Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Health Care Reform Law by Lin Cheng Hsiung

Orchids at the SF Garden Show

President Obama has made a historical change in the health care law. Because all American citizens are going to have health care insurance, then the United States will become truly the Number 1 citizens' country in the world. All people should be grateful about this change, but why are so many people against the health care reform law? Don't they know that many people are afraid of living in America? The price to see a doctor or have an operation is terrible, and many people can not do it because they don't have insurance.

Now, Obama will help poor people buy insurance. Why don't we support this? I wish Obama would do more to reform and reduce the price of Medicare in the future, such as:
  1. The government should build more public hospitals.

  2. The government should provide scholarships to all medical students.

  3. After graduating from medical school, the doctors should serve at least five years in public hospitals and receive a decent salary.

  4. Hospitals should charge 1/10 of the current medical fees.

  5. The government (not private insurance companies) should sell low-priced health insurance to poor people.
If all citizens are healthy and happy, the country will be strong and make more progress. I wish Obama's reform laws will proceed smoothly in the future. God bless America!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Pro and Con on Health Care Reform 4

More Orchids at the SF Garden Show

Bich: The new health care reform laws has two sides: good and no good. We see the Senate voted 55 yeas and 43 nays; the House voted 219 yeas and 212 nays. so the difference between yes and no is almost the same. More people will have health care, and at the same time the txes will increase for people who already work hard.

Huyen: I came to the U.S. six months ago. I do not know a lot aout health care, but I think the new health care reform law will help the poor people and new immigrants to be able to buy health insurance.

Le: Although the teacher explained things about the health care bill clearly, I don't know if I could say if I like it or don't like it, but I will wait and see how much I will pay for my next Medicare payment. One thing I admire is the hard work from the President.

Muna: I think the new health care reform law is good for me because it will give me a chance to to take care of my health any time. This was a big problem for me because I don't have any health care which I need for many things. In the end, I support this reform law.

Queyen: I think the new health care plan is very good.

Shu-Wen: We are all grateful that health care finall passed. It will help a lot of people, especially poor and low income families.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Pro and Con on Health Care Reform 3

More Orchids at the SF Garden Show

Hahn: I think the new health care reform law is very good for the people who live in the US because everybody will have good health care and can save a lot of money every year.

Lan: I think the new health care reform law will be good for people.

Lan Qiao: The new health care refrm law is one of the the biggest changes in a American history. The government will help millions of people pay for insurance. In California, thousands of people will receive coverage for the first time.

Lei: I like the new health care reform law because it ca take care of anyone's health in the US.

Meiqin: I really agree with this bill because it good for poor people. Now they will have insurance when they are sick or have accidents and can get resolutions to their problems.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Pro and Con on Health Care Reform 2

More Orchids at the SF Garden Show

Huong: On Tuesday, I watched President Barack Obama talk on TV about health care reform. I can't understand everything he said, but I think it may good for some people who are uninsured to get insurance.

Maria: I think the new health care is very, very good law for the majority of the people, especially for people with pre-existing conditions.

Shelly: I agree with this new healthcare reform law because it can help more people obtain healthcare insurance. It can also make the insurance price lower.

Thu: The new health care reform law is very helpful for everybody. Older people, poor people, disabled people, people with low income, and immigrants, too, will benefit. Thank you for helping, Obama!

Tram: I am very happy that health care passed. The health care law might help all the poor people and sick children, but don't have insurance to go to a doctor. Now, health care helps all people who are sick because they can go to a doctor or a hospital.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Pro and Con on Health Care Reform I

Orchids at the SF Garden Show

Baosheng: I think the US government has become poor since the economic crisis and the government is in debt because it has already borrowed a lot of money from China and other countries. So the new health care law can make the US government become poorer than ever, and controlled by other countries.

Obama seems to like socialist policies. Because many people become lazy and corrupt in a socialist country, I think people will not try their best to work, and will always depend on the government's help.

Today, American government must help the economy get better and must reform the government debt.

ESL 5 Student: I believe that this health care program will help all people with any income to buy insurance easily. I agree with this program and I like it very much!

Minire: My opinion about health care is very positive. It is going to be helpful for all people, especiall for people under 65 who are in the United states legally. By passing my Citizenship interview, I hope to have Medicare soon.

Truong: My opinion about the new health care reform law is that it is good for the people.

Yong: It is a very good law for all Americans. Everyone can have health care insurance that guarantees everyone's health. Healthy people work well and could create more wealth. Health is Wealth. Healthy is Wealthy.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Finishing Touches on the Health Care Reform Bill

A perfect Orchid at the SF Garden Show!
VOANews: US Congress Passes Health Care 'Fixes'

The U.S. Congress has passed legislation to fix problems with the health care reform bill President Barack Obama signed into law on Tuesday. The corrections measure cleared both the House and Senate Thursday.

VOA Special English: Historic Measure Expands Health Coverage

The bill aims to insure 32 million additional Americans. But costs worry health care providers.
Listen: ECONOMICS REPORT MP3

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Obama Signs Historic Health Care Bill



"Everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their health care," the president said. The measure will require Americans to have insurance.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Monterey by Sun Jieyan

The beach in Monterey, California is my favourite place. Last spring, just after I had come to America, I went to Monterey with my husband. I saw many, many flowers. I really love flowers! I like to take pictures with flowers, the lawn, and the sky.

Time goes by fast. In the spring of this year, we plan to visit Monterey again. Same as last year: flowers, the lawn, the beach, and the sky make a romantic scene, like a beautiful painting. They are unforgettable. If I have time, I will go every year to visit my dream scenery.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Disney Family Museum Honors Mickey's Father



VOAVideo: Disney Family Museum Honors Mickey's Father

For most people, the name Walt Disney is linked to images of Mickey Mouse, Snow White and theme parks. Last year, the Walt Disney Family Museum opened in California. (Read more)

Monday, March 22, 2010

Health Care Reform Clears US Congress

The House passes the healthcare reform bill, 219-212, and sends it to President Obama to sign into law!



VOAVideo: Health Care Reform Clears US Congress

Health care reform has cleared the U.S. Congress after roughly a year of legislative drama on Capitol Hill. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports the necessary legislation passed the House of Representatives on a tight, party-line vote - handing President Barack Obama a crucial victory.

VOANews: Obama to Soon Sign Major Health Care Reform

Health care reform has cleared the U.S. Congress after roughly a year of legislative drama on Capitol Hill. The House of Representatives passed the necessary legislation, on a tight, party-line vote, handing President Barack Obama a crucial victory. Mr. Obama is to soon sign the bill into law.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Nha Trang by Kim Huynh


Nha Trang is my favorite place because I grew up and lived there for a long time. Many people travel to Nha Trang because it has beautiful beaches and good food.

Two years ago, I went back to Nha Trang. I enjoyed swimming, shopping, music, and visiting family and old friends.

I am living in the United States now, but I still remember Nha Trang!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Phrasal Verbs (Structure) - Lesson 18 - English Grammar



JenniferESL: Phrasal Verbs (Structure) - Lesson 18 - English Grammar

Topic: The structure of phrasal verbs. This is the second of a series of lessons on phrasal verbs (also called two-part verbs, particle verbs, and a number of other names). I explain how phrasal verbs can be transitive or intransitive as well as separable or inseparable.Additional practice is available at EnglishCafe.com.

Read a summary of the main points from the lesson and try the follow-up exercise:

http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/phrasal-verbs-structure-40581

For teachers, I offer classroom ideas:

http://englishwithjennifer.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/putting-together-a-narrative-an-activity-for-phrasal-verbs/

Friday, March 19, 2010

Taipei by Lin Cheng Hsiung


Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan. It is located on the northern tip of the island. Taipei is a center of government, business, finance, fashion, and culture. Taipei is a democratic free city.

In recent years, many tall new buildings have been built, and Taipei has become a model city. The transportation is very convenient. Everywhere, you can take a bus or taxi. Senior citizens take the bus for free. The MRT systems make your trip fast and safe.

All citizens have health insurance, and senior citizens have free health insurance. Taipei has several large hospitals and a lot of clinics, so it is easy to see a doctor.

Night markets are special places for sightseeing. Several hundred vendors cluster together at Snake Alley, where you can eat and shop past midnight.

Yang Ming Shan, the National Palace Museum, the National Museum of History, the temples, city zoo, tea farms--are all beautiful places around the city. There are a lot of mountains and hiking trails, and you can walk everywhere.

Taipei is famous for its food. Customers can choose from the food cuisines of many cultures and each restaurant or food stall has its own specialty. If you have a lot of money, you can eat whatever you like, but even if you have a little bit of money, the food will still be delicious.

Because Taipei is so beautiful, provides convenient transportation, has good medical facilities and great restaurants, Taipei is a good place for a senior citizen to live. I love Taipei!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Ben Tre by Hanh Nguyen


My favorite place is Ben Tre City, Viet Nam, my birthplace. Before it was a small town; now, Ben Tre is a city!

Ben Tre is a small island that is not as beautiful and magnificent as elsewere, but Ben Tre possesses a beautiful, peaceful feeling. You can go on a sight-seeing boat and pick up more fruit. You can see a lot of coconut trees and rivers. Also, you can buy many products made from coconut trees. In addition, you can enjoy coconut candy and tour the coconut candy factory.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Phrasl Verbs (Introduction) - Lesson 17 - English Grammar



JenniferESL: Phrasal Verbs (Introduction) - Lesson 17 - English Grammar

This is an introduction to phrasal verbs (two-part verbs/ multi-word verbs/ particle verbs). Level: intermediate to advanced.The presentation has been created for upper level students, who most likely have already studied this topic to some degree. This first lesson on phrasal verbs then serves more as an opportunity to review, rethink, and expand students' knowledge. I explain what phrasal verbs are and when we use them. Attention to structure will be given in Lesson 18.

Review the 10 phrasal verbs used in this video by completing this exercise:

http://www.englishcafe.com/quiz/phrasal-verb-review-verbs-lesson-17-video-39040

Be sure to try the related exercise at EnglishCafe:

http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/phrasal-verbs-introduction-38976

http://www.englishcafe.com/quiz/phrasal-verb-review-verbs-lesson-17-video-39040

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Great Wall of China by Yong Li

Yong Li and her daughter-in-law walking on the Great Wall

My favorite place is the Great Wall of China.

My older son, his wife, and I visited the Great Wall after Chinese New Year 2009. We saw the part of the Great Wall north of Beijing, however the wall is several thousand miles long from the east to the west.

The Great Wall looks very, very grand and imposing, and yet is very beautiful. The Great Wall was built more than two thousand years ago, and represents the wisdom, stamina, and endurance of the Chinese people.

The Wall has defended the Chinese against the subversion and agression of external enemies. Now tourists, foreign and domestic, come to visit this world-famous historic relic--the Great Wall of China!

Monday, March 15, 2010

The 2010 US Census in 4 minutes

We're growing! The Census 2000 population for Milpitas was 62,840.

2010 US Census questions:

  1. How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2010?

  2. Were there any additional people staying here April 1, 2010 that you did not include in Question 1?

  3. Is this house, apartment, or mobile home: owned with mortgage, owned without mortgage, rented, occupied without rent?

  4. What is your telephone number?

  5. Please provide information for each person living here. Start with a person here who owns or rents this house, apartment, or mobile home. If the owner or renter lives somewhere else, start with any adult living here. This will be Person 1. What is Person 1's name?

  6. What is Person 1's sex?

  7. What is Person 1's age and Date of Birth?

  8. Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin?

  9. What is Person 1's race?

  10. Does Person 1 sometimes live or stay somewhere else?
(source: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/text/text-form.php)

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Milpitas by Li Li


Milpitas is one of the fastest developing cities in California. Milpitas possess an Adult School, a library, a shopping mall, convenient supermarkets, and good transportation facilities.

But fifteen years ago,it was difficult for people who wanted to study English to go to Milpitas Adult School, because they must be residents of Milpitas. For the past several years, everyone can study here. They can help people to reach their goal.

From the second flooor of the library, we can see that the city has grown big and has become very popular. People can spend a lot of time at the library to learn new things. Also, people can use a convenient transportation system that runs through the city which includes buses and BART.

People can spend time with their family, go shopping at the Great Mall, store, or supermaket to buy whatever they need: clothes, shoes, food, water pipes, flowers, etc. They can save money and protect the environment from pollution. All in all, Milpitas is a safe, quiet, and clean place.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Lesson 16 Reported Speech (Imperatives/ Reporting Verbs)



JenniferESL: Lesson 16 Reported Speech (Imperatives/ Reporting Verbs)

This is the tenth and final video in a series of lessons on reported (indirect) speech. Level: High intermediate to advanced. Additional practice is available at EnglishCafe.com. The direct link to the follow-up exercise for this lesson is http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/reported-speech-imperatives-27092

A second exercise gives practice with different reporting verbs. Use this link: http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/reported-speech-reporting-verbs-27093

Friday, March 12, 2010

My Friday Morning Sequence by Le Phan


Today is Friday. I think to myself: first, I want to watch the Weather News, then I grab the tv remote control. While my hand presses the channel changer button, my eyes scan the newspaper in front of me. Meanwhile the meterologist is talking about the weather as I am putting the paper away.

After that, I go to warm up the car. When I turn on the engine, I find out that the gas is almost empty. While waiting for the car to warm up, I take a cloth and dry off the windshield. After I finish cleaning the car windows, I turn off the engine. Finally, I am ready to go to school, but my first priority is to fill up the car with gas.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Lion and Mouse by Le Phan


A long time ago, there was a lion, the King of the Beasts, who was sleeping in the woods. Then appeared a tiny mouse, who like to tease the lion. The lion couldn't sleep, so he got angry. The lion approached the mouse, caught him, and opened his mouth wide to chew the tiny one.

Immediately, the mouse begged the King to free him: "If there is an opportunity, I will pay you back for your generosity!" The lion gave a big laugh at the funny idea, and let the tiny mouse go free.

Later, something did happen to the lion: hunters caught the lion and tied him to a tree. Meanwhile, the mouse had wandered into the woods and was surprised to see the lion's destiny. The mouse chewed through the ropes, taking them apart. He saved the lion's life!

This is the story of the beautiful friendship between the lion and the mouse: good behavior is forever!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Lesson 15 Reported Speech (Using infinitives for questions)



JenniferESL: Lesson 15 Reported Speech (Using infinitives for questions)

Topic: Using infinitives to report questions.

This is the ninth video in a series of lessons on reported (indirect) speech. Level: High intermediate to advanced.

Additional practice is available at EnglishCafe.com. The direct link to the follow-up exercise for this lesson is http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/reported-speech-using-infinitives-report-questions-25674

A bonus exercise serves as a review for reporting all questions. Use this link: http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/reported-speech-questions-review-25675

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

ESL 5 Int'l Women's Day



ESL 5 Int'l Women's Day

The Milpitas Adult School ESL 5 class celebrated International Women's Day with food, flowers, and an interesting reading about worker benefits in a Family-Friendly Company. You can download the pictures from Flickr.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Happy International Women's Day!



International Women's Day (8 March 2010)
- Message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon


The fight for women's rights is central to the UN's global mission.

Fifteen years ago, in Beijing, Governments committed themselves to equality, development and peace for all women, in all countries.

The Beijing Declaration was a landmark on the road to women's empowerment.

It has guided policy making.

It has inspired women and girls to strive for equality and opportunity, and reminded everyone that this is their right.

We have seen progress.

Girls are now more likely to receive an education.

Women are now more likely to run businesses or participate in government.

But much work remains.

Death in childbirth is still too common. Too few women have access to family planning.

Violence against women remains a cause of global shame, and sexual violence in war is endemic.

I have just appointed a special representative to mobilize international action to address these crimes.

At the United Nations itself, we have more women in senior posts than at any time in history.

Securing women's rights is central to all our hopes for peace, security and sustainable development.

As we look back on 15 years of achievement, let us look forward to a world of equality and progress for all.

Website: www.un.org/en/events/women/iwd/2010/index.shtml

Sunday, March 7, 2010

OSCAR NIGHT!



VOAVideo: Avatar, The Hurt Locker are Strongest Contenders for Best Picture Oscar

The 82nd Academy Awards, Hollywood's glitziest event, is tonight! This year, ten films, instead of the usual five, are competing for Best Picture. Two of them -- The Hurt Locker and Avatar -- appear to be in the lead and are in fierce competition for nine Oscars. The two movies couldn't be more different.

  • "Hurt Locker" is a low budget war drama.
  • "Avatar" is an epic 3-D fantasy with special effects and box office revenues of Titanic proportions.

VOA's Penelope Poulou takes a look at the two American films that made history this year.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Lesson 14 - Reported Speech (Wh- Questions) - Grammar



JenniferESL: Lesson 14 - Reported Speech (Wh- Questions) - Grammar

This is the eighth video in a series of lessons on reported (indirect) speech. Level: High intermediate to advanced.Additional practice is available at EnglishCafe.com. The direct link to the follow-up exercise for this lesson is http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/reported-speech-wh-questions-24677

Also checkout Jennifer's new website:

WWW.ENGLISHWITHJENNIFER.COM

Friday, March 5, 2010

Family-time



Working too much can cause problems in the family. Find out more in this episode. Download Podcast



What’s the most important thing in life? Some say breakfast, but most would choose family. Learn more in this episode. Download Podcast

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Noun, Verb, Adjective Part 3


1. 11. My initial / initiative / initiation was working in show company that was located in Saigon.

2. She should be working instead of loaf / loafing / laughing.

3. A teacher should possess / possessive / possession patient and friendly characteristics.

4. John possess / possesses / possession the appropriate skills for his position.

5. I am prepare / preparing / preparation to go to college next term.

6. I will prepare / preparing / preparation about my job for my boss.

7. My prevent / previous / previously job was selling clothing at a kid’s store in Taipei.

8. he receives quart / quarter / quarterly bonuses.

9. Currently, the economy is down, so there is little recruit / recruiter / recruitment for new jobs.

10. My daughter works in retail / retailer / retailing—she is a sales associate at Macy’s.

11. The store sent the ship / shipping / shipment of my furniture by truck.

12. My husband has received a substandard / substantial / substance position at a start-up coming.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Lesson 13 - Reported Speech (Yes-No Questions) - Grammar



JenniferESL: Lesson 13 - Reported Speech (Yes-No Questions) - Grammar

Topic: Reporting yes-no questions.This is the seventh video in a series of lessons on reported (indirect) speech. Level: High intermediate to advanced.

Additional practice is available at EnglishCafe.com. The direct link to the follow-up exercise for this lesson is http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/reported-speech-yes-no-questions-24675

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Noun, Verb, Adjective Part 2


  1. In my former job, I used my create / creativity / creatively to design store displays and supervised the workers decorating the store.

  2. My children are always curtsey / courtesy / courteous to their teachers, classmates, and other people.

  3. A sales associate should always be curtsey / courtesy / courteous even when the customers are rude.

  4. I must disciple / discipline / disciplinary my children to encourage good behavior.

  5. Because he was under 18 years old, serious disciple / discipline / disciplinary action was taken: instead of going to prison, he was sent to a reform school for juvenile delinquents.

  6. After two years in the US, I hope I can hand / handle / handsome everything about my life.

  7. I ignorant / ignorance / ignored anything my supervisor told me to do, so he fired me.

  8. We celebrate Independence / Independent / Independently Day on July 4th.

  9. I am an experienced hair stylist and can work independence / independent / independently at a Beauty Salon.

  10. When I have problems on the job, I take the initiate / initiative / initiation to talk to my supervisor.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Noun, Verb, Adjective


  1. If many employees get sick and can't go to work, the company has looses money from absence / absenteeism / absent.


  2. Your offer is accept / acceptable / unacceptable, so I can't buy it.


  3. When some workers don't know how to do the job, I assistant / assistance / assist them to do better.


  4. Tan needs to assure / ensure / insure that his machine is properly shutdown before his shift ends.


  5. Every weekday, I at / attend / attendance a Chinese language after-school program for elementary students.


  6. The teacher must keep a record of the students' attendant / attendance / attend.


  7. After-season clothes have a greater count / discount / discountment than the season's styles.


  8. Jose received a dismissive / dismiss / dismissal notice because he has drug related problem.


  9. If he has excess / exceed / excessive absenteeism, he would get a dismissal.


  10. I like my job but economy wasn’t good so I had more time to go to school. I am working part time right now, but I can't make good money--that’s why I can’t hand / handy / handle my finances.


  11. Some classmates ignorance / ignore / ignorant the rule about silencing their cell phones during class.


  12. The loud music interference / interferes / is interfering with my thinking.


  13. I'm glad to have an opportune / opportunity / opportunist to tell you: You are a great student!


  14. My preview / previous / previously job was a clothing salesperson.


  15. In Math, we solve different kinds of questions with different procedures / processes / process.

1. absenteeism. 2. unacceptable. 3. assist.