社大星期三的課

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ...

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

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

Hope you can enjoy belly dancing as well.