2015.10.28 Class 4

Today we began class by discussing the short film assigned for homework (Mind the gap) and revising the homework from the WB.

We then revised the homework from the SB (on writing essays) and looked at the essays you wrote for homework for Class 2. You then worked in small groups to prepare the 'Exam Task 'essay on SB p.13 and began writing it.

Later we read a short article from the Guardian about the top five regrets of dying people. The vocabulary we talked about from the article will be in Quizlet (Miscellaneous - Class 4 (regrets)) and you should learn it. We then watched a short film on the topic of regrets called Tick Tock.


Tick Tock - short film by Ien Chi from Ien Chi on Vimeo.

• What things did Emit regret (or not regret) doing?
• What does he wish he had (or hadn't) done?

Homework:

1. Finish the essay (SB p.13)
2. Study the vocabulary on Quizlet, especially Miscellaneous - Classes 1, 2, 3. There will be a quiz on this list in Class 5.

2015.10.21 Class 3

Today we began by reviewing the homework from the last class. There were several words from it that will be added to Quizlet.

We then looked at a reading comprehension text, RUE part 5, on pp.10-11, and S parts 1 and 2, on pp.8-9. There were also several new vocabulary words in the reading text, also added to Quizlet.

Homework:
1) WB p.5
2) SB p.12: - read the essay question at the top of the right column
                    - read text A
    SB p.13: - read text B
                    - complete the chart below text B (about texts A and B)
                    - do exercise 7
                    - read the Exam Task (in the column on the right) and create a chart similar to the chart for texts A and B
3) Watch a short (7min) film called Mind the gap:


Mind The Gap from Luke Flanagan on Vimeo.

4) I didn't mention this in class, but it would be a good idea to download the Quizlet app onto your phone, to join our class and to begin studying the Miscellaneous vocabulary list.

Writing essays

Here are a couple of good resources for writing essays:

LearnEnglishTeens opinion essay
LearnEnglishTeens for and against essay

Writing - miscellaneous resources

Run-on sentences and comma splices

Here are some links to useful resources on run-on sentences, comma splices and sentence fragments – all of which you must avoid in any neutral or formal writing for the FCE.

• Comma splices: definition, example and two good exercises (links at the bottom of the page) https://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/comma_splices.htm
• Run-on sentences: definition, example and two good exercises (links at the bottom of the page) https://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/run-ons.htm

2015.10.14 Class 2

Today we began in the textbook. We did the listening comprehension exercises on p.6 and the vocabulary and Use of English exercises on p.7 (Winter Holidays). We also did a reading and speaking activity about Celebrations from different countries and cultures.

Homework:
WB p.4 Grammar
WB p.6
WB p.7 Use of English

2015.10.07 Class 1

Today we reviewed the course materials and the content of the FCE exam. Students filled out a questionnaire and the class played a game to get to know the teacher a bit. Finally, we read and evaluated an essay written for an FCE Writing task 1.

Homework: Write an essay based on the same prompt for the essay examined in class:

"Life is better today than it was 100 years ago."
Do you agree?
Notes
1. health
2. entertainment
3. (interview someone for their idea)

Quizlet for vocabulary

Use quizlet.com which also has a free app, to study vocabulary from the book and class. You can also create your own lists there if you want.

The link to our classroom is: https://quizlet.com/class/1994344/ or you can search for Kasp First on quizlet.com.