or interacting with others.  Here's a fun dialogue that shows you difference between careful and relaxed pronunciation.  The subject of the dialogue may be a familiar one for you. ;)  I hope you like it.

Click on the links to listen to the audio files and complete the dialogue between Herman and Zelda.

Unit 24, Part 1: Conversation (p. 78)

Unit 24, Part 1: Comprehension (p. 79)

Unit 24, Part 1: Practice (p. 79)

Unit 24, Part 2: Expansion (pp.79-80)



For those of you celebrating this weekend, Happy Easter! 


Enjoy!

March Break

Just in case you need something to do over the March Break, here's a short story you might enjoy by Amy Tan.  Amy Tan's first language is not English, but she's had quite a successful career using English.  Google her to find out more about her.  


"Mother Tongue"

Have a lovely and relaxing March Break!

Wednesday, March 9th, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

This afternoon, our schedule will be a little different.  I need to leave early to attend a training workshop, so I'll be leaving at 1:55.  Chet will be in the lab until 2:30 as usual, so you can stay if you need more time to complete this afternoon's activities.  

At the end of this unit, we complete debates.  In order to prepare for this, I'd like you complete a few activities this afternoon.  

First, I'd like you to read the handout I've given you (p. 203), and then, complete Exercises A, B, and C on p. 204.  

Here's a a link to the audio files that you will need.

Exercise A

Exercise C

Next, I'd like you to read each of the follow opinions about saving energy.  Then, choose two of the ideas and record yourself speaking for 1-2 minutes supporting the ideas or arguing against them. You can use either Clarity Recorder or Vocaroo to record yourself.  Then, email your recordings to me.  

Here are the opinions:

1. Somebody has to rethink the idea of processing alternative fuels.  The price of corn is going up because it's being used for fuel instead of food.  Factories are processing garbage and turning it into gas. How can these activities be good for us?

2. My proposal is to limit the use of paper or plastic bags by charging ten cents for each one a shopper needs.  A lot of energy is wasted in manufacturing plastic bags. People are too lazy to bring their own bags to the store, and maybe this will force them to be more energy conscious. 

3. I don't think I'll ever buy an electric car.  The savings in gas won't cover the extra cost of the car for a long time.  Besides, they are really small for me, and I wouldn't want to run the risk of being out in the middle of nowhere when battery dies!

4. If we provided a new bicycle to every home in our tow, I truly believe that we could cut down on the number of cars on our streets by 50 % and keep our air cleaner at the same time.  Imagine how much quieter our town would be if everyone used bikes to make short trips to the library or post office. 

Enjoy!

p.s.

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

This afternoon, I'd like you practice your paraphrasing skills.  Last week, you learned about paraphrasing in speaking with Erica when I was sick.  You practiced paraphrasing quotations and statements from the text.  Today, I'd like you to paraphrase what you hear.  

I'd like you to listen to a podcast from the BBC 6 Minute English website.  You can choose any topic that you like. You can listen as many times as you like and/or need, but I' like to hear you paraphrase what you've heard in your own words. 

BBC 6 Minute English

After you've listened to your podcast, please record your oral paraphrase using one of the recording tools on your computer.  Then, email your recording to me.  

Here's a website where you can find some more practice for sentence level stress.  

http://ce.etweb.fju.edu.tw/self_learning/study/advanced_pronunciation/advanced_pronunciation_u5.htm

Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 24th, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

Hope you're not feeling too stressed! ;)  This afternoon, you will be doing a few different things. First, I would like you to write short summaries (one paragraph) for each of the two lectures from this morning using only your notes.  I'm looking for the main ideas and the most important details only.  Don't forget to paraphrase what you've heard into your own words. Use MS Word or a similar program to type your response. 

Second, I'd like you to record a short response to information that you've heard this morning about stress using your notes.  I would like you evaluate the value of the information and the validity of the suggestions and recommendations that you heard for managing stress. Do you agree with everything you've heard? Again, please remember to paraphrase into your own words.  You can use Clarity Recorder or Vocaroo to do this, and then email it to me along with your summaries. 

Here's the rubric that I'll be using to evaluation your work.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0q-rmJSLKcEWFNBblRTRUtGbUU/view?usp=sharing

Finally, if you have any extra time, please listen to the jokes that have been recorded on the Voicethread and give your classmates constructive feedback about the delivery of her joke. 

Enjoy!














p.s. This might have been what you were hoping for today too. Sorry ! :(

Wednesday, February 16th, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

This afternoon, we're going to do some work on the Voicethread and with the second AVL list. The number #1 thing to complete before you leave today is to record your commercial. It's now or never today.  Instead of doing a group recording as I had previously said, I would like you to complete an individual recording.  Each member of your group can use the same script. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQAe1WRCXH0)

Please complete your individual recording and email it to me.  Don't forget to complete the self-assessment portion of the rubric (please include all of the names of your group members) and give it to me before you leave today.  

Next, I'd like you to go to the Voicethread.  Thanks to those of you who have already added comments for the intonation exercises from last week.  I have uploaded Mina's and Katya's recordings of the paragraph.  Please listen to see what I liked about their recordings.  Thanks Mina and Katya for sharing with us! :)  You can try recording yourself again on this slide and compare it to your previous recording. 

I'd like you to do a little more practice with sentence level stress and have a little fun while you do it. I'll give each of you a list of jokes.  You will find all of the instructions on Slide 8 of the Voicethread.

CLB 7/8 Voicethread

Finally, here are some practice exercises for AVL #2.  Click on the link below, and then, you will need to create an account.  Sorry to make you create another account, but this will keep all of our work private.  You will be able to see what you're classmates are doing. 

AVL #2 Practice


Enjoy!

Write It Down!

Wednesday, February 10th, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8, 

This afternoon, you'll be working on a number of listening activities.  I will give you the handout which I collect before you leave today.  

All of the audio files can be found on on the blog. Please do not listen to the podcast more than twice.  You can listen to the other files as many times as you need.

Part 1: Restoring Famous Landmarks Podcast (Listen 2x Max.)

Part 2: Listening Skill Example Sentences

Part 2: A

Part 2: B, #1

Part 2: B, #2

Part 2: B, #3

Part 2: B, #4

Part 2: B, #5

Part 2: B, #6

Part 2: B, #7

Part 2: B, #8


If you finish early, please catch up on the Voicethread exercises from last week if you haven't already completed them, record your intonation paragraph and send it to me if you haven't, and/or work on the spreadsheet for AVL #2.  All of these links can be found in previous blog posts.  

Enjoy!

AVL #2

Here's the link for the AVL #2 Spreadsheet.

AVL #2

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

This afternoon, you'll be working on a couple of tasks.  First, I need to record all of your commercials.  I'm going to use my cell phone for better audio quality.

Next, I'd like you to record yourself reading the paragraph that I gave you on Monday.  Please remember what we talked about and try to use the correct intonation patterns and pauses in the appropriate places.  You can use either clarity recorder or the other recording tool I mentioned on Monday, Vocaroo.com. 

Finally, I'd like you to go to our class Voice Thread.  This is a place where we can interact together as a class.  Our Voice Thread is completely private. Only we can see it which is why you will need to create an account.  Click on the link below and set up your account.  (You don't need to use your whole name or your real name).  

CLB 7/8 Voicethread

After you've set up your account, please practice your intonation.  Chet or I can help you if you have any questions or difficulties. 

Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 27th, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

This afternoon, you'll be working on 2 tasks. First, I would like you to complete a listening quiz for the unit that we've been working on.

Click on the link for the quiz and read the instructions carefully before you begin.  Do not use any dictionaries during the quiz. NOTE: You will need to come back to the blog for the audio after you open the quiz and read the instructions.

Quiz

Here is the audio file that you will need to listen to.  Remember to listen to the audio only two times.  Please use the coloured paper that I've given you to take notes and hand in your notes before you leave.  

Quiz audio file

Once you've completed the quiz, please work on your commercial with your partners.  I would like to record each group using my cell phone for better audio quality.  

After you've recorded your commercial, please complete the 'Self-Assessment' portion of the rubric for your '2 Minute Commercial,' and I will complete the rest of the rubric. Make sure to hand in both your listening notes and speaking rubric before you leave.

Finally, here are the answers for the AVL #1 worksheet. I'm sorry we didn't have time to talk about in class, but please ask if you have questions.

AVL #1 Worksheet

1. We need concrete proof of your accusation before we act on it. (Adj)
2. The approaching storm could bring 20 cm of snow. (Sorry, Jaspreet! L) (Adj)
3. Ivette has an uncontrollable urge to drink coffee every day. (Adj)
4. There’s little demand for winter clothing in Saudi Arabia. (N)
5. Be sure to include enough factual information in your presentation. (Adj)
6. Many newcomers are surprised to discover how cold winters in Canada really are.  (V)
7. What can you infer from the speaker’s tone of voice? (V)
8. Ironically, the car thief crashed into a police car while trying to get away. (Adv)
9. The students in our class are from many different backgrounds. (N)
10. The students were metaphorically over the moon when school was closed because of the snow storm. (Adv)
11. TED-Ed Lessons are an abbreviated version of original TED Talks. (Adj)
12. Which genre of music do you prefer? (N)
13. Some people can be very opinionated. (Adj)
14. English has many illogical and well-established exceptions. (Adj)
15. The students asked for clarification about what to include in their presentations. (N)

Enjoy!

Fact or Opinion Survey

Please complete the survey before class on Wednesday morning.

Click here for the survey

Wednesday, January 20th, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8,

This afternoon, you will be watching some videos and preparing for a group discussion that we will have on Monday, January 25th.  On Monday, I will assign each of you a role in the discussion. Here are the different role and the responsibilities for each of them:

Roles:

·        Group leader

·        Reporter

·        Evaluator

·        Group members

Responsibilities of the Group Leader:

• Introduce the topic and participants
• Get the discussion started
• Encourage all group members to participate
• Provide transitions between each part of the discussion
• End the discussion when the time is up
• Thank the participants for their hard work

Responsibilities of the Evaluator:

• Consider the wider context of the topic
• Consider the genre, audience, date, and purpose of the text
• Prompt a critical discussion of the topic/text among the group members

Responsibilities of the Reporter:

• Take notes during discussion
• Present a summary of the group’s discussion to the rest of the class
• Note who has participated and how they have contributed in the group discussion

Responsibilities of Group Members:

• Interrupt another group member if you have something important to say
• Listen carefully to what the other group members say
• Ask follow-up questions if you would like more information
• Refer to all group members by name
• Make comments about what another group member said
• Be prepared with information about the discussion topic
• Contribute many times during the discussion

Please familiarize yourself with the roles. You will have a turn in each of the roles during the term. 

Now, please watch these two videos and take detailed notes as you will need them for the discussion on Monday. You can watch the videos more than once if you need.  I will also give you a hand out to help you evaluate the videos.  Please remember what we talked about this morning about facts vs. opinions.  

Here are the video links:

Video #1

Video #2

Here's a link to the rubric that I will be using you evaluate you on Monday.  Please note all the things I'll be looking for.  

Discussion Group Rubric

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Monday! Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

Good afternoon CLB 7/8 ,

This afternoon, you will be completing a few different tasks.  First, I would like you record your responses  Part A and Part B from 'Your Pronunciation Profile' which I gave you this morning. Please record yourself reading either Reading 1 or Reading 2.  Then, choose either 1, 2, 3 or a similar topic from Part B and record your response.  You can use Clarity Recorder again for this.  Remember to look for this icon on your computer's desktop. 

Please save your file using this format:

Name_Date_Part A (or B).mp3 (Ex. Kim_13012016_Part A.mp3)

Once you have recorder both Part A and Part B, please complete pp. 5-8 of the handout and return it to me before you leave this afternoon.  I will complete p. 4 and give you some specific feedback about your pronunciation.  

Finally, please work on the spreadsheet for the Academic Vocabulary List #1.  I have already posted the link and something to help you with your vocabulary building called '10 Things Students Need to Know to Really Know a Word (And How a Teacher Can Help Them)' in the blog.  You don't need to finish it today, but you can begin to fill in spreadsheet.   

Enjoy!

Academic Vocabulary List (AVL) #1

Click on the link to find the Google Spreadsheet for AVL #1.  Please complete the chart. Note: that not every word will have synonyms, antonyms, etc. 

AVL #1 Spreadsheet

10 Things Students Need to Know to Really Know a Word (And How a Teacher Can Help Them)

Wednesday, January 6th, 2016

Good afternoon and welcome to my CLB 7/8 blog!  

I'm excited to work with all of you this term on developing your listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills. On the right side of the blog, you'll find some 'Useful links.'  I'll update these when I get to know you a little better, so they reflect your needs. 

This afternoon, I would like to collect a little more information about your skills.  First, I would like you to record a short introduction where you tell a little bit about yourself and your goals (language, professional, academic, etc).  Please only share what you're comfortable with.  On your computer, you will find a program called 'Clarity Recorder.'  The icon looks like this:

Please record yourself and then save your file using this format :

YourName_069012016.mp3 (For example: Kim_06012016.mp3)

If you have any difficulties, I'll be happy to help you.  Once you've saved your file, please email it my Mohawk email account (you will find it on your class schedule).

Next, I'd like you to listen to a podcast and write a one-paragraph summary of the main ideas of what you've heard.  Please type your paragraph and email it to me with the same format (name/date). Don't forget to include the title of the podcast you've chosen.  

Choose any topic that interests you from this website: 

BBC 6 Minute English

Finally, please here's the link that we looked at together this morning.

5 Essential Listening Skills

Enjoy!