May 18th, 2016 Blog! (plus bonus song)

'Here Comes the Judge' is a great and odd song if you need a break from studying.


Here comes the blog!

Please watch this video as many times as you need to. Make sure you understand the main points. You do not need to understand every word. Using the subtitles might help you. Just click the 'cc' button on the bottom right of the play screen.

1)   Would you want a life with no pain?

2)   Would you choose to live your life plugged into a computer?

3)   Do you think this experience project is different or the same compared to taking drugs or drinking alcohol?

4)   Do you think this technology will ever be available?

5)   Tell us a story about when you were very happy.

See you in class!

Matthew

Wed, May 11 2016 Discussion Topic

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Have you ever wondered?

First, please go to this website and answer the questions. Do you fit into the category of introvert or extrovert? Maybe neither?!

Second, please go to this website and read the article. Is this you?

The last question we will consider in class is culture and personality. In your home culture, which personality type do you think is most successful or desired?

See you in class!

Matthew

It is spring!! What can you do? I can help!

If you're craving a trip outside, but just don't know where to go, have a look at this website. You can look at this website too. There are so many great ideas!

Remember, in many Canadian cities, spring is unofficial celebration time. Winter is over and the sun is back!

May 4 2016 Discussion Topic

Hello all,

Please read the article that is located here. It is about how to master a new skill.

Please think about the questions below. Remember, this is not a presentation, but make sure you understand all of the questions and have done some thinking so you can make comments during the discussion.

See you in class!

1.     Do you agree with the advice in the article? Do you do any of these things?

2.     How does this advice apply to learning/studying English? Give examples.

3.     What skills have you mastered? How did you do it?

4.     What skills are you trying to master or would you like to master? How do you plan to achieve mastery? How long do you think it will take?

5.     What are the easiest and hardest English skills to master?

6.     Do you have any helpful tips of your own?

7.     Do you enjoy a challenge? Do you like to push yourself to the edge of your abilities or do you prefer to stay in your comfort zone? When was the last time you really tested yourself or felt out of your depth?

8.     Who are your role models? Why?

9.     Do you keep a diary or journal? Why? What do you write in it?

10. How do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now?

April 28, 2016 Blog Discussion

This is an interesting and maybe uniquely Canadian story.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yellowknife-kfc-wedding-anniversary-1.3547659

Please read the whole article (it is not long) and consider the questions below. I have linked some of the perhaps tougher words to the dictionary. Just click to see the meaning.

1) What is your opinion of having KFC at a wedding?

2) What uncommon wedding food would you like at your wedding?

3) Would you drive that far to get a type of food?

4) What is the craziest thing you have done (or a friend has done) to satisfy a craving?

5) What are some foods (or clothes, or clubs) that you must travel a long distance to get in your home country?

April 20/16 Blog Discussion!

Howdy everyone,

Please have a look at this article. When you read it, make sure to read the statistics at the very bottom of the page. Even if you do not read the entire article, make sure to read the first half and the statistics at the bottom.

Questions:

1) Is it important to students/children to be physically active?
2) Do you think physical education class is more important or equally as important as some other subjects? Which ones? No? Why?
3) Does exercising or just taking a walk help you to study better?
4) How much TV or internet do you watch each day?
5) Which is more important, physical health or high academic achievement (good grades)?
6) How many hours of physical activity each day do Korean/Japanese students get? Is it enough? How many hours do you think they should get?

April 13/16 Blog Discussion

Please have a look at this short video and think about the questions below. Please be prepared for class.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/tokyo-opens-its-1st-hedgehog-caf%C3%A9-1.3525480

1) Why do you think people like these kinds of cafes? Have you ever been to a cafe like this?
2) What kind of animal cafe would you open?
3) Do you think these cafes teach people to respect nature or view it carelessly?
4) Would you prefer to go to an animal cafe or the zoo?

See you in class!

Matthew