Classwork
- Finished the yellow feedback sheet for Task 12.
- Studied participial phrases on pp. 250-253 of the blue handout. Completed Practice 1 Ex. A on p. 253. Answers are as follows:
- n/a
- The number of students studying robotics is growing.
- Soon, robots working in assembly plants will be able to follow voice commands.
- a. Robots, having the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and radiation levels, can perform jobs that are too dangerous for humans. b. Having the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and radiation levels, robots can perform jobs that are too dangerous for humans.
- a. Robots, not needing to eat, sleep, or take breaks, can work nonstop. b. Not needing to eat, sleep, or take breaks, robots can work nonstop.
- In the lab, wrote Task 13 (What can be done to increase the amount of English that students speak at the ELC both inside and outside of class?)
Homework
In the Blue Handout
- Complete Ex. B on p. 254.
- Read about general form -ed participial phrases on p. 254.
- Complete Practice 2 Ex. A & B, pp. 254-255.
Classwork
- In the lab, wrote Task 12 Draft 3 (What is your biggest fear for your own life? OR What is your biggest fear for the world?)
- Reviewed Grammar Quiz 1 on sentence structure.
- Reviewed feedback for Task 12. (See the yellow handout.)
Homework
Friday
- Take your 30-minute essay test in the lab. Remember to sign up for a time.
Monday
- Read "Improve Your Writing Style: Reducing Relative Clauses" on pp. 130-131 in the new book and pp. 110-111 in the old one.
Tuesday
- Turn in your packet for Tasks 9 & 10, including the cover sheet, 4 drafts for Task 9, and 4 drafts for Task 10.
Classwork
- In the lab, rewrote Task 11 (Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space. Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with?)
- Reviewed the sentences that students wrote for homework (Ex. 2, p. 146 in Writing Clearly and Practice 2A, p. 235 in the blue handout.)
Homework
- Revise Task 12 (10.25.11: What is your biggest fear for your own life? OR What is your biggest fear for the world?). Print it and staple it on top of the first draft. Bring it to class tomorrow.
Classwork
- In the lab, wrote Task 12 (What is your biggest fear for your own life? OR What is your biggest fear for the world?)
- Reviewed feedback from Task 11. (See the half sheet of white paper.)
- Reviewed Unit 6, Ex. 1, p. 145.
Homework
- Unit 6, Ex. 2, p. 146. This exercise will help you practice writing relative (adjective) clauses.
- Practice 2A, p. 235 of the blue handout. This exercise has the same purpose.
Classwork
- Took a quiz on Unit 9 (connecting words).
- Reviewed the Grammar Solutions/Guidelines for Relative Clauses on pp. 128-130. Which of the relative pronouns that, when, where, which, who, whom, whose, why can be used as the following in relative clauses
- subjects
- objects
- objects of prepositions
- possessives
- adverbs
- In the lab, typed Task 11 (Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space, for example, traveling to the moon and to other planets. Other people disagree and think governments should spend this money for our basic needs on earth. Which of these two opinions do you agree with?)
Homework
- Read the four common problems with relative clauses (Unit 6), pp. 127-128.
- Complete Ex. 1 (in Part A: Relative Clauses), p. 145.
Classwork
- In the lab, wrote Draft 3 of Task 10 (Is it better for a country's media to be independent of the government? Or is it better for the media to also be a branch of government?)
- Completed Ex. 4, p. 213. (This is Ex. 3 in Unit 9 in the old version.) Remember connecting words that add information (e.g., moreover, furthermore, also, additionally, in addition) are used for items in the same category, similar to a list. For example, these words can be used to introduce the three reasons that support your thesis or the next example in a series of examples. Don't overuse connecting words of addition!
- Started Unit 6: Relative, Adverbial, and Noun Clauses. Studied the box on p. 124 that identifies independent and dependent clauses and lists the three types of dependent clauses: relative or adjective, adverb, and noun clauses.
Homework
Monday
- Study for the quiz on Unit 9: Connecting Words. The quiz will be very similar to the post-test on pp. 214-215: You will need to identify whether the sentence's connecting words are correct or incorrect and then fix the mistakes. You will also need to fill in the correct connecting words in a paragraph (similar to Ex. 4). Finally, you will need to write sentences with the connecting words from the pink handout.
- Read pp. 128-130. (For the old version, this is the grammar information section of Unit 6. It should teach about the different words that can start relative clauses.)
- Turn in the packet for Tasks 7 & 8, including the cover sheet, 4 drafts for Task 7 and 4 drafts for Task 8. Note that this is due on MONDAY not FRIDAY.
Classwork
- In the lab, wrote Draft 3 of Task 9 (Is it better for a country's top military commander to be independent of the government? Or is it better for a country's top military commander to also be the head of the government?)
- Gave feedback on example sentences with connecting words. (See white handout.) Study the revised sentences below:
- Tulga agrees that Wendy's has delicious crispy chicken. Conversely, Maguino and Felipe disagree.
- Mexico has strict rules. Conversely, Greece has very lax laws.
- Life requires people to do many difficult things, namely taking care of themselves.
- People like junk food, if admittedly they know that it is unhealthy.
- My paper is good enough for this class, if admittedly my errors are many.
- I have all the tools I need; thus, I will be able to fix the car without having to call a mechanic.
Homework
- Task 10 Draft 2 without my or others' help. Identify and correct the errors yourself. You can do it!
Announcements
- YAY! For Task 9, there was only 1 sentence structure error and only a few minor connecting words that could be improved! Treats tomorrow! EXCELLENT JOB, CLASS!!
Classwork
- Reviewed Post-test Ex. A on p. 114 in the new book or on the handout.
- Saw the results of the spelling quiz. Continue to study the words from this list, especially the ones that most students missed. I will use them again on future quizzes.
- Collected the pink handout.
- In the lab, typed Task 10 (Is it better for a country's media to be independent of the government? Or is it better for the media to also be a branch of government?).
Homework
- Revised Task 9 (10.17.11). Print it and staple it on top of your first draft. Please make your best effort to complete this assignment so that you can share your papers in class tomorrow.
- Find five examples of effective transitions in your reading tonight. You might find them in your biology textbook or your international studies book. Write them down and bring them to class tomorrow to share.
Classwork
- Took Spelling Test 1. If you were absent, please reschedule with me by Wednesday.
- Finished the feedback sheets for Tasks 7 & 8.
- In the lab, wrote Task 9 (Is it better for a country's top military commander to be independent of the government? Or is it better for a country's top military commander to also be the head of the government?
Homework
- For the pink handout, study the example sentences and write seven practice sentences, one for each transition word.
- If you did not complete it yesterday, complete Post-test, Ex. A, p. 214 for 90%. We will review the answers tomorrow in class. (Also available on a white handout since this exercise is not included in the old version of the text.)
Classwork
- In the lab, rewrote Task 8 (Choose another of Steve Jobs quotes. Explain what it means, and tell whether you agree or disagree. Use reasons and examples to support your response.). Used the same quote that each student chose on Tuesday for Task 8 Draft 1.
- Discussed answers for the Task 8 feedback sheet.
Homework
Friday by 5:00
- Turn in your packet for Tasks 5 & 6. This should include the cover sheet plus 4 drafts for Task 5 and 4 drafts for Task 6.
Monday
- Study for your spelling quiz.
- Complete Post-test Ex. A, p. 214. (I forgot that this is not in the old version of the book. I will get copies tomorrow and put them in my box as soon as possible. If you're desperate, though, ask to borrow from a student who has the new version.)
Classwork
- Reviewed Ex. 1 on p. in Unit 9 (p. 211).
- As a class, corrected errors from your paragraphs in the handout, "Feedback: Task 7 (Steve Jobs Quotes)."
- In the lab, rewrote Task 7 (Choose one of the Steve Jobs quotes. Explain what it means, and tell whether you agree or disagree. Use reasons and examples to support your response.) Use the same quote that you used on Monday for Task 7 Draft 1.
Homework
- Correct the errors from your paragraphs in the handout, "Feedback: Task 8 (10.11.11)."
- Revise Task 8 (10.11.11). Print it and staple it on top of Draft 1. Turn it in tomorrow in class.
Classwork
- For Ex. 3 on p. 212, students underlined each coordinating conjunction, correlative conjunction, and transition word. They then explained the rule behind the punctuation. For example, For just a quick energy booster, you can grab, for example, your favorite candy bar, a bag of chips, or a package of nuts. For example has a comma before and after because it is a transition word in the middle of a sentence. Or has a comma before it because it comes before the last item in a list.
- In the lab, typed Task 8 (Choose another of Steve Jobs quotes. Explain what it means, and tell whether you agree or disagree. Use reasons and examples to support your response.).
- On the feedback handout, discussed effective sentences.
- Correct punctuation for connecting words: I said to him that I know many people but not everybody is my friend.
- Beautiful colon (:) If we think about important people, they all have something in common: They are all outstanding.
- Well-expressed thought: Without the possibility of losing, the possibility of winning is not available either.
- On the feedback handout, discussed the sections on articles, connecting word, and commas.
Articles
the society
Connecting Word Errors
- This sentence is technically correct, but we will talk about it more in class tomorrow.
- Steve Jobs is a memorable man, not only because he was smart but also because he was creative.
Commas
- Some of them are "the rebels, the troublemakers," but they are "the ones who change our world."
- Christopher Columbus was the one who, wanting to find another way to India, ended up in America and found a whole new world.
Homework
Tomorrow
- Read Problems 1, 2, and 3 on pp. 203-204.
- Complete Ex. 1 on p. 211.
- Revise Task 7 (10.10.11).
Monday, October 17
- Study for your spelling quiz. (See Spelling List 1.)
Classwork
- Reviewed homework. Gave examples of coordinating conjunctions (FAN BOYS, for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so); correlative conjunctions (neither...nor, either...or, whether...or, both...and, not only...but also); and transition words (however, nevertheless, consequently).
- Studied examples of the kinds of grammatical structures that these words can join. See the handout, "Unit 9: Connecting Words."
- In the lab, wrote Task 7 (Choose one of the Steve Jobs quotes. Explain what it means, and tell whether you agree or disagree. Use reasons and examples to support your response.)
Homework
- Read Problem 4, p. 204.
- Read Punctuating Connecting Words, p. 200-210.
Announcements
- 30-minute essay/integrated writing test tomorrow (Friday). Sign up for a time online.
Classwork
- In the lab, rewrote Task 6 (Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?).
- Took a quiz on sentence structure (Unit 7).
- On a handout, indicated the connecting words you would like to study in the next unit.
Homework
Friday, October 7 (tomorrow)
- Turn in your packet for Tasks 3 & 4. You should have 4 drafts for each task (8 total).
Monday, October 10
- Read the introduction for Unit 9 on connecting words, pp. 199-201 in the new book, pp. 164-167 in the old. Be prepared to answer these two questions:
- What is the difference between a coordinating conjunction and a correlative conjunction?
- What are some of the functions that connecting words perform in a piece of writing; that is, how do they help guide the reader through the the text?
Friday, October 14
- I returned Task 5, Draft 3 today. Revise it (10.5.11), print it, and staple it on top of the first three drafts for this task. Turn it in with the rest of your packet for Tasks 5 & 6.
Announcements
- Quiz on Unit 7 (sentence structure) tomorrow in class. It will be very similar to the post-test handout that we completed this week in class.
- 30-minute essay/integrated writing test on Friday in the lab. You can schedule your time online starting tomorrow.
Classwork
- Reviewed Ex. D from the post-test handout for Unit 7.
- Reviewed the feedback from Monday's 10-minute paragraphs.
- Listened to the best essays from Tuesday.
- In the lab, rewrote Task 5 (Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children.)
Homework
- Revise Task 6 (10.4.11: Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?). Print it, staple it on top of the original draft, and bring it to class.
- Study for your quiz!
Announcements
- You 30-minute essay test (combined with integrated writing) is this Friday, October 7. You can sign up online beginning on Thursday.
Classwork
- Wrote a 10-minute paragraph for Task 6 (Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why?)
- Reviewed One Word or Two Words.
- The combinations that are most commonly written as two separate words are every time, any day, and no one.
- When someday, sometime, everyday, and anytime are used as adverbs or adjectives, they are one word.
- When some day, some time, every day, and any time are used as nouns, they are two separate words.
- Reviewed Ex. B and C in the handout (p. 173-174 in the new edition of Writing Clearly).
Homework
Wednesday (Tomorrow)
- Revise Task 5 (10.3.11: Games are as important for adults as they are for children.) Print it, and staple it on top of the first draft.
- Fix the errors on the feedback sheet for 10/3. Remember, the examples under "Yay!" are positive examples. You don't need to fix them.
Classwork
- Brainstormed for Task 5: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Games are as important for adults as they are for children.
- Typed a 10-minute paragraph for Task 5.
- Reviewed feedback from your paragraphs.
- Subject-Verb Agreement with Gerunds and Clauses: Reading fiction books help us to improve that quality that characterize us the most. should be Reading fiction books helps us to improve that quality that characterizes us the most.
- Completed Exercise A from the post test for Unit 7, which I passed out as a handout but which is found on p. 173 of the new edition of Writing Clearly.
Homework
- Complete the small handout on someone, something, etc. Using m-w.com, look up each combination. If the combination is one word, write 1 in the corresponding box. If the combination is two words, write 2. Be sure to read the entire entry because some of the combinations can be either one or two words depending on the context.
- Finish the handout, including Exercises B, C, and D (pp. 173-175 in the new edition of the book).
