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!