Ken Robinson: How to escape education's death valley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX78iKhInsc&t=423The greatest TED Talk ever sold - Morgan Spurlock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2jyjfcp1as
Friday, March 13, 2015
YouTube Videos for Class
The greatest TED Talk ever sold - Morgan Spurlock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2jyjfcp1as
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Learning to Teach, Vocabulary Lists, Word Order, So and Such
I never stop learning. Today, while looking for material to help me teach about word order, I stumbled across an interesting video about teaching vocabulary.
http://video.about.com/homeschooling/How-to-Create-a-Vocabulary-Worksheet-to-Teach-a-Lesson.htm
This is what I found about word order, from Ken Beare:
Word Order in English
Where to place adjectives, adverbs, verbs and objects
Such or So?
http://video.about.com/homeschooling/How-to-Create-a-Vocabulary-Worksheet-to-Teach-a-Lesson.htm
This is what I found about word order, from Ken Beare:
Word Order in English
Where to place adjectives, adverbs, verbs and objects
Here is a basic guide to word order
in English for intermediate learners. Follow these basic rules to make sure you
place adjectives, adverbs, direct and indirect objects in the correct word
order.
Adjectives
Adjectives are usually placed in two positions, before the noun an
adjective modifies after linking verbs.
Place adjectives directly before the noun it modifies:
Jack spoke to the slim woman.
We visited an interesting town.
We visited an interesting town.
This is also true when using more than one adjective.
Make sure to use correct adjective
placement when using more than
adjective.
Jack lives in a big,
brown house.
He bought an interesting, metal box.
He bought an interesting, metal box.
Place adjectives after using a linking verb. Linking verbs are often used in simple sentences
with the adjective describing the subject of the sentence.
That steak looks very tasty!
The test seems difficult.
The test seems difficult.
Linking verbs include:
be, seem, appear, look, taste, feel
The day is beautiful.
She seems a little nervous.
The boys appear happy.
The girls look satisfied.
The berries taste sweet.
John feels tired.
She seems a little nervous.
The boys appear happy.
The girls look satisfied.
The berries taste sweet.
John feels tired.
Verbs
Place verbs immediately after subjects. Remember that there are both
helping verbs and main verbs. In positive and negative sentences the main verb
follows the helping verb.
We are working on a project at the moment.
She didn't come home last night.
She didn't come home last night.
In most questions the main verb follows the subject
Where have they been this week?
How often does she drive that car?
How often does she drive that car?
The only type of word that is placed between the
subject and the verb are adverbs of frequency such as usually, often, never.
She often visits her friends in Germany.
They sometimes have lunch in an Italian restaurant.
They sometimes have lunch in an Italian restaurant.
Adverbs
There are various types of adverbs in English. Adverbs are usually
placed in three positions based on which type of adverb is used.
Adverbs at the Beginning
Connecting adverbs such as 'however', 'consequently' and 'firstly' are
placed at the beginning of sentences. Make sure to follow a connecting adverb
with a comma.
Therefore, the students
chose Vancouver as a destination.
However, Henry felt he should speak to his cousin.
However, Henry felt he should speak to his cousin.
Time adverbs, and some adverbs of frequency are also sometimes used at
the beginning of sentences as a form of stress.
Thursdays I play tennis with Greg.
Sometimes Alice spends her time at the mall.
Sometimes Alice spends her time at the mall.
Adverbs in the Middle
Adverbs of frequency such as 'often', and 'sometimes' are placed in the
middle of sentences directly before the verb. Other adverbs used in the middle
of sentences include adverbs of certainty such as 'probably'.
The biology class often meets in the lab.
Tome decided he probably wants to join the club.
Tome decided he probably wants to join the club.
Adverbs at the End
Adverbs of manner, place and time are usually placed at the end of
sentences to illustrate how something is done, where something is done and when
something is done.
She drives her new Mercedes very carefully.
We like to meet in the cafeteria downstairs.
I will come over and help you tomorrow afternoon.
We like to meet in the cafeteria downstairs.
I will come over and help you tomorrow afternoon.
Objects
Objects follow the verbs of which they are objects. They can be preceded
by modifiers such as 'some', 'a lot of', etc. or prepositions.
She bought some ice-cream.
I travelled to Spain.
I travelled to Spain.
Indirect Object First
English has both direct objects and indirect objects. Direct objects refer
to the object that is affected and indirect objects refer to whom or for whom
something is done. When using both a direct and indirect object, the indirect
object usually comes first.
I bought Tim a present last week. - 'Tim'
is the indirect object, 'a present' is the direct object
Our friends wrote us a nice letter. - 'us' is the indirect object, 'a nice letter' is the direct object
Our friends wrote us a nice letter. - 'us' is the indirect object, 'a nice letter' is the direct object
Indirect Object Last
The indirect object is placed after the direct object when a preposition
such as 'for' or 'to' is used.
I bought the roses for my daughter.
She lent two thousand dollars to her friend.
She lent two thousand dollars to her friend.
These two examples could also be expressed by placing the indirect
object first by NOT using the preposition.
I bought my daughter the roses.
She lent her friend two thousand dollars.
She lent her friend two thousand dollars.
When both direct and indirect object are pronouns, place the indirect
object last generally preceded by the preposition 'to'.
She offered it to them.
They sent them to her.
They sent them to her.
So and Such
Such or So?
The use of 'such'
or 'so' can be a little confusing. For example, which sentence is correct?
Yesterday was such an interesting day!
OR
Yesterday was so an interesting day!
OR
Yesterday was so an interesting day!
The correct sentence is: Yesterday was such an interesting
day!
Structures using 'such' and 'so' are similar in meaning, but different
in construction. The main difference between the two structures is that 'such'
takes a noun phrase, whereas 'so' takes an adjective.
'Such … that'
'Such … that' takes a noun or modified noun in a noun phrase. 'That' can
be used following the noun phrase but is not required.
such + adjective + noun + (that)
Examples:
The recording was such a disappointment that I didn't buy any more from
that artist.
It was such an expensive car that he didn't buy it.
It was such an expensive car that he didn't buy it.
'So … that'
'So … that' takes an adjective. 'That' can be used following the noun phrase
but is not required. So + adjective
+ (that) Examples:
The game was so fascinating (that) he played for hours.
Our vacation apartment was so luxurious (that) we didn't want to leave.
Our vacation apartment was so luxurious (that) we didn't want to leave.
(but “Our vacation apartment was such a luxurious one that we didn’t
want to leave.” It’s all in the way you
word it!)
'So' for Results
'So' can also be used to express a result. In this case 'so' is followed
by a full clause. Examples:
I had a lot of time so I visited the museum.
She wasn't happy in her current position so she looked for a new job.
She wasn't happy in her current position so she looked for a new job.
1.
The new product was
_____ a success that we started to manufacture more.
·
such
·
so
2.
The boys were ___
noisy we had to shut the door.
·
such
·
so
3.
Lance was very
interested in art ____ he visited the art gallery.
·
such
·
so
4.
It was ____ a rainy
day, I took an umbrella.
·
so
·
such
5.
He is ____ a good
dancer!
·
such
·
so
6.
The weather was _____
wonderful that I took the day off work.
·
such
·
so
7.
I'm ___ excited that
you are getting married!
·
such
·
so
8.
There was a lot of
free time left _____ I took a tour of the city.
·
such
·
so
9.
It was _____ a
stupid question he refused to answer.
·
such
·
so
10.
I'm _____ happy you
asked!
·
such
·
so
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Reading Comprehension - Night Before Christmas
This week's reading comprehension is based on "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" which is one of the most traditional Christmas readings in English speaking countries. Written in 1822 by Clement C. Moore, "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" tells the story of Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve at a typical American household. Imagine it is Christmas Eve and you are sitting around the fireplace drinking a nice cup of Egg Nog (a typical Christmas drink made with eggs, cinnamon, milk and other ingredients sometimes including a good bit of rum) anxiously awaiting Christmas Eve. Outside the snow is falling and all the family is together. Finally, someone in the family takes out "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" Before reading you may want to review some of the more difficult vocabulary listed after the story.
'Twas The Night Before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
The vocabulary is in the order it appears in "'Twas The Night Before Christmas"
'Twas = It was
stirring = movement
nestled = comfortably in place
'kerchief = handkerchief
clatter = noise
sash = window covering that is pulled down from inside the room
shutters = window covering that is opened from outside the window
lustre = glow, illumination
sleigh = Santa Claus' vehicle, also used in Alaska with dogs
St. Nick = Santa Claus
Coursers = Animals which draw a sleigh
Porch = terrace
dash away = move onwards quickly
twinkling = a second
bound = a jump
tarnished = dirty
soot = black waste material found inside a chimney
bundle = bag
peddler = someone who sells things on the street
dimples = indentations on the cheeks
merry = happy
droll = funny
encircled = circle around
belly = stomach
dread = to be afraid of
jerk = quick movement
down of a thistle = the light material on a certain type of weed that floats away in the air
ere = before
I hope you enjoyed this traditional Christmas story.
'Twas The Night Before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
The vocabulary is in the order it appears in "'Twas The Night Before Christmas"
'Twas = It was
stirring = movement
nestled = comfortably in place
'kerchief = handkerchief
clatter = noise
sash = window covering that is pulled down from inside the room
shutters = window covering that is opened from outside the window
lustre = glow, illumination
sleigh = Santa Claus' vehicle, also used in Alaska with dogs
St. Nick = Santa Claus
Coursers = Animals which draw a sleigh
Porch = terrace
dash away = move onwards quickly
twinkling = a second
bound = a jump
tarnished = dirty
soot = black waste material found inside a chimney
bundle = bag
peddler = someone who sells things on the street
dimples = indentations on the cheeks
merry = happy
droll = funny
encircled = circle around
belly = stomach
dread = to be afraid of
jerk = quick movement
down of a thistle = the light material on a certain type of weed that floats away in the air
ere = before
I hope you enjoyed this traditional Christmas story.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
English Preposition Rule
English Preposition Rule
There is one very simple rule about prepositions. And, unlike most rules, this rule has no exceptions.
Rule: A preposition is followed by a "noun". It is never followed by a verb.
By "noun" we include:
noun (dog, money, love)
proper noun (name) (Bangkok, Mary)
pronoun (you, him, us)
noun group (my first job)
gerund (swimming)
A preposition cannot be followed by a verb. If we want to follow a preposition by a verb, we must use the "-ing" form which is really a gerund or verb in noun form.
Quick Quiz: In the following sentences, why is "to" followed by a verb? That should be impossible, according to the above rule:
I would like to go now.
She used to smoke.
Here are some examples:
Subject + verb preposition "noun"
The food is on the table.
She lives in Japan.
Tara is looking for you.
The letter is under your blue book.
Pascal is used to English people.
She isn't used to working.
I ate before coming.
Answer to Quick Quiz: In these sentences, "to" is not a preposition. It is part of the infinitive ("to go", "to smoke").
There is one very simple rule about prepositions. And, unlike most rules, this rule has no exceptions.
Rule: A preposition is followed by a "noun". It is never followed by a verb.
By "noun" we include:
noun (dog, money, love)
proper noun (name) (Bangkok, Mary)
pronoun (you, him, us)
noun group (my first job)
gerund (swimming)
A preposition cannot be followed by a verb. If we want to follow a preposition by a verb, we must use the "-ing" form which is really a gerund or verb in noun form.
Quick Quiz: In the following sentences, why is "to" followed by a verb? That should be impossible, according to the above rule:
I would like to go now.
She used to smoke.
Here are some examples:
Subject + verb preposition "noun"
The food is on the table.
She lives in Japan.
Tara is looking for you.
The letter is under your blue book.
Pascal is used to English people.
She isn't used to working.
I ate before coming.
Answer to Quick Quiz: In these sentences, "to" is not a preposition. It is part of the infinitive ("to go", "to smoke").
Do or Make
Do or Make - An explanation
The two verbs 'do' and 'make' are often confused. The meanings are similar, but there are differences.
'Do' for Activities: Use the verb 'do' to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object.
do homework do housework do the ironing do the dishes do a job
'Do' for General Ideas: Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, when we do not exactly name an activity. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'
I'm not doing anything today. He does everything for his mother. She's doing nothing at the moment.
Important Expressions with 'Do': There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'do'. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.
do one's best do good do harm do a favour do business
'Make' for Constructing, Building, Creating: Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.
make food make a cup of tea /coffee make a mess
Important Expressions with 'Make': There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. In a number of cases the verb 'do' seems more appropriate. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.
make plans make an exception make arrangements make a telephone call make a decision make a mistake make noise make money make an excuse make an effort
Next, take the quiz on the following page testing 'do' or 'make'.
Do or Make - Quiz
Use 'do' or 'make' in the following sentences. Be sure to conjugate the verb. When you have finished, you can check your answers on the next page.
1. He ____ an excellent job at the meeting last week.
2. May I ____ a telephone call?
3. Please stop ___ so much noise!
4. She ____ her homework before she went to bed.
5. Would you like me ____ you a cup of tea?
6. I'm afraid you ____ (not) any good.
7. Look at your room! You ____ a mess!
8. It took him a long time ____ a decision.
9. Do you mind ____ the washing-up this evening?
10. We ____ plans for our next holiday at the moment.
11. What ____ you ____? - Oh, I ___ (not) anything at the moment.
12. I guess I can ____ an exception to the rule this time.
13. What ____ we ____ this evening?
14. I know you ____ your best last week.
15. I wish you ____ an effort on this exam.
Quiz Answers
Here are the answers to the quiz. Make special note of the verb conjugations or form:
1. He did an excellent job at the meeting last week.
2. May I make a telephone call?
3. Please stop making so much noise!
4. She did her homework before she went to bed.
5. Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?
6. I'm afraid you won't do OR aren't doing any good.
7. Look at your room! You made OR have made a mess!
8. It took him a long time to make a decision.
9. Do you mind doing the washing-up this evening?
10. We are making plans for our next holiday at the moment.
11. What are you doing? - Oh, I am not doing anything at the moment.
12. I guess I can make an exception to the rule this time.
13. What shall we do OR are we going to do this evening?
14. I know you did your best last week.
15. I wish you would make an effort on this exam.
from www.esl.about.com
The two verbs 'do' and 'make' are often confused. The meanings are similar, but there are differences.
'Do' for Activities: Use the verb 'do' to express daily activities or jobs. Notice that these are usually activities that produce no physical object.
do homework do housework do the ironing do the dishes do a job
'Do' for General Ideas: Use the verb 'do' when speaking about things in general. In other words, when we do not exactly name an activity. This form is often used with the words 'something, nothing, anything, everything, etc.'
I'm not doing anything today. He does everything for his mother. She's doing nothing at the moment.
Important Expressions with 'Do': There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'do'. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.
do one's best do good do harm do a favour do business
'Make' for Constructing, Building, Creating: Use 'make' to express an activity that creates something that you can touch.
make food make a cup of tea /coffee make a mess
Important Expressions with 'Make': There are a number of standard expressions that take the verb 'make'. In a number of cases the verb 'do' seems more appropriate. These are standard collocations (verb + noun combinations) that are used in English.
make plans make an exception make arrangements make a telephone call make a decision make a mistake make noise make money make an excuse make an effort
Next, take the quiz on the following page testing 'do' or 'make'.
Do or Make - Quiz
Use 'do' or 'make' in the following sentences. Be sure to conjugate the verb. When you have finished, you can check your answers on the next page.
1. He ____ an excellent job at the meeting last week.
2. May I ____ a telephone call?
3. Please stop ___ so much noise!
4. She ____ her homework before she went to bed.
5. Would you like me ____ you a cup of tea?
6. I'm afraid you ____ (not) any good.
7. Look at your room! You ____ a mess!
8. It took him a long time ____ a decision.
9. Do you mind ____ the washing-up this evening?
10. We ____ plans for our next holiday at the moment.
11. What ____ you ____? - Oh, I ___ (not) anything at the moment.
12. I guess I can ____ an exception to the rule this time.
13. What ____ we ____ this evening?
14. I know you ____ your best last week.
15. I wish you ____ an effort on this exam.
Quiz Answers
Here are the answers to the quiz. Make special note of the verb conjugations or form:
1. He did an excellent job at the meeting last week.
2. May I make a telephone call?
3. Please stop making so much noise!
4. She did her homework before she went to bed.
5. Would you like me to make you a cup of tea?
6. I'm afraid you won't do OR aren't doing any good.
7. Look at your room! You made OR have made a mess!
8. It took him a long time to make a decision.
9. Do you mind doing the washing-up this evening?
10. We are making plans for our next holiday at the moment.
11. What are you doing? - Oh, I am not doing anything at the moment.
12. I guess I can make an exception to the rule this time.
13. What shall we do OR are we going to do this evening?
14. I know you did your best last week.
15. I wish you would make an effort on this exam.
from www.esl.about.com
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