Advertising

Some people say that advertising is a "necessary evil". What does this mean? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Narration

Hi Guys!

This week, we have been studying another way of supporting: narration. 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. 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. 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...

Cause-Effect Paragraphs

Dear Students,

In class, we have been studying a new type of paragraph: Cause-Effects Paragraphs. You did a good job writing your paragraphs and explaining different causes and effects of a problem.

Now, I want you to analyze the possible effects of this situation: Some students are really pressed to do their best at school, mainly to get excellent grades and, if possible, to be the best of their classes.

What do you think an effect of pressures on students to get good grades is? Remember that effects can be negative as well as positive. I look forward to reading your opinion. JMC.

Disconnecting from Technology

Hey guys! I just found a nice video someone you know might desperately need to watch. Although technology has helped us in several ways, it has also affected our lives negatively. What do you think of it? Have you ever met someone addicted to technological devices? Are you one of them? What have you done or are you doing to help them or yourself overcome this problem? Is any of the advice provided in the video helpful? What other advice would you include? Share your experience! Looking forward to reading your comments, JMC

Brat Farrar

Which of these statements from the story do you agree or disagree with? Choose one and give your reasons.

1. Brat was a criminal who tried to steal the Ashby money and so he should go to prison.

2. Alec Loding was also a criminal and he should be punished too.

3. Bee and Eleanor should have sent Brat away when he left hospital, not accepted him as part of the family.

4. Brat's mother was wrong to leave him at the orphanage so that she could become a nurse.

5. Brat shoudl have gone away without saying anything when he found out the truth about Simon.

6. It was better for Simon Ashby to die than for him to be arrested as a murderer.

Experience Paragraph

We've already learnt a new way of supporting: through an experience paragraph! Now, this is what I want you to do. Here's a small list of brief writing prompts; not full-blown topics, just hints and clues to get you started. Take a minute to look over the list. Then pick one prompt that brings to mind a particular image, experience, or idea. And that's it! Start writing your paragraph. Don't forget to respect the basic parts of a paragraph and support with experiences. JMC.


 

• Everyone else was laughing
• Late again
• What I've always wanted   
• A sound I'd never heard before 
• What if ...  
• The last time I saw him
• At that moment I should have left  
• Keeping a secret  
• Waking up in a strange room  
• All I have left is this photo

Pets

Hi guys! After learning how to write an example paragraph, I want you to use specific examples to examine the following subject: the value of pets. What aspect of pets is your paragraph going to cover? That will be defined by your topic sentence. Don't forget to respect the features of a paragraph! JMC

Mad World

Hey guys! After reading our first text A Purpose in Pain, we discussed the main idea and the message of it. Here I found two versions of a classic: Mad World. 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.

Women's Movement

Women began this movement back in the 60s since they felt society had neglected them for a long time; a very controversial issue for the era. Do you agree with all their requests? Do you think they have successfully reached their goals or do you think there is still gender-based discrimination?

Richard Nixon

Some people claim that Richard Nixon was the worst president USA has ever had. After studying his term, do you actually agree with this opinion? Do you think the bad things he did can prevail over any good decision he might have made? Do you think he was right to resign?

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.

JFK's Assassination

Although Lee Harvey Oswald was charged with the murder of President Kennedy, his case never came to trial since, two days later, Oswald was shot dead. Before that, he always denied having shot anyone. Later, a special commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone when he assassinated Kennedy.

What's your opinion on this event? Why would a single person decide to kill the president of a nation? Do you think he acted alone? I look forward to reading your comments. JMC.

The Civil War

Some people state that Abraham Lincoln, as the president of the nation, should have impeded a conflict and looked for other ways of conciliation. Likewise, it is claimed that slavery would have eventually ended and that, for this reason, a four-year war was unnecessary. On the other hand, others agree on the fact that war was inevitable since it was the only way to liberate slaves and reach equality. What is your opinion? Did he make the right decision? Do you think that if civil war had not taken place, slavery would not have disappeared?

Reading 1: Discuss it Online

Hey guys! After reading that blog discussion, it is our turn to answer the question: How has your identity changed in the last few years? After posting your answers, read your partners' comments and write your opinion, agreement or disagreement.

The Bride Price

Which of these statements from the story do you agree or disagree with? Choose one and give your reasons.

1. Aku-nna should not have left with Chike. Respecting the traditions is more important than love.

2. Okonkwo was right to refuse Ofulue's money for Aku-nna's bride price.

3. If Aku-nna's parents had received the money, she would not have died.

4. A mother should always protect and support their children. This was excatly what Ma Blackie did.

5. Chike is responsible for Aku-nna's death. She was too young to have a baby.

The Age of Innocence

Which of these statements from the story do you agree or disagree with? Give your reasons.

1. It's better not to try to turn a dream from the past into reality.
2. Women ought to be free, as free as men.
3. It doesn't matter if a marriage is dull, as long as the couple respect each other.
4. When two people love each other, they may have to go against public opinion.
5. Sometimes you have to give up your own wishes, to save other people from misery.
6. A wife simply has to accept the rough as well as the smooth, the bad times as well as the good.

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.

King's Ransom

Which of these ideas about the story do you agree with, and which do you disagree with? Explain why you think this.

1. Jeff should have told the police about Eddie and Kathy.

2. When someone has been kidnapped, the ransom should always be paid, in order to save the person's life.

3. Informing the police was risky. They shouldn't have done it.

4. A good wife always supports her husband. Diane should have supported Doug and not left him.

5. Death should be the punishment for kidnapping a child.

Disconnecting from Technology

Hi there! I just found a nice video I'm sure some of you desperately need to watch. Eventhough technology has helped us in different ways, it has also affected our lives in negative ways. Watch this useful video. What do you think of it? Have you ever met someone addicted to technological devices? Are you one of them? What have you done or are you doing to help him/her or yourself overcome this  problem? Is any of the advice provided in the video useful? What other advice would you include? Share your experience!

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.