Congratulations!

Dear class,

Congratulatons on the near end of the semester. It is an achievement (sucess), and achievements should always be celebrated! You have achieved a lot this past 2-4 months. You moved to a new country and took classes to prepare you for studying in an American university. Living in another country whose language you are learning can be a challenge. But not only have you accepted this challenge, you have also made progress on your way to reaching your dreams.

I hope the American Language Program has helped you. I especially hope that our time together in Composition class has helped to strengthen your English writing, and make you more confident about writing in English.

Good luck in your future!

Please write about the prompt. Please write 15 - 20 sentences.

Prompt: In what ways do you feel you have progressed (improved) these last 2-4 months? What are some things that you are proud of accomplishing? (In American culture, it is Ok to talk about things you are proud of.)

What challenges still await you? What are your plans for next semester, and the next year? Please share with me and the class.

Thank you for coming to the ALP. It has been a pleasure to know you. I believe that you will accomplish your dreams as you continue to work hard. Good luck!

I will see you next Wed, the 16th at 8:00 for our second final unless you have made other plans with me.
Amy

Welcome to December!

Dear class,

Today is another iBT practice day. However, today I will be strict with the time limit of 30 minutes! This is to help you practice so that you will be more prepared if & when you do take the iBT.

To help you monitor the time, I will sign in the time you start on the whiteboard, and I will let you know when the time is 1/2 over, almost finished, and when it is finished.

When you finish, I have another task for you to do. I will explain when you finish.

Today's questions is:

Some people prefer to take a position in a company and work for the company. Other people think it is better to go into business for themselves. What do you think is better? Give reasons and examples to support your response.

Please type today's response directly into your blog. Try to have a response of around 300 words. Remember you need an introduction, body (supporting paragraphs), and conclusion. You also need to use transitions to connect your paragraphs and correct grammar.

Happy Thanksgiving (a week early)

Dear class,

Today I want to have you do 2 things.

(1) Please put your process (how-to) essay on your blog. This is the essay I returned to you on Wednesday.

(2) Thanksgiving is a time in the U.S. that we stop and think about things we are thankful for. Please write about 150 words telling what you are thankful for in your life.

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving vacation!

Amy

Dream Job

Dear class,

Today, we won't do iBT practice. Instead, I have a question for you to answer. Then I want you to read and comment on 3 other peoples.

Please type this in Microsoft Word so you can check your spelling and grammar. I will count off points if you have spelling and grammar mistakes and you didn't use MS Word.

What is your dream job? Please use reasons and details to support your response. Also, please include information if you have previous work experience. What did you like about your job(s)? What did you not like?

Please type 250 - 300 words.

Remember please (1) type in MS Word. (2) read and comment on 3 other people's essays.

Thank you!

Happy November!

Dear class,

Today I want you to do 2 things:

(1) iBT TOEFL practice - You will have 30 minutes to write an essay. Use this time to plan, write, and correct your essay.

Use 30 minutes only!

Type your essay in Microsoft Word and then copy & paste it to your blog. Please tell & show me when you finish your blog.

Your blog should have a minimum of 300 words. Please remember to use spell-check and correct grammar. I will be grading you on: the length of your essay, and the supporting information. I want you to write a well-organized essay!

Your topic:

What are the characteristics of a good leader? Give reasons and examples to support your responses.

(2) Read and comment on
a) 2 classmates' advice on visiting their country (from last week's
blog)
b) 2 classmates (different ones from visiting countries) blogs about an important historical event

Happy Halloween!

Dear class,

Today I want you to do 2 things:

(1) You will work on iBT TOEFL practice again. You will have 30 minutes to write an essay. You will use this time to plan, write, and correct your essay. Use 30 minutes only! Type your essay in Microsoft Word and then copy & paste it to your blog. Please tell & show me when you finish your blog.

Your blog should have a minimum of 300 words. Please remember to use spell-check and correct grammar. I will be grading you on: the length of your essay, and the supporting information. I want you to write a well-organized essay!

Your topic:

Traveling to a different country can be both exciting and frustrating at the same time. What are the most important pieces of advice that you would give visitors coming to your country? Give reasons and details to support your response.

(2) Check and make sure your blog has all the necessary entries. If you are missing some blog posts, it lowers your grade! If you have been here from the beginning of the semester, you should have all the blogs. If you came for section B, you should have blogs since 10/23 (last week). Late blogs are due by Sunday night at 10:00!

Remember blogs are 20% of your grade, so if you don't do them, that can be really bad for your grade!

If you have any questions, please ask me! Thank you!

Amy

Friday,

Dear class,

Today I have two things for you to do.

(1) iBT TOEFL writing practice - Please read and respond to the prompt. Don't forget to include an introduction, supporting sentences, and a conclusion. Use correct grammar and specific examples.

Use 30 minutes to plan, type and correct your essay. Type it in word and then copy & paste to your blog.

What historical event in your country has had a major effect on your country? Give reasons and examples to support your response.

(2) Please write about a favorite movie. Write 10 - 12 sentences explaining the movie. You can tell who is in the movie, where does the story happen, and what is the movie's story. Also tell why you like the movie.

Thank you for your work!

Amy