Session 10: Extra Themed Topic: Why are we here?

http://www.progressiveboink.com/2012/4/21/2912173/calvinhobbes

Read and comment the comic strip with your classmate.

In this session, you've chosen to talk about why you are here.

In your text, include:

- Other options you considered before entering Uni 

- How, when and why you decided you would study this programme

-  What you are able to do with what you've learned and what you expect to be able to do when you get your degree 

- Any other information you consider to be relevant.

Tips: Always do some quick pre-writing, even if it's just a brief brainstorming, mind or spider map, listing or freewriting.

           Use connectors between paragraphs to ensure cohesion.

           Use a variety of lexical choices to show you're able to share your ideas in detail.

Word count : 260 words

Sample

Before studying in Filosofía & Humanidades (henceforth F&H) I was part of the Anthropology pregraduate programme in Ciencias Sociales Faculty for one semester. I wasn't really sure what to do when I left school, so I took a year off to decide and then I ended up in the Anthropology programme. I didn't really feel at ease there, the discipline felt too distant for me and eventually I realised I had to drop out. I took the rest of the year to prepare my self to take the Chilean version of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and then I entered F&H. The main reason why I chose my study programme was because I liked the idea of learning about language and I've always enjoyed reading. In addition, English had always been a motivating area to explore and that I learned with ease.

After finishing the pregraduate programme I felt it was necessary for me to learn more about several aspects of my field, so I decided to do the MA. It took me longer than I had expected because I started working at the same time as I was studying, so at the beginnig it was a very difficult thing to manage. Eventually I was able to finish my thesis project and I graduated in 2011. As a result, I feel I have been able to gain insight on different phenomena related to human sciences, such as intended meaning in language, discourse construction, foreign language acquisition, literary English expressions and plenty of other related areas.

I've worked in the educational field for almost 10 year now, always at College or University Level. I think I've never stopped learning, I'm in a constant search for knowledge and although I don't have much time (I'm currently woking in 4 different places in many different areas, such as commnicative English courses, Applied Linguistics, Applied Phonetics, Literature in English, Writing courses, supervising thesis projects...) I've never stopped being curious and aware that there's always something new to be learned.
For the future I'd really like to be able to have some time to do research and start publishing some of the research projects I've developed in these years. Hope I'll be able to do this next year.
 (Word Count: 373)

Session 9: Changes to your study programme

 Watch the following clip and discuss with a classmate.
In what ways does this clip relate to what your programme is about? Compare and contrast.

In this session, you'll develop your ideas regarding your study programme and possible changes you'd constructively suggest to it.

Among others, think about:

> What your programme is (your degree), and what it involves (skills, abilities, etc)

 The curriculum (the subjects you have to study)
> Workload and length of studies
> Faculty facilities (buildings and infrastructure)
> Use of technology
> Teaching methods
Also add a piece of advice for someone who would like to study your programme.



- Word Count: 250
- Leave comments on my sample and on your classmates’ posts.

Sample:

I'm BA in English Literature and Linguistics. I've also got an MA in English Linguisitcs. These areas involve being able to pay attention to detail (sounds, language features), rigour and critical thought.

Among some of the subjects I had to study I would highlight Morphosyntax, Linguistic schools of though of the XX century, English and American Literature, Phonetics and Phonology, Text Grammar and Applied Linguistics and Discourse Analysis. I learned plenty from all of these subjects. The workload was quite heavy, there were tons and tons of texts to read and summarise, so I made a habit of studying every day, but never right before a test, in order to let knowledge set properly.

My Faculty was Filosofía & Humanidades, and I really loved the campus (Juan Gómez Millas) because it has lots of trees and open areas. Although our classrooms and study spaces were very humble, I think they provided all that was necessary for me to feel at home and able to sit down and study in peace and quiet. Similarly, technological equipment back then was scarce; actually, there were very few computers available back then, so we had to learn to rely on our own class notes and study summaries rather than on a technological device or network. 

The teaching methods were very straightforward and constructive; teachers would present the material and guide you to access the contents, but they always stressed the importance of autonomous learning and being able to accept criticism (and even failure) in the light of realising that we had to give 200% in order to become our best selves.

The only thing that I would have changed probably was the library. Even though I loved our library, several times I had to go to another campus or even to another university to find specific texts that were key to our discipline. Everything else I think worked just perfectly. (Wordcount:316)

Session 8: Summer Holidays!

With your classmate, read the signs and compare ideas as to which of these holidays you would prefer.

As you might have guessed, this blog’s topic is again related to holidays;  summer holidays!

Can you remember the last time you went on holiday during the summer? Ask your friend 4 questions related to this topic.

Now you’ll start writing. Think about your last summer holiday. You have  to include:

-Where you went and Who was there ( provide a brief description)

- Where you stayed and a short description of the place.

 - Descriptions related to your senses:  Smells,tastes, sensations of touch, sounds like voices, chants, etc.,  Colors,  and shapes

- If the experience was different from what you expected and why; if it was what you expected, describe it.

- What your favourite part of the holidays was and why, and what you would like to do next summer.

WORD COUNT : 240

Tips:  When you need to write longer texts, it’s always best to start with a short pre-writing exercise.

You can use the ‘spider’ map on your copy book first, to decide what you’ll write about first, the most important characteristics about each element you want to include, vocabulary you’d like to use, and how your piece will end.

Use these diagrammes to organise your ideas. List some of the words and connectors you’d like to include ( you can add the connectors in the 'other' column)

After you do your pre-writing, check the sample below and write your own text. Pay attention to the words and expressions in bold or that have been underlined.
Remember you should post here and in your classmates' blogs.

Sample

Last summer,  I went to El Canelo, a tiny beach located in Algarrobo. It's small but extremely beautiful and colourful. It was February, so the weather was warm and sunny. Given that my parents have been living there for almost 4 years, I stayed in their house for a few days.

One thing that has always called my attention is the way the air feels in El Canelo; it has a distinctive, sort of minty and cool scent, which feels  a bit cold (and salty!) and yet pleasant. Silence is  also something very unique about this area; you can only hear a few people in the afternoon as they walk towards the beach, but mostly, you can hear birds chirping and tree leaves in the wind…very peaceful!

In the mornings we did some gardening and read a bit, then my dad cooked something special and tasty, and then we talked about our lives and shared memories at the dinner table  (very Chilean custom!). I really enjoyed walking down a small forest near the beach, because in the summer the colours and hues of flowers, bushes and waves of course are very intense and vivid. However, I have to say that my favourite part was spending time and talking to my parents, because I seldom see them and I miss them a lot.

I’d have to say that everything was just as I expected; I was able to unwind and spend time with my loved ones. I surely hope I am able to do the same next summer, though I’d definitely like to have more time!

Word count: 265

Session 7: Themed Post: Opinions

What do you think this quote means? Do you agree with it? Discuss with a classmate.

In this session we'll practise how to write an opinion essay.

One possible structure is as follows:

- Open your essay with an interesting or surprising fact, or a quote, or a rhetorical question. This is called a 'hook sentence', and it intends to catch your readers' attention so that they want to know your opinion.

- Present your point of view in the first two lines of the next paragraph. That way the reader will identify what you believe immediately.

- Provide examples, hypothetical situations, logic and /or facts to support your position.

- Avoid overgeneralisations because these will weaken your reasons. Instead of saying: everybody, everyone, people, etc, say most people, the majority of, some men/women/teenagers/ etc.

- Use a variety of tenses and vocabulary. Use synonyms for words like 'good' or 'bad'

-Use connectors. (however, then, next, in addition, etc)

- Finish with a short conclusion that restates your opinion and does not offer new information.

Now it's your turn:

Choose one of the following quotes:

INSTRUCTIONS: Write an opinion essay using the quote you chose. You should:

- Write a hook sentence

- Say what your opinion about the topic you chose

- Give reasons and examples to support your viewpoint

- Conclude the essay by paraphrasing your own opinion.

Word count: 230

Comment on this entry and in one of your classmate's. This must be done during the lab time.

Look at the sample below. Some useful expressions and words have been highlighted to help you.

Most of us like to think our friends are honest with us, but is complete honesty really such a good idea?

Most people would agree that there are times when honesty is important. However, you need to learn to differentiate when telling the truth will cause a positive or a negative effect on your friend. For instance, when a friend asks you for advice on their love life, their family life or their choice of career, even though telling them the truth may hurt the person’s feelings,  it will problably be more benefitial in the long run, because your friend will be able to realise what is best for him or her. Furthermore, a friend can help someone become a more responsible and sensible individual by being honest about their faults and problems.

Nevertheless, it can also happen that sometimes honesty is not the most recommendable path to take. For example, if someone says that they don’t like a friend’s new clothes, they’re hurting their friend’s feelings for no reason  but just because their own taste is not the same as theirs. Moreover, when they hear other people criticising their friend, they shouldn’t always tell their friend what has been said. People don’t always mean what they say; in fact, some people say what they say because they are mean; they may simply be jealous or upset or too self-centred.

In conclusion, though I agree that in most circumstances (especially serious or important ones) a friend should be honest, there may also be plenty of situations in which it can be better to think before you speak in order to avoid causing harm.

Session 6: POST GRADUATE STUDIES

What do these abbreviations mean? Discuss with your classmate:

PhD

MBA

MA

In this session, you'll be asked to:

Write about a postgraduate course that you would consider taking in the future (220 words)
Include:

- Reasons to do the course
- Subject(s) you would like to study
- Where you would like to study (Chile or abroad)
- How you would like to study (distance learning, blended system, part-time course, etc)

- Any other relevant ideas



Sample

Studying has always been something I've enjoyed, because in my opinion, one of the most important things in life is acquiring knowledge in order to be able to foster more knowledge afterwards. 

Even though currently a postgraduate degree is impossible in my life (time and money constraints mainly), if I could magically study whatever I wanted wherever I wanted, I'd definitely do a Phd at the University of Edinburgh. This is mainly because there are plenty of issues that I'd like to study at a greater depth in my area of studies. Discourse analysis is one area that I'd be particularly interested in pursuing, hopefully related to the language of evaluation or 'appraisal', which is a relatively new approach that originated from Systemic Functional Linguistics. I believe that gaining greater insight in the way that texts construe speakers' or writers' personae (attitudinal colouring in language) can contribute to better comprehend how language works at an interactional, cohesive, and pragmatic level. I'd love to have the chance to do this full-time., so as to be able to conduct well-developed research. A Phd in this area would be a blessing for me because I’m constantly thinking of the kind of phenomena I’d like to observe if I had the chance to; but given that I have very little spare time, I don’t see this happening in the near future…but dreaming is no sin! 

Word count 220

Session 5: Future jobs

Session 5

Look at the following people's profiles and possible jobs. Which is the most suitable option for each? Check with a classmate. Then, discuss if any of those options would suit you and why/why not.

So, as you can see, in this session we'll discuss jobs.

Look at the ideas and phrase used in the sample below:

I'd like to have a job in which I can do a lot of research. I imagine being able of spending afternoons going through all the texts and articles I've found over the years about interesting topics that currently I'm not able to read because I have too little time. Though many people may think that doing research is stressful or boring, for me it would be the ideal job, because it involves observing, analysing and drawing conclusions, and I enjoy doing all those (boring? XD) things. The ideal place for doing this would be a library, but I can work anywhere that is quiet and that has a comfortable,big desk to lay all the books and materials around! (cat space required too, please!) However, it could also be outdoors if it is for example in a quiet park or something similar. The problem there would be that I'd possibly need internet eventually...so maybe indoors is a better choice. Also, tea is best drunk inside, isn't it?

Travelling wouldn't be part of the picture, unless we're talking about holidays and this is about a job! hehehe...But seriously, in my case, as I've already majored in English Linguistics, if I travelled it would have to be to continue perfecting in my area, to do a Phd, which could be in something related to Discourse Analysis or Pragmatics, because these are the areas of language that I've devoted myself the most.

(225 words)

Do you think there might be a place in the world where I can get paid for studying and doing research on what I like the most? XD


Now it's your turn: Write a text following the questions below. Use connectors and a variety of tenses, and in case you have doubts ask me or check a reliable dictionary or website ( do not trust the translator!!)

My Future Job 

- What kind of job would you like to have? How do you imagine it?

- In an office?

- Outdoors /indoors?

- Would you like to travel a lot in your job?

- What major are you studying / are you thinking of taking?    Explain why

- Add any other related ideas.

- Make comments on 3 of your classmates’ posts and in mine as well

- Word Count: 210 words

Session 4: Themed post: A story.

Writing a story             
 

In this post, you’ll be able to choose a line or title to develop a story. You can choose any of the ones detailed further down.

When you develop your story, first consider:

• You may need to write in either the first person (I …) or the third person (he/she …).
•  Write about the topic or title given  in a spontaneous manner--don’t include material you have prepared in advance.
•  Make sure you write around 180 words. You may lose marks if your answer istoo short.
•  Leave enough time to read your answer carefully. Check for verb tenses, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation. Ask yourself: ‘Does it clearly communicate the message?’ You'll also need time to post my sample and 3 of classmates' stories, so work carefully.

-Some useful optional phrases:

Starting a story:

I (he, she, they) will never forget the time/day when….

From the very start, I (he, she, they) knew…

One day, I (he, she, they were) was walking along the street when…

etc

Finishing a story:

After everything that happened, I (he, she, they)…

It had been the most amazing day.

In the end, everything/everybody was…

etc

Try to make your story more interesting by including adjectives and adverbs.

Titles/Lines: Choose one of these:

·         The wrong address

·         It was the first day of summer holiday

·         I was surprised when I opened the door

·         The best day of my life

·         The dream

·         He opened his eyes and wasn’t sure where he was

In your story you should include:

1. Who is involved in it
2. What he/she/ they did
3. Where the story took place, where the people went
4. How your story ends

Remember the word count is 180. You have to post here and in 3 of classmates’ stories, so plan your writing time wisely ;)

You cannot use a translator, ask me or check www.wordreference.com

Sample story

The dream

One day, Gin was walking across the park after school in the small town of Ur. Suddenly, she heard a crackling noise coming from some dark, dense bushes. When she approached, she smelled a fragrant, sweet and somewhat heavy scent which she at first couldn’t distinguish. Once she got close enough, she saw a little person sitting on a rock that looked like a short, little girl but by her face she know she was an adult, tiny but well-proportioned. Her skin had a soft bluish hue and she was wearing a a scarf around her cheeks and head and a tall hat, all in blue.

As Gin approached the creature looked at her, smiling and without speaking, she offered her a sip of a brownish, thick, sweet-scented beverage. Though Gin knew she wasn’t supposed to accept things from strangers, the drink seemed too tempting to refuse, so she drank a bit. The little woman seemed very pleased and her face beamed with blue hues.

-Welcome to the dream world- she said- You’ve chosen to stay here, with us.

As Gin vanished into ashes, she distantly remembered having heard that you should never accept food nor drink from fairies. [199 words]