We did a lot of speaking activities today, especially focusing on question forms such as embedded questions. (Click here for an overview of embedded questions.) This corresponds to Unit 1A of the textbook (New English File Upper-intermediate).
We also used those questions to simulate a 'speed dating' situation, which is the topic of the reading section of your book on pp. 6 and 7.
(Click here to see the short parody we watched of speed dating).
Apart from all of this reading, I would like you to write some embedded questions that you might honestly ask if you were in a situation like 'speed dating'. What are some questions you would like to be asked? You can post them all on this blog(anonymously, if you are embarrassed!)
In Unit 1B, there is a reading about handwriting. after reading page 8, click here to see a video about one woman's view of what receiving and writing handwritten letters means to her.
The reading exercise in unit 1C is about psychics, and whether they can actually see the future or not...we will talk about that in class, but in the meantime, I have found two videos with something to say about the future: click here to see which news we are hearing today will be important in the future, and here to see how the news is perceived by various people.
Finally, just for fun, watch this silly story that was written entirely using emoticons...do you think it is an effective way to 'write' a story?
See you next week - I am looking forward to reading your 'comments'!
7 comments:
informative post :)
This blog is a very useful tool for writing practice and self expression.
To take really advantage of this tool and repeat a good experience of last semester, some guys have now created an auxiliary group on facebook (all in english) where students can ...
- solve little practical problems concerning the course without asking the teacher every time,
- organize extra activity together, such as a supplementary day for exercises, cinema in original language or the following english evening of last week:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114001218626628&ref=mf
the group is here:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=369548410138
thanks for your attention :)
The story is nice, and the story-teller too ;), but i don't think it's a good way to tell a story, because you can't "read" it without the writer's help... it's too "cryptic" and unintelligible for my tastes! I prefer being independent during my reading!
If I were attending a speed-date I would ask:
1) Do you like listening to music? If yes, which kind of music do you like best? ( could I just start a conversation with him?)
2)why are you attending a speed-dating? (is he nerdy?)
3)what do you do in your spare-time?(is he interesting?)
4)do you like eating foreign food?
( is he open-minded?)
5)How would you court me?
(is he romantic?)
iSott
I think that embedded questions are too formal and, in my opinion, not the best way for a speed date but this is an exercise so my questions are:
1) Hi, the other guy told me that you are a trans, would you mind if i take a look? (sense of humor)
2) Who do you think is the most beautiful boy in this room? (taste)
3) Can I ask you what your star sign is? (compatibility, bad experience)
4) Two pills one choice: one to go back in the past, one to go to the future, what do you think your choice is and why? (today's condition about himself, way of playing)
5)give me your hand and let's go out of here, can you tell me where you'd like to bring me? (imagination, improvisation's ability, hands and touch)
Enrica
iScott - great questions, but where is the embedded part? Example: 5) Could you describe how you would court me?
Enrica - Those are some interesting embedded questions!
Only doubts:
About man stroke woman:
1)She's got arms = ha delle armi? ne senso di punti a suo favore
2) You haven't got over her = non l'hai dimenticata?nel senso di superare la fine della storia
We're not meant to be together = non ha senso stare insieme?
About Lakshmi Pratury on letter writing:
1) Set the pen to paper = iniziare a scrivere?
2) Chronicling?
3) I' m allafor e-mails = sono completamente a favore delle e-mails?
4) I hound you for them vi ho braccato per averli?
5) Those linguistics = quelli tra voi che sono esperti linguisti?
I have watched just once Kirk Citron: andnow, the real news, but I think he is quite right: everything is so ephemeral and the very important things are fewer and fewer.Alisa Miller shares the news about the news is a too difficult satire.I mean I need more time to understand it.Rives tells a story ofmixed emoticons is funny and useful at the same time because everyone wants make me mad with this emoticons. Anyway If I were able to take a part to a speed date I'd like to ask a man only one question :" What gives you a tear and what gives you a smile?"
A big {u}.
Franca Valeria
Dear F.V.
Man stroke woman:
1) Could be either one, but of course, if they are talking about arms as body parts, it would be ironic, and 'arms' as 'weapons' would be figurative.
2) Correct, but 'not meant for each other' is more in terms of personal characteristics that are always going to be in conflict - and THEREFORE it makes no sense to stay together.
Letter writing:
1) correct
2) chronicling: writing about series of events.
3) correct
4) to hound someone: to be so persistent in asking for something that you really bother them.
5) Linguistics: studies about aspects of language (Linguist: PERSON who studies aspects of language.
n.b. Your question on a speed date should be: "What makes you CRY and and what makes you smile?"
Great work - thanks for the feedback!
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