Unique

ING - Classes in December

2010-12-18T23:06:00.003+08:00

Dear All,
Here are what we may talk about in the class this month for each class. 記得要預習喔 ^^

ABC 1 - 12/21 ABC 2 - 12/30

-pp. 50, 51 - Cool Jobs: Working for Fun
-p. 54 – A New Study to Open Your Eyes
-pp. 12 ~ 17 – Hobbies

Biz 3 - 12/20, Biz 2 - 12/27, Biz 1 - 12/28

-p. 17 – Office Chitchat
-pp. 32 ~ 37 – Six Tips on Managing Conflict in the Workplace
-pp. 64 ~ 67 – Movie Roundup

Live - 12/23

-pp. 56 ~ 59 – Food Crisis Goes Global
-pp. 40 ~ 43 – A Life without Limits
-pp. 16 ~ 19 – Bread – A Life Staple

I'll see you soon...

Cheers ~

Christine Glass- My love will get you home (with lyrics)

2010-12-15T01:00:00.000+08:00

Listen to this song, I like it a lot.

Community College - 寒假

2010-12-14T23:53:00.003+08:00

Dear All,
這是我們寒假會上的課的型式,一篇文章加上問題討論。一堂課可以上兩篇左右。

Topic – Happiness Speaks Up

Reading-

Do you have any friends who talk too much? Maybe they’re just very happy. Scientists at the University of Arizona have discovered that happy people talk more. People in their study wore special recorders for four days. Every twelve minutes, the devices recorded thirty seconds of sounds, which included conversations. These same people also took tests to show their happiness level. Scientists were excited by the results.
The university study showed that the happiest people chatted about seventy percent more than the least happy people. They also skipped small talk and went right to meaningful conversation. In addition, scientists discovered that happier people spend less time alone than unhappy people.
The scientists now want to use this information to help unhappy people. They think that more meaningful conversations will cheer people up. Unhappy people may also benefit from being around more people. If you’re feeling down, discuss this interesting study with lots of other people. It may turn your frown upside down.

Question Discussion
1. Do you think you speak too much? Why or why not?
2. What do you usually talk with your friends?
3. Do you think you are a good listener or you speak more?
4. What makes a person good listener?
5. Do you have any friends who speak a lot? If you do, are they happy?

So, come and join the class!!

Black Eyed Peas Flashmob Chicago

2010-12-13T11:59:00.000+08:00

ING - Class in November

2010-11-20T10:35:00.003+08:00

Dear All,
Sorry for telling you what we are going to do this month.
11/22 - LIVE p. 22 - 25 You are What You Eat
p. 35-39 English on the Phone
p. 48 - 51 LEGO Fun Never Stops

11/23 ABC 1 , 11/30 ABC 2 p.44, 45 Taipei Turns a New Green Leaf
p. 52-53 Diary of a Wimpy Kid

11/25 BIZ 2, 11/29 BIZ 3, 12/2 BIZ 1 p. 16-19 Six Ways to Manage Your Boss
p. 20~25 Zappos: The Perfect Fit

See you next week ~

ING - Classes in October

2010-10-15T14:01:00.002+08:00

Dear All,
This is the third month of our classes. I am really happy to meet you guys. As I told you, I really enjoy learning and teaching English. I hope you can like it as well.
Here are the pages we may talk about for each class this month. Please preview them if possible.

10/18 - Biz (2) 10/21 - Biz (1) 10/28 - Biz (3)
pp. 22 ~ 27 - Eighteen Minutes to Change the World
pp. 30 ~ 33 - How to Communicate Effectively in the Office

10/19 - Live
pp. 32 ~ 33 - Ageing Secrets of Animals
pp. 38 ~ 41 - War and Peace with Alfred Nobel
pp. 42 ~ 43 - A Trip through Time
pp. 53 ~ 53 - Things That Go Bump in the Night

10/25 - ABC (1) 10/26 ABC (2)
pp. 36 ~ 37 - The Usages of Adjectives
p. 54 - Up in the Air with the ROC
pp. 50 ~ 51 - A Town with History

11/1 - All+
pp. 30 ~ 34 - Airbrushing to Unattainable Beauty
pp. 40 ~ 43 - Examining the French Paradox
pp. 48 ~ 50 - Eat, Pray, Love

Please try to preview the pages before out classes start next week. See you soon. ^^

love,
Julie

ING - ABC Class 1 & 2 - Homework

2010-08-30T19:31:00.003+08:00

Dear All,
This is my answer for the homework I assigned last week. Please try to do yours and email me; and feel free to call me whenever you have problems or questions while doing it.

Love,
Julie

p. 11 – weather VS climate
Question Discussion
1. What kind of weather do you like?
I like sunny and cloudy days. I don't really like it to be hot or humid because I sweat easily.

2. What do you do in rainy days / sunny days?
I usually stay at home if it is raining outside. When it is sunny, I prefer to go swimming or just stay home. I am not a very out-going person.

pp. 13, 14 – Vehicles
Question Discussion
1. How do you get to work?
I usually go to work by my scooter. It is more convenient to commute in Taipei city.
2. How long does it take?
It depends on the traffic. Usually, it will take me 30 to 40 minutes to go to school by scooter.
3. What do you usually take when you take a trip in Taiwan?
I usually take trains when I travel in Taiwan. I don't like to take buses because I get car sick easily.
4. Do you have a car? If you don’t, do you want to buy one?
Yes, I do. However, I don't drive it in Taipei. It's not that convenient to drive in Taipei and the parking will cost me a lot. It's not easy to find a parking space easily.
5. Do you think if it is a good idea to drive in Taipei?
No, I don't think it is a good idea to drive in Taipei. First, drivers in Taipei are like they are always in a hurry. They drive pretty fast. Second, the parking fee is way too expensive and so is the gas.
6. What is the biggest problem you have to drive in Taipei?
I think it's just like most of the people think, the biggest problem to drive in Taipei is it's very hard for you to find a parking space.

pp. 16 ~ 19 – The Best Place in Town
Question Discussion
1. What do you usually eat for lunch here?
I usually buy some noodles or sandwich for my lunch.
2. What’s your favorite food?
I like to eat noodles; any kind of noodles. I don't like rice that much.
3. Which is your favorite restaurant?
My favorite restaurant so far is the one called "博多拉麵" on 市民大道. They have the best 拉麵 I have every tried. I love it.
4. Why do you like about it?
I like the noodles there because it won't be overcooked and the soup and everything is all tasty.

Now, it's your turn. Please try to do it and email me. ^^

Tuesday Class - Homework

2010-06-08T14:18:00.004+08:00

Dear All,

Here go the answers to our grammar homework last week.
1. Which do you like better, rice or potatoes?
I don't like either of them. Actually, I like noodles better.

2. Which do you prefer, peas or corn?
Again, I am picky on food. I don't like either of them; peas taste disgusting and corn is hard to digest.

3. Which would you rather have for dinner tonight, beans or potatoes?
Neither, I think. I don't feel like eating tonight. Plus, I don't like beans or potatoes.

4. (Two sports) Which do you like better, badminton or tennis?
I like tennis better because I can play it alone.

5. (Two movies) Which movie do you like better, Iron Man 1 or 2?
I like Iron Man 1 better because it is more creative.

6. What kind of music would you rather listen to, rock or classical?
Rock is always my favorite because it makes me energetic when I am frustrated or exhausted.

7. (Two vegetables) Which would you like to have for dinner tonight, cabbages or broccoli?
I would like to have broccoli for dinner tonight because I had cabbages last night.

8. Which do you like better, Chinese food or Mexican food?
I like Chinese food better because Mexican food is too strong for me, my stomach is weak.

9. (Two sports I play) (I don't play any sports, so I name two activities I do.)
Which activity do you like better, swimming or belly dancing?
I like belly dancing better because I don't need to find a pool for it, I can just dance wherever and whenever I want.

10. (Two TV programs) Which do you watch more in the evening, 康熙來了 or news?
I watch more news than the talk show and I don't know why. Haha..

Here go the answers to the next exercise

1. Would you rather live in an apartment or in a house? Why?
It depends on whom I live with. If I live alone just like now, I would rather live in an apartment because I don't need to spend too much time cleaning it. (I know, I am lazy.:P)

2. Would you rather be a doctor or be a dentist? Why?
I would rather be a doctor because I don't like the smell coming out from people's mouths.

3. Would you rather be married or single? Why?
I would rather be single because I had a marridge once, and that is enough for now.

4. Would you rather be ugly and intelligent or handsome/beautiful and stupid? Why?
I would much rather be ugly and intelligent because beauty fades away when time goes by, but not the intelligence.

5. Would you rather have a car or an airplane? Why?
Of course a car because I don't need to worry about finding a place to park it, plus, cars can take me to most places I want to go.

6. Would you rather be rich and unlucky in love or poor and lucky in love? Why?
I would rather be rich. Money is very important to me now.

7. Would you rather get on the Internet or read a good book? Why?
I would rather read a good book then get on line to see if there is anything interesting things happen.

8. Would you rather go to Moscow or to London for your vacation? Why?
I would rather go to London for my vacation because I don't think I can stand the cold in Moscow.

9. Would you rather go to a football game or to a soccer game? Why?
I would rather go to a soccer game if I really have to because it is less violence than football.

10. Would you rather go to 淡水 or 陽明山 this week? Why?
I would rather go to Mt. Yang Ming this weekend because I like mountains more than water. Besides, it is always crowded in 淡水 on the weekends.

11. Would you rather have six children or two children? Why?
I would rather have two instead of having six because I can't afford raising them.

12. Would you rather be a bird or a fish? Why?
I would rather be a bird because I could fly to anywhere I wanted to if I were a bird.

記得能夠做功課就要作喔
Practice makes your skill perfect.

Love you guys..

社大星期三的課

2010-04-09T00:32:00.004+08:00

Dear All,

我把星期三的課錄下的課程傳到 youtube 囉!! 如果上課沒聽清處的同學可以上去看一下. (按下標題即可連結囉!!)
If there is anything you want to know more or don't understand, you know my number ^^..

Love

Wednesday - Oral Speaking Questions and Possible Answers

2010-03-29T16:29:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

這兩個星期我們一直在討論如何開始一個對話和你不認識的人。下面是我們曾經討論過的問題和答案。多練習喔!!

Home and Family -

1. What's your name?
My name is Julie.

2. What's your Chinese name?
My Chinese name is 簡嫚庭.

3. What does your Chinese name mean? / Does your name mean anything?
My family name means simple and my last name means beauty and family.

4. How many people are there in your family?
There are 6 people in my family.

5. Do you have any brothers and sisters?
Yes, I do. I have two younger sisters. I am the oldest child in my family.

6. Where do you live?
I live in Taipei city.

7. Where are you from?
I am from Taoyuan.

Work -

1. What's your job?
I am an English teacher.

2. Do you like your job?
Yes, I do. I like it very much.

3. How long have you been an English teacher?
I have been an English teacher for 13 years.

4. Where do you work?
I work in a kindergarten and a community college.

5. How do you get to work?
I get to work by bus / train / taxi / MRT / bike / on foot.

6. How long does it take?
It depends on the traffic and the weather. It usually takes me 30 minutes.

Studies -

1. What did you major when you were a student? / What was your major?
I majored in English literature when I was a student. / My major was English literature. (accounting / engineering / math / international trading )

2. Do you take any classes here in community college?
Yes, I do. I also go to belly dancing class.

3. Did you take other courses when you were a student?
Yes, I did. I also took Japanese class when I was a student.

Free Time -

1. What do you like to do in your free time (leisure time)?
I like to read, watch TV and go biking in my free time.
(read, watch TV, listen to the music, go to the movies, cook, sleep, daydream..)

Go + Ving
go biking / go drinking / go dancing / go hiking / go mountain climbing / go clubbing / go shopping / go swimming /

2. How often do you go biking?
I usually go biking three times a week.

3. Who do you usually go with?
I ususally go alone.

4. Do you have a lot of friends?
Yes, I do. I have a lot of friends.

5. What are your friends like?
They are like me. We like the same things, share the same hobbies. They are all kind and gentle.

6. Do you hang out with your friends often?
Yes, I do. / No, I don't.

7. What do you do when you hang out?
We usually drink some coffee and chat.

8. What will you do when you see someone smoking in a non-smoking area?
I will tell him or her that smoking in the public is not fair to the people who do smoke.

記得喔, Practice Makes Perfect!!!

GEPT - Speaking Practice

2010-03-29T16:18:00.002+08:00

Dear All,

下面是部分我們討論過的口試問題。記得多講多練習，一定會有進步的。

Love you all.

1. There’s going to be an exhibit in the museum. You’re interested in it. Call the museum and ask for more information.

I am calling to ask you about the information of the exhibit that you are going to have. Can you tell me how much the ticket for an adult cost and what your open hour is, thanks a lot.

2. How do you feel when you get the flu?

When I have the flu, I will feel very tired and weak. I will cough and sneeze all the time and I will probably have a fever.

3. Your friend, John, speaks too fast. What will you say to him?

John, I am sorry that I really can’t understand what you are talking about, can you speak a bit slower, so that I can understand.

4. What did you do last night?

Actually, I didn’t do anything too much last night because I had my class finished at 10pm. After my class, I went home, watched TV, took a shower and went to bed. It’s pretty much what I do everyday.

5. Someone wants to talk to your brother on the phone but he’s not home. What will you say to him or her?

I am sorry that my brother is not home at the moment. Do you want to leave a message (Can I take your message) or your name and number? I will have him call you back when he is home. Or you can call later, he will be home in about an hour.

6. How much time do you spend eating breakfast every morning?

Actually, I don’t usually eat breakfast because I never have enough sleep, I’d rather sleep 5 minutes more instead of having breakfast.

My breakfast usually takes me 30 minutes because I think breakfast is very important to me. I will wake up early and have my breakfast at home or in a diner.

7. What special things do people usually do during Chinese New Year?

During Chinese New Year, there are a lot of things people do. We usually have family dinner with all of the family; after the dinner, the elder people in the family will give the kids some red envelopes with lucky money inside. Those are to give bless to the kids and wish that they can grow up safely.

8. What kinds of music do you like the best? Why?

There are different kinds of music; my favorite kind is “Rock n’ Roll”. I like music with strong beats; they always make me feel excited. When I am tired from working or driving, rock n’ roll can always wake me up.

9. Do you go to the movies often? Why?

I don’t really go to the movies in the theater often because it is kind of expensive here in TWN. I will see a movie in the theater only when the films are full of different effection and it can only be seen in the theater. In that case, I will go.

10. If you had to live in Kaohsiung or Taipei, which one would you choose? Why?

I think I would still choose the place I live now, Taipei. It is way too hot there in KS and I really don’t like that kind of weather, it always makes me feel grumpy. That’s why I like to live in TPE more.

11. How often do you watch TV? What do you usually watch?

I watch TV everyday. Actually, I can’t live without TV. When I get home, the first thing I do is to turn on the TV. I usually watch some sitcoms from AXN; CSI is my favorite. I also like to see movies from some movie channels.

12. Where do you usually go shopping?

I usually go shopping at the department stores near by where I live. I can find almost everything I want there. I also like to shop on line because it is really convenient for me.

13. Do you enjoy fast food? Why or why not?

No, I don’t like fast food. Most of the fast food is too greasy and unhealthy. It is the last choice I will think of when I don’t know what to eat.

14. How do you usually celebrate your birthday?

I don’t usually celebrate my birthday because I think that is the day for my mom. However, my students will buy me a cake and we will sing birthday song together. For me, I call my mom on my b/d to thank her for giving me life.

15. What’s your favorite sport?

Actually, I don’t really do sports, I like to go biking and am learning belly dancing now. As for sports, I don’t really like it.

16. Is your family big or small one?

I think I have a big family even we don’t really all live together; but on Chinese New Year, there are usually 20 to 30 people around. So, I think I have a big family.

17. Have you even been to a concert?

Yes, I have. Two years ago, my favorite rock band had a concert in TPE, my friend and I went there. It was great; we shouted, danced and sang with them. Awesome!!

18. If your best friend were cheating on a test, what would you do?

I think I would ask him or her not to do it when I first saw it. If it didn’t work, I might tell the teacher about it after the test.

19. How do you feel about this test?

I am very nervous actually. I have been preparing for this speaking test for months but I am still afraid. It is very hard for me since English is not my mother language.

20. Do you think it’s ok to talk with people you don’t know?

I think it depends on where I am and who I am going to talk to. If I am in a public place and I just want to ask for direction to somewhere, of course it is ok.

21. Would you rather receive letters or e-mails from your friends?

I like to receive letters from my friends because I think that hand writing can show more feelings and emotions.

22. Who is the most unforgettable person in your life? Why?

I think I am pretty lucky that the people I love are all still alive and I can tell them how much I love them whenever I feel like to. If I really need to name one, I will say my grandpa; because his death lets me know how different people we are even we belong to the same family.

23. What activity do you do for fun?

I like to go biking and belly dancing whenever I have free time. I like belly dancing more than biking because I can do it anywhere at any time.

24. What is your favorite TV show? Why?

I think my favorite TV show is one of the sitcom played in TWN. It is called CSI and it is about how crime scene investigators solve the murders by checking and looking at the evidence they find. I like it because I like to see the shows which I know what is going on the same day, instead of waiting for another week.

25. Do you like traveling? Why or why not.

Yes, I do. I like traveling a lot. I like to see how different people live in different countries; especially the countries with long histories. I have been to some countries but India is the place I remember the most.

26. Do you go to restaurants? Why or why not?

Yes, I do. I live alone in TPE, so basically, I eat out almost everyday.

起跑點的迷思

2009-12-05T19:28:00.001+08:00

教了一些年的英文，學生從2歲半到77歲都有，雖然沒有到作育英才，也沒有誤人子弟。但卻到了台北才發現，現在的家長和以前爸媽都不太一樣。雙薪家庭比例的增加，大部份的父母都沒有時間陪伴小孩，所以就讓小孩去上安親或才藝班。怕小孩在安親班寫完作業後沒事做，便安排了一連串的才藝課程，一來小朋友不會沒事作，二來還可以多學到不同的才藝。基本的心算，鋼琴，加上跆拳道，舞蹈，美術，小朋友的行程排得比我還滿。有時一天有三到四堂的課，就已經佔掉將近五個小時的時間，加上午餐、點心，一整個就是趕趕趕。從中午放學回到安親班，已經快十二點半. 爸媽希望他們能在回家前就把所有的事情完成。sometimes I think that's really impossible to make it. 如果家長自己來當一天的小孩，他們應該就不會再這樣做了。（離題了）讓我沒辦法了解的是，英文、心算、美術、跆拳、舞蹈等等，都是小朋友自己喜歡、想學的嗎？？ I seriously doubt it. 前些日子，看到一段話＂沒有所謂的輸在起跑點，學習就像是一場馬拉松，也許開始時蠃在起跑點，但未必能一路領先到終點。＂一昧的壓縮小孩的童年，不見得能使他們嬴在起跑點，反而會使他們失去了他們一生中最寶貴的童年。所有的學習，都需要持之以恆的練習。＂持之以恆＂才是重點。學習的量，學的東西的多少，並不代表是不是每樣都專精。學習的質比量重要的多。身為英文老師的我，我女兒的英文其實並不是太好。幼稚園畢業後，他說不繼續學英文，我也沒讓他繼續。到了三年級，他突然想學了，我才讓他去上課。一開始，他有點跟不上，但是因為是他自己選擇的，且他有興趣，靠自己的努力加上我的幫助，也漸漸趕上。現在的他，喜歡上課，自動和我說英文。有著這樣的態度，學習才會持久。但是這一切，我無法和家長說，所以只能在這分享。也許幾年後我會懊惱，但是現在，看到我女兒自發性的學習，對我來說，也就夠了。

Community College - If Clauses

2009-12-02T01:43:00.002+08:00

Dear All,
This week, we talked about if clauses and I posted what I recorded on Monday class on Youtube. Please go take a look if you miss something or you wanna review.

Community College - Class on Sep. 28, 2009

2009-09-29T14:51:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

Last time, we discussed the questions on "Writing Practice 1"; lots of the usages and sentences were covered.

I.
We talked about how to make "Noun Clause" by using "who, what, where, when, why, how much / how many" and did some practices on combining sentences and translation.

Here are the example used last night.

who -
Can you tell me who you are?
I don't know who my dad is talking to.

what -
Can you tell me what your telephone number is?
I don't understand what you are talking about.

where -
Do you know where he lives?
Can you tell me where the post office is?

when -
I don't know when dad will be home.
Can you tell me when we are leaving?

why -
The teacher wants to know why I didn't hang in homework yesterday.
John wants to know why Jean left early last night.

how much -
Can you tell me how much it costs?
I am not sure how much it will be.

how many -
Can you tell me how many people there are in your family?
I am not sure how many books I have.

II.
After that, we talked about the usages of because / so / so that / so..... that

because -
Sam eats a lot because he is very hungry.

so -
John is hungry so he can eat a lot.

so that -
John is hungry so that he can eat a lot.

so .... that -
Sam is so hungry that he eats a lot.

III.
Then, the usages of neither .. nor / either ... or were discussed.

neither ... nor --> 表示A和B兩個都不行做某件事。要注意的是 neither ... nor 已有否定的意思，所以不形接否定動詞在後面。

Grammar - Answer on p.128

2009-08-07T15:12:00.002+08:00

接下來是在文法課本128頁，練習十的答案。要根據問題寫出自己的答案喔。

用who, who(m)或what 造問句

1. ........ do you like to read?
What do you like to read? / I like to read novels.

2. ........ do you like to spend a lot of time with?
Whom do you like to spend a lot of time with? / I like to spend a lot of time with my family.

3. ........ is your idea of the perfect vacation?
What is your idea of the perfect vacation? / In my perfect vacation, I can do whatever I want without disturbing. I can eat whatever I want and sleep as long as I want. I want to take that vacation in a place without cell phone or Internet.

4. ....... do you like to spend your vacation with?
Who do you like to spend your vacation with? / I like to spend my vacation with the people I love, like my daughter, my family or my friends.

5. ........ are the most important people in your life?
Who are the most important people in your live? / The most important people in my life is surely my parents and my daughter.

6. ........was the most memorable event of your childhood?
What was the most memorable even of your childhood? / The most memorable even of my childhood is the experience falling out of the train on the rail way.

7. ......... stresses you out?
What stresses you out? / There are a lot of things that can stress me out. Things like graduation, or dealing with my daughter's behavior issues.

8. .......do you need that you don't have?
What do you need that you don't have? / I think I have everything I need already.

9. ....... would you most like to invite to dinner?
Who(m) would you most like to invite to dinner? / The one who I most like to invite to dinner is my college teacher.

10. ....... has had the most influence on you in your life?
Who has had the most influence on you in your life? / There are a lot of people who have had influence on me in my life. Among all these people, I think my ex has had the most influence on me, in both good and bad ways.

加油喔

Grammar - 發問

2009-08-07T14:06:00.003+08:00

這一陣子我們一直談到問句的種類，及知道會問問題的重要性，是為了把對話繼續。

問句大致可分為兩種。
一是yes/no問句，另一種是訊息問句。 yes/no問句是你的問題要別人回答是或不是。

例如:
"你喜歡看電影嗎?"
Do you like to see movies? / Yes, I do. I like to see movies.

"你的同學都很高嗎?"
Are your classmates all very tall? / No, they are not all very tall. Some of them are shorter than I am.

"外面有在下雨嗎?"
Is it raining outside? / Yes, it is. You'd better take an umbrella when you go out.

"你有看過變形金剛2了嗎?"
Have you seen "Transformers 2"? / Yes, I have. I saw it last weekend. I like it a lot.

yes/no 問句都是以動詞或助動詞開始，且句尾的語調是往上的。

而訊息問句則是以7個常見的"W"開始。
1. who - 問人
Who is that girl? / She is my cousin.
2. what - 問事或物
What are you reading? / I'm reading a novel.
What are you doing? / I'm working on my project.
3. where - 問地方
Where do you live? / I live in Taipei.
Where have you been in Taiwan? / I have been to almost everywhere in Taiwan.
4. when - 問時間
When did you go home last night? / I went home at about 12 mid-night.
When are you going to pick me up today? / I will come at about 6.
5. which - 哪一個
Which movie do you like better? Transformers 2 or Harry Potter 6? / I like Transformers 2 better.
6. why - 問理由
Why didn't you answer the phone when I called you last night? / Because I was taking a shower.
7. how - 問方法和如何
方法 - How do I get to the train station? / You can just take MRT.
如何 - How do you feel today? / I feel much better, thanks.

已上是一些訊息問句的例句，請多練習喔。

Grammar - Possible answer on p. 125

2009-08-07T13:31:00.004+08:00

Dear All,
Here go the possible answers on page 125, in the grammar book.

根據課本所給的句子，造出以why為疑問句的問句。

EX: I can't go with you tomorrow.
A: I can't go with you tomorrow.
B: Why not? Why can't you go with me tomorrow?
A: Because I have to study for a test.

1. I ate two breakfasts this morning.
A: I at two breakfasts this morning.
B: Why? Why did you eat two breakfasts this morning?
A: Because I didn't have dinner before I went to bed yesterday, I was starving.

2. I don't like to ride on an airplane.
A: I don't like to ride on an airplane.
B: Why not? Why don't you like to ride on an airplane?
B: Because I am scared of height.

3. I am going to sell my guitar.
A; I'm going to sell my guitar.
B: Why? Why do you want to sell your guitar?
A: Because I need money,

4. I didn't go to bed last night.
A: I didn't go to bed last night?
B: Why didn't you go to bed last night?
A: I studied for the mid-term exam all night.

5. I am happy today.
A: I am happy today.
B: Why are you happy today?
A: Because I am promoted.

6. I had to call the police last night.
A: I had to call the police last night.
B: Why did you have to call the police last night?
A: Because my car was stolen.

7. I can't explain it to you.
A; I can't explain it to you.
B: Why not? Why can't you explain it to me?
A: Because it is way too complicating to talk about.

8. I am not speaking to my cousin.
A: I am not speaking tom y cousin.
B: Why not? Why aren't you speaking to your cousin?
A: Because she is not home yet.

希望大家能夠想到更多的對話喔

Cheers,
Julie

Community College - TOEIC - 2009 - 6 - 23

2009-06-25T09:36:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

I am truly sorry about the small accident happened the other day. The audio clips have been saved on the other website and it can be found by clicking HERE.

Thank you for all of your support and I really do hope you enjoy the class and hope my teaching really makes you learn something.

See you all next week.

愛你們喔 ~

動詞片語 - 可分離 - 1

2009-06-13T01:31:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

最近趁有時間,把之前說過要post上來的動詞片語post在這,希望可以有幫助

動詞片語 - 可分離 - 1

1. figure out --- find the solution to a problem
2. hand in ----- give homework, papers, etc., to a teacher
3. hand out ---- give something to this person, then to that person, then to another perosn, etc.
4. look up ----- look for information in a dictionary, a telephone directory, an encyclopedia, etc.
5. make up --- invent (a story)
6. pick up ----- lift
7. put down --- stop holding or carrying
8. put off ------ postpone
9. put on ------ place clothes on one's body
10. take off --- remove clothes from one's body
11. throw away / throw out --- put in the trash, discard
12. turn off --- stop a machine or a light
13. turn on --- start a machine or a light
14. wake up -- stop sleeping
15. write down -- write a note on a piece of paper
16. call on ----- ask (someone) to speak in class
17. come from -- originate
18. got over --- recover from an illness or a shock
19. get off --- leave a bus/airplane/train/subway
20. get on -- enter a bus/airplane/train/subway
21. get in --- enter a car/taxi
22. get out of -leave a car/taxi
23. look into --- investigate
24. run into --- meet by chance

I will try to post more when I have free time. Hope this can do a little help.

Community College - Tuesday - Complete the Sentence

2009-06-13T00:51:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

These are the 15 sentences we talked last class. I hope you can complete the sentences with your own words. Here goes my answer with the sentences.

1. I'm not very interested in math because I don't like numbers, plus, I feel OK as long as there is a calculator.

2. In school, I was very good at grammar because everything made sense to me, but I was very bad in memorizing vocabularies.

3. When I visited India last year, I was impressed by the way how people are living there.

4. I'm sometimes curious about how people are thinking and why they make some certain decisions.

5. My mother is very proud of of herself; because she has educated her 3 daughters well.

6. The first job I applied was to be an English teacher when I was a sophomore. I was very nervous during the demonstration.

7. When I was a child, I used to be afraid of passing by the family which was holding a funeral. After my grandpa passed away, I realized that they were just like me who lost their beloved family members. I haven't been afraid of that since then.

8. I wish I could be back to 18. If I could go back to the age of 18, I would study harder and learn as much as I can.

9. When I'm feeling depressed, I always talk to my friends, listen to their suggestions or just release my depressions.

10. Teachers should never give up on the students.

11. When I am short of money, I sometimes skip my lunch and dinner.

12. Learning English is difficult for me because there are a lot of words I don't know, a lot of usages I want to learn more. It will never be enough for me.

13. I want to learn English because I want to learn more about this language, including poems, stories, vocabularies, usages and so on.

14. I hate people who think they know everything. (Quote - The only ignorance is to think you know everything.)

15. A friend is someone who knows you well but loves you still. (Thanks to Jan, my beloved mentor, sister and friend.)

I hope that I can receive your comments and tell me what is the difficulty you have when you learn English. Please FEEL FREE to let me know whenever you need help.

Love,
Julie

Community College - GEPT - Questions for Writing 2 - p 31

2009-06-12T16:26:00.004+08:00

下面是在課本31段落寫作中可以參考的問題。

1. What kind of day did you have? ( I have a good/bad day.)
2. What happened? (I lost......)
4. Where did you lose it?
5. How did you feel? Why? (I was very.....because ........... )
6. What did you have in it? (I had ___, _____, _____, and ______ in it.)
7. What did you do? (I went to ............)
8. Did you get it back? (Finally, I ........ / Hopefully, I .......... )

第八題可以是肯定的答案或否定的答案

Your paragraph can start with .......
"Today is not my day............................. 或者 I had a very bad day today. .........................."

Have Fun~

Community College - GEPT - 口試問題 - 官方版 2009/6/8

2009-06-09T01:25:00.004+08:00

Dear All,

These are the 7 questions we discussed in class today. Hope you can come out some of your own answers next week.

1. Have you ever been to a movie theater alone?

Yes, I have. I've been to a movie theater alone. Actually, I like to go to the movies alone because I don't need to worry about what movies we are going to see.

2. Are you wearing glasses now?

Yes, I'm wearing glasses now. I have nearsightedness, so I need to wear glasses.

3. What's your favorite holiday? Tell me about it.

My favorite holiday is Chinese New Year. I like Chinese New Year because that is the chance for all of the family members to get together. Plus, I can have longer break on Chinese New Year.

4. How do you feel on sunny days?

I like sunny days very much. I can always feel happy when I see the white clouds in the sky. However, sunny days in summer always make me sweat a lot as well. I feel humid on the sunny days in summer.

5. When was the last time you went out with your family? What did you do?

The last time I went out with my family was last week. We went out for dinner. My parents, my sisters, my daughter and I had a great time together.

6. Do you think learning English is fun? Why or why not.

I think learning English is fun because I like English. I had a very cool grammar teacher when I was in college. She let me know that learning English is not only memorizing vocabularies or taking tests but also having fun reading novels or singing.

7. The phone is ringing but you are busy. Ask your family for help.

"Hi, can anybody answer the phone for me please, I'm in the middle of something."

These are the questions we discussed last class. Please write your own answers.
Have Fun!

Community College - GEPT - 口試問題 2

2009-06-07T14:35:00.008+08:00

Dear All,

這些問題是我們上星期的作業及可能的答案。

Those questions were given last week as homework. Please study at home if possible.

1. What language do you speak? Which do you speak best?

I can speak Mandarin, Taiwanese and English. I speak Mandarin best since I was born and educated in Taiwan. I can also speak English because I am an English teacher.

2. How long have you been studying English?

I have been studying English since I was in junior high school; so I have been studying it for over 15 years.

3.Where do you live?

I live and work in Taipei during weekdays. On the weekend, I go back home to Taoyuan to take care of my daughter. My parents live in Taoyuan as well. I live with them when I am back home.

4. How did you meet your best friend?

I met my best friend, Jay, when we were in elementary school. We were in the same class. We have known each other for over 20 years. We still keep in touch and talk a lot from time to time.

5. How are you today?

I feel pretty good today. Today is Sunday, so I go back home to stay with my daughter. We have a good time reading and studying together.

6. What did you eat today?

I woke up pretty late today since it is Sunday. I had a bagel and a cup of coffee for brunch. As for dinner, my mom made some noodles, all of my family had dinner together.

7. How is the weather today?

It is a very hot sunny day. Hot weather makes me sweat a lot. I don't really like it.

8. Have you ever been to Ken Ting national park?

Yes, I've been to Ken Ting National Park several times. It's a very big park with a lot of different plants and birds.

9. Where are you from?

I'm from Taoyuan. I've been living in Taoyuan since I was born. I like it there very much.

10. Do you like to live in the city or the country? Why?

I like to live in the city because it is more convenient. I can get the things I want in 5 mins. Whenever I feel hungry, I can always find something to eat. That's why I like to live in the city more.

11. Are you busy tomorrow?

Yes, I am. I have a very hectic working schedule. It's Monday tomorrow, I need to wake up early and drive my daughter to school. After that, I need to get back to TPE to work. I have classes until 10 pm.

12.What is your favorite color?

My favorite color is black. I like black because it makes me feel calm, unpredictable. When I wear black dress or top, it makes me look thinner as well.

13. How many people are there in your family? Who are they?

There are 6 people in my family. They are my parents, my two younger sisters, my daughter and I. We are very close to each other.

14. Which sports do you think the most interested?

Well, personally, I don't really like to play any sports. However, I like swimming a lot. It helps me to strengthen my heart.

15. How much money do you usually spend every month?

That is a very good question for a shopaholic like me. Actually, I haven't really counted how much I usually spend every month. Except for the rent and the bills, I spend a lot of money on books and my daughter's clothing. Basically, I spend "A LOT" every month.

16. How many English dictionaries do you have?

I have 5 or 6 English dictionaries I think. Two pocket dictionaries for me to carry easily. Another 3 to keep at home so that I can check the meaning when I read some difficult words.

17. What do you do?

I'm an English teacher. I've been teaching English for kids and adults for over 12 years. I like my job very much.

18. What are you going to do tonight?

I think I'm going to sleep early tonight since I have to wake up early tomorrow.

Study harder, speak more.

Have Fun!!

Community College - GEPT - 口試問題

2009-05-31T16:48:00.005+08:00

Dear All,

這是我們上星期一討論過初級口試可能會出現的問題, 把我的答案post在這裡,但是還是希望大家可以有自己的想法喔. Practice more everyday, you will see the improvement.

1.
What did you do last night?

I went to the night market with my family and we had dinner there. We went home at about 10 pm. I watched a movie on TV then took a shower before I went to bed.

2.
How many sit-ups can you do?

I can't do too many of them. I think it is kind of difficult for me since I don't have the habits to do it. I don't really like doing exercise because it makes me sweat.

OR

I can do 30 sit-ups at once. Actually, I do it everyday. It is pretty easy for me. I like doing sit-ups because it helps me to keep in shape.

3.
Do you work out everyday?

No, I don't work out everyday. I have a very busy schedule. It is always late at night after I go home from work. I am too tired to work out.

4.
Do you keep a diary? Why or why not?

Yes, I keep a diary. I keep a diary because I like to write. I want to write down everything that happens in my daily life. I like to write down how I feel for the things I see everyday, no matter if it is happy or sad. That's why I keep a diary.

5.
Do you like to read poems or novels?

I like to read novels better than poems. I like to read novels because I think reading novels is more interesting. I want to know what will happne to the characters in the story and different personalities each character has. That's why I like to read novels.

6.
Have you ever visited America?

No, I have never visited America. However, I am planning to visit there next year. The first place I want to go is SF. I want to see how people are living there.

7.
Have you ever studied abroad?

No, I have never studied abroad. If I have the chance, I want to study English teaching in the states. I have been teaching English for 12 years; I know about the practical parts since I am doing it everyday, but I want to learn more about theories part; why I do the certain methods. If I can, I will surely go.

8.
What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is beef noodles. I like to eat different kind or flavors of beef noodles. No matter where I go, I will find the resaturants that sell beef noodles and give them a try; see if I like the way it's cooked. So far, my favorite one is a small shop near TPE train station.

9.
Do you have any special talents?

Well, I don't think I have any special talents. I can't play any musical instruments, I can't do any tricks. I can only teach and speak a bit English. So, I don't think I have any special talents.

10.
What did you eat today?

I slept past noon today since it is Sunday. Then, I had lunch at Mos Burger with my daughter in the afternoon. I had a rice burger, French fries, corn soup and a cup of coffee. I don't know what I am going to eat for dinner yet.

11.
Which sports do you think the most interested?

I think I like swimming more than other sports since I don't really like to play sports. I like swimming because it can help me to keep in shape. I usually go swimming once a week during summer but not winter because I am afraid of having cold.

12.
Have you ever been to Ken Ting national park?

Yes, I have been to Ken Ting national park several times. I like the view there. Last time I went there was with my daughter. We had a lot of fun there. The air is very fresh and the view is really nice.

13.
What are you wearing today?

I am wearing what I usually wear everyday. I am wearing a t-shirt, blue jeans and my sneakers today.

14.
Have you ever tried street food?

Yes, I have. Actually, I think some of the street food is pretty tasty. I like stinky tofu, oyster noodles and fried chicken. Those are my favorite ones. I rent a suite alone in TPE so that I can't cook here. I eat out all the time. Buying food from the stands is a pretty good choice.

15.
Can you play chess?

No, I can't play chess. It is too complicating to me. However, I know how to play Chinese chess. I learned it when I was in elementary school. I liked to play it with my classmates when I was a kid; but I don't play it anymore.

16.
Do you make your bed every morning?

Yes, I do. I make my bed every morning. I have a small suite in TPE. I don't want to see a messy room everyday when I go home after work so that I want to make my room and bed look tidy.

17.
Have you read the story of Cinderella?

Yes, I have. I read the story when I was in elementary school. Every student knew the story when I was a kid. It is a very interesting story with a lot of fantacy.

18.
What kind of movies do you like to see?

I like to see action movies. I like action moives because it won't make me fall asleep. Everytime when I see heroes beat bad guys to death, it makes me feel that there are still good people in the world.

19.
Do you like tuna sandwiches?

Yes, I do. I like tuna sandwiches. I can make pretty good tuna sandwiches myself. I usually make it for breakfast for my dauhgter if she wants it. I like to eat that as well.

20.
If you want to buy milk in a supermarket, which section should you go to?

I think I need to go to dairy section which I can also find other milk products there; things like cheese, yogurt and of course milk in the dairy section.

21.
Can you play the guitar?

No, I can't. Actually, I can't play any musical instruments. I would love to learn it if I have the time and the money.

22.
Where do you like to go?

I like to go to the starbucks which is near by the place I live. The atmosphere there is nice and I can do a lot of things there. I can bring my laptop there to do my work, I can also read my books there. The most important thing is that I can do all of the things with my favorite drink, coffee.

23.
Have you ever tried bungee-jumping?

No, I haven't. I don't think I will have the nerve to try that. At least not now. I am not really afraid of height, but jumping over the bridge, it takes a lot of courage to do so. Now, I just don't think I am brave enough to do it.

24.
Do you like to sing karaoke?

Yes, I do. I like to sing karaoke. Actually, I like to sing. No matter sing in KTV or karaoke bar, I enjoy singing. It helps me to relax. I hope it makes other people enjoy as well.

25.
When someone compliments you, what should you say?

I think I should say "Thank you" and compliment back as well. When people compliment others, it usually means they want to be praised as well. So, when I hear people saying nice things to me, I will find the good thing that I can see in them and give my compliments with my heart.

26.
Do you jog?

Actually, I used to go jogging once awhile, a very long while before. Then, I found that I really don't like jogging. It makes me heart beat fast and my legs sore. So, I don't go jogging anymore. I am more into belly dancing now.

27.
Where do you live?

I live and work in TPE during weekdays. On the weekends, I go back home in Taoyuan to take care of my daughter. In TPE, I rent a small suite and live alone. In Taoyuan, I live with my parents in a big house.

28.
Do you take any exercise?

Yes, I do. I go belly dancing class once a week. I enjoy belly dancing. I like to dance. It can make me relax, sweat and keep in shape.

29.
What did you do last Sunday night?

Last Sunday, I went out with my dauhgter. I bought some clothes for her and then we went home. I made curry for dinner and both of us liked it a lot. After that, I helped her with the shower and tugged her in.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Talk to yourselves everyday. Think about what you will speak in English whenever you say something in Chinese. 加油!!

會做人比會做事重要

2009-05-12T00:44:00.003+08:00

這幾天我發現了一件讓我非常錯愕的事，原本我不以為意，一直到前兩天老闆找我談話，我才知道這位老師會什麼行事作風是如此了。第一次發覺他在老闆頭一次從美國回來開會時，表現的非常creative，熱切的告訴老闆他有什麼教學idea，教具就放在他車上等等。當時的我只是有點驚訝為什麼我應徵他時他都沒有說。最近因為他接的班一直有些問題，所以他就要打電話給家長。本來也沒˙發覺他總是坐在櫃檯打，當然，主任就在旁邊。後來發現當老闆在學校時，他就會坐在辦公室打電話，而愚笨的我，因為不想打擾到家長的上班時間，所以我都會在下班時，用我自己的電話打。前兩天與老板的談話中，發現老闆注意到他與家長的談話內容，我才知到這位老師這樣做是有理由的。(這一個學期的新班，老闆也是決定由他來帶，因為老闆認為他能夠堅持自己的作法並要求家長配合，如果小朋友受不了一次的作業要寫將近一百個單字，是小朋友抗壓性太低，而這些小朋友就會轉到我的班上。) 當我聽到老板說到這一位老師與家長交談情形的時候，我才發現，我真的是非常不會做人。我的個性比較直接，所以我就告訴他我沒那麼會做人。老闆一時也不知怎麼接話，只好問我覺得由他來接新班好不好。我又開始以客觀的角度分析這件事情給他聽，回到家才覺得我真的是很笨。老板要由誰帶就由誰帶，我再說任何的意見只會讓我變成是我在針對他。今天剛剛回到家時，才又想到三個禮拜前的會，自己也被捅了一刀而不自覺，依然是當著老闆的面對我說，"Julie, 你的畢業典禮要怎麼做啊，你似乎一點都不緊張，我們比你還擔心ㄟ" (我的媽啊，真是太厲害了) 當時我只是告訴他我也已經為了這件事心煩頭痛很久了。(我真是蠢)

話說雖然我是帶畢業班，但是畢業典禮是全校的事，所以這位老師也要負責找東西出來給我，因為我是教務。當然，在老闆面前，他完全沒問題。可是事實上，我沒收過他找的東西。所以，只知道要把事情做好的我，找了他們班要唱的歌，把CD燒給他，歌詞印給他。他只需要變動作就好。夠輕鬆吧! 今天，他一下樓，當主任在旁邊時，他開始說了，"Julie,這首歌真的好難編舞，我為了要找到idea，聽了這首歌兩天，還找我的舞蹈系的學生幫我想動作，但是我們都不知道要怎麼跳。真的好難喔" 我聽了終於忍不住，告訴他說"我要你們找東西給我時，你們什麼東西都沒有。幫你們找好東西，連歌詞都印給你們，才來跟我說這太難" 他聽了，當然沒有回話。因為主任在旁邊。

我朋友也說我真的太蠢，被人推下樓還在怪自己走路不小心。被捅了好幾刀，居然隔這麼久才發現。我只能說，我真的不會勾心鬥角或搞心機，只是不能接受事情的不完美，所以事情都攬到身上自己做。算了。I'm too stupid to do those kind of thing. This is who I am. 只能在這發發牢騷，告訴自己，現在做的都是自己學到的。做的越多，學的越多囉。(唉~~) Plus, 打中文好累啊......

Disappointing ...

2009-04-29T18:09:00.004+08:00

I have no idea what is wrong with me, I have been feeling so frustrated and depressed about the school I am working now, probably not the school itself but my boss. Forget about the salary and unfairness things, what I have heard really made me wonder where I am working, a school or a 營利事業單位. Of course, my boss wants to make a big profit from the business he is running, but where there is some certain conflict, he still thinks about money.

Lately, there have been a few kids getting sick because of "Enterovirus" (腸病毒), 2 kids in baby class, 1 or 2 in K1, and 1 in K2. The director thinks the current situation needs to be reported to Public Health Bureau, (衛生局) which I think it is the right thing to do.

2 days ago, when I went back to the office after class, I found my boss sitting in front of the PC, looking for something on line. The director came talk to him about this. His reply let me know what he was looking for; he was looking for the regulation of reporting this kind of disease, like how many students are really infected before we need to report it.

The director asked him if we were still going to have the activity for Mother's Day this weekend since the doctor felt that we should have it canceled ; and he replied, "Sure, it is fine. We still had our graduation when SARS took place." That really made me shocked already. The director then asked him if we should have all the students stay home until everybody is alright. My boss said, "If we really do it, we will be toasted." (Means we will have no money and no students, and the parents will know it.)

Come on, I really don't know what will be worse, letting parents know the real situation and have their kids stay safely at home or making money..... 知道太多真的不是好事,對人更失望罷了...

Grammar - Gerunds and Infinitives

2009-04-21T19:48:00.004+08:00

上次我們說到一個句子裡只能有一個動詞，但是當要用到兩個動詞時怎麼辦? 第一個方法就是用"TO"把兩個動詞隔開，(動名詞/infinitives)；另一個方法就是把第二個動詞加上"ing"，(不定詞/gerunds)，這樣他就不是動詞囉。但是不是高興怎麼用就怎麼用，有些動詞只能用"to"，有些只能加"ing"，有些是兩個都可以。

動名詞
1. enjoy - I enjoy working in my garden.
2. finish - Ann finished studying at midnight.
3. stop - It stopped raining a few minutes ago.
4. quit - David quit smoking.
5. mind - Would you mind opening the window?
6. postpone - I postponed doing my homework.
7. put off - I put off doing my homework.
8. keep (on) - Keep (on) working. Don't stop.
9. consider - I am considering going to Hawaii.
10. think about - I am thinking about going to Hawaii.
11. discuss - They discussed getting a new car.
12. talk about - They talked about getting a new car.

不定詞

1. want - I want to go to Chicago next week.
2. need - Sarah needed to go home early yesterday.
3. would like - She would like to have lunch with him next week.
4. would love - My dad would love to meet you.
5. hope - Sandy hopes to have a good job after she graduates.
6. plan - My sister is planning to have a baby.
7. forget - Tim forgets to bring his grammar book.
8. try - The baby is trying to walk without help.
9.decide - I decided to buy a new car.
10. offer - Tom offered to lend me some money.

動名詞或不定詞都接可以的動詞

begin / start / continue / like / love / hate / can't stand /

"GO + -ING"

GO可以加上動名詞來表示依些常見的活動
EX:
go boating / go bowling / go camping / go dancing / go fishing / go hiking
/ go jogging / go running / go sailing / go (window) shopping / go sightseeing
/ go (ice) skating / go (water) skiing / go skydiving / go swimming /

Belly Dancer - Rachel Brice - Lesson 5 - Reverse Body Roll

2009-04-17T16:43:00.002+08:00

Hope you can enjoy belly dancing as well.

Community College - GEPT - Monday Class - April 6

2009-04-11T14:51:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

These are the questions you may need when you are doing Writing 1 on our test book.

1. What day is it today?
2. How did you feel in the morning?
3. Why did you feel that way?
4. Did anybody talk to you?
5. What did you do on the day time? Did you just go to work?
6. What happened when you went home?
7. How did you feel when you saw it?

Your paragraph can start with "Today is my birthday. I was very excited when I woke up in the morning."

Community College - GEPT - Monday Class

2009-04-11T14:45:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

Sorry for the late posting. Here is the possible answer of Writing 4.

Sandy had a test this morning but she didn't study for it at all. Last night, she watched TV and had a lot of snack all night. Awhile later, her friend called her and they talked on the phone for a long time. She had a lot of fun. She forgot about the test this morning completely. Today, when she got into the classroom, she finally thought about the test. She was very upset because she didn't know how to answer the questions.

Community College - GEPT - Monday Class - March 23rd

2009-03-28T02:54:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

Sorry for the late updating. Here are the questions you may want to know when doing the writing.

1. What did Sandy have this morning?
2. Did she study for it?
3. What did she do last night?
4. What did she do after that?
5. How did she feel last night?
6. How did she feel in class this morning?

I will talk about it next Monday.

Have Fun!!

Community College - Monday GEPT - March 9th, 2009

2009-03-15T00:26:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

We had a great time discussing the questions and the answers of writing practice 3. Here is the possible answer of the last part of writing test.

I visited my uncle (here you can say your relatives, aunties..etc) in Kaohsiung last Friday. I went there with my parents. We got there at about 3:19 in the afternoon. My uncle picked us up in the train station. I had a great dinner with my family and relatives on the first day. On Saturday, it rained all day so that I decided to stay home and played cards with my cousins. It was fun actually. On Sunday, the sun was out so that we went to the beach. The weather was nice and warm there. We swam in the ocean and played with a beach ball there. We had a lot of fun. It was also the last day we stayed in Kaohsiung. Both my parents and I had a great time with my relatives there.

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. And again, if I speak too fast, remind me.

Love,
Julie

Community College - Wednesday Class - March 4th

2009-03-05T23:28:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

Have you started your homework yet?? Guess not. - -" Here are some possible answers of the Ice Breaker I gave you last time. If you don't know how to start it, you can take a look. Don't copy it.^^

1. I think I am a good cook. All of my family like what I cook. Curry is my specialty.
2. Well, no, I don't collect anything as a hobby. I think it will take too much of my space.
3. No, I don't read daily newspaper because I can read it from the Internet.
4. Yes, I always go to bed late. It is usually 1 or 2 in the morning when I go to sleep.
5. I don't have a pet. I don't know how to take care of it.
6. Yes, I do. I like to watch TV, and my favorite show is CSI.
7. Yes, I like to read a lot. There isn't any specific author I like acutally.
8. Of course not. If I could change my body, I would have my butt changed. hahaha..
9. I live in a suite. It is not really big. There is only a room with a shower in my suite.
10. Yes, I go shopping every month. I usually buy jeans.

Hope I can see different answers from you next class and I HOPE every one can really enjoy the class as much as I do.

Community College - GEPT - Monday Class - March 2nd

2009-03-02T23:55:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

It's good to see all of you guys today. I really do hope that you had a good time there and enjoyed the class as much as I do.

Here are the answers for what we did today. Please check it.

1. What time does she usually go to bed?
2. Tell me why you were late.
3. Sandy forgot to mail the letter.
4. It is not easy to play the piano well.
5. My uncle used to travel a lot when he was young.
6. I helped my mom to clean the house.
7. Mr. Lin's student wrote a letter to him.
8. Kate is too young to go to school.
9. I go to work by bus.
10. His brother told him the bad news as soon as he got home.
11. Jane didn't know what to do.
12. Neither I nor my brother can swim.
13. I am afraid that I can't talk to you now.
14. How many students are there in your class?
15. Mark was so nervous that he couldn't eat.

Here are the questions you can follow if you don't really know how to start writing the composition.

1. Where did you go?
2. When did you go there?
3. Who did you go with?
4. How did you go there?
5. What time was it when you got there?
6. Who picked you up there?
7. What did you do on the first day?
8. Did you have a good time doing it?
9. What did you do on the second day?
10. Where did you go?
11. Who did you go with?
12. Did you have fun there?
13. Would you like to visit them again if possible?

You can start with answering the questions in the beginning. If there is anything you don't understand, you know my number; or you are more than welcome to leave your comments here.

Cheers,
Julie

Trip to India - Day 1

2009-02-22T17:12:00.008+08:00

It was still the first day of my trip in India. ^^

This was the vegetables stand on the street. They don't have too many kinds of green vegetables but there are some rhizome like radishes, red onions, carrots, and also some egg plants and others. The vendors just put the basket on the tires.

The fruit stand. I couldn't find any "juicy" fruit........ The apples weren't crunchy. I don't like it.

Taxi in India which is call "rickshaw". This is "auto-rickshaw", means it's automobile. If the one with a man riding in the front is called "rickshaw".

This was the snack stand that sold "water chestnut", 菱角. It was different from what we can see in Taiwan, it has no angle. However, it tasted the same.

The one sold egg omelet. Very salty. I could even taste the salt. Haha... Plus, do you see the newspaper on the left? That was the "plate".

After visiting the small market near the hotel, we went to the very famous site in New Delhi., Indian Gate. It was built to honor the soldiers who were killed in World War i. Actually, India wasn't involved in the war, but being the colony of UK, they were forced to go to the field and fought for England. The United Kindom made a treaty with India govement; if India soldiers fought for UK in the war, the UK govenment would declear that India was an independent country. However, the UK govenment broke the treaty and India didn't become an independent country after the war. TO eased the anger of Indian people, the British built this gate in the year of 1931. In World War i, more than 90,000 soldiers were sent to the field and 10,000 more were killed and their names were carved on the wall.

There was a big park next to the gate and it was the place where Indians like to spend their time after work. It was a very popular snack in India. Of course, we ordered one. It was like... 米香 in Taiwan, but it was not sweet at all but sour, because they put lemon drops in it. It didn't taste good tho.

Then, we went to the night market near by the gate. (Finally, shopping time!!!) It was just like the night market you can see in Taiwan. But there was one thing that crabbed our attention. They hang the clothing they were selling on the tree with strings, and the strings were all connected to the other stand. So, they could easily find the ones customers wanted by just pulling the strings.

There was something about our first dinner I want to talk about except for the curry. It was the appertizer. Some very spicy stuff with small red onions. IT WAS REALLY SPICY!!!!

Belly Dancing - Rachel Brice - Body Roll

2009-02-22T16:54:00.003+08:00

She is AMAZING !!! See how her body and belly move. Have fun...

Trip to India - Day 1

2009-01-30T23:25:00.011+08:00

I took a trip to India for 12 days in November and I had a lot of fun there, well, most of the time. The first day we got there, the weather was nice for sure.

When we went to the place to get a cab, I was pretty surprised because I didn't expect to see the car that nice. (The black car was the taxi there.)

But, the car was just like a piece of iron that could run. The tour guide was holding the door handle which was easily broken when she was opening the door..

When we were on the way to our hotel, I found that there was something really interesting. Most of their cars don't have rearview mirrors. When they wanted to overtake another car, they just did it. The car in the back should know that. ( If they drive like that in Taiwan, I don't think they can survive for the first day.)

Plus, they didn't really notice how close they were to the car next to them. I can only say that they are REALLY good at driving. And, they honked the horn ALL THE TIME. It was super noisy.

The street that the hotel was. It looked fine in the picture but actually it was not really clean and it made me felt a bit crowded because every house was very close to the next.

The lobby of the hotel. It was small but at least it was pretty clean.

After putting the luggage in the room, I went to the market for some food. That was the stand sold oranges and orange juice. The tin bucket next was to store orange juice which they made it with bare hands. (OMG)

To be continued .....

Community College - Monday Class - Stress - October 13

2008-10-14T22:59:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

Yesterday we talked about dealing with stress, when you get stressed and how you feel when you get stressed. I believe everybody has their own answers.

Talking about stress, I get stressed when there is a big ceremony. I also get dressed when I find my students having problems on their lessons; because that might mean they can't understand what I am teaching in class.

When I am stressed, I cannot sleep well at night, I will keep thinking about the problems I am encountering that time. I will keep thinking about it until the problems are solved.

About our homework this week, "How do you deal with your stress?" I usually cry when I am stressed or go hot spring as well as get a massage.

Please tell me how you feel when you are stressed and what you do to deal with it.

Belly Dancer - Rachel Brice - Lesson 1 - Locks On The Up

2008-10-09T00:45:00.003+08:00

This is the first lesson of Rachel Brice, the belly dancer I talked about last time. Let's start with lesson one, "Locks On The Up." Have Fun!!!

Community College - Wednesday Class on October 8

2008-10-09T00:37:00.002+08:00

Dear All,

This is the possible answers we talked about on Touch Stone, Book 1, page 60.

Q1 - What is the telephone number for the guitar lessons?
A1 - The telephone number for the guitar lessons is 689-555-4040.
It is 689-555-4040.

Q2 - What is the cost of the English classes?
A2 - The cost of the English classes is 15 dollars an hour.
It costs 15 dollars an hour.

Q3 - What are the three items for sale?
A3 - The three items for sale are G6 laptop, S300 printer and in-line skates.
They are G6 laptop, S300 printer and in-line skates.

Q4 - What is the time the play starts?
A4 - The time the play starts is 8:00 p.m.
It is 8:00 p.m.
The play starts at 8:00 p.m.

Q5 - What are three words you want to learn?
A5 - The three words I want to learn are ______, _______ and ________.
I want to learn ______, _______ and ________.

Q6 - Tell me an ad that sound interesting.
A6 - I think ________ is interesting because ___________.

Please check your answer here and feel free to call or leave any comments if you have any questions.

Community College - Tuesday - TOEIC - 10-7

2008-10-08T16:28:00.003+08:00

Dear All,

This is the link of the ESL website I told you last time. Please visit it and download the program.

The homework this week is to post your answer about what you used to do when you were a kid; how did you use to celebrate Chinese New Year and so on.

1. How did you use to celebrate Chinese New Year? What do you do now?

2. What did the city you live use to be like? What is it like now?

3. How did the weather use to be like 10 years ago? How about now?

4. Talk about something crazy you used to do when you were young but you don't do it anymore.

Please also post the grammar homework here. Have Fun.

Community College - Monday Class on Oct. 6 - Homework

2008-10-06T23:27:00.004+08:00

Dear All,

We have homework this week. Please read the questions on page 27 and post your comments here.

1. Are you feeling tired today? If so, why?
2. Do you sleep well, usually?
3. What do you do if you can't sleep?
4. Do you ever wake up during the night?
5. What is your bedtime routine?
6. Do you even have vivid dreams or nightmares?
7. Do you remember your dreams?
8. Do you snore or talk in your sleep?
9. Are you a sleepwalker?

Please post what you think here. Have Fun!!

Community College - Monday Class on Oct. 6

2008-10-06T22:51:00.002+08:00

This is the activity we did tonight. It's the extended activity for page 26, Lesson C, part B.

Group A: Miranda / Olga

A: I only sleep about five hours a night.
B: That's not much. Are you getting enough sleep?
A: No, I'm not getting enough sleep, so I'm very tired.
B: What time do you get up?
A: I usually get up at 6:00. Then I go to work at 7.
B: What time do you go home?
A: I usually go home at 11.
B: Why do you go home that late?
A: I sometimes work overtime, sometimes, I need to go to class after work and sometimes I have a date.
B: Oh. You are so busy. You must be careful of your health.

A: I need a lot of sleep.
B: Really? How much sleep do you need?
A: I usually need 7 hours sleep.
B: That's not much. Don't you get 7 hours sleep?
A: No, I don't have a lot of time.
B: Why don't you get 7 hours sleep?
A: Because I can't sleep.
B: Why can't you sleep?
A: When I watch TV, I always take a nap, but when I go to bed, I can't sleep.
B: That's too terrible. Did you try any methods?
A: I try everything, but it's useless.
B: Maybe you can sleep on the sofa.

Group 2 Brenna / Sunny

A: I usually go to bed early during the week.
B: Do you need to get up early?
A: No, I don't get up early but I am always busy in the office. So I need enough sleep to give me energy.
B: What do you usually do in the office?
A: I am a banker, so I need to talk to a lot of people.
B: I see. It's a very hard work.

A: If I can't fall asleep, I usually read.
B: Really? So do I. What kind of books do you usually read?
A: I usually read story books.
B: Story books? What kind of story books do you read?
A: Ahhh... Like Jimmy. I also listen to some soft music.
B: Oh. I don't like to listen to the music before I sleep. I need a quite environment when I sleep.
A: What else do you do to make you sleep then?
B: I talk with my husband because he is a boring man.
A: Hahahaha.....

Group 3 Gigi / Chien-Yu
A: Do you often take a nap after lunch?
B: Yes, I usually take a nap after lunch if i am not busy that day.
A: Where do you take a nap? In the office?
B: Yes, sometimes I take a nap in the meeting room.
A: How long do you sleep?
B: Around 15 minutes.
A: How do you feel when you wake up?
B: I feel I have enough energy to keep working in the afternoon. How about you? Do you take a nap at noon, too?
A: No, I don't take a nap. I am a superwoman.

A: How many hours do you sleep at night?
B: I sleep five hours a night because I need to get up early to prepare breakfast and lunch box for my family and then I need to clean my house.
A: What time do you wake up?
B: I usually wake up at 5:45.
A: What time do you go to bed?
B: I often go to sleep at 12:30. How about you? What time do you go to sleep?
A: I usually go to bed around 12 and get up at 7.
B: Oh! That's good.
A: Do you think you get enough sleep?
B: No, so I usually sleep more during weekends.

In One's Shoes

2008-10-06T12:04:00.004+08:00

This morning, when I was waiting for the train to come back to Taipei for work, I saw a blind man waiting on the same platform as I did. He was very nervous because I could see he was sweating and keeping changing his gestures. He stood there alone with no one talking to him.

I was expecting there might be someone walk to him and ask him if he needed help, but no body did. So, I walked toward him and asked him if he was taking the train alone. He replied yes. Then, I asked where he was heading; he told me he was going to Taipei. So, I told him I could take the train with him. All in a sudden, I could feel he was relief.

I am not talking about how nice I am, but I just put myself in his shoes. I can't image if I were him, waiting in a place in black; surrounded by the strangers. People talking, making different noises but all I could see was nothing. How scared I would be. I would fall to the rail way!!

I don't think what I did is great or what. It's not a big deal. Not even a tiny deal. I've been helped by a lot of people in my life, I just want to make other people feel the warmth, make them know that there is still someone who cares about them.

Something About Relationship

2008-10-06T11:24:00.004+08:00

A friend of mine is going go to get a divorce with his wife today and he asked me something about how to go through the process.

人和人之間的關係真的是很奇妙的… 兩個人相約由同一個地方出發，卻往往不能一同走到終點。 When I first got married, I wanted to last with him. I believed that everything could be changed, my ex would have never done the things that he did to me. 2 years after we got divorced, I had a chance to tell him how I thought about our relationship. I said, "I don't blame you or hate you. You just didn't know how to treat a woman you've loved once." But I still told him that I wanted an apology, and he did. I knew he didn't really feel like he did wrong, but that was all I needed. "I'm sorry for what I did to you." from his mouth, that was enough.

About my friend, he and his wife live and work in two different countries. He is taking their two kids while his wife is running part of their business in China. When I heard that the first time, I felt interesting. I thought men are supposed to be the one who work their asses out for the family out side, not the wives; but he told me he liked it this way. Then, when we met, he told me that he found his wife was having an affair with someone and he has known for awhile. I asked him what he wanted to do. He just simply replied, "Nothing. We have no feeling on each other anymore."

After getting divorced, I've become a totally different woman. I don't trust men easily. I don't believe in "love", I don't even think I will get married again, at least that is what I think now. But, I met a guy who I am seeing now. He is a very decent man who really cares about me, but he didn't know that I am divorced and have a daughter when we first dated. I lied to him. I was afraid if I told him, he wouldn't have treated me the same way. After a year of dating, I still told him the truth. I didn't expect that he would have accepted the truth, but he did. However, things have changed.

He is still the decent man I like, but every time when I talk about my daughter with him, he has no response. I know it's hard for a man to take the truth that his girlfriend was married once and has a daughter. I give him time, I avoid to call my daughter by her Chinese name because it mentions her last name of her father. I don't even call my daughter "daughter" but instead of calling her by her English name. I don't know if he can really feel and understand why I am doing this. I just hope there may be one day, he will tell me that he wants to talk about it. Just don't know when he will be prepared; and I am not sure how long I can wait.

There is something really touching I saw from the movie "Guess Who." When the main actor was talking about his girlfriend with the girl's father. He said, "She is the other half I am not." There is someone said about the same thing to me before. I was very touched, but didn't think we could work out. I will always remember what he said,"You are my better half."

Belly dancer - Rachel Brice

2008-10-04T00:54:00.005+08:00

I have been taking belly dancing class for more than 6 months. Lately, when I was searching if there are some interesting belly dancers' pieces, I found an amazing dancer whose name is "Rachel Brice". I post one of her piece here that shows how your belly can move to do the "Pelvic Locks" in the front.

Belly dancing is a very good way to exercise your belly, it helps you to get a better figure and be more like a woman (which I am not really like one. haha). Have fun.

The Beautiful Scenery Around You

2008-10-03T14:45:00.007+08:00

I like to take pictures when I go out. Here are something I wanna share with you. Those pictures were not taken with any professional cameras but with my Sony Ericsson K88i.

This picture was taken in Peng Hu. It was the inn I stayed there.

This picture was taken in Dam Shui. I was in the Starbucks when I took this picture.

Forest Love from Greenpeace

2008-10-02T01:42:00.001+08:00

Things happened in this summer

2008-08-19T18:04:00.004+08:00

In the last few weeks of summer break, there was something happened; losing students, having problems opening a new class, and not getting the job I applied in Hess. Those have frustrated me lately.

I never knew that marketing is that important in my career until I found that the other English teacher in community college can always have new students every semester. I thought that only if I had my own style of teaching and I could let my students enjoy my teaching, make them learn something from me, it is enough for me.

However, this semester, I found that I don't get as many students as I used to. Brenna, one of my beloved students told me I should spend more time working on my introduction and the curriculum in the beginning of the semester. I told her that when the students come, they will enjoy the class and know that they can really learn English without too much pressure. But, Brenna told me one thing awakes me. She said, "yes, if they come". "But according to your introduction which hasn't really changed much these two years, I wonder how many will want to come."

So, the curriculum for next semester need to be handed before September 15th, I will make it better and more attractive.

Community College - To All of My Beloved Friends

2008-06-22T23:52:00.007+08:00

Dear All,

I have been teaching English there in community college for 2 years already. There are some people I really want to give special thanks to.

Brenna - You have always been a GREAT class leader. You always come to class and show me all of your support for all the decisions I have made. You always give me advise, listen to my problems and give me suggestions. You always think the possible situation that may happen ahead, help me to avoid the possible mistakes I may make. Because of you and Olga, the English classes are getting stronger.

Olga - Thank you for being a WONDERFUL leader as well. Thank you for helping me sorting my testing paper; telling me what I have done, what I haven't. You are really understanding. You and Brenna really do a lot of help when the new classes start. The English classes are getting bigger because of you and Brenna.

Louis - Thank you for cheering me and the whole class up all the time. The class is always
funnier when you are around.

Ken - You are always positive in learning English. I can see you really improving a lot. You now can say more about what you think; and you always show the best part in class no matter how tired you are. Thank you for being there.

Henry - You are always showing your interest in class. Even sometimes my lecture is kind of boring, you still try to make some fun. You and Louis really make the class more interesting.

David - Thank you for your attendance. I know you are busy working, but you always try to be in class if possible. Thank you for making me feel respected.

Shelly - You are always sweet and tender. Give me help when I need it. I can see you really working hard in learning English; and you have really improved a lot.

Miranda - Thank you for coming to class no matter how late you finish your work. You always participate in class; thank you for being here.

育涵 - Thank you for sharing your life with us. You make me know that there are lots of things we can do whenever we have free time. I like the way you live your life. That is really great.

Lee (Wednesday) - You used to be in Monday class; even you move to the class on Wednesday, you still show your support to me. Thank you for always bring me food. :P

曉慧 - Thank you for sharing me your ideas and experiences in your work. Thank you for all of your support in my class. You are always in the class and pay attention whenever I am teaching. You really make me feel that I can teach you what you want. Thank you.

Susan - I am really happy to see a student studying really hard; writing every word I have said in class. Your participation always makes me feel that I want to teach you guys more. I can see you really have big improvement; and, I am really sorry that you lost your grammar book and note.

Jenny, Amigo, Jacky, 千瑜, Raymond, Jimmy(Monday) - Even you have joined this class not for long, you still show you support by coming to class all the time. Showing me the interest you have in learning English; and showing me the interest in MY English classes. Thank you.

Jessie (Monday) - Thank you for always remember me even you don't come to class anymore. I really miss you; and your dad, of course. You really are nice people.

Rainbow - Thank you for sharing me your life and wisdom with me. Thank you for supporting me. We all really miss you.

Tina (Tuesday) - You are always supportive. You make me feel that you really enjoy my class. I am really happy about it. Thank you.

It is really not easy that we have been sharing the time together for 2 years. Thank you all for your support and your kindness, your laugh when I have said some cold jokes. I can't stand some of them, but you laugh. Thank you. Thank you for always being here. You are already part of my life. You really are special to me.

Posted With Love

Worthy Or Not

2008-06-22T23:37:00.004+08:00

Lately, I have been thinking about changing my job. I have been working at the school I am working for for 2 years. I don't know if I am doing more enough, but I know there are always a lot of things to do, a lot of activities to plan and open-house to present. The feedback from the parents is good. The English classes didn't go well before I came there. However, my salary is not higher because of that.
2 months ago, I asked my boss for a raise, and he told me he would think about it. Few weeks later, he said, "Julie, I really do care about what you think. But, there is nothing I can do about it now." Then he told me that he knew that I really work very hard for the school. Actually, I knew what he would have said before he talked to me.
What I care is not about the money, but the feeling of appreciation. I told him that all of the teachers here work their asses out for "your" school, but you don't even really show how much you appreciate them. No Teacher's Day gifts, not much year-end bonus, (We English teachers have none.) Is this really the place I wanna keep working at?? I am still thinking about it.

Grammar - GEPT Class

2008-04-22T12:35:00.006+08:00

Dear All,
There are all the structures that we talked last Tuesday. I make examples with one verb, "work". Hope it will make you understand more.

1. Simple Present Tense - Talking about things you do regularly; or things you used to do it from time to time or something will never change.

I work everyday. / He works everyday.

2. Present Continuous - Talking about something is in progressing or something you can see that is happening.

I am working now. / He is working at the moment.

3. Simple Past - Talking about something happen in a specific past time.

I worked yesterday. / He worked yesterday.

4. Past Continuous - Talking about something is progressing in the past, however, you can't see something "WAS HAPPENING", therefore, there are two ways that you can make it. 1 is to use a specific time to talk about it. 2 is to use another issue which can emphasize what was happening.

I was working at 7 pm yesterday evening.

He was working when the power went off.

5. Future Tense - Talking about something happen in the future. There are two helping verbs that you can use to talk about "future". One is "WILL", the other one is "Be Going To". Generally, we use these two to talk about "future", but actually, there are some small differences. We use "WILL" to talk about something you "are willing to do". And we use "Be Going To" to talk about something that you plan to do it. No matter when you are going to do it, as long as it is in your plan, we use "Be Going To".

I will work for you. / He will work for you.

I am going to work tomorrow.
He is going to work tomorrow.

6. Present Perfect - Present Perfect is present tense, it is talking about the condition of the issue from a time in the past until now. The time that happened is NOT IMPORTANT but which the condition until now matters.

I have seen "Transformers" many times.
He has seen "Transformers" for 5 times.

I saw it last Sunday.
He saw it last Sunday.

7. Present Perfect Continuous - The same with Present Perfect but it emphasize more on "PROGRESSING" part.

I have worked as a teacher for 10 years.
( Means that I have the experience being a teacher for 10 years, doesn't mean that I AM STILL A TEACHER.)

I have been working as a teacher for 10 years.
( Means that I AM STILL A TEACHER.)

Community College - Monday Class - How to Improve Your Study Skills and English Ability

2008-04-15T15:48:00.004+08:00

The class on April 17th, we talked about how to improve our study skills and then our English abilities. There are somethings we can do in our daily lives to have our English ability improved. These are the things that we think in our class. I believe if we spend some time to recite and preview, we can have English as the part of our daily lives.

How Do You Improve Your Study Skills and English

Group 1
How to improve your English	How to improve your study skill?
Live in an English environment Go to English class Watch foreign films Listen ICRT 30 minutes everyday Watch CNN, or marry to a foreign Join English chat room Learn English one by one Take GEPT or TOFEL exams Speak in English all the time	Practice and practice Enjoy your practice Need a good coach / teacher Write a composition (love letter) in English everyday Read more books Find out your interests Travel learning Sing English songs Learn in business
Group 2
How to improve your English	How to improve your study skill
Listen English songs Watch English movies Read English stories or novels Make foreign friends Take English class in community college Work in a foreign company Have a foreign boss / staff	Study more Listen more Practice more Read English book with your mouth Find a good English teacher
Group 3
How to improve your English	How to improve your study skill
Spend half an hour each day to study English Visit some good websites like http://www.eslpod.com/ Think everything in English in our lives Try to make foreign friends Install English version for your operation system and application in your pc	Listen to English CDs or radio programs Speak and recite vocabularies and phrases Read English books Write diary in English Sing English songs Watch movies without Chinese subtitle Keep your passion Make study interesting Make sentences

Those are the ways the collected by all of the classmates. I hope that you can find the way you like and study.

Community College - GEPT - Possible Questions & Answers

2008-03-30T02:38:00.003+08:00

Speaking Exam - Possible Questions

1. What did you do last night?

A1) I went shopping with my family last night. We went to SOGO and bought a lot of things.

A2) I went out for dinner with my friends last night. I had a great time there.

2. How many sit-ups can you do?
A1) I can't do any of them.

A2) I can only do 5, I guess.

3. Do you work out everyday?

A1) Yes, I do. I do sit-ups.

A2) No, I don't. I don't like to work out.

4. Do you keep a diary? Why or why not?

A1) Yes, I do. I think it's good for me to record what I do everyday.

A2) No, I don't. I am too lazy.

5. Do you like to read poems or novels?

A1) Yes, I do. I like to read some love stories.

A2) No, I don't. I like to read magazines more.

6. Have you ever visited America?

A1) Yes, I have. I went to LA few years ago. I liked it there.

A2) No, I haven't. I have never been there.

7. Have you ever studied abroad?
A1) Yes, I have. I went to the college in the states.

A2) No, I haven't, but I want to go someday.

8. What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is noodles. I like to eat any kind of noodles.

9. Do you have any special talents?

Well, my friends say that I sing pretty well.

10. What kind of movies do you like to see?

I like to see action movies. (romance, comedy, detective, thriller .. )

11. Do you like tuna sandwiches?

A1) Yes, I do. I eat sandwiches for breakfast every day.

A2) No, I don't. I don't like to eat sandwiches at all.

12. If you want to buy milk in a supermarket, which section should you go to?

I think I should go to dairy section.

13. Can you play the guitar?

A1) Yes, I can. I can play the guitar very well.

A2) No, I can't. I don't know how to play the guitar.

14. Where do you like to go shopping?

I like to go shopping in the department stores because I can see a lot of different things.

15. Have you ever tried bungee-jumping?
A1) Yes, I have. I've tried once. It was exciting.

A2) No, I haven't. I am afraid of height.

16. Do you like to sing karaoke?
A1) Yes, I do. I go singing in KTV once a week.

A2) No, I don't. I don't sing too well.

17. When someone compliments you, what should you say?

Well, I think I should say "Thank You."

18. Do you jog?
A1) Yes, I go jogging 3 days a week. It helps me relax.

A2) No, I don't. I don't like going jogging.

19. What are you wearing today?

I am wearing a t-shirt with jeans and sneakers.

20. Have you ever tried street food?

A1) Yes, I have. I like street food.

A2) No, I haven't. I think it's dirty.

21. What is your favorite show on TV?
My favorite TV show is CSI. I like the serial film very much.

22. Can you play chess?
A1) Yes, I can. I can play chess.
A2) No, I can't. I don't know how to play chess.

23. Do you like shopping?
A1) Yes, I do. I can shop for hours.
A2) No, I don't. I think it's a waste of time.

24. Do you make your bed every morning?
A1) Yes, I do. I like to keep everything tidy.
A2) No, I don't. I am always in a hurry.

25. Have you read the story of Cinderella?
A1) Yes, I have. I love that story.
A2) No, I haven't. Is it a good story to read?

26. Do you like to chat with your friends on the phone?
A1) Yes, I do. I work too long so that I can't have time to meet my friends.
A2) No, I don't. It costs me too much.

27. What time is it now?
It is 10:45.

28. How long have you lived in Taiwan?
I have lived in Taiwan since I was born.

29. What’s your favorite fruit?
My favorite fruit is mango. I love mangoes.

30. Do you speak English well?
Well, I think I do. I can speak English pretty well.

31. What language do you speak? Which do you speak best?
I speak Taiwanese and Chinese. I think I can speak Chinese the best.

32. How did you meet your best friend?
Well, we were classmates in college. We helped each other a lot.

33. How are you today?
I am nervous today becasue I am taking an oral exam now.

34. How long have you been studying English?
I have been studying English since I was in junior high.

35. Where do you live?
I live in Taipei.

36. Do you take any exercise?
Well, I don't really like doing exercise, but sometimes, I go jogging.

37. What did you eat today?
I ate some bread for breakfast and some fish, meat and noodles for lunch.

38. How many people are there in your family? Who are they?
There are 5 people in my family. They are my parents, my two younger sisters and I.

39. How is the weather today?
It is a rainy day. I feel cold actually.

40. Which sports do you think the most interested?
I think soccer is the most interested, and David Beckham is very handsome.

41. How much money do you usually spend every month?
I usually spend 10 thousand every month.

42. Have you ever been to Ken Ting national park?
A1) Yes, I have. I have been there several times.
A2) No, I haven't. I have never been there.

43. Where are you from?
I am from Taipei, Taiwan.

44. What did you do last Sunday night?
I stayed at home and watched some nice movies last Sunday night.

45. Do you like to live in the city or the country? Why?
A1) I like to live in the city because it's very convenient.
A2) I like to live in the country because there is less traffic.

46. How many English dictionaries do you have?
I have several English dictionaries. They are for different usages.

47. Are you busy tomorrow?
Yes, I am. I am busy working everyday.
No, I am not. I don't have to work tomorrow.

48. What do you do?
I am an English teacher. / I am an engineer.

49. What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is red. It makes me look healthier.

50. What are you going to do tonight?
I am going to stay home and watch some movies tonight.

It's All About Communication

2008-01-13T23:05:00.001+08:00

Lately, I've had the chance to talk to one of the other teachers in the community college I teach. The teacher used to be an orthopedist (a bone doctor) in Russia but is teaching international comity now.

We talked about how he started teaching international comity and he told me there are something we can do to make people feel comfortable being around us; and to make us more welcome. I found that they are some different ways you talk to others.

Have you even noticed what other people are doing when you are talking to them? Are they trying to get rid of the topic or interested in the topic you are talking about? Do they have the chance to give their own opinions? Do they have any response to the topic?

How can you make people like to talk to you? Or, how can you make yourself a good listener? When your friends have doubt on something, are you the one they often ask opinions for?

There are something that we can do.
1. Keep smiling. Listen more and speak less.
Always keep your smile when you meet people. Listen more in the conversation, don't be eager to give your opinion, if they want to know, they will ask.

2. Value your promises.
Don't make promises easily. Once you promise people to do something, means you care about them, you care about the things you promise them to do. So, don't break it.

3. Look at others when you are talking to them.
That is a very basic but important rule. Looking at the people you are talking to is very important. That tells them that you are really listening. If you think looking at them in the eyes is kind of rude, try looking at their ears.

4. See the good quality of people.
Being with your friends, always think about their advantage in stead of their shortcomings. You will like people more. Learn how to appreciate the virtue of people, you will find out that the world is prettier and better than you think it was.

5. Always remember the good that people do for you.
Always remember what other people do for you, or how they help you. Thank them again whenever you see them.

6. Never speak the evil of others.
I know that is sometimes hard to do, but I am trying to. There are different people in the world, in your office, even in your family. We don't always have the same opinion about something all the time. No matter what, don't speak evil things of others, you will never know when it will come back to you.

7. Repeat what other people when you are talking to them.
It is also good for you. When you are asked some questions you don't know how to answer, repeat what they say may not only show you really do listen, but also give yourself some time to think how to answer. I do this when I am talking to my friends, family and students. It makes others think you really do understand what they say, and you really think their opinion is important. You will have less mis-understanding.

There are still some other things the teacher told me. I will find some other time to post it here. I am trying to do what he said to me. I want to make others feel they are more comfortable and welcome when they are talking to me. It is hard, but I believe I can make it real.

For All

2008-01-02T16:47:00.001+08:00

Dear All,
Lately, I have been way too busy that I seldom update my blog here. I feel really sorry about it. As you know, I have a new offer teaching GEPT at Taipei city hall every Thursday. After few weeks of the classes, I found that all of you really want to pass GEPT, however, you don't really have time to review or do whatever I have told you to.

So, again, how are you going to have your writing ability improved?? There is a very easy way to do it. When you go home every time, re-write the sentences or short paragraph that I corrected for you. And then, email me as I told you. Call me whenever you have any questions. If you are afraid to bother me, you can just email me.

In Reading, there is no other way only read as many as possible. Read the books with your mouths not with your eyes. And so does in listening. Most of the students don't really understand why I teach English songs. Actually, singing English songs cannot only have your speaking improved but also have your listening ability improved. Remember that I type down the lyrics as fill in blanks and ask you to write down what you hear; that is the way to improve your listening.

And also, write down what happen to you everyday. What makes you happy or what makes you unhappy, grumpy. Maybe your boss or supervisor says something you don't really agree with, write it down and email me.

If you really do what I say here, I assure you that you can really have your writing ability improved a lot and so do listening and speaking.

AGAIN, I won't force you to do whatever I told you. It is you who decide doing or not doing it. Attitude means everything.

"Lousy weapon cannot win the battle, enemies will overpass you if you keep still." Do you want to overpass others or to be over passed??

Community College - Tuesday

2007-12-12T00:32:00.001+08:00

Dearest Friends,

This is the place you can post your writing stuff here. We talked about "Sandy who didn't prepare for the exam today." Please leave your compositions here!

Here are some of the sample sentences of "Noun Clauses"

1. What are you talking about? -- A Question.
- Can you tell me what you are talking about? -- Noun Clause

2. Where do you live?
- I don't know where you live.

3. Who are you talking with?
- I wonder who you are talking with.

4. Do you want to go shopping with me this weekend?
- I want to know if you want to go shopping with me this weekend.

Dear All,
I will post more usages whenever I have time. Please post your homework or the composition for Writing Practice 4 here.

Julie ^^

Community College - Monday

2007-12-11T22:49:00.001+08:00

My dearest friends,

I am really sorry that I post what we have been doing so late because I have been tied up with my work. I am truly sorry!

For the past few weeks, we have talked about the usages of past tense. We use past tense to talk about something happen in the past. We also did crossword of irregular verbs.

November 5th
We practiced the usage of past tense and did "time-saver activity." We also learned the song, "Just When I Needed You Most."

November 19th
We talked about agree or disagree with the statements listed on the text book. We also talked about some common usages such as

I can't help it. -- Means that you can't stop doing or not doing something.
I can't hold it. -- Means you really really want to go to the bathroom.
I can't stop wondering that ......... -- Means that there is something you really want to know or something is bugging you and you are trying to find out the answer.

November 26th
We finished Unit 6, and practiced how to make information questions in past tense.
EX:
Who - Who did you go to the concert with?
What- What did you do last night?
Where-Where did you go last weekend?
When-When did you get up this morning?
Which-Which dress did you wear yesterday, the blue or the red one?
Why-Why didn't you come to class last week?
How-1. How did you go to the party last night?
2. How did I look on the play yesterday?

(I will post the following lessons later!!)

Community College - Monday Class

2007-11-24T23:58:00.001+08:00

The "Free Response" on page 97

1. "Americans are very friendly."

Well, I think most of the people I've met here are friendly. No matter what races they are. Some of the students think that some of the foreigners are racialists. But what I think is we Taiwanese have racism.

2. "You need friends more than money."

I agree with that. But I have to say that money is also important. Sometimes, when you don't have money, your friends will leave you, too.

3. "Most people like their jobs."

According to the survey we did in class, only very few of them like their jobs. Most of the people work just for a living. They don't like what they are doing currently; and some of them think that they are not put in the right position. Luckliy, I am the one who enjoys my job. Teaching for me is not only a job, but it's also my career.
"There is always a choice about the way you do your work; even there is no choice about the work itself."

4. Candy is good for you."

I disagree with that. Candy will cause you cavity, over-weight, and other problems due to over-weight.

5. "English is easy."

I agree with that. Honestly speaking, everything is easy if you are interested in it. Once you start learning it, never give it up. You will find that it is easy for you.

6. "Most TV programs are boring."

I agree with that. I think that is because of the cable we have. We can adopt whatever we want to watch 24/7. Therefore, everything is boring if you watch it all the time. Especially news.

7. "Homework is fun."

Well, I am the teacher, what else can I say. Yes, I think homework is fun.

8. "Public transportation is terrible."

I disagree with it. I think it depends on different cities. In TPE, it is convenient to take public transportation to go wherever you want to go. The signs are easy to read and to understand. But in Taoyuan, it's not really that convenient; or maybe I just don't take it since I have my own transportation there.

9. "Most teenagers are good drivers."

I think it depends on different people. However, teenagers under 18 are banned to drive or ride.

Frustration 2

2007-11-24T21:17:00.001+08:00

I can feel that Josh has been struggling as I have sometimes. I really do like him. Whenever I see him around, or when he is beside me, I feel happy and safe. I know there is someone who cares about me or my feeling more than others, even more than myself. Yesterday, when he read what I posted the other day, he thought that I regretted that decision I made and he is part of the "wrong decision". I really want to tell him that he is not. I know what I did is correct. Just sometimes, when I take the pressure from my folks or others, I really don't know how to talk about this with him.

I can feel that he is trying to accept all this, accept that I have a daughter, I once had a marriage. Whenever I talk about Allie, he has some opinions about it. Not like before, he had no response. I am really happy about it. I know he is trying hard. I am trying hard to prove that I am living better now. I word harder than before, I take all the job opportunities, I work about 12 hours everyday; and I am trying to save money. It just whenever I got my salary, I need to pay Allie's tuition for her painting class, or some daily supply. I will spend less, and I will work harder. I will make it. "Attitude means EVERYTHING!!"

And about Allie's dad, I really need to find a chance to tell him.--> (Why I always think about the way to fight back afterward..... ) He said that he has given up a lot of opportunities and he has wasted the work that he has done for the past 11 years. I really want to tell him, if he wants to be a dad, that is what he needs to compromise. He has wasted 11-year work, I wasted 11 years of my time. But I really appreciate that. He makes me know that there is nothing I can accomplish. I am really sorry that he can't appreciate that. He has no fortune to see or feel how good a woman I am. Sorry for him, but that is what he deserves. All I want now is he can really take good care of Allie, educate her well. Don't treat her like what he did to me. Teach her how to love and make her feel beloved, and be appreciated. Don't make her a stuck-up person. Teach her how to be humble. I think that is all I want my daughter to be like.

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

2007-11-19T17:39:00.001+08:00

Few weeks ago, I taught my students in community college the poem written by Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken". It makes me think of every decision I've made during and after the marriage. When I decided to marry him, I knew that he was the kind of person who would abuse me or make me sorrow someday. I still married him. I hated myself more than I hated him, honestly speaking, I don't have any feeling on him now, not caring, loving or not even hating him. I hated myself for putting myself into that kind of situation, I hated myself for letting my daughter having the fear to her own dad. Moreover, I don't understand why my parents didn't stand out for me when they heard that I was abused.

So, I decided to run away; I wanted to run away from him, from my parents, from that hell. I just couldn't stand that anymore. I left without taking my daughter because I didn't want her to live in an unstable environment. I left with nothing. It was very difficult for me because I missed my daughter so much then. (I miss her all the time still.)

However, he still caught me back to the place he called "home". My life was okay in the beginning, but he became more like a control freak, even than before. I ran away again and told him that I would never go back unless he wanted to sign the paper. Finally, he said "yes".

I decided to divorce him without taking anything, not even the custody of my daughter. He said that is impossible for him to "give" me my daughter. He started treating her like his own property ever since then, I think.

The decision had made me a life that I didn't know how to deal with, I still don't know most of the time. When my parents told me how an irresponsible mother I am, I didn't know how to reply. When my ex-husband told me how much he has given up for our daughter just because he can't find anybody to take care of her, I didn't know how to reply.

Just like the poem, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

Getting divorced is not an easy decision to make in this traditional family or society. After over 2 years of divorced, I still believe that I made the "right" choice. It does make a big difference in my life; but it's sometimes too big for me to handle. I am tired of that.

Personality Will Never Change

2007-11-19T00:19:00.001+08:00

I went out with Allie and her dad today. On the way back home, I told him that I went to Linkin Park's concert Friday night. I told him that my student bought the ticket for me, but I didn't go with him since he is kind of bothering now. I was trying to start a short conversation but he just replied that relationship is the only thing I am worrying about. He said I have no idea how depressed he is because he gave up an opportunity for being a manager with very high salary because he can't find anyone to take care of Allie. When I heard that, I just kept silent. I didn't know how to reply and I can't talk about this with neither my parents or Josh. I know what I will hear.

I want to have Allie with me aside for sure, but he doesn't want me to take care of her. I think he doesn't want to lose anything or anyone. Too bad that he is still the man I know, personality will never change.

Frustration 1

2007-11-18T23:29:00.001+08:00

Lately, I have been feeling a bit frustrated about the current situation I have. I have been working too long hours and giving myself a lot of pressure on work. That makes my health condition getting worse. My cold has never been healed and I always feel tired. Last week, I couldn't even speak a word. I really want a break sometimes.

Two weeks ago, I didn't go back to Taoyuan because I was too sick and tired. I called Allie, and told her that I was too ill and wanted a break. But afterward, I felt quilty about it. I spent whole day alone; I went to the beef noodles, bookstore, did the laundry and watched TV all day. I enjoyed the time I had but couldn't stop feeling quilty at the same time. I felt that I am not a good mother, I miss Allie everyday but I really need to have my own time once awhile. I start questioning myself if I made the right choice or not. I want to talk about this with Josh, but I am afraid that may give him more pressure.

Trip to Angkor Wat - 1

2007-08-16T18:56:00.000+08:00

I took a 5 days trip to Angkor Wat last week. It was the first time I paid for my own trip; I was very excited about it.

There were 10 people in the group. Two sisters, a couple, two school teachers, two men who are co-workers and us, Josh and I.

The tour guide is very interesting and educating. He used to be a history teacher therefore he knows a lot of things about the sculpture and the story about Angkor Wat kingdom. I learned a lot and took a lot of note.

However, on the forth day, one of the two sisters started to talk about what the other group had but we didn't. In the beginning, I listened and shared my opinion about the tour and the tour guide. They felt the tour guide only wanted to make money from us, but I didn't really think that way, so I said something different. However, they didn't listen. Josh told me to stop and only listened. I found that the two sisters only care about what we didn't have but they didn't really care about what we had but others didn't.

That was annoying; the worst part was the tour guide heard what we thought about him and started feeling bad about this. I felt very sorry because I said something about the same to him before I really knew him.

I always feel that I speak too much and listen less sometimes, and I hurt other people before I even notice it but I really don't mean to hurt anybody. I have to remind myself. Don't jump into conclusion before I know everything.

Feel so bad ~ ~

Linkin Park - What I've Done

2007-05-25T22:20:00.000+08:00

What I've Done Lyrics

Dear Blog 2

2007-05-20T01:31:00.000+08:00

Last Monday morning, when my daddy was driving me to the train station, he asked me if Johnny said something to me. I didn't get it, so I asked my dad what he was trying to say. My daddy replied, "You know, did he ask you to get back to him or what?" I was pretty surprised when I heard that. I just simply said no and told him that if Johnny really did ask, I will never go back to him. After all, the wounds that he caused on me are not that easy to be eased. I forgive him but it doesn't mean I forget it.

Then, daddy said, "I just don't think divorced is the right thing, it's not normal. It's not like what everybody does." "You did something really bad to Allie." When I heard that, it was like giving me another wound. "Your daughters were not born to be beaten, Dad." I replied. But daddy said something I really didn't know how to reply. "That's because you are both young, you need time to 修." Just like your mom and I, we've had disagreements all the time, but we've overcome it." (WHAT !!!) "You just need time, maybe he thinks in different way now." I wanted to say "修到我被逼死或打死的那一天嗎" But, I didn't. I don't want to say such a thing to my parents. So, I just told him that he didn't do it for once, and it would have happened again and again if I hadn't left."

Daddy said, "You know, I can still pretend that there is nothing happen and smile at you when you are back. But, I just couldn't smile when I see you." That is really cruel, (But not that cruel than what he said to me when he saw my bruise on my waist.) I didn't say a word and we were in train station. I said goodbye to my dad and told him to drive carefully.

On my way back to Taipei, I couldn't stop thinking what daddy said to me. I am the one who can't make my daddy happy. No matter how happy I am, how well I can do on my job, or whatever, they don't really care. Actually, I don't know what they care now. Maybe face, maybe ... I don't know. I want to tell Josh about this, but I think he will not like it. I don't want to see him being bothered by this.

All I want is to have them on my side, support me when I need. It was hard enough to fight with him without any supporting. I really don't want to do this alone. I want to be loved...

Dear Blog

2007-05-06T21:45:00.000+08:00

Mother's Day is coming this Sunday. I still have no idea what my mom wants or what is the best choice for gifts. There are 4 different ideas in mind.

The first choice is a very nice pot which I saw it on a TV program whose host is 于美人. Maybe some of you have seen the program already. It is even better than 義大利樂鍋。 However, the price is very expensive.

The second choice is the shoes of a brand named "Born" which I found it last weekend when I went to see "Spiderman 3" in Mira Max Cinema. The shoes are really comfortable when I tried them on. Besides, they are not as expensive as the pot.

The third choice is a wonderful thing that I can use it too. (Hahahaha..) ---> The massage machine for your legs from Osim. The price is about the same as the pot.

The forth choice is going out for a nice dinner with my family. However, when I called my mom earlier today, I was told that we ARE planning to go out for dinner that evening already.

So, which one is the best choice for my mom?????????

The Class on May 7th, 2007

2007-05-06T21:15:00.000+08:00

Dear All,

After a week break, we are going to start our class tomorrow. I am wondering if you are all ready for it. I guess you do. ^^

The activity we are going to do tomorrow here. Please take sometime preview it and see you all tomorrow.

Pair Work – Ask and answer questions using the verbs listed below. Begin your questions with what, when or where.

Ex:

eat

Q: What do you usually eat for breakfast?

A: I usually eat bread and coffee for breakfast.

1. live

2. work

3. play

4. get up

5. eat

6. go

7. study

8. watch

9. listen to

10. drink

11. read

12. meet

Pair Work – ask and answer questions using the verb “need”.

EX:

flowers

A: What do flowers need?

B: They need water, sun shine and fresh air.

1. cars

2. tires

3. a tired person

4. a sick person

5. you

6. your family

7. this school

8. this class

9. Taipei city

10. people in Taipei city

11. the politics in Taiwan

My Favorite Place to Eat

2007-04-23T12:32:00.000+08:00

There is an restaurant called 巷子. It is located on the intersection of 民生 E. Rd and 三民 Rd. They sell spaghetti and pasta. I like the spaghetti there. I like the noodles they cooked because they are not too soft, not like the others I've eaten. Usually, I go there once a month. Even there are different branches in Taipei city, but I like this one the most. The quality and the taste are stable. I've eaten in the other branch near by the place I live, but it doesn't taste the same every time I went.

I always order "Curry with sea food". I like it a lot. I've tried almost every dish they have, and I like "Curry with sea food" the most. I always go there with my friends and we order differently, so that we can all have different taste. My friends and I like to eat in that restaurant, they play lounge music, and they have hand-made pudding for dessert. The prices are reasonable and the service is very good.

The only problem is that there is always crowded and you need to make a reservation before you go there, especially on the weekends.

I like to eat there and always enjoy the food and the atmosphere. Hope you like it as well.

April Fools' Day

2007-04-01T11:47:00.000+08:00

April Fools' Day

If you like to play tricks on people, then you'll love April Fools' Day. It's a fun day for millions of people around the world.

On this day, people try to trick each other. For example, you could tell your friends that all classes have been canceled. Or you could put a plastic insect in somebody's drink!

Some people play bigger tricks, though. In 1957, a British TV show told a story about spaghetti trees. After this, hundreds of people thought that it was possible to grow spaghetti on trees!

April Fools' Day began in France five centuries ago. Back then, the New Year began on April 1st. The king moved the New YEar to January, but many people didn't know this.

Years later, some people still celebrated the New Year on April 1st. These people were called "April fools." People often played tricks on these "fools" to make them look sillier.

Today, April 1st is still a day for tricks. Some people won't believe any interesting news that's broadcast on April 1st. After all, nobody wants to be a fool!

Words you might need to know.....

1. cancel (v.) 取消
2. drink (n.) 飲料
3. spaghetti (n.) 義大利麵
4. possible (adj.) 可能的
5. century (n.) 世紀
6. celetrate (v.) 慶祝
7. broadcast (v.) 廣播
8. back then 回溯以往; 在當時

Adjective Clause I

2007-03-27T13:04:00.001+08:00

35 fu06g487Adjective Clause:

1. If we use a sentence like:

(The police have found the boy.) It may not be clear which boy.

We can make it clear like this:

->The police have found the boy who disappeared last week.

2. When we talk about people, we use “who” or “that”:

- > He talk to the girl who (or that) won the game.

3. When we talk about things or animals, we use “which” or “that”.

- > I like the car which (or that) won the race.

4. We use “whose in place of his, her, their, etc.

We only use it with people, countries and organizations, not things.

It has a possessive meaning. Here is another example.

(The man didn’t apologize. His dog bit me.)

--> The man whose dog bit me didn’t apologize.

Exercise:

1. (I went to see a doctor. She helped my mother.)

2. A dog bit me. It belonged to Mrs. Jones.)

3. The bus crashed. It was twenty-three years old.)

4. (A woman wrote to me. She wanted my advice.)

5. Ann talked to a man. He just won a lot of money.)

______________________________________________________________________________

6. (Mary was wearing the red dress. She wears it for parties.)

7. He’s an architect. He designed the new city library.)

The Last Class in K9

2007-03-14T12:10:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

Our last class during winter break was at K9. I am really lucky to meet all of you. I remember that I told you the reason why you are in my class is just because I happen to know something you want to learn. In fact, I have been learning a lot from you since the class started.

I enjoyed the time that I have spent with you guys. At the night in the KTV, I had a lot of fun and I was happy that most of you sang the songs that we have learned. So, now, since we have to tell school what we did that day for record, it is so much better if you can tell me how you feel that day and I will just write down what you said.

Please post your comments for that class in K9 here as comments.

Again, we are here to learn English, so, speak up, speak loud, and have fun!!!

Love,
Julie

The class for March 5, 2007 in Community College

2007-03-04T20:50:00.000+08:00

March 5, 2007

I. Self – Introduction
- Where are you from?
- What’s your job?
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Why do you want to learn English?
- How long have you been learning English? (I have been learning English for …………years.)
- How long have you been in this class? (I have been in this class for ………. months.)
- What is your weakness in learning English?
- What do you want to learn (get) in this class?
- What do you like about Julie?
- What do you like the most about yourself? Why?

II. Talk about your trip on Chinese New Year vacation

EX:
I went to 飛牛牧場 with my family on the third day of Chinese New Year vacation. We went there by car. It was a very big field with a lot of flowers and funny stuff to see. We saw cows, sheep, horses, and rabbits there. We saw the staff feeding baby calf with a very big milk bottle. That was very interesting.
For the following days, we went to different relatives homes for dinners. That is a traditional routine for my family. Normally, there are about 20 to 30 people in the house at once. This year was the same. Some of my aunts and uncles played MahJong with Chinese chess. Some of them sang. The forth generation of my family ran around the house. It was very crowded and filled the atmosphere of New Year.
I like spending time with my family during Chinese New Year. Even we, the third generation didn’t really do something but only talked and watched TV, but, that is the time for all of the family members gathering together.

Now, try to write your own Chinese New Year by the questions below. You can add more sentences.

Where – Where did you go during Chinese New Year?
How – How did you get there?
Who – Who did you go with?
When – When did you go?
What – What did you see there? What did you do there?
Are there any special things you do on your Chinese New Year? What are they?

The Lyrics of Wherever You Will Go - by The Calling

2007-02-27T14:53:00.000+08:00

WHEREVER YOU WILL GO      The Calling

So lately, I've been wondering   Who will be there to take my place

When I'm gone, you'll need love   To light the shadows on your face

If a great wave shall fall   It would fall upon us all

And between the sand and stone   Could you make it on your own

[chorus:]

If I could, then I would   I'll go wherever you will go

Way up high or down low   I'll go wherever you will go

And maybe, I'll find out   The way to make it back someday

To watch you, to guide you   Through the darkest of your days

If a great wave shall fall   It would fall upon us all

Well I hope there's someone out there   Who can bring me back to you

[chorus]

If I could, then I would   I'll go wherever you will go

Way up high or down low   I'll go wherever you will go

Runaway with my heart   Runaway with my hope  Runaway with my love

I know now, just quite how  My life and love might still go on

In your heart and your mind  I'll stay with you for all of time

[chorus]

If I could, then I would  I'll go wherever you will go

Way up high or down low  I'll go wherever you will go

If I could turn back time   I'll go wherever you will go

If I could make you mine   I'll go wherever you will go

I'll go wherever you will go

My Chinese New Year

2007-02-27T14:12:00.000+08:00

This is the third Chinese New Year I've had since divorced. The first Chinese New Year as I remember, my mom asked me to hide in my room in case my grandmother found me alone at home; the second Chinese New Year, I had a big argument with my uncle who thinks he knows everything and always tries to give someone a lesson. (I have learned a lot about humanity from him.) This year, I was alone again on the Chinese New Year's Eve.

Two of my co-workers invited me to have the family dinner with them but it was not a good idea for me to spend time with others on this special holiday. I don't blame my parents for this, but I wonder how long they need to take the truth that they have a daughter who is divorced with her husband because domestic violence. If my own parents cannot admit it, I don't know how to face it myself.

Josh called me that day and told me that I need to take care of myself first before they change their mind. I need to show them how much I have changed after divorced. I need to prove that I am so much better than before. I know it and that is what I am working on; however, sometimes, I don't feel that my parents give it a damn about it.

Few years ago, when my dad saw the wound that my ex caused me, he just said, if he were my ex, he would have kicked me out of the family. Then, I ran away and they found that I called the school to talk to Allie. So, they waited there for my call and my mom said something really cruel that I will never forget.

Finally, I got divorced. My parents just don't want to admit it to the other relatives. After divorced, I get a very nice job teaching English in different schools. I've even been a translator. When I showed something I did to them, in a catalog, they didn't seem to be happy or proud of me. When I started my first class in Community College, I didn't feel that either.

I don't know why they could see their daughter being abused but they wouldn't want to see her living a better life. I can't stop wondering if I don't deserve a better life or I haven't worked harder enough to make them proud. Or, just simply because I don't give them enough money.

They don't need money, they even give me some whenever they feel I might need it. It is really hard to please them sometimes. Whenever she is talking to other relatives, all you can hear is my sister, how well she can take care of the family, how much money she has given to my mom, how well she is behaved, every good thing is like my mom, all the good qualities my sisters have are taken from my mom... None of those with my name.

I wonder who I get the bad qualities from...

Reading & Thinking - Baby, you are......

2006-12-21T01:18:00.000+08:00

There is a poem that I read from Chicken Soup for the Soul. I like it because it puts the feeling into words to show how special someone meant to you. No matter it is to your kids or to the one you love.

Baby You Are.....
My sunny sky
My favorite high
My bed so warm
My port in a storm
My sweetest gift
My emotional lift
My best friend
Until the end
My inspiration
My destination
My shining light
My day and night
My heart healer
My anger chiller
My pain reliever
My spring fever
My gem so rare
My answered prayer
My heart and soul
My life made whole
My merry-go-round
My up when I’m down
My best chance
My last dance
My best shot
My sweet kumquat
My energizer
My appetizer
My morning sun
My evening fun
My dancing partner
My heart’s gardener
My source of laughter
My ever after
My heaven sent
For who I’m meant
My burning fire
My greatest desire
My soul mate
My sweet fate
My dream lover
My “before all others”
My confidence
My common sense
My reason why
Until I die

Just in case you didn’t know

It can also sharpen your intonation when speaking it because it rhymes every two lines.

Grammar - GEPT Questions for Writing Practice 2

2006-12-05T17:44:00.000+08:00

題目：上個星期，你到高雄(Kaohsiung)的親戚家玩，下面是你每天的活動，請根據這些圖片寫一篇30~50字的簡短遊記。
The pictures are one your paper already.

Write the paragraph according to the questions below.

1. Where did you go last week?
2. Why did you go there?
3. Who did you go with?
4. How did you go there?
5. When did you arrive?
6. Was there anybody waiting for you?
7. What did you do on the first day?
8. What did you do on the second day?
9. What did you do on the third day?
10. Did you have fun there?
11. When did you go back?

社大星期二 -- GEPT 初級 -- The answer for page 15

2006-12-03T19:21:00.000+08:00

Dear All,
Here is the answer for page 15, exercise C.

1. You are not eating very much at the moment. Are you ill?

2. She knows three words in Italian!

3. I am taking the bus to work this week, but usually I walk.

4. I am studying Japanese this year. It's very difficult.

5. Are you watching TV at the moment?

6. I don't remember the name of the hotel.

7. She speaks three languages.

8. The sun is shining. It's a beautiful day.

Grammar - Present Continuous

2006-12-03T09:45:00.001+08:00

Present Continous --> 現在進行式

S + V + O + 地點 + (at the moment / now) --可加可不加

v -- > Be + Ving
動詞(v)變成 be + 動作 + ing

EX:
I work everyday. (現在簡單式)<--> I am working now. (現在進行式)

1. We use the Present Continuous to talk about actions and situations in progress now.
我們用現在進行式描述正在發生的事情

Ex:
I am watching TV now. --> 我正在看電視
You are eating breakfast at the moment. -- > 你正在吃早餐
He is listening to the music. --> 他正在聽音樂
Jan and Sam are playing tennis. -->Jan and Sam 正在打網球

2. We use the Present Continuous to talk about actions and situation in progress around now, but not exactly at the moment we speak.
我們用現在進行式描述事情發生在最近的一段時間但不是在說話時的當下

Ex:
A: What are you doing these days? --> 你最近在做什麼?
B: I am learning Spanish. How about you? --> 我最近在學西班牙文你呢?
A: My parents are staying with me this month. I am going with them everywhere. --> 我爸媽這個月住我那我就跟著他們到處跑

Here are the forms fo the Present Continuous:
現在進行式的形式

和現在簡單式一樣因為主要的動詞是Be動詞 Be動詞可以用在疑問句或否定句所以直接換位子或直接把not加在be動詞的後面即可

POSITIVE -->肯定句

- Full Form - - Short Form -
I am eating. ----------- I'm eating.
You are eating.--------- You're eating.
He/She/It is eating.---- He's/She's/It's eating.
We are eating.---------- We're eating.
They are eating. ------- They're eating.

NEGATIVE --> 否定句 --> 直接把not加在be動詞的後面即可

- Full Form - - Short Form -
I am not eating. ---------------- I'm not eating.
You are not eating.-------------- You're not eating. / You aren't eating.
He/She/It is not eating.--------- He's/She's/It's not eating./He/She/It isn't eating.
We are not eating.--------------- We're not eating. / We aren't eating.
They are not eating. ------------ They're not eating. / They aren't eating.

Questions --> 疑問句 -->直接把be動詞和主角換位子即可
Am I eating?
Are you eating?
Is he/she/it eating?
Are we eating?
Are they eating?

*請注意*
These are irregular spellings: --> 不規則的拼法
1. 當單音節的動詞或最後的音節字尾是一個子音跟著一個母音時重複字尾的子音再加上ing
win --> winning
shop --> shopping
swim --> swimming
get --> getting
sit --> sitting
travel --> travelling

2.字尾有e要去掉
dance --> dancing
shine --> shining
write --> writing
come --> coming

Exercise I:

EX:
George/not eat dinner. George/sleep
George is not eating dinner. George is sleeping.

1. They/not work. They/listen to the music.

2. Ann/not play computer games. Ann/read a book.

3. You/not do homework. You/watch TV.

4. My father/not drink coffee. My father/eat a sandwich.

5. Joe and David/not work. Joe and David/ play tennis.

6. My aunt/stay with me this week. So, I/sleep in the living room.

Exercise II:
Make questions by putting the words in correct order.
重組句子造問句記得該大寫的要大寫喔

Ex:
enjoying - your work - you - are - ?
Are you enjoying your work?

1. she - having lunch - is - ?

2. playing football - are - Jerry and Sam - ?

3. you - listening - are - to the music - ?

4. it - raining hard - is - ?

5. your sister - is - doing her homework - ?

Phonics - 26 letters and the sounds

2006-11-27T13:25:00.000+08:00

相信對一些對一些將30歲 (六年級生) 或以上來說 PHONICS 其實是蠻陌生的但是我們卻對K.K.音標(K.K. symbols) 很熟悉 (不熟也沒關係) 你在這本書中將會看到PHONICS 和 K.K.音標的整合 PHONICS 是一種直覺發音 26個字母中每個字母有其自己的基本發音這就是我們說的自然發音(PHONICS) 而K.K.音標則是將其變成文字或者也可說是符號學會自然發音可以再你看到單字的時後把它唸出來 (這是有一些規則要記住的) 但是這些規則只適用於百分之70-80的單字這時會不會看K.K.音標就很重要了當我不確定這個字的唸法時我會馬上查字典因為我可以找到K.K.音標在上面所以K.K. 和 PHONICS 相互補其不足的地方只要不斷的練習學好發音不會一件困難的事也不會再有看到單字而不知如何開口說的窘境了

每個字母都有其基本的發音如何將這些聲音拼起來唸的方法就是PHONICS 相信對於五六年級的我們來說大都不知PHONICS 為何但是我們都學過 K K 音標 PHONICS 就是將KK音標這個符號給于聲音例如我們都知道小狗的聲音是”汪” 而KK音標和PHONICS 也是一樣的道理

26 letters and the sounds：
a〔æ〕apple 蘋果
b〔b〕ball 球
c〔k〕cat 貓
d〔d〕dog 狗
e〔ɛ〕egg 雞蛋
f〔f〕fish 魚
g〔g〕good 好的
h〔h〕hat 帽子
i〔ɪ〕ink 墨汁
j〔ʤ〕jacket 夾克
k〔k〕key 鑰匙
l〔l〕lemon; bell 檸檬,鈴
m〔m〕money; home 錢,家
n〔n〕nose, wine 鼻子,酒
o〔ɑ〕oxford, dog 牛津,狗
p〔p〕peek 偷看
qu〔kw〕question 問題
r〔r〕rat 老鼠
s〔s〕sun 太陽
t〔t〕tiger 老虎
u〔ʌ〕ugly 醜陋
v〔v〕vase 花瓶
w〔w〕window 窗戶
x〔ks〕box 盒子
y〔j〕yo-yo 溜溜球
z〔z〕zebra 斑馬

Grammar - Frequency Adverbs

2006-11-27T13:06:00.000+08:00

頻率副詞 - 頻率副詞用來表示事情發生的經常性或做某件事的頻率
頻率副詞放在Be動詞的後面一般動詞的前面
We use frequency adverbs to talk about how often you do something.

Frequency Adverbs:
100% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------0 %
always usually often sometimes seldom rarely never

EX: go shopping
Q: How often do you go shopping?
A: I usually go shopping once a month.
EX: be late
Q: Are you often late for work?
A: I am never late for work.

Oral Practice:
How often do you.......

wear jeans
drink coffee
drink pearl milk tea
see a movie
take a taxi
listen to classical music
wear hats
watch TV
study English
read a newspaper
read a book

Something about "Attitude" - 3

2006-11-09T12:23:00.000+08:00

Thanks for one of my students in that company. I understand he is trying to make me feel better and no need to care about what other people do and say. I am trying now. I know it is hard for you to learn English now and it's not an easy job to do. But if you don't do it, how do u know you can't make it. The oldest student I've had is 77 years old. He is willing to come and learn, and paid the tuition by himself. Now, your company paid the tuition and provided the environment for you to learn, even you are forced to come, why don't you just take it as another chance to learn? Think about it, people paid the tuition for you. That kind of thing doesn't happen everyday, does it?!

Even I feel bad about some of the students' attitude and the words they say, but I don't care now. There are a lot of beautiful things out there. Think and act everything in a big context, think what you will be doing after 10 years, 20 years or even longer. You will have different thoughts about it.

Something about "Attitude" - 2

2006-11-06T13:36:00.000+08:00

Last Wednesday, I had the class in that company again. When I got into the classroom, there was no one there. Then, one of the bad attitude student came in and said, "Sigh, it is really fast for us to have English class again." He said it like he had no other choice. The other one who came after him replied, "Don't say it here in front of the teacher, you can talk about it outside." Then, they just looked at me. I just simply replied, "I have the same feeling." "I don't care what you said." Then, I started doing my job for getting the class started.

All in the sudden, I could feel that they knew they did the wrong thing and they left the classroom without a word. After the class started, I treated them some chocolates which I like a lot because that Monday was my birthday. I just couldn't believe how people can be so mean when they said "You should bring different kind of snack each class." I pretended I didn't hear that but wondered if they really knew what they made me think.

According to what they said last class, we should check the answer of the first pre-test for GEPT in the first hour, I gave them the paper already. They were supposed to finish it and we could have it discussed in the class. Guess what, some of them didn't do it, and the class leader didn't even bring the paper. While I was explaining what "clauses" are, I saw the class leader writing some words on a piece of paper and the one sitting next to him was replying. During the break time, I looked what they wrote. There were 4 sentences, "A: Why don't you look high? B: I don't like it. A: She is talking about grammar all the time. B: I am very boring." --> (I am bored, not boring. I told them in the previous class.)

I felt really bad because they didn't even do the practice when I was doing the activity in conversation. I can still remember what one of the students asked me in the second class. He said, "Just tell us, can you assure that we can all pass GEPT test after we finished this class?" "I can't promise you anything because it depends on how you want to do to make it." I said. I told them that I spent at least 3 hours to study grammar after class everyday when I was in college. If you don't review and study, how can you pass?

I tell all of my students in the first class that learning is a 50-50 situation. I will show you everything you need and put my best effort on my job, and I hope you do the same. If you want to make it 100, you need to take it seriously. There is nothing you can't achieve only if you don't want to do it.

Something about "Attitude"

2006-10-27T13:46:00.000+08:00

I have had other experience about “attitude” lately. I took a job offer few weeks ago. It’s a company class in Taipei city. The boss there provides the environment and the tuition for the employees to learn English, but they need to pass the GEPT test and can’t be absent from the class. Basically, they are forced to be there. They don’t really want to take the class. The resentful feeling to the company is transferred on me.

I didn’t know that in the first class but just felt the atmosphere was a bit weird because the class leader wanted to quit his job after I introduced myself. It made me feel there must be something wrong. During the break time, the “ex” class leader told me that he quit because he didn’t want to communicate with the supervisors there. I thought that was okay for me but not really.

The second class, there were two new students who were absent in the first one came. They started asking me where I graduated, how long I have been teaching English and if I have taught this kind of class before. When they realized that I just graduated from a Christian college and have never studied overseas, they started to give me the kind of face which tells you they don’t want to give a shit of you. The reason why they are here is because they have to, not because they want to. I tried to ignore that but during the class, I told them if they want to make their English ability better and pass the test, they need to practice it all the time. They didn’t really give me any reaction, so, I tried to let them focus on what I wanted to say. I then said, “You really need to practice using English every “f..king” day, talk to yourself… “ Before I finished my speaking, one of them started laughing and said, “You’ve really never been to the states.” The other one of them replied right away, “She just sees too many movies.” The following week was even worse. I gave them some practice about GEPT and had them discuss the answer and then talked about the grammar structure. After that, I gave them some handout for practicing speaking because their speaking ability is not really good. They have no problem on communicating with others but they can’t say it in proper English, they are using “Chinglish”. When they got the worksheet, the same guy just laughed and said “Oh, I know what it is. It’s just asking questions about the topic. .. bla.. bla.. bla..” Then, he started doing the activity with his partner.

I looked at him and I was thinking you guys are sitting here with that kind of attitude and listening to my lecture in “English”. One third of you are about 10 years older than I am. I am not saying my English is very good, but I believe I am still able to let you learn something you need to, like how to pass GEPT and how to sharpen your English speaking ability. Of course I didn’t say anything about this but just pretended I didn’t hear and see what they were saying and doing. =>(Thanks to my parents for teaching me good manner.) But, do you guys really think I can stand in front 15 of you and teach you just because I’ve seen too many movies???

Well, I think that’s the reason why they are NOW sitting down there wondering how they can do to pass the test.

Grammar - Frequency Adverbs

2006-10-22T19:42:00.000+08:00

Frequency Adverbs - To talk about how often you do something.
頻率副詞 - 表示事情發生的次數用在一般動詞的前面,Be動詞的後面
They are used before the “regular verb” and after the “be verb”

always usually often sometimes seldom rarely never
100% -----------------------------------------------------------------0%
Ex: Sam usually does his homework after dinner. Jan is never late for school.

Exercise:
Answer the questions by using “frequency adverbs” above.

1. How often do you sleep past noon? (never)

2. How often do you wear a hat to school? (seldom)

3. How often do you wash dishes after dinner? (never)

4. How often do you eat fish for dinner? (usually)

5. Are you always late for school? (never)

No,_____________________________________________________________________

6. How often do you watch TV before you come to school in the morning?(sometimes)

7. Do you always finish your homework before you go to sleep? (never)

No,_____________________________________________________________________

8. How often do you study English at night? (always)

9. How often do you play computer games? (seldom)

10. How often do you go to school by yourself? (usually)

Grammar - 3rd Person Singular 第三人稱單數現在式

2006-10-16T23:49:00.000+08:00

在現在式中有一個特別的地方要注意就是第三人稱單數
當主詞是第三人稱單數時一般動詞的後面要加 "s"或 "es"

For example:

I work everyday.
You work everyday.

He works everyday.
She workds everyday.
It works everyday.

I go shopping every Sunday.
They go shopping every Sunday.

He goes shopping every Sunday.
Sammy goes shopping every Sunday.
Debby goes shopping every Sunday.

Sammy = she
Debby = she

加 "s", 或 "es" 的規則

1. 一般來說都是加"s" -- work / works; type / types; love / loves;
2. 當字尾是 s, x, sh, ch, o 時請加 "es" -- kiss / kisses; fix / fixes;
wash / washes; watch / watches; go / goes
3. 字尾是母音加 "y" 直接加 "s" -- play / plays
4. 字尾是子音加 "y", 則去"y"加 "ies" -- study / studies; carry / carries

Exercise:

1) I __________ (watch) TV everyday.

2) Jim ____________ (watch) TV everyday.

3) Jan and Sam ___________ (walk) to school every morning.

4) He ________ (do) his homework everyday.

5) I ________ (get) up at 7 every morning.

6) Jim and I _________ (get) up at 7 every morning.

7) Ms. Lee _________ (teach) English at school. She _______ (be) an English teacher.

8) I __________ (want) to drink some water.

9) Sam and Tina _______ (go) to school everyday.

10) My mother _________ (cook) dinner at 6 every evening.

After reading "The Pragmatic Programmer" - 1

2006-10-09T02:41:00.000+08:00

Few weeks ago, my friend showed me a book that he is reading, "The pragmatic programmar". I thought it was a book about what he is doing now. He is a software engineer. However, he told me I can read the first chapter because he thinks it can be a big help to me.

After reading it, I found that I really like it a lot. I have read it for 4 times and have had different thinking every time. I put the strategies into my life and my work. They really do work. I also find some people don't really have the same attitude and it makes me different from other people who are doing the same job like I am.

I want to share some of my thinking and how I make the philosophy in my life here.

The Cat Ate My Source Code

One of the cornerstones of the pragmatic philosophy is the idea of taking responsibility for yourself and your actions in terms of your career advancement, your project, and your day-to-day work. A Pragmatic Programmer takes charge of his or her own career, and isn't afraid to admit ignorance or error. It's not the most pleasant aspect of programming, to be sure, but it will happen—even on the best of projects. Despite thorough testing, good documentation, and solid automation, things go wrong. Deliveries are late. Unforeseen technical problems come up.

These things happen, and we try to deal with them as professionally as we can. This means being honest and direct. We can be proud of our abilities, but we must be honest about our shortcomings—our ignorance as well as our mistakes.

-- In my job, I can see different kind of studnets who are from different fmailies. The parents educate their kids in different ways. And it makes all the differences on their kids.

Students are lazy doing homework, and they forget things easily. I think one of the reason is that their parents do too much for them. When they forget what I asked them to do, they would said "My mom forgot to put it in my school bag, or My mom didn't remind me that." One of my student doesn't even know where his books are because his mom packs up his school bag "everyday". When I want them to hand in their homework, I see different reactions. When the kids are asked for homework, and they didn't do it. I can hear a lot of lame excuses like "We went out last night and got home too late to do homework." That really frustrates me.

So, the next paragraph is what I tell my students in the class. I talk about it with my adult students, too.

"Take Responsibility"

Responsibility is something you actively agree to. You make a commitment to ensure that something is done right, but you don't necessarily have direct control over every aspect of it. In addition to doing your own personal best, you must analyze the situation for risks that are beyond your control. You have the right not to take on a responsibility for an impossible situation, or one in which the risks are too great. You'll have to make the call based on your own ethics and judgment.

When you do accept the responsibility for an outcome, you should expect to be held accountable for it. When you make a mistake (as we all do) or an error in judgment, admit it honestly and try to offer options.

Don't blame someone or something else, or make up an excuse. Don't blame all the problems on a vendor, a programming language, management, or your coworkers. Any and all of these may play a role, but it is up to you to provide solutions, not excuses."

-- I think that is the most important attitude for people. You are the one who makes the decision for what you want to do. Once if you promise someone to do something, do it. You have the right not to take the job, but when you say yes, you need to put your best efforts on it.

When I first got divorced, I didn't know what I should do. I just simply want to leave the hell. I did blame my parents for not helping me with my life, even now. I did a lot of work to get a divorced. I know it won't be a easy life for me since people in Taiwan still can't accept women who are divorced. I know there is still a lot of things I have to do. Now, I am trying really hard to live my own life since I have just started it for about two years.

I don't make decisions for doing things easily, don't promise my daughter for the things I can't do, but when I say yes to her, I will make it. I want to educate my kids to have the same attitude. I ask them two or three times when I ask them to do things, and when they promise me for doing them, I ask 2 more times and have them repeat my requests. It means they really understand what I want them to do.

Make the promises serious, and make them know they need to take the responsibilities for what they say.

For my adults students, they always say that they don't have enough time to practice English or do the review. I just tell them, you are the one who pays the tuition. Since you pay for it, it means you want to come and learn English with us. You need to do your best to make your money and time worthy. So, I ask them not to skip classes easily, if they really have to be absent for class, they need to call me first. Otherwise, I won't tell them what I do for the class they don't come.

I know it makes me a serious person, but I believe it only does me good for doing things this way.

Grammar - 問句的種類

2006-10-09T02:10:00.000+08:00

There are two different kinds of questions.
1. yes/no questions
2. information questions

問句有兩種第一種叫yes/no questions
就是要你回答yes 或 no 的
這種問句都是以動詞或助動詞開頭
ex:
1. Are you a teacher?
Yes, I am a teacher. / No, I am not a teacher.

2. Do you like English?
Yes, I do. I like English. / No, I don't. I don't like English.

第二種問句叫做訊息問句是為了求得更多的訊息
所以會用7個不同的"w"來問

1. who - 問人
ex: Who is she? / She is my sister.

2. what - 問事或物
ex: What are you doing? / I am reading a book.
What do you like to eat for lunch? / I want to eat noodles.

3. where - 問地方
ex: Where do you live? / I live in Taipei.

4. when - 問時間
ex: When do you get off from work? / I get off from work at about 7.

5. which - 問哪一個
ex: Which dress do you like, blue or red? / I like the blue dress.

6. why - 問理由
ex: Why are you crying? / I am crying because I didn't pass the exam.

7. how - 問方法及如何(怎麼樣)
ex: 方法 - How do I get to the train station? / Just go straight, and you will see it.
如何 - How do I look in this dress? / You look great.

其中"what"和"how"有更多不同的用法
在"what"後面放上不同的名詞就有不同的用法
ex:
1. What color do you like? / I like blue.

2. What kind of music do you like? / I like rock n' roll.

在"how"的後面放不同的形容詞也有不同的問句
ex:
1. How often do you go shopping? / I go shopping once a week.

2. How many people are there in your family? / There are 5 people in my family.

Exercise:

Answer the questions -

1. Who is your favorite singer? (favorite - 最喜歡的 / singer - 歌手)
記的用"favorite singer" 開始你的問句因為那是這個句子的主角

2. What kind of movie do you like?
I like _______________________.

3. What time do you wake up?

4. Where do you work?

5. What do you like to do in your free time?

6. When do you start working?

7. Which do you like to drink after meal, coffee or tea?

8. Why do you like (or dislike) English?

9. How many books do you read a month?

10. How often do you drink coffee?

11. How do you look like?

12. What do you usually eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner?

13. How do you learn English?

記的句子的結構

主詞 + 動詞 + 受詞 + 地點 + 時間

Grammar - More Oral Practice in Simple Present Tense

2006-10-09T01:23:00.000+08:00

Always ask and answer in completed sentences.
記得一定要用完整的句子問問題與回答問題
不一定要有對象才能練習你可以自問自答
如果有任何的問題可以留下你的問題喔

ex: drink coffee in the morning
Q: Do you drink coffee in the morning?
A: yes, I do. I drink coffee in the morning. /
No, I don't. I don't drink coffee in the morning.

1. watch TV everyday

2. go to work on time

3. eat breakfast

4. do exercise

5. drink 5 glasses of water everyday

6. take a bus to work

7. surf the Internet everyday

8. eat dinner with your family

9. like English

10. speak English in your daily life

Grammar - Present Simple - Writing your daily life

2006-10-02T13:42:00.000+08:00

接下來把這一個段落換成你自己的生活作息然後把它唸出來記得要把地點和時間放到句子的後面喔

I usually get up at 7-30 every morning.

After I get up, I brush my teeth and get dressed.

Then, I leave home for work.

I usually buy something for breakfast on my way to the office.

I usually eat bread and milk for breakfast.

When I arrive the office, I usually turn on my pc and check my mail.

Then I start doing my job. I like to eat beef noodles for lunch.

After lunch, I like to take a walk and a nap.

Then, I get back to work again.

I get off from my work around 6 – 30 everyday.

After that, I go to my English class. I like English very much.

After English class, I go home and take my shower and eat my dinner.

Then, I like to watch TV before I go to sleep.

Now, it’s your turn.

Grammar - Present Simple - Oral Practice

2006-10-02T13:32:00.000+08:00

口語練習-記得要用完整的句子問及回答 (不要說沒有人可以陪你練習你可以自問自答喔)
Oral Practice:
Ask your partners the questions below, use complete sentences.

EX:
Q: Do you wake up at 7 everyday?

A: Yes, I do. I wake up at 7 everyday. /
No, I don't. I don't wake up at 7 everyday.
I wake up at 8.

1. Do you wake up at 7 everyday?

2. What time do you wake up?

3. Do you always eat breakfast?

4. What do you usually eat for breakfast?
(sandwich, coffee, soy soup, buns, bread, milk…)

5. Do you leave for work at 8?

6. What time do you leave for work?

7. Do you drive to work?

8. How do you go to work?
(drive a car, walk, take the bus, ride the scooter, bike..)

9. Are you always on time for work?

10. Do you work with computer in your job?

11. What do you do in your job?
(talk to costumers, do paper work, file the documents,
arrange things for supervisor..)

12. Do you like your job?

13. What do you like / dislike about your job?

14. Do you eat lunch in the office?

15. What do you usually eat for lunch? (rice, noodles, hamburgers, bread)

16. Do you drink coffee?

17. What kind of drinks do you like? (juice, tea, coffee, water, coke, soda,)

18. Do you take a break after lunch?

19. What do you usually do after lunch?
(take a nap, drink some coffee, take a walk, read some book,)

20. Do you get off from work on time?

21. When do you usually leave your office?

22. Do you watch TV in the evening?

23. What do you do after work?
(watch TV, have a date with my g/f, b/f, have dinner,)

24. When do you usually go to sleep?

Grammar- Simple Present - Negative and Question Forms

2006-09-28T12:40:00.001+08:00

當一般動詞遇到問句或否定句時不能像Be動詞一樣直接換位置要找助動詞(helping verb)來幫忙

EX:
You love me.
You do not (don't) love me.
Do you love me?

Exericse:
Do / regular verb
寫出問句及答句
Ex:
Do we play tennis everyday?
Yes, we do. We play tennis everyday.
No, we don’t. We don’t play tennis everyday.

1) All of the students like English.

2) We walk to school everyday.

3) Jan and I get up at 7 every morning.

4) You go swimming every morning.

5) My friends play basketball everyday.

The Lyrics of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

2006-09-28T11:40:00.000+08:00

There is a new version of two old songs "Somewhere over the rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World"

Artist: Israel Kamakawiwo Ole'
Song: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Ooooo oooooo ohoohohoo Ooooo ohooohoo oooohoo
Ooooo ohoohooo oohoooo Oohooo oohoooho ooooho
Ooooo oooooo oooooo Ooooo oooooo oooooo

Somewhere over the rainbow Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby ii ii iii
Somewhere over the rainbow Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh ooooh

Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me ee ee eeh
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
that’s where you'll find me oh

Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to,
why, oh why can't I? i iiii

Well I see trees of green and Red roses too,
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself What a wonderful world

Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark and I think to myself
What a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, I...I love you

I hear babies cry and I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more Than we'll know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world (w)oohoorld

Someday I'll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
that's where you'll find me

Oh, Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to,
why, oh why can't I? I hiii ?

Ooooo oooooo oooooo Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo Ooooo oooooo oooooo
Ooooo oooooo oooooo Ooooo oooooo oooooo

Worth Working For

2006-09-27T20:08:00.000+08:00

I resigned my last job few months ago cause I had some disagreement with the school I worked for. I like to set up all of my text books, curriculums, lesson plans.. everything in order.

Ever since I started working there, I chose all the text books for the students. I believed that if I could provide the teachers complete lesson plans, even a new coming teacher can do the lesson well, even he or she may not have any experience.

However, it took a long time to set it up, and I needed to take one class in the mroning, had meetings at least once 2 days. Anyways, the principal didn't think setting all the stuff in order and organized was that important. So, they decided to have my salary deducted.

Having disagreement is one thing, but deducting salary is another. That really pissed me off even I was told before they did it. (The principal did not tell me how much my salary would be less tho.) So, when I knew that how much the salary would be, I just told them I couldn't take it and I left that day. The director and the principal were very surprised. They called me the same day and the day after to ask me going back.

What I am thinking is if you are working with the supervisor or boss who can't appreciate or know what you are doing for them, then, that's not the place worth working.

I am a very emotional person, I know sometimes it is not good to do things. I can work my tail off for you if I feel it is worthy, no matter how much the salary is.

Lately, there is the same situtation happened to me. The school I am working in the afternoon needs some evaluation forms and the ideas about how to have their English classes better.

Actually, THAT WAS NOT MY BUSINESS at all. It is foreign teachers who have problems on teaching grammar and phonics becasue they don't have any text books. Personally, I don't think having no text books is a good idea, either.

So, I took some time showing them the text books I have used, discussing how they can do with the text books and the material which the principal gave them. The truth is, the principal dosen't even know how to use the material and she wants foreign teachers to teach grammar and phonics with it??? Doesn't it sound rediculous???!!

After all this, they asked me to do more, without pay. Come on, we teachers are paid by dots. So, I asked to get half paid for doing the paper work, but the principal said they don't pay for foreign teachers doing paper work. We need to find extra time to do it. If I can't take it, they can find other teachers who are willing to do it.

I just couldn't believe what I heard. I used to be a teacher and a director, I know what everything is working. I paid my English teachers for doing extra work when I was a director cause I want them to put their best efforts on teaching, but not doing paper work at the same time.

Now you are saying this to me?! I totally gave up on them. I said to them, "Sure, I can do it." How much I am paid, how much work I will do.

The above lines are all just saying, the problem is, why the employers don't really appreciate what their teachers have been doing for them. All the things we do take time, a lot of time.

The school is lucky to have the foreign teachers who work like that, spending extra time to do the paper work. (well, at least I do it.) After all this, the school just take it for granted.

That's not what I do things. In my morning class, I just do everything. Teaching, training new teachers, having presentions to the parents, having meetings with the teachers, all the paper work. Just becasue they think what I am doing is really great for the school. The parents believe me. I get new students every single class. "It is all becasue they worth me doing that."

I always think that being a teacher needs a lot of passion because it's not a job which makes big money. I think I still have the enthusiasm for being a teacher, for students, not for the school I am working for.

"There is no one who needs to take care of you. You need to do it yourself."

The Beginning

2006-09-27T12:31:00.000+08:00

I want to do this for a long time. After 10 years of English teaching, I have been thinking what I can do to make more people to learn English and to like it but not be afraid of it. This is it, and I finally sit down and start to do it. So, here it goes, "The Beginning". Let me have a brief self introduction. My name is Julie. I have been teaching English for about 10 years since 1996 when I was a sophomore. In the past 10 years, I was not only teaching, but also learning. I think I am the one who is lucky. There have been so many people helping me when the time I needed. They made me become who I am today.

Grammar - Simple Present Tense

2006-09-27T12:07:00.001+08:00

S + V + O (S.C.) + 地點 + 時間
S (subject) 主詞 - 句子的主角
V (verb)動詞-有三種 1. Be 動詞/ 2. 一般動詞/ 3. 助動詞

記得要把地點和時間往後擺喔

動詞的差別在:

Be 動詞可以直接用在疑問句或否定句
(Ex: Are you a teacher?
No, I am not a teacher, I am an engineer.)
但是一般動詞不行所以要找助動詞 “do” 來幫忙
(Ex: We like English.
Do we like English?
No, we don’t like English.)

Simple Present

Simple Present Tense describes an action which goes on everyday or in general.
現在簡單式表示事實,習慣,定律

學會使用現在簡單式就可以表達每天發生在你身邊的事囉

I work.
You work.
We work.
They work.
Sam and I work.
You and your brother work.
Amy and Sam work.
My friends work.

Exercise:
1. I _________ (speak) English well.

2. We __________ (write) many letters.

3. You _________ (have) a lot of homework.

4. I always ________ (sit) in that seat.

5. The students ________ (write) many exercises everyday.

6. Henry and Jimmy ___________ (play) tennis every afternoon.

7. We ____________ (eat) in the cafeteria everyday.

8. Both of you ____________ (study) very hard.

9. My brother and I always ______ (go) to school on time.

10. George and his brother ____________ (walk) to school everyday.