Oceanic Dead Zones

10/15

Hope you all had a n enjoyable weekend. On this Monday, we started off with an exercise aimed at helping generate elaborations to support the reasons for task 1. You can find a link to the handout here.

We also worked on a new strategy for paraphrasing by changing active to passive voice. For the handout and homework assignment, click the link here.

In the Advanced Integrative portion of the class, we started out the topic of Oceanic Dead Zones  with a Context Clues exercise. We also practiced TOEFL style reading by answering open-ended questions on science passages. You can find a link to the lesson with definitions here.

Homework for today includes:

1. Complete paraphrasing lesson on Active and Passive Voice
2. Look up vocabulary words for passage 2 from the lesson and compose five sentences using these words.
3. Read passage 2 and answer the questions.
4. Study for CGT  8 vocabulary quiz on THURSDAY!

10/16

Today our focus was on brainstroming and using your precious 15 seconds to plan a response effectively. I want to take a moment to emphasize how pleased I am with the dramatic improvements in your speaking! Here is a link to the prompts we worked on. You can always go back and practice more!

We also worked on academic listening on the topic of Oceanic Dead Zones. Here is the link to  the class lesson and here is the podcast for Listening Assignment 1 that we worked on in class. As always, feel free to go back and study this again in more detail.

Homework for today includes:

1. Listen to the lecture on ACID RAIN here and take notes. Use your notes to answer the questions on the handout I gave you in class.
2. Complete the extra reading passage I gave you. We will go over this in class.
3. Study for CGT section 8 quiz.

Beethoven

10/9

Hello and welcome back after the holiday. Today we started off our emphasis on the Speaking section of the TOEFL test by studying how the tasks are scored, while listening to some samples and then scoring ourselves.

In the advanced integrative portion of class, we practiced reading strategies. Here is a link to the lesson from class. Homework for today includes:

1. 10 vocabulary sentences using any ten words from the lesson.
2. Complete reading passage 2 and answer the questions
3. Study for CGT quiz 7 on Thursday.

10/10

Today we started class with a discussion and activity involved in adding better vocabulary and idiomatic language to the TOEFL speaking task 1. Here is the link for this activity. It will benefit you greatly to study, memorize, and practice some of these phrases, which will boost the quality of your response. We also worked on paraphrasing with synonyms. Here is the link to the exercises from class. Please complete these for homework.

In the advanced integrative portion of class, we practiced academic listneing and note-taking by listeing to lectures on the composer Beethoven and answering questions based on the lectures. Here is  link to the lectures from class. Here is the lesson from class. The second set of questions served as a lecture quiz and must be made up if you missed class.

Here is the link to Listening Assignment 3, which is assigned for the homework. Please answer the questions  on the class handout and submit tomorrow. Homework for today includes:

1. Complete the Parphrasing with Synonyms worksheet
2. Complete Listening Assignment 3 (link is above)
3. Study for CGT 7 quiz tomorrow from the textbook
4. Last of all, I would like you to please practice your fluency by practicing speaking the following responses along with me. You will find an audio link and the text below. I may ask you to deliver this response to me tomorrow. If so, I expect it to be fluent!!!

What is your favorite season? RECORDING

When I try to think of my favorite season, the summer takes the top prize. First of all, I enjoy the summer weather. From hot, sweaty afternoons sitting by the beach to the drama of a July summer thunderstorm, I love the climate of summer. Furthermore, I often travel in the summer. For example, this summer my family and I took a trip to Yellowstone national park, which was really amazing. We even got to camp in the mountains. For these reasons, I find summer the season closest to my heart.

What is the most important quality of a good marriage? RECORDING

A marriage without trust is like a fish without water. For one thing, when you trust each other you can tell each other everything. To be more specific, in a strong marriage, the husband and wife should be able to share everything from their past romances to their frustrations with their co-workers. What is more, when people trust one another, they can focus on other aspects of the relationship such as having fun. For example, my husband and I enjoy playing games together and traveling sometimes. In a nutshell, trust is essential.

Hard Working

Like the COC on FB. Donuts when you do!!!!!!

10/1

First of all, I greatly appriciate your support in our first ever launch into social media. As we discussed in class, please be one of the first to "like" or College of Chicago facebook page. In doing so, you will be able to easily stay in touch with classmates and other alumni, long after you have  gone on to universities and careers.

Here is the link to the facebook page.


Today in class, we worked from our textbook on Completing the chart questions on the listening section. We also practiced using the various strategies for identifying the meaning of an unknown word from the context of a sentence when learning the meanings of the words found in the reading passages. You can find a link to these context clues exercises here. We also read two passages on the Great Recession. You can find a link to the lesson from class, which includes the definitions to the vocabulary words here. The second passage requires you to practice text insertion questions. You can find a link to the handout detailing hints and tips for these questions here. Homework for today includes:

1. Complete ten sentences using any ten words from this lesson.
2. Read passage 2 and complete the four text insertions as directed.
3. Compose questions and answers for passage 2 as directed
4. Begin to study the words from CGT section 6 for a vocabulary quiz on Thuraday.

10/2

Today we continued to practice categorizing questions based on an academic lecture. We also practiced academic note taking in a lecture or conversation in which advantages and disadvantages are discussed. You can find a link to the lectures and conversation from class below:
Mass Production
Outdoor Ads
Health Insurance

We also discussed and practiced using general context to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word or phrase. Here is a link to the exercise, which should be completed for homework.

Finally, we worked on our topic Hard Working based on the recession. We completed one question set in which we practiced developing listening skills by listening without help and then reading along with a transcript. This is something you can do at home to improve your abilities. Here is a link to the class lesson with definitions. You can find links to the podcasts here. You may need to go to page 2 to find the specific stories from the series.

10/3 and 10/4

On Wednesday we practiced chart and category questions in an ibt format. We also worked on an integrative writing test. You can find a link to the written passage here. HERE is the link to the integrative lecture from class. You can start and stop it and go back as needed for practice today!There are also instructions and guidelines for a compare and contrast essay or paragraph in this lesson. We did some in-class writing based on the information in the handout using this structure. The only homework assignment is to study for the CGT 6 vocabulary quiz.

On Thursday we completed out emphasis on the TOEFL listening section with a brief post test and a survey and self analysis. If you are interested in listening to the lectures from the test, you can find links to them below:
Mimicry
Egypt
Conversation

We also worked on extemporaneous speaking tasks based on this topic. Here is a link to the lesson. Homework assignments include:

1. Essay revisions on al returned essays
2. Extra reading practice packet
3. Three compare/contrast paragraphs
4. Study for quiz on words from "The Lottery" and "Hard Working." You can find a list of the words and definitions here.

The Lottery by Shirly Jackson

This week was dominated by the full-length TOEFL test we took and reviewed. Please don't be disheartened if you did not do as well as you had hoped. We will take another test in eight weeks. I am most interested in your progress and improvement, which I know will come.

That said, it is no coincidence that the person who received the highest score is the one student who has never missed class or come late to class. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . . .  I will let you infer the meaning there.

9/26 and 9/26

On these days we focused on Listening for Categories and Chronologies. We started off with text exercises and spent some time on academic notetaking using this handout to practice classifying information. You will find links to the lectures from class below, in case you would like to go back and listen once more.
Roman Baths
Early Animation
Sculpture

We also worked on a new strategy to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in the context of a sentence: Using Adjective Clauses. You can find a link to the practice exercises here. This packet must be completed for homework.

In the advanced integraive portion of the class, we read part 1 of The Lottery by Shirly Jackson. This is considered one of the most important short stories in American fiction. You can find a link to the first part of the story (with vocabulary and definitions) here.

Homework for these days includes:

1. Complete part 1 of The Lottery and anwer all questions
2. Complete Vocabulary Strategy 6
3. Complete take home quiz on "Harrison Bergeron" and "Benedict Arnold" lessons
4. Study for CGT section 5 quiz

9/27

Today we continued to practice matching and classifying questions for the TOEFL listening section. We also discussed using different types of graphic organizers to take notes on a lecture or reading or to plan an essay. Here is a link to the handout, describing various types of graphic organizers. Here
is a link to Academic Note Taking Practice 7, which requires you to use the spider or web graphic organizer to organize a main idea, supportive ideas, and details. Below you will find the two lectures that we listened to in order to practice this skill.
Overkill Theory
Animal Medicine

We also discussed the conclusion of the story The Lottery. You can find a link to the conclusion here. We also watched a lecture in which a professor analyzes the meaning of the story. If you are interested, you can view a complete short film of the story on You Tube below.
Part 1
Part 2

For homework over the weekend, I am requiring you to compose ten vocabulary sentences using any ten words from these lessons.
Also, you need to compose a ONE EXAMPLE essay using the instructions in part 2 of the lesson. You can find a more complete explanation and an example of this essay here.

Benedict Arnold Lessons

9/17

First of all, let me commend you all for being on time, ready to rock, and ready to work hard today. Let's make this a habit.

We started off class in the lab reviewing main idea and detail questions. We also took a vocabulary quiz on CGT word list number 3, which means that this Thursday we will be taking the quiz on section 4. Next, we continued to review by examining the four strategies learned thus far to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in the context of a passage.We also began the integrative lesson topic on Benedict Arnold by working on some authentic media reading passages.  Here is a link to the class lesson with definitions.

Homework for tomorrow includes:

1. Complete the Vocabulary in Context review exercises.
2. Compose ten vocabulary sentences using any ten words from this lesson
3. Read passage 2 and answer the questions (come to class prepared to discuss the passage)
4. Listen to the following passages and complete the exercise distributed in class. You will find links to the listneing below

Conversation
Lecture

9/18

Hello students! Once again, what a great class. I am so pleased to see the improvements you have made in these short weeks. Today we worked on function and stance questions in the lab and then practiced academic notetaking. After that we listened to a lecture on the relationship between Benedit Arnold and George Washington. Here is a link if you would like to go back and listen again. The class activity represented only a small portion of the lecture. If you want to practice academic listening, there are countless lectures on the internet you can listen to for practice. Some of these have transcripts which can be read to check your understanding. Here is a link to the lesson from class, which includes definitions as well as the homework assignment to listen to this podcast and fill in the missing words and phrases.

Remember that all homework assignments are mandatory and contribute to your final grade for the block. Homework assignments for tonight include:

1. Completion of text fill in assignment
2. Five vocabulary sentences
3. Study for CGT quiz 4 on Thursday
4. Complete any missing assignments

Good luck and feel free to contact me by email if you have any questions.

8/19 & 8/20

In these classes we  opened up class by working on Playback questions in a conversation and and a lecture from the skill development portion of our text. We also worked on categorizing information in a lecture. In the advanced integrative portion of class, we worked on speaking and writing. Here is a link to the speaking and writing materials  and here is a link to the speaking prompts. Homework for the end of the week includes:

1. Write out a speech defending Arnold's actions and reduce the speech to an outline. Be prepared to submit both forms
2. Compose a conclusion to essay 2 from the reading lesson using one of the strategies for a zinger practiced in class
3. Study for vocabulary quiz on all words from Stem Cells and Benedict Arnold for a quiz on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th (It will be postponed due to the TOEFL Exam). I will pass out a study guide on Monday.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET THAT WE WILL TAKE A FULL-LENGTH TOEFL SIMULATION ON MONDAY. PLEASE BE ON TIME.

Also, after the test I will meet with you to discuss any missing assignments from the block. You will have until the end of the week to submit any missing assignments. Please remember that you must meet a grade of 70% or better to maintain good status with the COC.

Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut

9/10

Welcome back on this beautiful Monday in September. Today we started off class with our weekly vocabulary quiz and some extra practice on Listening for Details. In the second half of the morning, we read the short story Harrison Bergeron. Here is a link to the lesson and the vocabulary.

 

 

Homework for today includes:
1. Five vocabulary sentences using the words from today's lesson. Try to use an alternative form of the word. You can find definitions and alternative forms of the words posted on the link.
2. Finish reading the story and answer the comprehension questions at the back of the packet. Please come to class tomorrow prepared to discuss the story.
3. Complete the extra listening practice quiz. You can find a link to the lecture here.
4. Begin studying the words in section 4 of the textbook for a quiz on Thursday.

9/11

Hello all,

Today we started class with a brief introduction of the method, purpose, and attitude questions for the listening section. We will be studying these questions in more detail in the coming two weeks.

We also learned different ways to recognize the definitions of words contained in the same sentence as an unfamiliar vocabulary word. You can find the link to the handout and practice here.

Next, we worked on practicing academic note taking in lectures including cause and effect. You can find a link to the worksheet here. If you are interested in going back to hear the lectures again, here are the lectures on Stagflation and Dance Halls. You will need to carefully listen and take notes on the final lecture onThe Black Death and Art. I will be collecting your notes on this lecture.

Finally, I gave a lecture on the intended meaning of the short story and you worked together to complete a lecture quiz based on the lecture. You can find a link to the lesson for today here. This link also contains the definitions to some words and phrases found in the podcast about Kurt Vonnegut. For homework, I am asking you to listen to the podcast and answer these questions. Here is a link to the podcast audio file.

For homework, please do the following:

1. Complete the packet Vocabulary in Context 4 on using definiitons. You can find a link above.
2. Listen to the third lecture on the Black Death and take notes. Turn you notes in tomorrow.
3. Listen to the podcast on Vonnegut and try to answer the questions.
4. Study for the CGT section 4 vocabulary quiz.

9/12

Today we started the lesson with additional drills to practice listening for purpose and attitude for the ibt Listening exam. If you missed class, please see me about completing these exercises at home or after class. We also reviewed the answers to the Vocabulary in Context 4 exercise. A large portion of today's class was devoted to a sample ibt speaking exam, which we recorded, anlyed and re-recorded for scoring. I realize this was a bit of a shock, but I see this as a starting point from which you will continue to improve and grow.

Today in class, we discussed the short story Harriso Bergeron and I introduced the theme essay. Supportive class materials can be found here. You will need to select a general theme from the list in the handout and determine a thesis for the essay. Next, search through the text for examples to support your idea. I will meet with you individually to discuss your findings. I will also provide an example of a theme essay in class tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the last day of week 3 of this block. I would like to schedule individual meetings after class to discuss missing assignments and any other issues.

For homework, please do the following:

1. Study the short story to find textual examples of your theme to support your thesis. We will discuss these in class.
2. Catch up on any missing assignments.
3. Prepare for the vocabulary quiz on the CGT section 3

Lessons on Stem Cell Research

9/4

Today we opened class with a discussion of common expressions found during campus conversations. You can find a link to the list here. After practicing listening for details in campus conversations, we started our advanced integrative work on stem cells. Here is a link to that lesson, which includes definitions and alternative forms of the words. Remember that the quiz next Monday will require you not only to defin words, but also identify their roots and alternative forms.

In simulation, we worked from a very difficult listening exam. Below you can find links to the lectures and conversation. Please go back and listen again for extra listening practice.

Sharks
Venice
Computer
Socrates
Turner

Homework Assignments

1. Compose ten vocabulary sentences using any ten words of your choice (please turn sentences in on a separate sheet of paper, entitled Lesson 96 Vocabulary).
2. Read the article at the end of the packet and create six questions based on the selection.
3. Study for CGT vocabulary quiz section 2
4. Complete work on final research project

9/5

 

Here is a link to the lesson from today, which includes the definitions. If you are interested in listneing  to the podcast again,  here is an audio file only. If you would like to read along with the transcript, you can find more information about this story here. Although we will not cover the second new story in the lesson packet, you can find a link to the story "Revisiting the South Korean Stem Cell Claim" here.

 

Homework Assignments
.

1. Study for CGT vocabulary quiz section 2
2. Complete reading passage 3 and answer the questions.
3. Study conversation questions in order to prepare for an interesting discussion.
4. Work on missing assignments.

9/6

 

Today we devoted a lot of time to speaking practice. Here is a link to the lectures on Stem Cell Research we used to create lecture summaries. Hereis a link to the class packet. I realize that the essay writing assignment may be challenging, but do your best. Hereis a link to a sample essay I wrote. This essay is on Juvenile Justice, but it should give you a clear idea about the structure.

 

Homework Assignments

1. Complete supplemental listening passages for factual questions. You can find the links to the lectures following: Atmosphere  Gorillas  Facial Theory  Malthus 
2. Complete first draft expository essay on Stem Cell Research (see example)
3. Catch up on any missing assignments
4. Study for vocabulary quiz (you should have a word list)

Finally, please know how much I appreciate your hard work and great attitudes. Yes, the class is challenging (it is meant to be). Trust me that I have your best interests in mind. If you come to class, work hard, and complete assignments, you will be amazed how much you will grow and improve!

 

Have a great weekend!