cause/effect

Why did you choose your major or career? I choose to be an ESL instructor for several reasons. I was involved in training and education in another field unrelated to ESL. I wanted to join my interest in teaching with my interest in international studies which was my major in college. My husband and I were living in Puerto Rico at the time, and we were going to be moving to South America. I realized that teaching ESL to adults was the perfect combination of my interests and skills. I love my job!

Session 2- week 4

This week we are writing our cause/effect essay. Tell us about one example of culture shock that you experienced. You can focus on the causes or you could tell us about the effect of culture shock on your experience here. In other words, were you able to overcome it quickly? I remember when I lived in Argentina, I was amazed at how thin everyone was. It was unusual to see someone who was overweight. I guess I had "reverse culture shock" because when we moved back to the U.S. I couldn't believe how many fat people there were. I hadn't noticed this so much before I left the U.S. It was very obvious to me how overweight we must appear to international visitors.

Session 2- week 3

I enjoyed hearing about your well-ingrained habits (if you don't know what ingrained means, look it up at dictionary.com). This week we are beginning our chapter on cause-effect essays. Tuesday, November 4 was an historic day in American history. Based on all you have read and heard, why do you think Barack Obama was elected to the presidency?

session 2 week 2

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts. You all have had many memorable experiences adapting to life here in San Jose. This week I would like to hear about one thing that will never change for you. This could be something about your personality or a habit you have that won't change no matter where you live. For me, I've lived in Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and all over the U.S. My habit of keeping in touch with a core group of childhood and college friends has never changed. Even though all of us have had different life experiences, I treasure my e-mails, phone calls and visits with them.

Session 2 week 1

This week we are beginning our compare and contrast essay. Please write one paragraph telling us about the biggest differences in your life here and your life in your country.

week 8

This week in our grammar book we are working on modals. Write about a job that you have had in the past or would like to have. What skills and qualifications are necessary and desirable for this job. For example, I was a bartender while I was in college. A bartender must be willing to work with the public. Sometimes people are mean, irritable and drink too much. They can be difficult and require a lot of patience from the bartender. Also, a bartender needs to be in good health. They are on their feet for many hours. It's an exhausting job. A bartender never is allowed to sit down. A bartender can make a lot of money, but the work isn't easy.

Week 7

For several of you, what you heard and read before arriving here has turned out not to be accurate. I'm glad your experiences living here have been positive! For this week, I want you to describe the one or two most important characteristics (for example, honesty, sense of humor, intelligence) a person can have to be successful living and studying in another country.

Week 6

Before you came to the United States, you probably had some impressions of Americans from the movies or from things you had read or heard. Now that you live here, tell us about one or two things that have surprised you. These would be things that are different from what you had expected.

week 5

How fascinating for me to read about places from your childhood! Thanks for sharing those thoughtful descriptions. This week, I would like for you to describe your ideal day. For me, it would be to sleep in. My 6 and 8 year old kids like to get up at 6:30am, so I love a chance to sleep in. I would have a cup of strong coffee and read the paper which I rarely get to do. The rest of the day would include riding bikes with my kids and husband, playing tennis and moving at a slow pace all day. My life feels very busy and rushed most of the time. I would like to move at my pace for a day. My ideal day wouldn't be complete without a dinner cooked by my husband. Our friends would come over to join us. We have friends that live in this area who we have known for 18 years. Of course, I wouldn't have to clean up after dinner either. What about you? What would your ideal day look like?

week 4

I enjoyed reading about your living situations. Everyone seems very settled and satisfied with your surroundings here. We are continuing to work on clear and descriptive writing. This week I want you to describe a place from your childhood. Describe it in such detail that your classmates can draw a sketch or diagram of it from your description.

Week 3

It was interesting to read that many of you are concerned about your lack of academic vocabulary to use in your essays. I can definitely include some work with the academic word list (AWL).

By the end of this week, you will be writing a paragraph using clear, descriptive language. I would like for you to describe where you are living now. Describe your surroundings and roommates.

Week 2 Question

It was very intriguing to read about your plans for the future and how improving your English writing is a part of those plans. For you, what is the most challenging part of writing in English? Stick with one difficulty you face when writing paragraphs and essays in English.

Welcome to your E1- WC Fall 2008 class

Let me know that you are connected. I would enjoy hearing about your plans for the future and how improving your English writing will help you in the future. I'll post one question a week for you to respond to. Remember this is an academic writing class, so please consider your format and grammar when you respond. Laura