By Mayu Matsubara
I went to Doig River last Thursday. In Doig River, poeple explained to us about a moose and taught a traditional dance. When I watched a traditional dance, it looked like easy. But I tried to do it, and it was a little bit difficult. In addition, it was the first time to make bannock. A boy who I sometimes meet on the bus supported me to make bannock. I spread jam and butter on my bannock. It was so tasty.
Many elementary students visited Doig River, so, I was able to meet Upper Pine School students. They were very cute and remembered me. I was very happy. I was a good experience. I had a very good time.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Doig River First Nation
By Chiharu Ichiguchi
We went to Doig River First Nation last Thursday. But the weather was cloudy and rainy. First, we saw a moose hide. It was the first time, so it moved me very much. Second, we made bannock. It was an unexpectedly good taste, and we ate a hotdog. Finally, we watched the traditional dance. They wore traditional clothes made from moose hide. I had a good experience and I enjoyed everything. There were many elementary students. We could be exposed to many elementary students and local people.
We went to Doig River First Nation last Thursday. But the weather was cloudy and rainy. First, we saw a moose hide. It was the first time, so it moved me very much. Second, we made bannock. It was an unexpectedly good taste, and we ate a hotdog. Finally, we watched the traditional dance. They wore traditional clothes made from moose hide. I had a good experience and I enjoyed everything. There were many elementary students. We could be exposed to many elementary students and local people.
Doig River First Nation
By Miho Yoshioka
I went to Doig River First Nation last Thursday. The weather was a little bit chilly. The people who live in Doig River First Nation taught us about a moose hide and how to make bannock. The bannock is like bread. When I was making the bannock, it was very fun and tasted good. We saw a Doig River First Nation traditional dance. It was very nice. The Japanese girls joined them and danced.
These were grand experiences for me. I had a good time.
I went to Doig River First Nation last Thursday. The weather was a little bit chilly. The people who live in Doig River First Nation taught us about a moose hide and how to make bannock. The bannock is like bread. When I was making the bannock, it was very fun and tasted good. We saw a Doig River First Nation traditional dance. It was very nice. The Japanese girls joined them and danced.
These were grand experiences for me. I had a good time.
Visiting the Doig River First Nation
By Misato Taniguchi
It was the first time to watch the process of making the hide. I was impressed by their movements because there is no waste. I watched their performance, full of admiration. They use primitive tools in all processes. I really wanted the whole hide as a hammock but they said that it may cost $700-$1,200! But if we watch all the process, we can accept the price for the hide. It is a valid price. It takes almost one month to make it be completed. And it is a perfect handmade item.
It was also the first time for me to meet First Nations. I sensed a kind of closeness because their face resembles ours. They speak in clear and sonorous voice. Their tanned face looks a little stern but whenever they smile, it is really calm and gentle.
The finny thing was that an old woman used packaged beef instead of the moose to show us how to smoke it! We burst out laughing with her. She grinned at us.
I had a wonderful day.
It was the first time to watch the process of making the hide. I was impressed by their movements because there is no waste. I watched their performance, full of admiration. They use primitive tools in all processes. I really wanted the whole hide as a hammock but they said that it may cost $700-$1,200! But if we watch all the process, we can accept the price for the hide. It is a valid price. It takes almost one month to make it be completed. And it is a perfect handmade item.
It was also the first time for me to meet First Nations. I sensed a kind of closeness because their face resembles ours. They speak in clear and sonorous voice. Their tanned face looks a little stern but whenever they smile, it is really calm and gentle.
The finny thing was that an old woman used packaged beef instead of the moose to show us how to smoke it! We burst out laughing with her. She grinned at us.
I had a wonderful day.
Doig River First Nation
By Kotomi Taniguchi
I went to see First Nations yesterday. It was one of my great experiences for me in Canada. First I rode a yellow school bus to get to there. It was exciting for me because we don’t have a yellow bus like that. I’ve seen it only in a drama or movie. Next, when I got there, I saw how to make cloth from a moose skin. Some First Nations women showed us how to do it. They were using bones and wood as tools. It was ethnic and very interesting, but the moose skin was a little bit grotesque for me. Third, I ate bannock, a traditional bread. I burned it with fire, and I ate it with jam. It had no taste without jam, so I was wondering how First Nations eat this in the old days. After that, I saw many animal pelts there. It was hard to see and I smelled something very bad. I couldn’t touch it. Later, I listened to a First Nations story and I could talk with the First Nations speaker (story-teller). He told me about their old life with horses. It was really interesting. As last, I saw traditional dance. I thought it is simple and the music isn’t rhythmical like nowadays, but their clothes were really fashionable. I like ethnic clothes very much. This experience was a great experience for me because I don’t have a chance to meet them (First Nations) in Japan. I never forget this experience.
I went to see First Nations yesterday. It was one of my great experiences for me in Canada. First I rode a yellow school bus to get to there. It was exciting for me because we don’t have a yellow bus like that. I’ve seen it only in a drama or movie. Next, when I got there, I saw how to make cloth from a moose skin. Some First Nations women showed us how to do it. They were using bones and wood as tools. It was ethnic and very interesting, but the moose skin was a little bit grotesque for me. Third, I ate bannock, a traditional bread. I burned it with fire, and I ate it with jam. It had no taste without jam, so I was wondering how First Nations eat this in the old days. After that, I saw many animal pelts there. It was hard to see and I smelled something very bad. I couldn’t touch it. Later, I listened to a First Nations story and I could talk with the First Nations speaker (story-teller). He told me about their old life with horses. It was really interesting. As last, I saw traditional dance. I thought it is simple and the music isn’t rhythmical like nowadays, but their clothes were really fashionable. I like ethnic clothes very much. This experience was a great experience for me because I don’t have a chance to meet them (First Nations) in Japan. I never forget this experience.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Book Review - Little Women
By Ayako Suzuki
The title is Little Women. The author is Louisa May Alcott.
Setting: This book begins two days before Christmas.
Main characters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.
Meg is 16 and she is very beautiful. She has big eyes and beautiful long brown hair.
Jo is 15. She is tall and thin. She has dark eyes and long brown hair.
Beth is 13. She is very quiet.
Amy has blue eyes and yellow hair. She is selfish.
They have a mother and father, but they live with their mother only because their father lives in a very far place. Then, their father works there. They want to live with their father.
One day they talked about Christmas. They hope that they will get some presents, but, their family didn't have any money, and they know their father will not come back. They try to buy some presents for themselves, but Mother heard this talk.
On Christmas morning, they opened their eyes and they looked under the beds. There were four books there. Their mother bought four books. They were very happy. Then, they go presents from a boy. They didn't know about the boy.
Five days later, Jo met the boy at a party. They talked a lot. Then, Jo fell in love with the boy.
This book talks about parties, the trouble with Amny, Meg's Glove, Jo's hair, and Beth's sickness. I like the story about Jo's hair. One day, their father gets sick, but they don't have any money. So Jo sold her hair and gave the money to her mother. Jo's hair was very short. When I read this, my heart hurts because she is very kind.
On Christmas Day, their father came back home. They were very, very happy.
I chose this book because it was attached to a CD. I listened to this CD a lot of times.
The title is Little Women. The author is Louisa May Alcott.
Setting: This book begins two days before Christmas.
Main characters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.
Meg is 16 and she is very beautiful. She has big eyes and beautiful long brown hair.
Jo is 15. She is tall and thin. She has dark eyes and long brown hair.
Beth is 13. She is very quiet.
Amy has blue eyes and yellow hair. She is selfish.
They have a mother and father, but they live with their mother only because their father lives in a very far place. Then, their father works there. They want to live with their father.
One day they talked about Christmas. They hope that they will get some presents, but, their family didn't have any money, and they know their father will not come back. They try to buy some presents for themselves, but Mother heard this talk.
On Christmas morning, they opened their eyes and they looked under the beds. There were four books there. Their mother bought four books. They were very happy. Then, they go presents from a boy. They didn't know about the boy.
Five days later, Jo met the boy at a party. They talked a lot. Then, Jo fell in love with the boy.
This book talks about parties, the trouble with Amny, Meg's Glove, Jo's hair, and Beth's sickness. I like the story about Jo's hair. One day, their father gets sick, but they don't have any money. So Jo sold her hair and gave the money to her mother. Jo's hair was very short. When I read this, my heart hurts because she is very kind.
On Christmas Day, their father came back home. They were very, very happy.
I chose this book because it was attached to a CD. I listened to this CD a lot of times.
Book Report - The Wizard of Oz
By Chikako Hirashima
This book is The Wizard of Oz. It was written by Frank L. Baum.
Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, are carried by a cyclone from her aunt and uncle's house in Kansas. When they come down, they find themselves in the land of Oz. They begin a journey to the Emerald City to get back to Kansas. They meet some new friends on the journey.
Scarecrow wants some brains, and Tin Woodman wants a heart, and Cowardly Lion wants courage. They got over their difficulties and arrived at the Emerald City.
The Wizard of Oz isn't a wizard, just a man, so he can't give some things that they want. But he thought about them. He shook the pins, needles, and sawdust all together, and pushed them into the top of the Scarecrow's head. Next, he cut a hole in the Tin Woodman's body, and he put a pretty heart inside, and he mended the hole. Finally, he had Cowardly Lion drink water. The Scarecrow felt wise, and Tin Woodman felt happy, and Cowardly Lion felt full of courage.
But Dorothy and Toto are unhappy because they can't go back to Kansas. So Dorothy and Toto and their new friends go and see Glinda, the good Witch of the South. Glinda teaches them how to get back to Kansas.
So Dorothy and Toto could go back to Kansas and meet her aunt and uncle again.
I think it is not possible to do something when thinking that it is not possible to do it.
This book is The Wizard of Oz. It was written by Frank L. Baum.
Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, are carried by a cyclone from her aunt and uncle's house in Kansas. When they come down, they find themselves in the land of Oz. They begin a journey to the Emerald City to get back to Kansas. They meet some new friends on the journey.
Scarecrow wants some brains, and Tin Woodman wants a heart, and Cowardly Lion wants courage. They got over their difficulties and arrived at the Emerald City.
The Wizard of Oz isn't a wizard, just a man, so he can't give some things that they want. But he thought about them. He shook the pins, needles, and sawdust all together, and pushed them into the top of the Scarecrow's head. Next, he cut a hole in the Tin Woodman's body, and he put a pretty heart inside, and he mended the hole. Finally, he had Cowardly Lion drink water. The Scarecrow felt wise, and Tin Woodman felt happy, and Cowardly Lion felt full of courage.
But Dorothy and Toto are unhappy because they can't go back to Kansas. So Dorothy and Toto and their new friends go and see Glinda, the good Witch of the South. Glinda teaches them how to get back to Kansas.
So Dorothy and Toto could go back to Kansas and meet her aunt and uncle again.
I think it is not possible to do something when thinking that it is not possible to do it.
Summer and Winter
By Selina Situ
There are four seasons in a year. Compared with the other seasons, summer and winter are opposite.
In summer, the temperature is higher than any other season. In the opposite direction, winter is colder than any other season, but one thing you have to remember is in winter the temperature can be negative centigrade degrees in the morning and at night, but it might go up to positive centigrade degrees in the afternoon.
In addition, people wear more clothes in the winter, but it is very inconvenient as you come inside (even though outside is very cold). When you go inside you have to take off your coat because inside is heated up. Also, in winter, night time is longer than day time; on the other hand, in summer, day time is longer than night time.
In my opinion, I like winter, but it is too cold for me, and I think a lot of people love summer, maybe because they can dress less than winter, showing off their perfect body, and it is very convenient to go out on a nice summer day.
There are four seasons in a year. Compared with the other seasons, summer and winter are opposite.
In summer, the temperature is higher than any other season. In the opposite direction, winter is colder than any other season, but one thing you have to remember is in winter the temperature can be negative centigrade degrees in the morning and at night, but it might go up to positive centigrade degrees in the afternoon.
In addition, people wear more clothes in the winter, but it is very inconvenient as you come inside (even though outside is very cold). When you go inside you have to take off your coat because inside is heated up. Also, in winter, night time is longer than day time; on the other hand, in summer, day time is longer than night time.
In my opinion, I like winter, but it is too cold for me, and I think a lot of people love summer, maybe because they can dress less than winter, showing off their perfect body, and it is very convenient to go out on a nice summer day.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
How to Write a Good Essay
By Janice Chan
Have you ever been annoyed by writing a good essay? I am not good at or interested in writing. Instead, I suppose that writing is everything in our world and it builds up a specific community network of exchanging or promoting ideas--it is like a deep, wide ocean which contacts different areas and helps us to transfer something all over the world. A paragraph is a tool that helps us in participating in this ocean. Sometimes it can be a boat, carrying our products. Sometimes it will be a light house, leading our way. If you do not know how to write an essay, you cut yourself off from this large community. That is why writing a good essay is so important. However, writing a good essay is not as difficult as what you think if you follow these introductions instructions.
In the first place, you have to spend ten minutes for pre-writing, which is the way to warm up your brain, help you in finding to find the focus of your essay and make it specific. First, write down everything you know about the topic and try to answer these questions: What? How? When? Where? Why? Who? They can help you generate ideas. Then, look at the items that you have written down, choose a subject that you know well, and identify the purpose and audience of your essay. It helps you decide the focus of your essay. Next, cross out the items which are not necessary, and then organize the items you need into three or more categories. After that, make the outline of your essay.
At this point, you have to know the format of an essay: an essay can be divided into three parts. A good essay must follow this format. If not, it is garbage no matter how specific an idea you have formed.
The first part is the introductory paragraph, which captures the reader’s interest and gives an overview of the subject. Rely on this rule. There are several techniques that can help you get the reader’s attention: use a question, quotation, or story at the beginning of the introductory paragraph. Mostly, the common techniques that writers will use are some sentences that present facts and statistics, or start at a very general idea about the subject at the first sentence and then move to specific. However, there are no specific rules of writing the beginning of the introductory paragraph. You can use everything which can attract reader’s attention. Then, you should present some background information or an overview of the essay to give readers an abstract idea about the essay. Lastly, you must write a thesis statement at the end of the introductory paragraph which presents the main idea and introduces the aspects or things that are going to be talked about.
The second part is the body of the essay, which consists of three or more supporting paragraphs to support the topic. Normally, each supporting paragraph focuses on one point about the subject and presents specific details, facts, examples and reasons. Firstly, a supporting paragraph is different from the introductory paragraph: supporting paragraphs do not have a thesis statement but do have a topic sentence, which is the first sentence of each paragraph to state the main idea and identify the focus. Secondly, the other sentences are supporting sentences, which present specific details, facts, examples and reasons to support the topic sentence. Start at a general idea and move to specific details. Meanwhile, combine your sentences and ideas by using transitions and conjunctions to make the essay move more smoothly from one thing to another.
The last part is the conclusion, which ties the whole essay together and summarizes the main points of the essay without using the same words. Generally, you restate your points, make a brief summary and state your opinion, recommendation or prediction. Indeed, you should also leave some questions and let your readers think about it.
The last step of writing an essay is revising and editing, which is the best and the last way to improve the essay. Before you reread your first draft, you should take a break of about few minutes to refresh your brain. To begin with, read once and check every topic sentence and the thesis statement to make sure they are related to the whole essay and clearly identify the focus. As you read, check the organization and grammar. You should cross out the sentences not related to the topic or add new details in your essay. Furthermore, you should mark down something which you want to pay attention to; hence, the next time you will have a check list as a guide when you are revising.
In summary, writing is an essential study and job skill nowadays. Writing an essay is no longer hard work if you know the process and the rules of building an essay. There are three main steps: spending ten minutes on listing a bunch of items which are related to the topic, identifying the focus of the essay, and organizing your ideas before you write. Based on the format of an essay, plan the outline of your essay. After you finish your first draft, reread it and correct the mistakes; nevertheless, the best way to improve your writing is to write more. Everybody is able to be a good writer if he spends time on it. Enjoy your writing time!
Have you ever been annoyed by writing a good essay? I am not good at or interested in writing. Instead, I suppose that writing is everything in our world and it builds up a specific community network of exchanging or promoting ideas--it is like a deep, wide ocean which contacts different areas and helps us to transfer something all over the world. A paragraph is a tool that helps us in participating in this ocean. Sometimes it can be a boat, carrying our products. Sometimes it will be a light house, leading our way. If you do not know how to write an essay, you cut yourself off from this large community. That is why writing a good essay is so important. However, writing a good essay is not as difficult as what you think if you follow these introductions instructions.
In the first place, you have to spend ten minutes for pre-writing, which is the way to warm up your brain, help you in finding to find the focus of your essay and make it specific. First, write down everything you know about the topic and try to answer these questions: What? How? When? Where? Why? Who? They can help you generate ideas. Then, look at the items that you have written down, choose a subject that you know well, and identify the purpose and audience of your essay. It helps you decide the focus of your essay. Next, cross out the items which are not necessary, and then organize the items you need into three or more categories. After that, make the outline of your essay.
At this point, you have to know the format of an essay: an essay can be divided into three parts. A good essay must follow this format. If not, it is garbage no matter how specific an idea you have formed.
The first part is the introductory paragraph, which captures the reader’s interest and gives an overview of the subject. Rely on this rule. There are several techniques that can help you get the reader’s attention: use a question, quotation, or story at the beginning of the introductory paragraph. Mostly, the common techniques that writers will use are some sentences that present facts and statistics, or start at a very general idea about the subject at the first sentence and then move to specific. However, there are no specific rules of writing the beginning of the introductory paragraph. You can use everything which can attract reader’s attention. Then, you should present some background information or an overview of the essay to give readers an abstract idea about the essay. Lastly, you must write a thesis statement at the end of the introductory paragraph which presents the main idea and introduces the aspects or things that are going to be talked about.
The second part is the body of the essay, which consists of three or more supporting paragraphs to support the topic. Normally, each supporting paragraph focuses on one point about the subject and presents specific details, facts, examples and reasons. Firstly, a supporting paragraph is different from the introductory paragraph: supporting paragraphs do not have a thesis statement but do have a topic sentence, which is the first sentence of each paragraph to state the main idea and identify the focus. Secondly, the other sentences are supporting sentences, which present specific details, facts, examples and reasons to support the topic sentence. Start at a general idea and move to specific details. Meanwhile, combine your sentences and ideas by using transitions and conjunctions to make the essay move more smoothly from one thing to another.
The last part is the conclusion, which ties the whole essay together and summarizes the main points of the essay without using the same words. Generally, you restate your points, make a brief summary and state your opinion, recommendation or prediction. Indeed, you should also leave some questions and let your readers think about it.
The last step of writing an essay is revising and editing, which is the best and the last way to improve the essay. Before you reread your first draft, you should take a break of about few minutes to refresh your brain. To begin with, read once and check every topic sentence and the thesis statement to make sure they are related to the whole essay and clearly identify the focus. As you read, check the organization and grammar. You should cross out the sentences not related to the topic or add new details in your essay. Furthermore, you should mark down something which you want to pay attention to; hence, the next time you will have a check list as a guide when you are revising.
In summary, writing is an essential study and job skill nowadays. Writing an essay is no longer hard work if you know the process and the rules of building an essay. There are three main steps: spending ten minutes on listing a bunch of items which are related to the topic, identifying the focus of the essay, and organizing your ideas before you write. Based on the format of an essay, plan the outline of your essay. After you finish your first draft, reread it and correct the mistakes; nevertheless, the best way to improve your writing is to write more. Everybody is able to be a good writer if he spends time on it. Enjoy your writing time!
Monday, May 2, 2011
My Favourite Kind of Movies
I like to watch movies. There are a lot of movies that I like. What is particularly favourite is Disney movies. There are very great movies. I like Disney characters and Disney songs. So, I often watch Disney movies when I’m free.
Fort St. John is a Great Place to Visit
Fort St. John is a great place to visit. There is a lot of nature. If you visit Fort St. John, you are able to see many wild animals. And, people are very friendly. In addition, food is very good. I love Fort St. John. So, I recommend this place.
My Apartment
By Soraida Huillery
My apartment is in Mexico City. It is small but it is beautiful. It is on the seventh floor of a large building. There are three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. There is a kitchen, a dining room, and a living room. There are a lot of plants in the rooms. There is a beautiful view from the balcony and a lot of windows. I like living in this apartment. It is comfortable.
My apartment is in Mexico City. It is small but it is beautiful. It is on the seventh floor of a large building. There are three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. There is a kitchen, a dining room, and a living room. There are a lot of plants in the rooms. There is a beautiful view from the balcony and a lot of windows. I like living in this apartment. It is comfortable.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
There is Too Much Violence on Television
By Misato Tonomura
There is too much violence on television. Many psychologists have been analyzing the effect of violent television on children. According to their reports, it is not sure but there are lots of possibilities that children who watch violent programs for a long time threaten to imitate what they watch on television.
To prevent children from watching such programs, some countries have restrictions. For exaqmple, in america, parants can choose the programs for their children. Programs which include violence and sexual scenes are encoded, and parents can check it before, and then they select the code for children. In most countries, what parents should should to their children is regarded as the parants' responsibility.
There is too much violence on television. Many psychologists have been analyzing the effect of violent television on children. According to their reports, it is not sure but there are lots of possibilities that children who watch violent programs for a long time threaten to imitate what they watch on television.
To prevent children from watching such programs, some countries have restrictions. For exaqmple, in america, parants can choose the programs for their children. Programs which include violence and sexual scenes are encoded, and parents can check it before, and then they select the code for children. In most countries, what parents should should to their children is regarded as the parants' responsibility.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Book Review: Marco
By Emika Uetake
Marco is a boy who is working at his fathers farm. But he dislikes work. He didn’t talk a lot with his family. One day, he decided to go to a big city to escape the life. Immediately after arriving in the city, his money was stolen by a girl. The girl planned to buy a cake with his money, and she ate the cake alone. But Marco noticed that and he followed her, but a policeman helped her because she lives in the city and is a girl. Marco turned and walked away down the street.
When he was walking down a street, he found a market. In addition, he found a shop that was selling his farm’s peaches. Marco took a peach, and was about to eat it, but the shop’s owner became angry and a lot of people were watching him and they all looked unfriendly. Then, his father’s friend named Carlo found Marco and helped. So he could eat peaches and go back home. He thought it was good for him just working at his farm.
Marco is a boy who is working at his fathers farm. But he dislikes work. He didn’t talk a lot with his family. One day, he decided to go to a big city to escape the life. Immediately after arriving in the city, his money was stolen by a girl. The girl planned to buy a cake with his money, and she ate the cake alone. But Marco noticed that and he followed her, but a policeman helped her because she lives in the city and is a girl. Marco turned and walked away down the street.
When he was walking down a street, he found a market. In addition, he found a shop that was selling his farm’s peaches. Marco took a peach, and was about to eat it, but the shop’s owner became angry and a lot of people were watching him and they all looked unfriendly. Then, his father’s friend named Carlo found Marco and helped. So he could eat peaches and go back home. He thought it was good for him just working at his farm.
My Major is Early Childhood Education
By Ayako Suzuki
My major is early childhood education. I like to play with children. A child’s smile looks like an angel’s. I have been to kindergarten, nursery school, and mentally and physically handicapped person facilities. I think there is a difference between the lecture and a lot of practice. In fact, experience is very important. I can’t understand only lectures. Finally, I need to play more with children, and I need to know more about early childhood education.
My major is early childhood education. I like to play with children. A child’s smile looks like an angel’s. I have been to kindergarten, nursery school, and mentally and physically handicapped person facilities. I think there is a difference between the lecture and a lot of practice. In fact, experience is very important. I can’t understand only lectures. Finally, I need to play more with children, and I need to know more about early childhood education.
Book Review: The Man in the Iron Mask
By Teruyo Yamada
About the author:
Alexandre Dumas was born on July 24, 1802 in northern France. In 1823, Dumas went to Paris. He wanted to become a lawyer and started to write historical plays and novels. They were exciting and they were successful. He became a famous man. He wrote three stories about some French soldiers in the seventeenth century. The Man in the Iron Mask is part of the story, The Viscount of Bragelonne (1844-1850).
About this story:
The time is 1661. The place is France. Louis XIV became the king of France. But he was only five years old. So Queen Anne, Louis's mother, ruled for him. After that, Louis began to rule France himself.
This story is about four friends: D'Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos, and Athos. They were soldiers in the king's Musketeers. "All for one, and one for all!" that was their promise to each other.
Paris is starving, but the king of France is more interested in money and women. Aramis, Athos, and Porthos band together with a plan to replace the king. Unknown to many, there is a second king, a twin, hidden at birth, then imprisoned for six years behind an iron mask. All that remains now is D'Artagnan: will he stand against his longtime friends, or do what is best for his country?
Athos, Aramis, and Porthos think of a plan to take revenge on the king. Aramis points out that there is a man in an iron mask in a very secure prison, and that this man's existence can solve all present problems. So they free the king's hidden twin brother, and tell him who he is, as he of course feels free of guilt and has no idea whatsoever why he was imprisoned for six years with this mask forged around his head. The plan nbow is to replace the evil king with his brother at a masquerade party held soon. Only D'Artagnan still is guarding the king and so he has to turn against his old friends.
A King Louis XIV prepares to rule France, he proves to be a cruel ruler. However, they learn that Louis has a secret good twin brother named Phillipe, who has been imprisoned in the castle and his face hidden behind an iron mask. Could Phillipe be a solution and safe haven to the people of France?
This is the story of the last adventure of the Musketeers.
About the author:
Alexandre Dumas was born on July 24, 1802 in northern France. In 1823, Dumas went to Paris. He wanted to become a lawyer and started to write historical plays and novels. They were exciting and they were successful. He became a famous man. He wrote three stories about some French soldiers in the seventeenth century. The Man in the Iron Mask is part of the story, The Viscount of Bragelonne (1844-1850).
About this story:
The time is 1661. The place is France. Louis XIV became the king of France. But he was only five years old. So Queen Anne, Louis's mother, ruled for him. After that, Louis began to rule France himself.
This story is about four friends: D'Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos, and Athos. They were soldiers in the king's Musketeers. "All for one, and one for all!" that was their promise to each other.
Paris is starving, but the king of France is more interested in money and women. Aramis, Athos, and Porthos band together with a plan to replace the king. Unknown to many, there is a second king, a twin, hidden at birth, then imprisoned for six years behind an iron mask. All that remains now is D'Artagnan: will he stand against his longtime friends, or do what is best for his country?
Athos, Aramis, and Porthos think of a plan to take revenge on the king. Aramis points out that there is a man in an iron mask in a very secure prison, and that this man's existence can solve all present problems. So they free the king's hidden twin brother, and tell him who he is, as he of course feels free of guilt and has no idea whatsoever why he was imprisoned for six years with this mask forged around his head. The plan nbow is to replace the evil king with his brother at a masquerade party held soon. Only D'Artagnan still is guarding the king and so he has to turn against his old friends.
A King Louis XIV prepares to rule France, he proves to be a cruel ruler. However, they learn that Louis has a secret good twin brother named Phillipe, who has been imprisoned in the castle and his face hidden behind an iron mask. Could Phillipe be a solution and safe haven to the people of France?
This is the story of the last adventure of the Musketeers.
My Trip to Clearwater
By Arisa Shimamoto
I went to Clearwater from last Thursday to Monday. Clearwater is between Fort St. John and Vancouver. It takes 12 hours by car. I went there with my host father, hostmother, Mayu and Chi. Two sisters of my hostmother live there. So we stayed at her house for three days.
The first day, we left at 7 o’clock a.m. On the way, I saw a lot of things. I saw the Peace River for the first time. It was bigger than I though. I also saw many cows, wild deer, and so on. It was the longest drive I had ever been on, so I was a little tired, but Clearwater has a lot of nature. It was very comfortable for me, and my host mother’s two sisters resembled my host mother very much.
The second day, we were taken to see a river, sheep, and a waterfall. Of those, the vest view was the waterfall. It was very big. The water below froze. So it may be the most beautiful view I had ever seen. At night, one of the hostmother’s sisters sang some songs with playing a guitar. It was a very exciting day.
The third day, we had a great lunch because of Easter. My hostmother grilled the chicken whole. It was very delicious. In the afternoon, we watched some DVDs and took a walk. At night, we talked about Japan, and we taught a few Japanese words. Everyone laughed all the time.
The fourth day, in the morning, my hostmother and father hid the chocolate. We looked for that. My hostmother gave a hint, so I can find it very fast. That chocolate was big and in the shape of an elephant. It was very cute. I thought Easter is a delightful event.
The last day, we came back home. When we left, my hostmother’s sister cried. So I couldn’t help feeling like crying too.
In these five days, I took many pictures, about more than a hundred. I had a very good time and a lot of memories. I want to appreciate my hostfather and mother and sisters.
I went to Clearwater from last Thursday to Monday. Clearwater is between Fort St. John and Vancouver. It takes 12 hours by car. I went there with my host father, hostmother, Mayu and Chi. Two sisters of my hostmother live there. So we stayed at her house for three days.
The first day, we left at 7 o’clock a.m. On the way, I saw a lot of things. I saw the Peace River for the first time. It was bigger than I though. I also saw many cows, wild deer, and so on. It was the longest drive I had ever been on, so I was a little tired, but Clearwater has a lot of nature. It was very comfortable for me, and my host mother’s two sisters resembled my host mother very much.
The second day, we were taken to see a river, sheep, and a waterfall. Of those, the vest view was the waterfall. It was very big. The water below froze. So it may be the most beautiful view I had ever seen. At night, one of the hostmother’s sisters sang some songs with playing a guitar. It was a very exciting day.
The third day, we had a great lunch because of Easter. My hostmother grilled the chicken whole. It was very delicious. In the afternoon, we watched some DVDs and took a walk. At night, we talked about Japan, and we taught a few Japanese words. Everyone laughed all the time.
The fourth day, in the morning, my hostmother and father hid the chocolate. We looked for that. My hostmother gave a hint, so I can find it very fast. That chocolate was big and in the shape of an elephant. It was very cute. I thought Easter is a delightful event.
The last day, we came back home. When we left, my hostmother’s sister cried. So I couldn’t help feeling like crying too.
In these five days, I took many pictures, about more than a hundred. I had a very good time and a lot of memories. I want to appreciate my hostfather and mother and sisters.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Naruto, My Home Town
By Kotomi Taniguchi
My hometown is Naruto. It is not a big city but there are so many delicious foods. For example, sweet potatoes, fresh fish, sea weed, vegetables and so on. We can eat so many different kinds of food each season. In spring, we can eat raw fish that is caught in the sea. We cook it with sushi, salad, rice, udon, and also bread.
My city also has a dance festival. Every summer, the dance festival, called “Awa Dance,” is held in my town. Awa dance is a traditional Japanese dance and so many people come to see this dance around Japan. Different dressed-up dance teams dance everywhere in my hometown. You can see these dances for free and you can eat delicious food there. If you are interested in Japanese culture, you will enjoy it!
My hometown is Naruto. It is not a big city but there are so many delicious foods. For example, sweet potatoes, fresh fish, sea weed, vegetables and so on. We can eat so many different kinds of food each season. In spring, we can eat raw fish that is caught in the sea. We cook it with sushi, salad, rice, udon, and also bread.
My city also has a dance festival. Every summer, the dance festival, called “Awa Dance,” is held in my town. Awa dance is a traditional Japanese dance and so many people come to see this dance around Japan. Different dressed-up dance teams dance everywhere in my hometown. You can see these dances for free and you can eat delicious food there. If you are interested in Japanese culture, you will enjoy it!
Snowboarding
By Austin Ao
I went snowboarding in February. This was my second time to go snowboarding. I went with my classmates. It was so exciting for me. I enjoyed having fun with them. We had a coach and he taught us how to snowboard. Also, I tried many difficult styles to make it fun. I lost myself on the hill. While snowboarding, I fell down many times because I was in the dark at the first. I talked with my coach about snowboarding on the hill. He shared his experience with me. So I didn’t only learn how to snowboard, but also I could improve my English skills by listening and speaking to him. By the way, I saw a wolf and the security kept staying by my side in order to keep me safe. Finally, I could snowboard successfully. I hope I’m able to go snowboarding next year.
I went snowboarding in February. This was my second time to go snowboarding. I went with my classmates. It was so exciting for me. I enjoyed having fun with them. We had a coach and he taught us how to snowboard. Also, I tried many difficult styles to make it fun. I lost myself on the hill. While snowboarding, I fell down many times because I was in the dark at the first. I talked with my coach about snowboarding on the hill. He shared his experience with me. So I didn’t only learn how to snowboard, but also I could improve my English skills by listening and speaking to him. By the way, I saw a wolf and the security kept staying by my side in order to keep me safe. Finally, I could snowboard successfully. I hope I’m able to go snowboarding next year.
Friday, April 1, 2011
My Favourite Season
By Selina Situ
There are four seasons in a year. Compared with the other seasons, summer and winter are opposite. In summer, the temperature is highter than any other season. In the opposite direction, winter is colder than any other season, but one thing you have to remember is in winter the temperature can be negative Celsius degrees in the morning and at night, but it might go up to positive Celsius degrees in the afternoon. In addition, people wear more clothes in the winter, but it is very inconvenient as you come inside. When you go inside, you have to take off your coat because the inside is heated. Also, in winter, the night time is longer than the day time. On the other hand, in summer, the day time is longer than the night time.
In my opinion, I likde winter , but it is too cold for me, and I think a lot of people love summer, maybe because they can dress less than in winter, showing off their perfect bodies, and it is no very inconvenient to go out on a nice summer day.
There are four seasons in a year. Compared with the other seasons, summer and winter are opposite. In summer, the temperature is highter than any other season. In the opposite direction, winter is colder than any other season, but one thing you have to remember is in winter the temperature can be negative Celsius degrees in the morning and at night, but it might go up to positive Celsius degrees in the afternoon. In addition, people wear more clothes in the winter, but it is very inconvenient as you come inside. When you go inside, you have to take off your coat because the inside is heated. Also, in winter, the night time is longer than the day time. On the other hand, in summer, the day time is longer than the night time.
In my opinion, I likde winter , but it is too cold for me, and I think a lot of people love summer, maybe because they can dress less than in winter, showing off their perfect bodies, and it is no very inconvenient to go out on a nice summer day.
Hairspray, My Favourite Movie
By Saori
One of my hobbies is watching movies, so I'll talk to you about my favourite movie. Its title is "Hairspray." I think it's not an ordinary movie.
First, it's a musical, so all actors acted their parts while they were singing. Of course, their acting was very wonderful, but their singing was so great, too! Also they can dance very well!They must practice singing and dancing hard, and they have to remember their lines.
Next, it's not just an interesting movie. This story was so funny, but it told about racial discrimination. This movie told about American history in the 1960s, so you can learn about it.
Finally, this film is directed by Adam Sharkman. I recommend his film because he is devoted to his film, and he not only produces films but also he teaches actors how to dance.
If you have never seen it before, you can borrow it from the rental shop, and you had better watch it!
One of my hobbies is watching movies, so I'll talk to you about my favourite movie. Its title is "Hairspray." I think it's not an ordinary movie.
First, it's a musical, so all actors acted their parts while they were singing. Of course, their acting was very wonderful, but their singing was so great, too! Also they can dance very well!They must practice singing and dancing hard, and they have to remember their lines.
Next, it's not just an interesting movie. This story was so funny, but it told about racial discrimination. This movie told about American history in the 1960s, so you can learn about it.
Finally, this film is directed by Adam Sharkman. I recommend his film because he is devoted to his film, and he not only produces films but also he teaches actors how to dance.
If you have never seen it before, you can borrow it from the rental shop, and you had better watch it!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Jurassic Park Vocabulary 1
Vocabulary from the first part of Jurassic Park:
1. archaeobiology: the study of ancient living things
2. a dig: an sectioned off area where archaeologists dig for fossils
3. velociraptor: a dinosaur that was very fast and vicious
4. a pack hunter: an animal that hunts in packs, cooperating with the other members of the group to capture and kill the prey.
5. 6-inch retractable claw: 6 inches = 15.5 cm ; a retractable claw is a pointed, usually curved claw on an animal’s paw; the claw can be retracted or drawn back into the structure of the paw. For example, cats have retractable claws but dogs do not.
6. paleobotanist: a scientist who studies ancient plant material
7. biological preserve: a zoo; a protected area set aside to preserve different species of animals.
8. outside opinions: opinions from people who are not part of the organization seeking the opinions. external opinions
9. the top minds: the best thinkers; the best scientists
10. to sign off (on something): to give formal, written approval to or permission to do something. “If you could sign off on the park” means “if you could give written approval for us to go ahead with plans for opening the park.”
11. right up your alley: perfectly suited to you
12. to stand by: to be ready; to have someone standing by means to have someone ready to do something
13. chaos theory: a scientific theory that states that all things finally will be reduced to chaos.
14. a crazy son of a bitch (slang; usually considered rude): a crazy person
15. T-rex: Tyrannosaurus Rex; a large carnivorous dinosaur; the name means King of the Terrible Lizards
16. a herd: a group of animals (e.g., a herd of cows)
17. living biological attractions: exhibits or attractions at the park that are actually alive
18. DNA: dioxyribosenucleic acid; the building blocks of life
19. fossilized tree sap: the liquid from the inside of a tree that has turned hard and become a fossil
20. amber: fossilized tree sap, usually a yellow, green, or light brown colour
21. sophisticated: high-level (sophisticated techniques)
22. unfertilized egg: an egg that has not been fertilized, that is, will not grow a new individual of the species
23. life will not be contained: life will always find a way to get out and reproduce
24. raptors: velociraptors
25. 50-60 miles an hour: 80-92 kilometres an hour
26. problem-solving abilities: abilities to solve problems; here, the velociraptors are said to have the ability to work together to figure things out and to solve problems.
27. to spare no expense: to not be concerned about how much something costs; to spend as much as is necessary.
28. lack of humility before nature: arrogance or pride of people in dealing with nature, which is very powerful
29. inherent: inborn; natural
30. stood on the shoulders of geniuses: to stand on the shoulders of geniuses means to use the knowledge and discoveries that other people have made.
31. condors: a large bird of prey native to warm climates
32. nature selected them for extinction: if an animal is not strong enough or fast enough to survive, then eventually it will die out and become extinct.
33. we’re all running to catch up: to run to catch up implies that we are not quite up-to-date on a situation and so we have to make an extra hard effort to find out the situation.
34. blood-sucking lawyer: this is a metaphor; the lawyer is compared to a leech, a type of small water animal that attaches to other animals or humans in the water and sucks their blood, that is, kills them.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
TOEFL Topic 2: Parents are the Best Teachers:
By Jay Lee
Parents have an instinct that they want to be good parents and teachers for their children and children learn many things to live from their parents, for instance how to talk, how to walk, and how to eat. I think children cannot do anything without their parents because parents are good teacher of their children.
Almost all children can read and write letters before they enter elementary schools because a majority of parents teach their children how. Besides, some children can speak other languages or do mathematics very well, and others have abilities to draw or play instruments because parents teach their children many ways to be able to enjoy their lives and want to find what kinds of talents their children have. Thus, parents are good teachers who help their children look for their strength.
Children also learn about table manners from their parents. For example, they learn that it is very rude to eat soup with a sound or talk with food in their mouth, but it is very polite to appreciate people cooking for them after finishing their meals. Children may not learn these sorts of good manners from schools because schools are places that teach us knowledge, not manners. In this way, parents are good teachers who teach their children good manners.
Some schools invite parents to teach students. Students can learn something that is not in their school books: what most parents do for their children and what grown-ups’ work is. In other words, a mother who works at the bank can tell about the worth of money, where money comes from, and what money influences. In fact, parents are good teachers who teach very useful information that is not in the school books.
Good teachers take care of their children and are trusted by their students. Children may trust in their parents more than in their teachers. Thus, parents are good teachers who teach their children many things with love.
Parents have an instinct that they want to be good parents and teachers for their children and children learn many things to live from their parents, for instance how to talk, how to walk, and how to eat. I think children cannot do anything without their parents because parents are good teacher of their children.
Almost all children can read and write letters before they enter elementary schools because a majority of parents teach their children how. Besides, some children can speak other languages or do mathematics very well, and others have abilities to draw or play instruments because parents teach their children many ways to be able to enjoy their lives and want to find what kinds of talents their children have. Thus, parents are good teachers who help their children look for their strength.
Children also learn about table manners from their parents. For example, they learn that it is very rude to eat soup with a sound or talk with food in their mouth, but it is very polite to appreciate people cooking for them after finishing their meals. Children may not learn these sorts of good manners from schools because schools are places that teach us knowledge, not manners. In this way, parents are good teachers who teach their children good manners.
Some schools invite parents to teach students. Students can learn something that is not in their school books: what most parents do for their children and what grown-ups’ work is. In other words, a mother who works at the bank can tell about the worth of money, where money comes from, and what money influences. In fact, parents are good teachers who teach very useful information that is not in the school books.
Good teachers take care of their children and are trusted by their students. Children may trust in their parents more than in their teachers. Thus, parents are good teachers who teach their children many things with love.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Is Smoking Bad for Society?
By Irasema Tirado
Nowadays, people are not allowed to smoke in public places or office buildings. The people who smoke disagree with this new law. But the people who don’t smoke are happy about it. Is this fair for people who smoke? Are we being discriminatory? Are we right allowing this law? I personally don’t smoke and I think there are several reasons why people should not smoke in public places: health, pollution, and fire hazards.
Many people know that smoking is the cause of many diseases but even knowing the consequences they still do it. I don’t disrespect the people that smoke, but I don’t agree with them making the decision for us. They don’t have the right to smoke in front of people that don’t want to smoke. They put our health at risk, even when they are the ones smoking; we are the second hand smokers.
People who smoke do not imagine how bad the smoke is for the environment: the smoke that they produce affects the air that everybody breathes, the land by littering the cigarette butts on the ground. The remaining butts left on the ground will take approximately take 25-26 years to decompose. The same butts end up in rivers or lakes and fishes and other water animals eat these butts by mistake, resulting in their death.
During dry seasons, cigarette butts can even cause major fire. A small cigarette butt seems pretty harmless, but it can start a huge fire under the right conditions. The people that throw the butts from the car windows or on the streets should know that by doing this they are not just littering but they may be the cause of many fires affecting environment.
Smoking is harmful not only to smokers but also to those who live or work with them. I think the law about not allowing them to smoke in public places is the best law for them. I wish they accept the law and respect it too. I live in Canada and for me is the cleanest and nicest place I have ever been starting because I can be free of smoke in every public place. I don’t discriminate against smokers but I don’t think is fear for other people to be affected by them. Smoking is not the best after all.
Nowadays, people are not allowed to smoke in public places or office buildings. The people who smoke disagree with this new law. But the people who don’t smoke are happy about it. Is this fair for people who smoke? Are we being discriminatory? Are we right allowing this law? I personally don’t smoke and I think there are several reasons why people should not smoke in public places: health, pollution, and fire hazards.
Many people know that smoking is the cause of many diseases but even knowing the consequences they still do it. I don’t disrespect the people that smoke, but I don’t agree with them making the decision for us. They don’t have the right to smoke in front of people that don’t want to smoke. They put our health at risk, even when they are the ones smoking; we are the second hand smokers.
People who smoke do not imagine how bad the smoke is for the environment: the smoke that they produce affects the air that everybody breathes, the land by littering the cigarette butts on the ground. The remaining butts left on the ground will take approximately take 25-26 years to decompose. The same butts end up in rivers or lakes and fishes and other water animals eat these butts by mistake, resulting in their death.
During dry seasons, cigarette butts can even cause major fire. A small cigarette butt seems pretty harmless, but it can start a huge fire under the right conditions. The people that throw the butts from the car windows or on the streets should know that by doing this they are not just littering but they may be the cause of many fires affecting environment.
Smoking is harmful not only to smokers but also to those who live or work with them. I think the law about not allowing them to smoke in public places is the best law for them. I wish they accept the law and respect it too. I live in Canada and for me is the cleanest and nicest place I have ever been starting because I can be free of smoke in every public place. I don’t discriminate against smokers but I don’t think is fear for other people to be affected by them. Smoking is not the best after all.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
A High School Trip
By Keiko Oshima
The high school trip was one of the fun days of my life. I went to Okinawa. There was the beautiful sea and good food.
First, I went to an aquarium. It is a very famous place in Japan. There are many fish. I saw a shark and a dolphin. The dolphin was very cute. Next, I visited Shuri Castle. It is a big red castle. After I arrived at the castle, I ate lunch.
I spent an enjoyable time in Okinawa. I weill never forget this memory.
The high school trip was one of the fun days of my life. I went to Okinawa. There was the beautiful sea and good food. First, I went to an aquarium. It is a very famous place in Japan. There are many fish. I saw a shark and a dolphin. The dolphin was very cute. Next, I visited Shuri Castle. It is a big red castle. After I arrived at the castle, I ate lunch.
I spent an enjoyable time in Okinawa. I weill never forget this memory.
The Most Exciting Sport
By Dicky Lai
In my opinion, soccer is the most exciting sport. I think most people like soccer because soccer games make people feel excited. When the World Cup starts, many people watch the games at night. They invite their friends to watch together, or they go to the pub. Thjey can watch the games with different poeple, and they can make new friends.
In my opinion, soccer is the most exciting sport. I think most people like soccer because soccer games make people feel excited. When the World Cup starts, many people watch the games at night. They invite their friends to watch together, or they go to the pub. Thjey can watch the games with different poeple, and they can make new friends.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
How to Make New Friends
By Austin Ao
There are several ways to make new friends. If you want to make new friends, you should follow these steps.
First, you should smile at everyone. It makes you seem friendly. Second, you should greet everyone. Thirdly, you help somebody when you can. Finally, you can try to get someone to hang out with you.
If you follow these steps, I believe you might have many new frends as soon as possible.
There are several ways to make new friends. If you want to make new friends, you should follow these steps.
First, you should smile at everyone. It makes you seem friendly. Second, you should greet everyone. Thirdly, you help somebody when you can. Finally, you can try to get someone to hang out with you.
If you follow these steps, I believe you might have many new frends as soon as possible.
Two Heads are Better than One
By Anna Kim
The expression, "Two heads are better than one" is usually true. When I have hardship, I ask a friend, family, or somebody. Sometimes they give me some good ideas, and I solve a problem easily. If I decide by myself, it will be laborious. Maybe I think everybody is the same. Since it is so, we live in harmony.
The expression, "Two heads are better than one" is usually true. When I have hardship, I ask a friend, family, or somebody. Sometimes they give me some good ideas, and I solve a problem easily. If I decide by myself, it will be laborious. Maybe I think everybody is the same. Since it is so, we live in harmony.
About Me
By Kingsley Chan
I was born in Shenzhen, China, on September 4, 1990. I went to an elementary school on September 1, 1997. I went to a junior high school in Shanghai on September 1, 2003. I went to a junior high school in Shenzhen on September 1, 2006. I went to a high school on September 1, 2008. I went to a college in Fort St. John, Canada, on January 4, 2011. I was a college student in 2011.
I was born in Shenzhen, China, on September 4, 1990. I went to an elementary school on September 1, 1997. I went to a junior high school in Shanghai on September 1, 2003. I went to a junior high school in Shenzhen on September 1, 2006. I went to a high school on September 1, 2008. I went to a college in Fort St. John, Canada, on January 4, 2011. I was a college student in 2011.
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Qualities of a Good Friend
By Maki Wakabayashi
There are several qualities of a good friend. First of all, I can rely on friends. Second, I can make them happy, and they make me happy. Third, we can laugh a lot together. Fourth, I feel easy to talk a lot. Fifth, I always feel funny. Finally, I alway feel comfortable.
There are several qualities of a good friend. First of all, I can rely on friends. Second, I can make them happy, and they make me happy. Third, we can laugh a lot together. Fourth, I feel easy to talk a lot. Fifth, I always feel funny. Finally, I alway feel comfortable.
My Bedroom Reflects My Personality
By Marino Tomie
My bedroom reflects my personality. I live in my room so my lifestyle can be seen.
My room has four characteristics. First, my room isn't messy. Before going out, I always clean my room. I don't like a mess. Second, my room has white walls. I like white. Most of my miscellaneous goods and clothes are white. Third, my furniture color is the same. I like the unification. Fourth, a flower vase is in my room. I like flowers. It changes the atmosphere. I'm happy to live in my favorite room. My favorite things reflect me.
My bedroom reflects my personality. I live in my room so my lifestyle can be seen.
My room has four characteristics. First, my room isn't messy. Before going out, I always clean my room. I don't like a mess. Second, my room has white walls. I like white. Most of my miscellaneous goods and clothes are white. Third, my furniture color is the same. I like the unification. Fourth, a flower vase is in my room. I like flowers. It changes the atmosphere. I'm happy to live in my favorite room. My favorite things reflect me.
A Busy Day
By Shiho Furuyone
February 6, 2011 was one of the busiest days of my life. First, I drove to Kansai airport at 10:30 after I ate breakfast. Second, the plane took off to Tokyo at 14:00 after I ate lunch. I arrived at Tokyo at 16:00. Next the plane took off to Vancouver at 19:00 after I ate supper. I arrived at Vancouver the next day at 14:00. Finally, the plane took off to Fort St. John at 19:00. I arrived there at 20:30 , and I met my host family.
February 6, 2011 was one of the busiest days of my life. First, I drove to Kansai airport at 10:30 after I ate breakfast. Second, the plane took off to Tokyo at 14:00 after I ate lunch. I arrived at Tokyo at 16:00. Next the plane took off to Vancouver at 19:00 after I ate supper. I arrived at Vancouver the next day at 14:00. Finally, the plane took off to Fort St. John at 19:00. I arrived there at 20:30 , and I met my host family.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Qualities of Good Neighbors
By Sayaka Tanaka
There are four qualities of good neighbors. First, they should be funny. Secondly, they should be kindness. Next, they should be considerate. Most importantly, they should be friendly.
There are four qualities of good neighbors. First, they should be funny. Secondly, they should be kindness. Next, they should be considerate. Most importantly, they should be friendly.
My Favourite Season
By Mutsumi Ishimizu
Summer is my favourite season because there are many things which can be done only in the summer season. First of all, there is saimen and re-men which are cool noodles. And I eat lots of ice cream and cold drinks. They cool me down. Second, I can see many sunflowers in a field and sumer vegetables are very rich: tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, corn, okra, and moroheias. Finally, I can swim in a river or see a fireworks festival and go camping. We can enjoy summer.
Summer is my favourite season because there are many things which can be done only in the summer season. First of all, there is saimen and re-men which are cool noodles. And I eat lots of ice cream and cold drinks. They cool me down. Second, I can see many sunflowers in a field and sumer vegetables are very rich: tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, corn, okra, and moroheias. Finally, I can swim in a river or see a fireworks festival and go camping. We can enjoy summer.
My Family and My Future
By Yuka Nakagawa
I have my father, mother, and brother in my family. My father is strict and when he gets angry, I feel so scared. He likes cars so he is familiar with them. He knows a lot of kinds of cars. My mother is kind. She likes reading books. She always borrows books from a library. My brother is not kind to me because when he goes back to our house, he always bullies me.
My father is a civil servant and works in Osaka. He cleans rivers. He goes to his work on Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday are his holidays. My mother is a housewife. She is a very good cook. She always makes us delicious food. She also makes sweets. I am happy that I can eat delicious food every day. My brother is a sales person in a bike shop. He lives in Toyama, so he is independent of his parents.
I don’t have detailed plans for my future. However, I like talking with people and taking care of children. So I want to work with children. For example, I want to teach children English. I’m also interested in work concerned with service because I worked at an ice cream shop in Japan. Working there was very fun. I enjoyed talking with customers. When customers said “Thank you” to me, I felt happy. What should I say? Whatever happened, when customers said “Thank you,” I always could be happy. I think service fits me.
I have my father, mother, and brother in my family. My father is strict and when he gets angry, I feel so scared. He likes cars so he is familiar with them. He knows a lot of kinds of cars. My mother is kind. She likes reading books. She always borrows books from a library. My brother is not kind to me because when he goes back to our house, he always bullies me.
My father is a civil servant and works in Osaka. He cleans rivers. He goes to his work on Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday are his holidays. My mother is a housewife. She is a very good cook. She always makes us delicious food. She also makes sweets. I am happy that I can eat delicious food every day. My brother is a sales person in a bike shop. He lives in Toyama, so he is independent of his parents.
I don’t have detailed plans for my future. However, I like talking with people and taking care of children. So I want to work with children. For example, I want to teach children English. I’m also interested in work concerned with service because I worked at an ice cream shop in Japan. Working there was very fun. I enjoyed talking with customers. When customers said “Thank you” to me, I felt happy. What should I say? Whatever happened, when customers said “Thank you,” I always could be happy. I think service fits me.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Summary: A Whale of a Wheel
By Irasema Tirado
In “A Whale of a Wheel.” the author talks about the World’s Fair and the invention of the Ferris wheel. He tells us that in 1889 France hosted the first exotic and glamorous world’s Fair. Years later Chicago, Illinois, did the same. The architect Daniel Burnham was in charge of the World’s Fair in Chicago. The author talks about how the engineer Gale Ferris gave to Daniel a proposal to build a gigantic wheel, which consisted of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, by gravity, the same one that architect Daniel Burnham said no to at the beginning because he thought it was unsafe and would defy the laws of physics. Ferris found a way to convince Daniel, by revising with other engineers the drafts of the proposal, and demonstrating to Daniel that the gigantic wheel was possible, and that it would be amazing to have one in his World’s Fair. Daniel finally accepted the proposal and by December 1892, the construction began on a successful Ferris Wheel constructed by Gale Ferris, same one that after many years is still the principal entertainment in fairs all over the world.
In “A Whale of a Wheel.” the author talks about the World’s Fair and the invention of the Ferris wheel. He tells us that in 1889 France hosted the first exotic and glamorous world’s Fair. Years later Chicago, Illinois, did the same. The architect Daniel Burnham was in charge of the World’s Fair in Chicago. The author talks about how the engineer Gale Ferris gave to Daniel a proposal to build a gigantic wheel, which consisted of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, by gravity, the same one that architect Daniel Burnham said no to at the beginning because he thought it was unsafe and would defy the laws of physics. Ferris found a way to convince Daniel, by revising with other engineers the drafts of the proposal, and demonstrating to Daniel that the gigantic wheel was possible, and that it would be amazing to have one in his World’s Fair. Daniel finally accepted the proposal and by December 1892, the construction began on a successful Ferris Wheel constructed by Gale Ferris, same one that after many years is still the principal entertainment in fairs all over the world.
My City, Osaka, Japan
By Miyuki Nakamura
I live in Osaka, Japan. Osaka is one of the main cities in Japan, so there are many shopping centers, amusement parks, and delicious foods. I enjoy spending my time in Osaka.
There is a beautiful castle in Osaka, which is called the Osaka Castle. I think it is the most famous in Osaka. It was built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583. Hideyoshi Toyotomi was the most powerful person in those days. He spent a lot of money to build the castle, so it is so gorgeous. Especially, Osaka Castle looks like shining in sunny day because of the sunlight. Many people would be overwhelmed by the castle. Moreover, now there is a large park around the castle, so many people play sports, take a walk, and so on in the park. Even now, Osaka Castle is loved by many people. It was a symbol of Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s power in the past, but it is a symbol of Osaka now.
Osaka is a wonderful city, so I recommend to you to go to Osaka. I want many people to visit Osaka nad realize how great the city is.
I live in Osaka, Japan. Osaka is one of the main cities in Japan, so there are many shopping centers, amusement parks, and delicious foods. I enjoy spending my time in Osaka.
There is a beautiful castle in Osaka, which is called the Osaka Castle. I think it is the most famous in Osaka. It was built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583. Hideyoshi Toyotomi was the most powerful person in those days. He spent a lot of money to build the castle, so it is so gorgeous. Especially, Osaka Castle looks like shining in sunny day because of the sunlight. Many people would be overwhelmed by the castle. Moreover, now there is a large park around the castle, so many people play sports, take a walk, and so on in the park. Even now, Osaka Castle is loved by many people. It was a symbol of Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s power in the past, but it is a symbol of Osaka now.
Osaka is a wonderful city, so I recommend to you to go to Osaka. I want many people to visit Osaka nad realize how great the city is.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Summary of "Politics as Susual"
By Irasema Tirado
In “Politics As Usual” by Diana Childress, the author talks about the politician Franklin Roosevelt. She tells us that in 1921, when Roosevelt was just thirty-nine-years old, he got the disease of polio. She mentions how optimistic he was through this disease and how the family and friends tried to help him during his time in politics. When he was recovering, Childress said that he thought of avoiding everything that had to do with politics, just because he thought that he would never be able to recover and even when he didn’t recover fully he never quit. Thanks to that, he was a major triumph for himself and for disabled people in the world.
In “Politics As Usual” by Diana Childress, the author talks about the politician Franklin Roosevelt. She tells us that in 1921, when Roosevelt was just thirty-nine-years old, he got the disease of polio. She mentions how optimistic he was through this disease and how the family and friends tried to help him during his time in politics. When he was recovering, Childress said that he thought of avoiding everything that had to do with politics, just because he thought that he would never be able to recover and even when he didn’t recover fully he never quit. Thanks to that, he was a major triumph for himself and for disabled people in the world.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
TOEFL Topic 97: Paying Teachers According to How Much Students Learn
By Jaisung Yoon
Topic 97: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
February 8, 2011
A teacher plays a very important role in a student’s life. This is because a teacher teaches students not only school subjects but also valuable lessons for their lives. The question is whether or not teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. In my opinion, teachers should not be paid based on how much their students learn because students’ understanding depends on their effort and such a system can possibly inhibit (stand in the way of) teacher development.
To begin with, although a good teacher and a good lecture are essential to improving students’ understanding, how much students learn depends on how hard students study. A competent teacher can help his students understand well and get good grades. However, even though a teacher may teach well, if some students are not interested in his class, they will get low grades. From my personal experience of taking a lot of classes, I can say that my efforts were more important than what teacher said. My high school was famous for mathematics, and there were a number of good math teachers. Although the math teachers gave excellent math classes, the subject was not my liking. As a result, I did not study hard and my math grades were always bad. On the other hand, I liked studying Korean, and was always eager to learn more. Consequently, my understanding of Korean has continued to improve regardless of my teachers.
Next, in order to foster good teachers, all teachers need to help each other and be treated equally. Often, a new teacher learns how to teach from other practiced teachers. However, if teachers get paid by how much their students learn, the teachers will be reluctant to share their teaching skills and some teachers who are not able to teach well will be less likely to get good advice. When my father became math teacher, he was in a lot of troubles because of his poor teaching skills. One day, he talked about his problems with a veteran teacher, and the veteran teacher gave him valuable advice and showed him how to teach better. After that, my father spent some time and money improving his teaching skills and he was able to be well-prepared for his classes. In the end, he became a trustworthy and respected teacher.
In conclusion, paying teachers according to how much students learn is counterproductive. This is because how much students learn is not fully dependent on teachers’ teaching skills, and in order to foster good teachers, all teachers need equal opportunity.
Topic 97: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
February 8, 2011
A teacher plays a very important role in a student’s life. This is because a teacher teaches students not only school subjects but also valuable lessons for their lives. The question is whether or not teachers should be paid according to how much their students learn. In my opinion, teachers should not be paid based on how much their students learn because students’ understanding depends on their effort and such a system can possibly inhibit (stand in the way of) teacher development.
To begin with, although a good teacher and a good lecture are essential to improving students’ understanding, how much students learn depends on how hard students study. A competent teacher can help his students understand well and get good grades. However, even though a teacher may teach well, if some students are not interested in his class, they will get low grades. From my personal experience of taking a lot of classes, I can say that my efforts were more important than what teacher said. My high school was famous for mathematics, and there were a number of good math teachers. Although the math teachers gave excellent math classes, the subject was not my liking. As a result, I did not study hard and my math grades were always bad. On the other hand, I liked studying Korean, and was always eager to learn more. Consequently, my understanding of Korean has continued to improve regardless of my teachers.
Next, in order to foster good teachers, all teachers need to help each other and be treated equally. Often, a new teacher learns how to teach from other practiced teachers. However, if teachers get paid by how much their students learn, the teachers will be reluctant to share their teaching skills and some teachers who are not able to teach well will be less likely to get good advice. When my father became math teacher, he was in a lot of troubles because of his poor teaching skills. One day, he talked about his problems with a veteran teacher, and the veteran teacher gave him valuable advice and showed him how to teach better. After that, my father spent some time and money improving his teaching skills and he was able to be well-prepared for his classes. In the end, he became a trustworthy and respected teacher.
In conclusion, paying teachers according to how much students learn is counterproductive. This is because how much students learn is not fully dependent on teachers’ teaching skills, and in order to foster good teachers, all teachers need equal opportunity.
TOEFL Topic 68: Daily Homework is Necessary
By Jaisung Yoon
Topic 68: Many teachers assign homework to students every day. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
February 1, 2011
Homework plays a very important role in a student’s life. This is because homework forces a student to review his schoolwork, and makes him understand them deeply, so he has a lasting impression. The question is whether or not homework needs to be done on a daily basis. In my opinion, doing daily homework is important since it helps students get good grades and build a sense of responsibility.
To begin with, doing homework is a crucial activity to improve students’ understanding. If a student does not do his homework many times, he will not be able to keep up with his classes. By doing daily homework, students are able to go over their school subjects, understand what was covered and master it. From my personal experience of doing homework everyday, I can say that it was a huge help in improving my school grades. Doing daily homework was not easy for me at first because it took away my leisure and social time. However, when I got accustomed to doing homework everyday, I enjoyed my classes more and my grades improved.
Next, doing daily homework provides students an opportunity to become more responsible. In this competitive society, finishing work on time can be essential to holding a job, and doing homework every day can be the first step in terms of learning how to meet deadlines. When my older sister entered high school, she did not like to do her homework because that was a lot and it was too much for her. Consequently, she was not interested in her classes and could not keep up with her classmates. One day, my father found out about it, and told her that if she wanted to enjoy her classes, she should not ever skip her homework. After that, she always turned in her homework on time. Now, she is a trustworthy and successful business person, and credits doing her homework help her become successful.
In conclusion, doing daily homework is really beneficial for students. This is because it helps students get good grades at school, understand the information and ideas, and develop a sense of responsibility.
Topic 68: Many teachers assign homework to students every day. Do you think that daily homework is necessary for students? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
February 1, 2011
Homework plays a very important role in a student’s life. This is because homework forces a student to review his schoolwork, and makes him understand them deeply, so he has a lasting impression. The question is whether or not homework needs to be done on a daily basis. In my opinion, doing daily homework is important since it helps students get good grades and build a sense of responsibility.
To begin with, doing homework is a crucial activity to improve students’ understanding. If a student does not do his homework many times, he will not be able to keep up with his classes. By doing daily homework, students are able to go over their school subjects, understand what was covered and master it. From my personal experience of doing homework everyday, I can say that it was a huge help in improving my school grades. Doing daily homework was not easy for me at first because it took away my leisure and social time. However, when I got accustomed to doing homework everyday, I enjoyed my classes more and my grades improved.
Next, doing daily homework provides students an opportunity to become more responsible. In this competitive society, finishing work on time can be essential to holding a job, and doing homework every day can be the first step in terms of learning how to meet deadlines. When my older sister entered high school, she did not like to do her homework because that was a lot and it was too much for her. Consequently, she was not interested in her classes and could not keep up with her classmates. One day, my father found out about it, and told her that if she wanted to enjoy her classes, she should not ever skip her homework. After that, she always turned in her homework on time. Now, she is a trustworthy and successful business person, and credits doing her homework help her become successful.
In conclusion, doing daily homework is really beneficial for students. This is because it helps students get good grades at school, understand the information and ideas, and develop a sense of responsibility.
TOEFL Topic 57: The Kind of Movies I Prefer
By Jaisung Yoon
Topic 57: Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people prefer watching movies which are serious and designed to make the audience think; others like watching movies which are designed to amuse and entertain. Both movies designed to make the audience think and movies designed to amuse and entertain can be beneficial; however, I prefer watching amusing and entertaining movies because they provide more chances to help me improve the efficiency of my work and give me thoughts.
To begin with, watching movies that are designed to amuse is beneficial because it improves my efficiency. Often, when I watch the movies designed to encourage me think about a serious topic, such as a family trouble or a social issue, it will make me consider the topics of the movies as if they were my problems. As a result, I will be under stress. On the contrary, by watching the movies that are made to amuse me, I can have fun and laugh a lot. Consequently, I am able to get rid of stress and work more efficiently. From my personal experience of watching a comedy movie, The Simpsons, I can say that the film helped me relieve my stress and focus more on my work. Last summer, I was under a lot of burden from school work so I decided to watch The Simpsons to relieve the stress. While watching, I laughed a lot, and I got rid of my stress so I felt refreshed. This enabled me to get through with everything I had to do and get good grades.
Next, there is no doubt that serious movies give me a lot of things to think about; however the movies which are designed to amuse and entertain also provide me with many valuable ideas to mull over. Although comedy movies are primarily produced to entertain and to be enjoyed, they have their own messages and important lessons. I cannot remember the title of the movie; however the story was about a woman who wanted to get a job in South Korea. Even though mood of the film was very light and made me laugh a lot, in the end of the movie, I was able to get a valuable lesson: there is no gain without pain. Actually, I was also worried about my future job at that time. After watching the movie, I decided to study harder than before, and eventually, I was able to get good grades at university and get a good job.
In conclusion, I do not argue that a serious movie which is designed to make the audience think has some advantages; however, in my opinion, movies which make me smile and entertain me are much more beneficial. This is because they provide more opportunities to improve the efficiency of my work and get valuable life lessons.
Topic 57: Some movies are serious, designed to make the audience think. Other movies are designed primarily to amuse and entertain. Which type of movie do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Some people prefer watching movies which are serious and designed to make the audience think; others like watching movies which are designed to amuse and entertain. Both movies designed to make the audience think and movies designed to amuse and entertain can be beneficial; however, I prefer watching amusing and entertaining movies because they provide more chances to help me improve the efficiency of my work and give me thoughts.
To begin with, watching movies that are designed to amuse is beneficial because it improves my efficiency. Often, when I watch the movies designed to encourage me think about a serious topic, such as a family trouble or a social issue, it will make me consider the topics of the movies as if they were my problems. As a result, I will be under stress. On the contrary, by watching the movies that are made to amuse me, I can have fun and laugh a lot. Consequently, I am able to get rid of stress and work more efficiently. From my personal experience of watching a comedy movie, The Simpsons, I can say that the film helped me relieve my stress and focus more on my work. Last summer, I was under a lot of burden from school work so I decided to watch The Simpsons to relieve the stress. While watching, I laughed a lot, and I got rid of my stress so I felt refreshed. This enabled me to get through with everything I had to do and get good grades.
Next, there is no doubt that serious movies give me a lot of things to think about; however the movies which are designed to amuse and entertain also provide me with many valuable ideas to mull over. Although comedy movies are primarily produced to entertain and to be enjoyed, they have their own messages and important lessons. I cannot remember the title of the movie; however the story was about a woman who wanted to get a job in South Korea. Even though mood of the film was very light and made me laugh a lot, in the end of the movie, I was able to get a valuable lesson: there is no gain without pain. Actually, I was also worried about my future job at that time. After watching the movie, I decided to study harder than before, and eventually, I was able to get good grades at university and get a good job.
In conclusion, I do not argue that a serious movie which is designed to make the audience think has some advantages; however, in my opinion, movies which make me smile and entertain me are much more beneficial. This is because they provide more opportunities to improve the efficiency of my work and get valuable life lessons.
The Important Things in my Life
By Irasema Tirado
Since I was a little girl, my parents taught me how important my life has to be. They told me that I should do what I like to do because the most important thing in life is happiness. Being around people that you love and that love you is a big reason for what you are going to become in your future. That’s why family is one of the important things in my life in addition, doing things that make me happy and equally important my future.
My family is the most important thing in life, because if good or bad things happened to me they are always going to be there. I like to be in touch with them, even when I’m so far from them. I like to phone them at least four times a week. Every time I’m with them I am the happiest person on earth. My husband is also my family. I love to be with him because he makes me feel secure and happy. I will love to have children with him some time.
Since I was little I have been able to do all activities I wanted. Doing things that make me really excited and happy are: school because I can be really good at it, by being responsible and dedicated. I always got the highest marks. I also love to look good which makes me a fan of makeup, clothes and beauty stuff. I like to do styles on my friends; I help my friends because I want them to look good always. They know that they can ask me for anything mostly when it’s about style. Being with my friends make me really happy. Sports are another thing that I enjoy, so I try to do them with my family and friends as often as I can.
Thinking about your future could be stressful mostly when you don’t know what you want for it, but when it is decided, you will always want to think about it, and just by thinking of it, your life will have sense and you will become really excited about it; then when you are not expecting it, you are already in it doing your goals that you thought in the past.
I can say that these are the most important things in my whole life. I am sure that for other people there are other important things. Every person is different but I think that you should always think about your future. I mean what would your life be without thinking about your future? Do you know how your future is going to be? Are you planning your future? Are you happy right now? I don’t know, but I think you should.
Since I was a little girl, my parents taught me how important my life has to be. They told me that I should do what I like to do because the most important thing in life is happiness. Being around people that you love and that love you is a big reason for what you are going to become in your future. That’s why family is one of the important things in my life in addition, doing things that make me happy and equally important my future.
My family is the most important thing in life, because if good or bad things happened to me they are always going to be there. I like to be in touch with them, even when I’m so far from them. I like to phone them at least four times a week. Every time I’m with them I am the happiest person on earth. My husband is also my family. I love to be with him because he makes me feel secure and happy. I will love to have children with him some time.
Since I was little I have been able to do all activities I wanted. Doing things that make me really excited and happy are: school because I can be really good at it, by being responsible and dedicated. I always got the highest marks. I also love to look good which makes me a fan of makeup, clothes and beauty stuff. I like to do styles on my friends; I help my friends because I want them to look good always. They know that they can ask me for anything mostly when it’s about style. Being with my friends make me really happy. Sports are another thing that I enjoy, so I try to do them with my family and friends as often as I can.
Thinking about your future could be stressful mostly when you don’t know what you want for it, but when it is decided, you will always want to think about it, and just by thinking of it, your life will have sense and you will become really excited about it; then when you are not expecting it, you are already in it doing your goals that you thought in the past.
I can say that these are the most important things in my whole life. I am sure that for other people there are other important things. Every person is different but I think that you should always think about your future. I mean what would your life be without thinking about your future? Do you know how your future is going to be? Are you planning your future? Are you happy right now? I don’t know, but I think you should.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Learning Styles
By Quinton Chan
Did you ever study hard but still didn’t get a high score? Sometimes it is because your learning style may just not suit you at all. The way you learn and the result of your study is directly connected. However, there is no way which is good for every person. The learning style that suits your friend might not work for you. Teachers recognize that while there are many learning styles, most students are one of these three types: visual learners, auditory learners, or kinesthetic learners.
Students who belong to visual learners get the most benefit from learning by absorbing written information and taking notes because usually they are good at reading and remembering the word’s spelling. In addition, this kind of learner requires a quiet place for them to study. They need to focus so much on their problem they need to solve. Even in a lecture they have to think a while to understand it.
Unlike the visual learners, auditory learners learn mainly through listening. These students receive information mostly from listening to lectures and participating in discussions. In a group, they enjoy sharing their ideas with other people because during the process, they can review their thoughts in their mind. Furthermore, they are good at using word association to remember fact and lines. When they close their eyes, things that they’re remembering keep repeating in their mind.
The last learning style is kinesthetic learning, which refers to learning better by doing it. Students in this group need a hands-on approach because they always learn better when they are moving their bodies. According to this, many of them like sports. On the other hand, they can’t sit still for long. Studies with loud music on will be their choice always. Moreover, they are interested in lab science and role playing.
Choosing the best learning style for yourself makes study easier and more efficient. It will increase your interest in study and be a big help for you to accomplish your goal.
Did you ever study hard but still didn’t get a high score? Sometimes it is because your learning style may just not suit you at all. The way you learn and the result of your study is directly connected. However, there is no way which is good for every person. The learning style that suits your friend might not work for you. Teachers recognize that while there are many learning styles, most students are one of these three types: visual learners, auditory learners, or kinesthetic learners.
Students who belong to visual learners get the most benefit from learning by absorbing written information and taking notes because usually they are good at reading and remembering the word’s spelling. In addition, this kind of learner requires a quiet place for them to study. They need to focus so much on their problem they need to solve. Even in a lecture they have to think a while to understand it.
Unlike the visual learners, auditory learners learn mainly through listening. These students receive information mostly from listening to lectures and participating in discussions. In a group, they enjoy sharing their ideas with other people because during the process, they can review their thoughts in their mind. Furthermore, they are good at using word association to remember fact and lines. When they close their eyes, things that they’re remembering keep repeating in their mind.
The last learning style is kinesthetic learning, which refers to learning better by doing it. Students in this group need a hands-on approach because they always learn better when they are moving their bodies. According to this, many of them like sports. On the other hand, they can’t sit still for long. Studies with loud music on will be their choice always. Moreover, they are interested in lab science and role playing.
Choosing the best learning style for yourself makes study easier and more efficient. It will increase your interest in study and be a big help for you to accomplish your goal.
Monday, February 7, 2011
A Chance
By Janice Chan
If I have a chance that I could choose any time to live, I will choose the present. There are three reasons.
In the ancient time, the social status of women is low. There are many things that women cannot do. There are a lot of rules to control women. We cannot live without men. If your husband treated you badly, you could not fight for your human rights. We could not follow our thoughts. We did not have freedom and we could do nothing. We lived without our own dreams. It was more horrible than death.
The future is something that we cannot know. I think we cannot live in the future because we are the ones who build up the future. Humans must live in the moment.
The major reason is that I am very satisfied with my life. I love my family and friends. I cannot live without them and they cannot live without me. I love today’s world although there are still some problems. I am very thankful for the place where I live. It is time for me to do something for the world. I must live in the present and build our future---a peaceful, friendly world.
If I have a chance that I could choose any time to live, I will choose the present. There are three reasons.
In the ancient time, the social status of women is low. There are many things that women cannot do. There are a lot of rules to control women. We cannot live without men. If your husband treated you badly, you could not fight for your human rights. We could not follow our thoughts. We did not have freedom and we could do nothing. We lived without our own dreams. It was more horrible than death.
The future is something that we cannot know. I think we cannot live in the future because we are the ones who build up the future. Humans must live in the moment.
The major reason is that I am very satisfied with my life. I love my family and friends. I cannot live without them and they cannot live without me. I love today’s world although there are still some problems. I am very thankful for the place where I live. It is time for me to do something for the world. I must live in the present and build our future---a peaceful, friendly world.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Planning a Weekend Trip
By Janice Chan
There are two theme parks in Hong Kong – Ocean Park and Disney. If I have spare time, I would like to go to Hong Kong and visit these theme parks on a weekend.
On the first day, I would like to spend all day in Ocean Park. I prefer to visit the lovely pandas first. At noon, after I finish my lunch, I will go to the aquarium because outside it is too hot. After that it is time to watch the sea creatures acrobatics show-dolphins, sea lions and fur seals. They are very cute. After that I would like to try some rides if I have free time.
The next day, I would like to go to the Hong Kong Disney Land-the smallest Disney in the world. I prefer to take some photos with Disney characters in the morning. At noon, there is a parade. I will go to watch a 3D movie and buy some souvenirs. There are fireworks every night and I would be glad to see that. It is a beautiful ending for my weekend trip.
There are two theme parks in Hong Kong – Ocean Park and Disney. If I have spare time, I would like to go to Hong Kong and visit these theme parks on a weekend.
On the first day, I would like to spend all day in Ocean Park. I prefer to visit the lovely pandas first. At noon, after I finish my lunch, I will go to the aquarium because outside it is too hot. After that it is time to watch the sea creatures acrobatics show-dolphins, sea lions and fur seals. They are very cute. After that I would like to try some rides if I have free time.The next day, I would like to go to the Hong Kong Disney Land-the smallest Disney in the world. I prefer to take some photos with Disney characters in the morning. At noon, there is a parade. I will go to watch a 3D movie and buy some souvenirs. There are fireworks every night and I would be glad to see that. It is a beautiful ending for my weekend trip.
Book Review: The House on the Hill
By Olga Juchnik
I’ll tell you something about his book. The name of the book is The House on the Hill. The name of the author is Elizabeth Laird. The issue date is 1986.
In a beautiful summer, Paul was finished the college and wanted to be a writer and work for a newspaper. But first he needed to rest.
One day he went down to the river and saw a young and very beautiful girl with long dark hair and she was wearing a pretty dress. Paul went up to her. Her name is Maria and she lived in the big white house on the hill.
Paul and Maria talked for a long time until it was nearly dark. And she had to go. Paul knew she was a rich girl, and he was poor. He lived in a little brown house, alone with his mother because his father was dead.
After that, Paul and Maria often met near the river and they fell in love.
On day, everything was changing after he asked her to marry him. She didn’t answer. She turned and ran away. But there were tears in her eyes. And Paul did not understand Maria.
The mistress from the big and important house was a rich old woman. She was ugly and her eyes were small and cold. She sent her servant to pick Paul up to make conversation about her daughter Maria. Paul hoped that Maria changed her mind and wanted to marry him.
But he learned Maria was going to be married soon to another man who was rich.
Maria said only, “I’m sorry. My mother is right. I don’t want to be poor. I want money, clothes, and a big car. Goodbye, Paul.”
Paul was very sad. All the time he thought about Maria. One day he saw a headline in the newspaper. “Rich man’s beautiful bride” with a picture of Maria and her husband. Paul wrote a story, “Paul and Maria,” and sent it to the newspaper for a story competition. He won first prize, and hoped Maria will see his story because he still loved her.
At the time when Paul got an envelope with the prize money at the newspaper office, the manager offered him to work for his newspaper. Paul was very surprised and agreed.
Paul learned that ugly old woman, Maria’s mother, died last week and Maria ran away from her husband. Now he should go to the funeral because they needed a report about it for the paper. It was a big funeral he wrote about it. He saw Maria standing along because everybody thought she’s a bad woman, she left her husband and killed her mother. Poor Maria, he thought.
He wanted to see Maria again, and went to her house. It was “For Sale” and looked empty. He went into the house through the window. There was nobody there and the rooms were all empty. Suddenly he heard a noise from another room. it was Maria. She answered Paul’s questions about her husband and wanted to be with Paul again. But he saw her look like her mother, hard and cold. He just said, “I don’t love you anymore. Goodbye, Maria.”
Paul left the house on the hill and walked home. He was free. Finally he met a pretty girl, Elsa. It was his cousin.
I would recommend this book because it is a nice story, easy to read and understand.
I’ll tell you something about his book. The name of the book is The House on the Hill. The name of the author is Elizabeth Laird. The issue date is 1986.
In a beautiful summer, Paul was finished the college and wanted to be a writer and work for a newspaper. But first he needed to rest.
One day he went down to the river and saw a young and very beautiful girl with long dark hair and she was wearing a pretty dress. Paul went up to her. Her name is Maria and she lived in the big white house on the hill.
Paul and Maria talked for a long time until it was nearly dark. And she had to go. Paul knew she was a rich girl, and he was poor. He lived in a little brown house, alone with his mother because his father was dead.After that, Paul and Maria often met near the river and they fell in love.
On day, everything was changing after he asked her to marry him. She didn’t answer. She turned and ran away. But there were tears in her eyes. And Paul did not understand Maria.
The mistress from the big and important house was a rich old woman. She was ugly and her eyes were small and cold. She sent her servant to pick Paul up to make conversation about her daughter Maria. Paul hoped that Maria changed her mind and wanted to marry him.
But he learned Maria was going to be married soon to another man who was rich.
Maria said only, “I’m sorry. My mother is right. I don’t want to be poor. I want money, clothes, and a big car. Goodbye, Paul.”
Paul was very sad. All the time he thought about Maria. One day he saw a headline in the newspaper. “Rich man’s beautiful bride” with a picture of Maria and her husband. Paul wrote a story, “Paul and Maria,” and sent it to the newspaper for a story competition. He won first prize, and hoped Maria will see his story because he still loved her.
At the time when Paul got an envelope with the prize money at the newspaper office, the manager offered him to work for his newspaper. Paul was very surprised and agreed.
Paul learned that ugly old woman, Maria’s mother, died last week and Maria ran away from her husband. Now he should go to the funeral because they needed a report about it for the paper. It was a big funeral he wrote about it. He saw Maria standing along because everybody thought she’s a bad woman, she left her husband and killed her mother. Poor Maria, he thought.
He wanted to see Maria again, and went to her house. It was “For Sale” and looked empty. He went into the house through the window. There was nobody there and the rooms were all empty. Suddenly he heard a noise from another room. it was Maria. She answered Paul’s questions about her husband and wanted to be with Paul again. But he saw her look like her mother, hard and cold. He just said, “I don’t love you anymore. Goodbye, Maria.”
Paul left the house on the hill and walked home. He was free. Finally he met a pretty girl, Elsa. It was his cousin.
I would recommend this book because it is a nice story, easy to read and understand.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Korean Red Peppers
By Jay Lee
Most Korean food is made with red pepper powder. Korean people enjoy its taste, which is somewhat hot.
The historical root of Korean red pepper is not clear; some say it is from India or China or Japan. Korean red peppers are harvested as a vegetable in summer. During winter and spring, it is sprouted in greenhouses before being planted in fields in summer.
Unripe red peppers are green, and as time goes by, they turn red. It is not easy to gather red peppers in summer because, as the taste is very spicy, its smell is also very spicy, and it makes farmers’ hands feel very hot, too. Even if they wear work gloves, they have to struggle with fevers.
Red peppers are dried by a big drying machine; otherwise, green ones are eaten at home. Dried peppers, which turn deep red, are sent to a mill to be turned into powder. The flour can be eaten for a long time because it hardly ever spoils.
Most Korean food is made with red pepper powder. Korean people enjoy its taste, which is somewhat hot.
The historical root of Korean red pepper is not clear; some say it is from India or China or Japan. Korean red peppers are harvested as a vegetable in summer. During winter and spring, it is sprouted in greenhouses before being planted in fields in summer.
Unripe red peppers are green, and as time goes by, they turn red. It is not easy to gather red peppers in summer because, as the taste is very spicy, its smell is also very spicy, and it makes farmers’ hands feel very hot, too. Even if they wear work gloves, they have to struggle with fevers.
Red peppers are dried by a big drying machine; otherwise, green ones are eaten at home. Dried peppers, which turn deep red, are sent to a mill to be turned into powder. The flour can be eaten for a long time because it hardly ever spoils.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Poor Tom Higgins!
By Irasema Tirado
Tom Higgins opened a new restaurant. Unfortunately the restaurant is not doing that great as he was expecting. One of the big reasons was because he didn’t do publicity. Another reason is that he didn’t hire professional cooks. He hired two servers without a temporary contract, so one of them quit after two months. To solve these problems there are some solutions, like do advertisement, hire a professional cook, and find employees with contracts no less than six months.
Do advertisements is the most important way to attract people to your business. They should be in places where people can see them, like television or big signs outdoors, newspapers, magazines, radio, websites. These should say: what kind the food is, how great the restaurant is, where the place is, and what the good deals are, etc…
Having a professional cook says a lot. After going to the restaurant because of the advertisement, people want to know if the food is good. If the food is good, people will like to come back, and will even do more advertisement by telling other people how great it was. But if the food is not good, people won’t give any good advertisement. Instead they will tell at least 10 people that the food is bad. That’s why it is important to have a great cook with experience, because they know what they are doing.
When you are hiring somebody for a job like this, we forget how much we will need them in the future. We should be sure of who we are hiring, and for how long. It is always best to do a contract and ask them to sign at least for six months. So you have secure employees for a reasonable period of time. To receive a good service when you are in a restaurant is really important.
There is no doubt that to open a restaurant is not easy, but if you want to, you have to be prepared. If you are not ready, ask for help, or just don’t start a business because the end is going to be a disaster, and you will lose money. Remember to use the solutions offered on the points that I mentioned before and good luck in your new restaurant.
Tom Higgins opened a new restaurant. Unfortunately the restaurant is not doing that great as he was expecting. One of the big reasons was because he didn’t do publicity. Another reason is that he didn’t hire professional cooks. He hired two servers without a temporary contract, so one of them quit after two months. To solve these problems there are some solutions, like do advertisement, hire a professional cook, and find employees with contracts no less than six months.
Do advertisements is the most important way to attract people to your business. They should be in places where people can see them, like television or big signs outdoors, newspapers, magazines, radio, websites. These should say: what kind the food is, how great the restaurant is, where the place is, and what the good deals are, etc…
Having a professional cook says a lot. After going to the restaurant because of the advertisement, people want to know if the food is good. If the food is good, people will like to come back, and will even do more advertisement by telling other people how great it was. But if the food is not good, people won’t give any good advertisement. Instead they will tell at least 10 people that the food is bad. That’s why it is important to have a great cook with experience, because they know what they are doing.
When you are hiring somebody for a job like this, we forget how much we will need them in the future. We should be sure of who we are hiring, and for how long. It is always best to do a contract and ask them to sign at least for six months. So you have secure employees for a reasonable period of time. To receive a good service when you are in a restaurant is really important.
There is no doubt that to open a restaurant is not easy, but if you want to, you have to be prepared. If you are not ready, ask for help, or just don’t start a business because the end is going to be a disaster, and you will lose money. Remember to use the solutions offered on the points that I mentioned before and good luck in your new restaurant.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
How to Relax after a Stressful Day at Work or School
By Ayaka Tanifuji
Do you feel stress at your work or school? There is a lot of stress at my work and school. For example, at my restaurant, I have to cook many dishes beautifully and fast. If I make a mistake, I should be scolded by my boss. All the while, the orrders keep increasing. It makes me so upset. After my work, I usually feel stressed, so I need to relax. I'll introduce three ways of mine to relax.
My favorite way is exercise. I love sports. I usually go swimming after work on Sunday. Swimming is the best sport to exercise all the muscles of the body. After swimming, I can feel so comfortable. The other sport is dancing. I belong to the dance club in our university. The genre is hip-hop. I like hip-hop music; it is so much more fun for me.
The secon way to relax is taking a bath. When I soak shoulder-deep in the bath, the stiffness in my nect disappears. Sometimes I use the spa powder. It smells good and makes me so relaxed. There are so many kinds of spa powders, so you can choose your favorite flavor.
The other way is listening to music. Of course I like hip-hop music, but I also like jazz, rock, classical, and any other music. Especially classical music is relaxing. I like the beautiful sounds of the wind instruments.
As you can see, these are my ways to relax. Why don't you try them? You should try them. I hope you can feel good after trying them.
Do you feel stress at your work or school? There is a lot of stress at my work and school. For example, at my restaurant, I have to cook many dishes beautifully and fast. If I make a mistake, I should be scolded by my boss. All the while, the orrders keep increasing. It makes me so upset. After my work, I usually feel stressed, so I need to relax. I'll introduce three ways of mine to relax.
My favorite way is exercise. I love sports. I usually go swimming after work on Sunday. Swimming is the best sport to exercise all the muscles of the body. After swimming, I can feel so comfortable. The other sport is dancing. I belong to the dance club in our university. The genre is hip-hop. I like hip-hop music; it is so much more fun for me.
The secon way to relax is taking a bath. When I soak shoulder-deep in the bath, the stiffness in my nect disappears. Sometimes I use the spa powder. It smells good and makes me so relaxed. There are so many kinds of spa powders, so you can choose your favorite flavor.
The other way is listening to music. Of course I like hip-hop music, but I also like jazz, rock, classical, and any other music. Especially classical music is relaxing. I like the beautiful sounds of the wind instruments.
As you can see, these are my ways to relax. Why don't you try them? You should try them. I hope you can feel good after trying them.
Book Report - The Black Tulip
By Shota
I introduce The Black Tulip. This book was written by Alexandre Dumas.
In 1672, the Netherlands is a dangerous place. It is a dangerous time. People are fighting in the streets.
Cornelius is a rich young man. Cornelius loves two things. He loves tulips and he loves beautiful Rosa. Rosa is the jailer.
Cornelius wants to win the prize. The prize is for the first black tulip flower in the Netherlands. But Cornelius has enemies. His enemies put him in prison. He is going to die.
However, Cornelius has some bulbs of the black tulip. Cornelius gives Rosa a bulb of the black tulip. She grows this tulip in her room. But a blooming tulip was stolen by enemies.
Finally, he was released from prison. Cornelius and Rosa got married. They got the prize money (100,000 guilders).
I introduce The Black Tulip. This book was written by Alexandre Dumas.
In 1672, the Netherlands is a dangerous place. It is a dangerous time. People are fighting in the streets.
Cornelius is a rich young man. Cornelius loves two things. He loves tulips and he loves beautiful Rosa. Rosa is the jailer.
Cornelius wants to win the prize. The prize is for the first black tulip flower in the Netherlands. But Cornelius has enemies. His enemies put him in prison. He is going to die.
However, Cornelius has some bulbs of the black tulip. Cornelius gives Rosa a bulb of the black tulip. She grows this tulip in her room. But a blooming tulip was stolen by enemies.
Finally, he was released from prison. Cornelius and Rosa got married. They got the prize money (100,000 guilders).
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