Archive for October, 2009
5 Interesting Tips for What to Do in Your English Club
So, you have started your successful English Club and need some ideas to keep it interesting, dynamic and welcoming? Read on to find 5 tips to make your English Club excel and be a great complement to your ESL lessons:
1. Define a warm-up time
It’s the same as what teachers do. You begin class with a funny conversation or activity. It is the time you establish to wake everyone up and help them focus on what is coming. The activities will depend on your club’s focus, whether it is more academic or social. If you focus on the attendees, think of what will keep them interested and motivated for the activities that will come next. The warm-up should serve as an introduction to the main activity or the reason you’re meeting on that particular day.
2. Organize the meetings
The club can be organized in many ways. You can center your activities on one area, like conversation or reading, or devote each week to a different one, sorting out topics and skills. Each member can plan an activity related to the week’s topic or each one can be in charge of a week’s session. There should always be a meeting leader, who will guide the activities and will have the opportunity to practice his or her leadership and creative skills.
3. Have a back-up plan
In case the leader cannot make it, you must have a back-up plan. The leader should call someone in case he or she cannot attend, and should give instructions as to what to do, but if this doesn’t happen, be prepared! You can have discussion questions prepared, or learn 15 new words from the dictionary and use them in sentences, or play a game of cards, or any other game, in English. For example, you can have a game of Monopoly, Life, or any other board game in English on hand, in case you have a last minute change of plans.
4. Create a suggestion box
Encourage members to leave suggestions every week. It will enrich the meetings and people will feel very comfortable and motivated if they are heard.
5. Plan excursions
So much fun! Once a month is a good parameter. Excursions are a joyful and interesting way to bond. Go watch a movie, play a sport, volunteer, do a back yard sale, have a picnic, go dancing, have dinner together, or visit a tourist attraction. No matter what you do, always speak in English
No matter what it is you do, the important thing is to keep your club’s goal in mind: you are getting together to have a good time AND to put everything you’re learning in your ESL lessons to good use in real life settings.
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Want to Practice Your English? Start an English Club
An English Club is a gathering where ESL students can practice English in a casual atmosphere. Practicing during ESL classes is vital; however, it is not real life. During class, you focus on something specific, like vocabulary or pronunciation, you have papers and books to help you and everything is fresh in your mind. In an English Club, you can practice all the skills in a real life environment. You will have to really speak clearly and listen carefully to understand others. At an English Club, you can make really good friends who will increase your confidence, and you will feel more comfortable speaking the language among people you trust.
Here we offer some tips on how to start a successful and fun English Club:
1. Post a sign-up ad at your school’s bulletin board. Give your email so that the students can contact you and offer interesting ideas. Ask them to write down phone number and email so that you can contact them about time and place for the meetings.
2. Ask for help. Every member should contribute to the club, and you can ask a native English speaker to join the meetings, maybe a teacher, who will find the experience interesting as a curriculum enhancer.
3. Plan an introductory meeting to meet each other and to talk about expectations and ideas. To make it worthy, the meetings should have around 6 to 10 students. These can be organized in many ways, maybe each participant can lead during one week, and you can plan based on topics or skills.
4. Define the rules and routines beforehand so that everyone knows what to expect and how to behave. You should have an ‘English only’ policy, decide whether food and drinks are allowed or not, and what topics and behaviors are off limits.
5. Define the schedule for the meetings. Will you be meeting once a week for about two hours, or more? Think about the best time of day; it may vary every week depending on the place and activity planned. Take breaks during holiday season and invite new people about every three months, but always maintain the club’s identity intact.
6. Define who can attend the English Club. Virtually anyone can be a part of an English Club, it depends on your preference, but if we follow the belief that variety brings richness, you should try to allow all kinds of people with all kinds of experiences in. The club must have members with varied language abilities so that everyone can learn something from each other.
7. Vary the meeting places to make the club even more dynamic and to change the atmosphere. You can meet at school one week and later plan to meet at members’ homes to make it more casual; you can play music, watch a movie and feel at ease. From time to time you can meet at a restaurant or café, to experience a new and challenging environment, or in the outdoors, where you can match your topics to nature characteristics like the weather, kinds of vegetation, types of fauna around, picnics or fun outdoor activities.
An English Club is the perfect complement to your ESL classes, a great way to not only practice your English skills, but also meet new people and hang out with your friends.
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Simple Past or Present Perfect? - Don’t Get Confused Ever Again!
The difference between the Simple Past and the Present Perfect is something that perplexes more than one ESL student. Most students simply choose to ignore the Present Perfect altogether and stick to the much more straightforward, simpler (the name says it all) Simple Past. However, knowing when and how to use each is not that hard once you follow some very basic guidelines and know all the facts.
First Things First - The Definitions
We use the Simple Past to describe an action or something that took place, of course, in the past, and has been completed. On the other hand, the Present Perfect is used when there is some kind of reference to the present, either because:
a) the action started in the past and continues in the present, or
b) the action took place in the past and was completed, but we see the effects or results now, in the present.
An example of a) would be: She has lived in New York for 10 years. (This means she moved to New York a long time ago, but still lives there now, in the present.)
A clear example of b) would be: You’ve cut your hair! (She cut her hair some time ago, but we see the result of it now, in the present.
Time Expressions
There are time phrases that typically go with each, so as long as you’re sure about which go with Simple Past and which go with Present Perfect, you shouldn’t have any trouble.
Expressions that must go with Simple Past:
- ago (5 years ago, an hour ago), I met my best friend 15 years ago.
- last week, last year, last month, etc…, I bought this car last month.
- in 1971, I sold my house in 1988.
- yesterday, the day before yesterday, I didn’t’ go to work yesterday.
- at 9 o’clock (if it is past), I saw her at noon. (and now it is the afternoon)
In other words, whenever you mention a specific moment in the past, whether it is an hour, day, month, or year, you must use the Simple Past tense.
Expressions that usually go with Present Perfect:
- since, I’ve lived here since I was born.
- ever (questions), Have you ever been to Rome?
- so far, I’ve spoken to three angry clients so far today.
- this week, this month, this year, I haven’t called my mom this week.
- today, I’ve felt sick to my stomach all day today.
- already, But I have already finished my homework!
- yet (questions), Have you done the dishes yet?
In all of these cases, the action or the time (this year, as opposed to last year) has not finished or is still taking place.
Be careful with the use of for. You can either say, “I lived in Miami for a few months” or “I’ve lived in Miami for a few months.” In the first example it is very clear that someone lived in Miami, but no longer lives there, whereas in the second case, they still live there.
Use Your Common Sense!
Stephen King has written many books, because he’s alive and well, and will continue writing more. William Shakespeare, however, wrote many plays, because he can write no more. His work is finished.
Now, you don’t have any more excuses to avoid the use of the Present Perfect in your ESL class. Put this information to good use and follow these guidelines. You won’t mix up these tenses anymore!
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Fun Idiomatic Expressions for ESL Students - Comparisons
It is inevitable and unavoidable. When you’re an ESL student you’ll sooner or later run across idiomatic expressions that will basically have you either scratching your head in puzzlement or laughing out loud. Though they may seem strange and unnatural to you, it is recommended that you try to learn some, at least a few at a time. But before you can effectively use these expressions, you must understand them and know in which contexts they’re used. There are idioms with food, expressions related to sports, and then there are comparisons with “as…as”. These last prove to be particularly interesting and fun to learn. Let’s look at some idiomatic expressions that use the construction “as…as”:
As blind as a bat: to have very bad eyesight. You can’t read this? You’re as blind as a bat!
As cool as a cucumber: calm and not at all nervous. The result of the negotiation depended on this meeting, but Bob was as cool as a cucumber.
As easy as pie: very easy. I’m sure I did well on the test; it was as easy as pie!
As fit as a fiddle: in good physical condition. She goes to Pilates classes and runs for an hour every day. She’s as fit as a fiddle.
As free as a bird: feeling free, with no cares or worries. I remember how I felt the first day of summer vacation. I was as free as a bird.
As happy as a clam: very happy and content. I was as happy as a clam living in Hawaii; the beaches were beautiful, I played lots of outdoor sports, and the people were so nice.
As hard as nails: very tough and cruel. As a supervisor, Tom was as hard as nails; nobody wanted to work with him.
As pleased as punch: to be very happy with something. The design she had worked on for a week was finished and looking great. She was as pleased as punch.
As quiet as a mouse: very quiet. Sarah got home at 3 am and didn’t want to wake up her parents, so naturally, she was as quiet as a mouse going up the stairs.
As sick as a dog: very sick. Alice went home early from school because she felt as sick as a dog. She had a fever and felt very, very weak.
As sly as a fox: very clever and smart. She was able to take advantage of a very negative situation. That’s because she’s as sly as a fox.
As stubborn as a mule: to be very determined not to change an opinion or decision. She’s as stubborn as a mule, particularly when she’s sick. There is no way to convince her to consult a doctor.
So, here you have some great comparisons to get you started. But as an ESL student you must remember this: these are hardly ever used in formal situations, business meetings, or whenever you speak to someone you don’t know very well. Try practicing these in your ESL class. You’ll surprise your teacher and she’ll be as pleased as punch!
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Expressions We Use When Giving a Presentation
When giving a business presentation, it is important to choose the correct words and expressions wisely. If we want to give a successful presentation, it depends mainly on how clear, precise, dynamic and straightforward we are. In the world of business where deals must be closed and deadlines met, we have to be as clear as we can and be able to get our message across.
ESL schools include presentations in their programs aimed at business travelers, or those who simply need the language for a better fluency or to handle themselves at business meetings.
Below, you’ll see some extracts from a presentation with key words or typical expressions:
May I begin by welcoming you all, especially as this meeting has had to be called on such short notice.
As you know our latest project has been the target of intense speculation in the media during the last few days, and the purpose of this presentation is to bring you up to date on what has been happening.
First of all, I’d like to refresh your memories as to the background to the project. Next, I’ll give you a broad outline of what we’ve achieved so far. Finally, I’ll try to give an indication of what our priorities will be over the next few months.
If I can draw your attention to the month of July, you will notice that there was an unexpected fall in overseas sales.
As far as domestic sales are concerned, you can see that growth has been sustained.
If we look at the figures for Europe as a whole, we can see some quite encouraging trends.
We don’t fear competition. On the contrary, we welcome it.
We could open a branch there. On the other hand, we may better look for a good agent to represent us.
This is a time when we must consider our options carefully. In other words, we should not rush into making decisions.
So, to sum up then, don’t believe everything the media tells you. We’ve had a few problems but the future looks bright.
Other useful expressions:
Beginning a presentation
The topic of my presentation today…
I’d like to show you last year’s figures in comparison to…
Today, I’d like to show you…
Let me begin with…
My presentation today deals mainly with…
First, let me start with…
Finishing a presentation
Well, I have told you all about…
That’s all I have to say…
We’ve looked into…
To conclude…
To sum up…
Moving from one subject to another
Moving to another…
Now we’ll move on to…
Let me turn on to…
Next…
Turning to…
If you are an ESL student seeking to perfect your English in order to do business, make sure you go to an ESL school that offers programs that cater to your specific needs, for example, by teaching you how to give business presentations in English.
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Useful Phrasal Verbs for ESL Students
If you’re an ESL student who happens to be more than puzzled about how phrasal verbs are used and what they mean, you’ll find this guide will come in really handy.
1. A phrasal verb is a verb used with one or two particles or prepositions, such as up, down, in, on, out, off.
Jim put down the book.
I am looking forward to seeing you.
2. Some phrasal verbs do not take an object.
Tom stood up, came in, and said hello.
Come on, we’re going to be late!
Look out!
3. Some phrasal verbs which take an object can separate: if the object is a noun we can put it before or after the particle.
Please bring back the books OR
Please bring the books back.
But if the object is a pronoun, we can only put it before the particle.
I want my book so bring it back.
(not: I want my book so bring back it.)
4. Some phrasal verbs take an object but cannot separate the verb from the particle.
The twins look after Archie.
(not: The twins look Archie after)
5. Some phrasal verbs have three parts. These must all stay together.
Children look forward to Christmas.
Mary held on to her mother’s hand.
6. Sometimes we can understand a phrasal verb from the different parts.
They got down from the bus.
Please pick up those papers.
7. Sometimes the meaning is not clear from the different parts.
They put out the fire. (They extinguished it.)
I don’t get on with my sister-in-law. (I don’t have a good relationship with her.)
8. Some phrasal verbs have more than one meaning.
The bomb went off. (It exploded.)
The lights went off last night. (They stopped working.)
The milk went off last week. (It went bad.)
USE
We use phrasal verbs a great deal when we speak, instead of more formal-sounding words with the same meaning. We also use them in informal writing, like letters to friends. Phrasal verbs are seen and practiced in ESL classes because it is essential for students to become familiarized with them.
Here are some common phrasal verbs with their most usual meanings:
1. Phrasal verbs with an object that can be separated:
- Bring up: to raise a child. Her parents brought her up to be polite.
- Put out: to make something stop burning. Please put your cigarette out.
- Take off: to remove an item of clothing. Lucy took her clothes off and got into bed.
2. Phrasal verbs with an object that cannot be separated:
- Come across: find by chance. I came across an old photograph in my desk drawer.
- Give up: stop or quit doing something. My Dad has given up smoking.
- Keep on: continue doing something. Keep on reading for a while.
3- Phrasal verbs that do not take an object and so cannot be separated:
- Break down: to stop working. The old car broke down.
- Get together: to meet. We could get together tomorrow evening.
- Go off: to explode. The bomb went off and made a loud noise.
Make sure you practice these and other phrasal verbs to take advantage of your ESL lessons!
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Is a Book Review the Same As a Book Report? A Guide to Writing Both
A book review and a book report are different in regards to their objective.
A book report shows the content and structure of a book in an objective way. It summarizes the content and analyzes the structure. It intends to give valuable information about the book to help others decide if it is interesting and valuable.
A book review describes, evaluates or criticizes its content. Same as a book report, it explains the content and analyzes its structure, but additionally, you measure the worth of the book and recommend it, or not, to others.
Both center on a specific book, and rarely include research outside of it.
In college, or even for an ESL class, you may be asked to write one or the other, and it is vital that you know exactly what they are asking you to do if you want to excel in your classes. Following is a guide to write both:
1. Bibliography. Includes the author’s name, title and subtitle of the book, editor and edition, place, publisher, date of publication and number of pages. All of it in bibliographical form under the report’s title.
2. Background. Includes the author’s credentials in the area and any influence that may have affected his or her views. Add any interesting data related to the writing of the book.
3. Classification of the book. Is the book fiction or non-fiction? Specify the subject area, for example, medicine, history, travel, biography, law, etc.
4. Classify the author’s intention. How does he or she touches on the subject? Is it a specialized work? Is it meant for professionals, students or just anyone? Is it dedicated to a specific field or is it general?
5. Subject and thesis statement. What’s the book about? Talk about its main subject and the author’s particular point of view on that subject (thesis statement).
6. Structure analysis. The thesis statement will summarize the main idea of the book, however, you have to talk about the order of other ideas and how they relate to the thesis and between them. The headlines and sections will show most of the structure of the book, but you will find other important elements while reading it.
7. Content summary. This is based on your notes, follows the author’s order, and is only composed of main ideas that pinpoint the author’s argument.
8. Critical comments. Check with your professor if the book report should include some criticism. These comments should be the strength of the book review. Here is where you state what you think about the author’s point of view and whether it is valuable for the readers. Consider the following: Was the book’s purpose achieved? Does it contribute to the field? Is it objective? Are there missing facts or evidence? What data supports the author’s opinions? Can this data be interpreted differently? Is the book written clearly? Does the book stimulate discussion? Support your evaluation with evidence from the book, and don’t forget to say whether you liked the piece or work or not.
So, if you were asked to read a book in your ESL class and you must write a book report or book review, now’s your chance to really stand out!
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You Can Read in English But Do You Really Comprehend What You Read?
The reason for reading is to relate what you happen to be reading with what you already know. In this sense, if you do not know anything about what you are reading, it is like trying to grab a handful of air… a wasted effort.
Take these digits, for example:
3285784, is difficult to read and retain.
328-5784, is easier to read and retain because of the separation.
363-0246, is easy to grasp due to prior information and organization.
Equally, if you are into investing, reading an investment article is easy for you to comprehend, because in your mind you have a background for reading, understanding and storing this information.
When reading, comprehension needs motivation, a mental background for saving the ideas, concentration, and an effective study technique. Here are several ideas you can implement to help you improve your reading comprehension to get the best out of your ESL classes.
1. Broaden your background. You can easily do this by reading newspapers, magazines, websites and books. Get interested in world events and other different topics related to your career or place where you live.
2. Learn paragraph structure. A good writer knows how to form a clear sentence in order to create a good paragraph with a beginning, middle, and an end. The first sentence will provide an overview that gives background for further details. Identify transitional words, phrases and paragraphs that are used to change the topic.
3. Spot the kind of reasoning. Is the author using induction and deduction, hypothesis, systems thinking or model building, for example? You should develop critical thinking skills to consciously absorb what you read.
4. Anticipate, predict. Skillful readers try to foresee what the author will say or ask. If you are right, it strengthens your comprehension, and if you are wrong, you can easily adjust.
5. Identify how the work is organized. For example, it can have a chronological, serial, logical, spatial, functional or hierarchical order.
6. Get motivated and interested. Ask questions; discuss opinions with your classmates; research materials. You will comprehend much more if you have a real interest in what you are studying.
7. Get support from signs. Pay attention to pictures, graphs and headlines. Read the first and last paragraphs of a chapter.
8. Highlight, summarize and review the main ideas. This is the only way to really grasp a book.
9. Increase your vocabulary. This could be a lengthy task. Use the dictionary regularly to look up every word you don’t know. Make a list of words and look them up later, never leave a new word unattended. Use techniques to help you organize and remember vocabulary like mind maps, where you place different words surrounding a main idea they relate to.
10. Use a reading technique you feel comfortable with. Adjust it to fit your priorities and purpose.
11. Monitor your improvement. The top readers measure how their attention, concentration and effectiveness are doing. If they don’t grasp an idea, they go back immediately and reread it.
Yes, it takes a great deal of effort to improve your reading comprehension. But as you notice your overall improvement in your ESL classes, you’ll know it was definitely worth it!
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