Community College - GEPT - Monday Class - March 2nd

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

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

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

Trip to India - Day 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things happened in this summer

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

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

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

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

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.