Thursday, 24 September 2015

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Image result for autumn images

1. Opinion essay: review the format and process.
Brainstorm, outline, first draft, edit, proofread.

Does gym class help students to perform better in all their classes?

Develop a thesis statement (see previous blog post for info.)

Submit a hard copy.

2. News article: write questions based on the article you were assigned for homework. Begin with questions that are answered in the article, and then pose questions that serve as a springboard for further discussion.

3. Work on AVL list #1 (see Kim's blog).

4. Think about language; how important is your language to you? How would you feel if that language disappeared? What role does language play in life?





Thursday, 17 September 2015

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Good morning. I hope you are enjoying the gorgeous summer weather. Today I would like you to do some writing in the lab. 
Write about an interesting experience you have recently had. Make it come alive for your audience. What kinds of words help you achieve this goal?

Adjectives--appeal to the five senses 
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/adjectives.shtml
Verbs--use powerful verbs
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/wordlist/verbs.shtml

In narrative writing, chronological order is commonly used, but is not mandatory. Think about the writing process as we discussed it in class. Spend time brainstorming. Include vocabulary brainstorming.
Set up a Word document with DS, including a header with your name, class and the date.
You will need to print your draft. Ask the lab assistant how to do this if you do not know.

Thursday, 11 June 2015

Writing Thesis statements



Good morning,

The thesis statement is, to some extent, the most important sentence in your essay. It provides a road map for the reader, making it easy to navigate the ideas in your essay. 

Today I would like you to write thesis statements for as many of the following topics as possible. 

Proofread with care. Ask yourself: "Would I be able to write a well-supported essay based on this thesis statement?"

Create a Word document and submit a hard copy of your work.



TOPICS:
1. Some people believe in the traditional idea that the woman’s place is in the home, while others say that idea is outdated and that women should play an increasingly important role in the workplace of the future. What is your opinion?

2. The education a child receives at home from having parents who are positive role models is more important than the academic education a child receives at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

4. People are now living longer than ever before and many old people are unable to look after themselves. Some people believe that it is the responsibility of families to look after the elderly, while others say governments should provide retirement homes for them where they can be looked after properly. Discuss.

5. Modern lifestyles mean that many parents have little time for their children. Many children do not get as much attention from their parents as children did in the past. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 

(from dcielts.com)

Then read the sample essay below:

Thursday, 4 June 2015

Reading





Search for the title of the article; it was in the local newspaper two days ago.

Tougher penalties coming for distracted drivers in Ontario

Preview, then read the article and the comments following it.
What do you think?

Create a Word document. 
Write an opinion paragraph in which you formulate an argument in response to the article. Make sure that you clearly identify your topic.
Submit a hard copy.

Have a wonderful weekend!


Tuesday, 2 June 2015

Gerunds and Infinitives

Remember to review and practise gerunds and infinitives. I have given you several websites for this purpose. There are numerous exercises on www.englishpage.com.
Come prepared for a quiz on Friday.

Monday, 1 June 2015

Study Help/ Unit Test


Check out QUIZLET; you might find it helpful in your future studies.
Take the time to watch a youtube video by Alex Baratti, called "Tutorials: Quizlet" which explains how to use Quizlet.

Make sure you know the vocabulary for Unit 5; the unit test isn't far off.