Great Expectations

Do you agree or disagree with these statements? Choose one item and discuss your answers.

 

1. Joe should not have allowed his wife to scold him and give him orders, or to beat Pip with a stick.

2. Miss Havisham was right to use Estella to take her revenge on men.

3. Pip needed Herbert Pocket more than Herbert needed Pip.

4. If Magwitch's marriage had not broken up, he would not have become a criminal.

5. No matter how bad was Estella at Pip, he was right to love her.

6. Mr Jaggers shouldn't have taken Estella away from her mother.

Sense & Sensibility

Do you agree or disagree with these statements about the characters in the story? Choose one item and discuss your answers.

1. In those times marriage was a practical business, so Lucy, being poor, was right to try to find the richest husband she could.
2. Willoughby was not completely to blame for Marianne's broken heart. She should have been more cautious about allowing herself to fall in love with him.
3. Edward should have been open about his feelings for Elinor, and broken his engagement to Lucy.
4. Elinor knew that Lucy saw her as a rival, not as a friend, so there was no need for Elinor to keep Lucy's secret.

Everybody Hurts

Hey guys! After reading our first text, we discussed the main idea and the message of it. Here I found a classic: REM's Everybody Hurts. I want you to watch it, understand the lyrics and tell me your opinion about it: What is it about? What's the message of this song? What's the relation between the reading passage and this song? I look forward to reading all of your comments! JMC.

Describing Past

Hi Guys!

This week, we have been studying different tenses to describe the past. This is the task I want you to do. Below, you will find a story starter. I need you to continue narrating the story in a short post (around 50 words). Make sure you provide enough details so the next person can continue narrating it. Don't lead it to an abrupt end! Remember many of your classmates might still want to comment. We are all going to narrate ONE nice story. Try to use the correct tenses to narrate it in past. Good luck! JMC.

*During a tour of the infamous Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, two adventurous teens got separated from the group and found themselves locked in the house overnight... 

*Taken from http://www.southark.edu/en/images/stories/story_starters_spooky.pdf

Safety Procedures at Work

Hi there!

In this unit we have studied many aspects of safety, such as new vocabulary about safety hazards and language structures to express necessity and prohibition. There is a situation I want you to read and analyze:

Mario works in a factory. He’s worked there for a few months. The factory has a good safety-training program. Every employee is required to take a class and learn about keeping the workplace safe. Mario’s coworkers follow the safety rules, but Mario has noticed one unsafe practice at his workplace. Some of the emergency exits are locked, even though a big sign on the door says, “This door must be unlocked at all times during work hours.” Mario thinks that the emergency exits should be unlocked, but he doesn’t know what to do.

Write Mario a short letter. Tell him what you think he should do. Explain.

Grammar Review # 1

Dear Students,

As we discussed in class, I would like you to do a great work next term. This is the reason that I decided to have you review some basic tenses.

I want you to take your time in completing the following activity and PLEASE, if there is some information you do not know or remember, take advantage of the internet or any book you might have to do some research. Do no just ask your partner, sometimes information remains longer if we do more than just asking someone else. However, it would be great if you posted comments requesting and/or offering some explanation.

Do not forget to print and complete the activity! 

Sense & Sensibility

Do you agree or disagree with these statements about the characters in the story? Choose one item and discuss your answers.

1. In those times marriage was a practical business, so Lucy, being poor, was right to try to find the richest husband she could.
2. Willoughby was not completely to blame for Marianne's broken heart. She should have been more cautious about allowing herself to fall in love with him.
3. Edward should have been open about his feelings for Elinor, and broken his engagement to Lucy.
4. Elinor knew that Lucy saw her as a rival, not as a friend, so there was no need for Elinor to keep Lucy's secret.

Everybody Hurts

Hey guys! After reading our first text, we discussed the main idea and the message of it. Here I found a classic: REM's Everybody Hurts. I want you to watch it, understand the lyrics and tell me your opinion about it: What is it about? What's the message of this song? What's the relation between the reading passage and this song? I look forward to reading all of your comments! JMC.

Describing Past

Hi Guys!

This week, we have been studying different tenses to describe the past. This is the task I want you to do. Below, you will find a story starter. I need you to continue narrating the story in a short post (around 50 words). Make sure you provide enough details so the next person can continue narrating it. Don't lead it to an abrupt end! Remember many of your classmates might still want to comment. We are all going to narrate ONE nice story. Try to use the correct tenses to narrate it in past. Good luck! JMC.

 

*Paul was bored. It was halfway through the summer holidays and he was fed up, so he decided to go exploring. He climbed up to the top of the stairs, when he saw a door which had never been there before. He went in and in the middle of the room was a strange purple box. It had a picture of a magic wand on the front. He slowly lifted the lid, peeked underneath and saw something which would change his life forever... 

*Taken from http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/more/timefiller/magicpenss.htm

I, Robot

Which of these statements do you agree with, and which do you disagree with? Choose one item and discuss your answers. Explain why you think this.

1. A human being is an inefficient piece of equipment; a robot is a perfect and efficient machine.
2. Robots are the only real hope for the future of human beings.
3. Many jobs - such as driving buses or trains, rubbish collection, cleaning the streets, looking after children, doing housework - could be done better by robots than by human beings.
4. "I like robots better than I like human beings. I'd like to see a robot governing the world."
5. Robots will never be able to do everything that human beings can do.
   

Senior 2: Martin Luther King's dream

Dear Students,

As we learned, MLK's most famous speech was "I Have a Dream", delivered on August 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Through this, he called for an end to racism in the United States. This speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.

What is your dream? Write a post describing your dream. Please, feel eager to reply to any of your classmates' posts if there is something you would like to add or you just want to express your agreement.

Senior 2: Slavery, Racism & Segregation

Dear Students,

While reading the book and watching the videos about Martin Luther King and crucial events against segregation, I could learn how hard life for black people was in the past. It is unbelievable how the whole world watched these inhuman, cruel, brutal events that African Americans endured and nobody could do anything to solve this situation. Nowadays, in my opinion (and I am sure you agree with me) all these attacks look ridiculous since it is really hard to understand how people used to judge someone based on the color of his/her skin.

What about today? There might be similar events that future generations will find intolerant and completely unnecessary. Post a comment describing a situation you feel sorry for and you wish you could change.

Freshman 2: Present Simple Tense

Dear students,

This is your homework due next class.

A. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs. Have a nice weekend!

1. I _______________ (get up) at 9 o' clock.

2. My mother _______________ (make) breakfast.

3. Robert and Rosa _______________ (have) lunch in a restaurant.

4. The dog _______________ (sleep) inside the house.

5. Luis never _______________ (drive) to school.

6. ______ she _________ (clean) her bathroom?

7. The children _______________ (not do) their homework every day.
8. ______ you _________ (exercise) in the morning?

9. My friend _______________ (read) the newspaper every morning.

10. I _______________ (not pay) attention in class.

B. Write information questions for the underlined sentences.

1. I walk to school on Mondays.

2. She has breakfast at 9.

3. The have eight children.

4. Rosa works because she needs money.

5. We go to the gym three times a week.

6. Maria talks to her boss.

7.Jose works in the supermarket.

Safety Procedures at Work

Hi there!

In this unit we have studied many aspects of safety, such as new vocabulary about safety hazards and language structures to express necessity and prohibition. There is a situation I want you to read and analyze:

Mario works in a factory. He’s worked there for a few months. The factory has a good safety-training program. Every employee is required to take a class and learn about keeping the workplace safe. Mario’s coworkers follow the safety rules, but Mario has noticed one unsafe practice at his workplace. Some of the emergency exits are locked, even though a big sign on the door says, “This door must be unlocked at all times during work hours.” Mario thinks that the emergency exits should be unlocked, but he doesn’t know what to do.

Take out your cell phones, tablets or laptops and in groups write Mario a short letter. Tell him what you think he should do. Explain.

Safe & Sound

Dear Students,

In this unit we have studied many aspects of safety, such as new vocabulary about safety hazards and language structures to express necessity and prohibition. Now, I want you to give me your opinion to these questions: 

What are some things people should take with them if they have to evacuate their homes? What are some things they don’t have to take?

Take out your cell phones, tablets or laptops and in pairs post an answer. Give details and be 

persuasive! JMC.

Gerunds & Infinitives

Hi Guys!

This week, we have been studying different uses of gerunds and infinitives. This is the task I want you to do. Below, you will find a story starter and three verbs. I need you to continue narrating the story in a short post (around 50 words). You must use the verbs given plus a gerund, an infinitive or a verb in base form. The first person to post should leave 3 new verbs for the next person, and so on. Make sure you use the verbs from the lists provided and do not repeat them. Good luck! JMC.

*During a tour of the infamous Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, two adventurous teens get separated from the group and find themselves locked in the house overnight... (prefer - believe in - expect)

*Taken from http://www.southark.edu/en/images/stories/story_starters_spooky.pdf

Bringing Technology into the EFL Classroom

Dear colleagues,

I just showed you some ways we can use this tool in our classes. Now, I want to read your opinion. Take out your smartphones, laptops or tablets and tell me how you can implement this in your classes. Make sure you include the name of the course and the unit or contents this task covers. Give details! We all want to read your ideas.

Sense & Sensibility

Do you agree or disagree with these statements about the characters in the story? Choose one item and discuss your answers.

1. In those times marriage was a practical business, so Lucy, being poor, was right to try to find the richest husband she could.
2. Willoughby was not completely to blame for Marianne's broken heart. She should have been more cautious about allowing herself to fall in love with him.
3. Edward should have been open about his feelings for Elinor, and broken his engagement to Lucy.
4. Elinor knew that Lucy saw her as a rival, not as a friend, so there was no need for Elinor to keep Lucy's secret.

Everybody Hurts

Hey guys! After reading our first text, we discussed the main idea and the message of it. Here I found a classic: REM's Everybody Hurts. I want you to watch it, understand the lyrics and tell me your opinion about it: What is it about? What's the message of this song? What's the relation between the reading passage and this song? I look forward to reading all of your comments! JMC.

Far from the Madding Crowd

Hey guys! Hope you had a great time reading this book as well as I did. I want to know your opinion of the characters of this story. Choose and discuss one or all of the following questions:

1. Should Batsheba have agreed to marry Gabriel at the beginning of the story? Would their marriage have been successful then? If not, why not?

2. Why would Batsheba never have been happy with Troy, even if he had lived?

3. Was Batsheba right to go on refusing Boldwood's proposals? Could they ever have been happy together? Why, or why not?

4. Which qualities do you think are the most important when choosing a husband or wife?

Gabriel Oak, Batsheba Everdene, Frank Troy, Mr Bolwood.

The Script - Hall of Fame

What a nice term! We spent a long time talking about dreams, goals, achievements... very interesting topic! I hope you had a good time as I did. Talking about dreams, I wanted to share this music video with you. The lyrics have a very good message, and I think the video is very expressive, too. Enjoy it and take it into your lives. JMC.

The King Has a Dream

Hey there! Congratulations on your wonderful songs based on MLK's book! I had a good time listening to all of your creative songs. I would have loved to upload all your cool performances, but here is a good sample of them. Enjoy it!

This is Senior 3's The King Has a Dream performed by Jorge Alvarado, Bernarda Jordán, Elvis Carrillo, Steeven Zambrano & Miguel Peñafiel. Great job, guys!

 

Don't Dream It's Over

Hey there! Talking about dreams, look at the music video I found. I know it is kind of old (1986), but what kind of dream is he talking about? Do you have a similar dream? Take the chance to practice your English pronunciation by singing this beautiful song! I look forward to reading some comments. JMC.

Senior 3: Martin Luther King's dream

Dear Students,

As we learned, MLK's most famous speech was "I Have a Dream", delivered on August 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Mmemorial. Through this, he called for an end to racism in the United States. This speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.

What is your dream? Write a 50-word post describing your dream. Please, feel eager to reply to any of your classmates' posts if there is something you would like to add or you just want to express your agreement.

Senior 3: Slavery, Racism & Segregation

Dear Students,

While reading the book and watching the videos about Martin Luther King and crucial events against segregation, I could learn how hard life for black people was in the past. It is unbelievable how the whole world watched these inhuman, cruel, brutal events that African Americans endured and nobody could do anything to solve this situation. Nowadays, in my opinion (and I am sure you agree with me) all these attacks look ridiculous since it is really hard to understand how people used to judge someone based on the color of his/her skin.

What about today? There might be similar events that future generations will find intolerant and completely unnecessary. Post a 50-word comment describing a situation you feel sorry for and you wish you could change.

Senior 3's Grammar Review # 2

Hi there! Our second review is about Past Simple and Past Continuous. I recorded a brief explanation of these tenses. Watch the videos and complete the exercise below. Copy the sentences on a word document, print it and complete the excercise. JMC.

Inversion

Hey there! While we are doing the ECCE practices (Grammar Section), we sometimes find some items which include inverted structures, they do not look like normal sentences we are used to writing, and we might even think they are clearly wrong. This is a structure called inversion. Click on the link below (the question) and you will find an interesting webpage which expains it in a very detailed way. Take your time to surf it and keep this in mind when you go to your Reading & Writing courses; these structures give some complexity to your writing and will help you get the A you are looking forward to. JMC.

What is inversion?

Senior 3's Grammar Review # 1

Dear Students,

As we discussed in class, I would like you to do a great work next term. This is the reason that I decided to have you review some basic tenses.

I want you to take your time in completing the following activity and PLEASE, if there is some information you do not know or remember, take advantage of the internet or any book you might have to do some research. Do no just ask your partner, sometimes information remains longer if we do more than just asking someone else. However, it would be great if you posted comments requesting and/or offering some explanation.

Do not forget to print and complete the activity! 

Teacher Or Learner?

Once again, I confirm that Learning is an endless process. Here I am, trying to learn something in order to improve my teaching. Contradictory? Not at all. We all human beings never stop learning (and we, teachers, are human beings, too!). There is always something new we can include in our lives. Therefore, while I am trying to teach you some English, I would appreciate that you teach me some blogging and/or technology so this can be an useful resource. I look forward to your comments and valuable help! JMC.