Friday, May 28, 2010

ESL Podcast 585 – Being Clear or Confusing

Juliana's classmates really enjoy her stories,
which have many twists and turns.

ESL Podcast 585 – Being Clear or Confusing

So I was telling my friend about this thing but then I thought of something else so I....what was I saying? Anyway, learn how to tell a story clearly in this episode. Download Podcast

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Welcome to Fremont, President Obama!

MaiTrang demonstrates her support of working families during President Obama's visit to the Solyndra plant in Fremont.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Obama in Fremont!

The Promise of Clean Energy (20 min.)

whitehouse — May 26, 2010 — President Obama speaks about how clean energy investments can diminish the environmental risks of continued use of fossil fuels and provide new jobs and opportunities after touring the Solyndra solar panel plant in Fremont, CA. May 26, 2010.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

WH.gov: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

President Obama hosts a reception at the White House to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May 24, 2010.

WH.gov: Presidential Proclamation--Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

For centuries, America's story has been tied to the Pacific. Generations of brave men and women have crossed this vast ocean, seeking better lives and opportunities, and weaving their rich heritage into our cultural tapestry. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions these diverse peoples have made to our Nation...(read more)

AsianPacificHeritage.gov: May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

see you Monday 8:45 am


I was able to get through security, flew to San Diego, and have just returned to San Jose. See you in class Monday morning!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Chinese Dissident Feng Zhenghu Hopeful for China's Future



VOAVideo: Chinese Dissident Feng Zhenghu Hopeful for China's Future

VOAvideo — May 20, 2010 — As China hosts the World Expo there is one exhibit that authorities don't want the general public to see or hear... VOAvideo — May 20, 2010 — As China hosts the World Expo there is one exhibit that authorities don't want the general public to see or hear about. That is an online petition launched by Chinese dissident writer and human rights activist Feng Zhenghu. Authorities have restricted Feng to his home, but foreign journalists have been allowed to visit with him. VOA's William Ide had a chance to sit down with Feng and learn more about his efforts to promote change in China and his thoughts about this country's future.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Refinancing Mortgage Loans

Randall's ESL-Lab: Refinancing Mortgage Loans

Taking out a loan is often the only way people can afford major investments or purchases such as a college education or home. However, what advantages are there to refinancing a mortage or student loan at a lower interest rate? Use the Internet to learn more about this.

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Lesson 2 - "Think" - Common Mistakes in English

JenniferESL: Lesson 2 - "Think" - Common Mistakes in English

JenniferESL — September 25, 2007 — In this lesson we focus on differences in meaning when the verb "think" is used in the simple present and present progressive. Level: intermediate.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Store Returns


Randall's ESL-Lab: Store Returns

What are some reasons why you would return merchandise to a store? What return policies do stores have in your area?

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises

Monday, May 17, 2010

Telemarketing

Click the picture.

Randall's ESL-Lab: Telemarketing

Have you ever received phone calls from telemarketers trying to sell you something? If so, what was the product or service that was being advertised?

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening Exercises

Sunday, May 16, 2010

VOANews: Five News Stories about China


Study: Indoor Pollution Kills 2.2 Million Young Chinese
Officials say materials manufactured using lethal toxins increase indoor pollution, killing 5-10 times more than outdoor pollution

Traditional Asian Dragon Boats Race in Washington
Approximately two-thirds of crews at DC race are in "fun" category of teams who primarily participate in just one festival a year

China Stocks Slide on Property Curbs
Fears about the impact of European debt also caused a slide in the Shanghai Compostie Index

Hong Kong Democrats Win Bittersweet Election Victory
Democracy advocates take 80 percent of the vote, including five whose resignation triggered by-elections

Chinese People and Government Struggle Over Land Rights
Land seizures intended to build a modern society might be tearing down the foundation of Chinese society

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Lesson 1-Advise/Recommend/Suggest-Common Mistakes in English



JenniferESL: Lesson 1-Advise/Recommend/Suggest-Common Mistakes in English

JenniferESL — August 17, 2007 — In this lesson I address three verbs that often cause confusion: advise, recommend, and suggest. We explore the differences in meaning, usage, and grammar. Level: high intermediate.

Friday, May 14, 2010

EL Civics Objective 11, Task 1

Identify and Describe a Classmate’s Culture
  • My classmate’s name. _____________________

  • My classmate’s country of origin ______________

  • My classmate’s native language._______________

  • My country of origin.________________________
  1. What is the most important holiday in your country? Describe it.

  2. What is a special dish or traditional food in your country? Describe it.

  3. What are some interesting places to visit in your country?

  4. Describe the traditional wedding clothes and customs in your country.

  5. What is the most popular sport or game in your country?

  6. Does the government help people when they have problems? How? Give an example. (What services does the government provide?)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

English Grammar - Tag Questions



English Grammar - Tag Questions

EnglishLessons4U — April 07, 2010 — http://www.engVid.com/ Tag questions can be difficult, can't they? Learn what they are and how to use them properly in this grammar lesson. Don't forget to take the free quiz on this lesson at http://www.engvid.com/english-grammar-tag-questions/

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Foreign Tourism Drops in United States

VOAvideo — May 04, 2010 — The US government predicts the number of overseas visitors to the United States will rise this year following a steady decline for much of 2009.The increase in arrivals is expected to come largely from developing nations, as the global economic recovery in America's traditional Western markets remains sluggish. VOA's Steve Mort reports from Orlando, Florida - one of the top US destinations for overseas visitors.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

ESLPod: English Café 238 Tag questions


ESLPod: English Café 238

Topics: Yosemite National Park; PETA and animal rights; to rebuild versus to reshape; to mind your P’s and Q’s; tag questions.

Fast Forward to info about Tag Questions begins on 27:49. Download Podcast

Monday, May 10, 2010

Phuong Anh and Andrew's Wedding



I have been to many weedings, but Phuong Anh and Andrew's Wedding Mass and Reception are unsurpassed in true joy and elegance. You can download the pictures from Flickr.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mother's Day World Peace Poem by Julia Ward Howe



Mother's Day World Peace Poem by Julia Ward Howe

karunaHI — May 10, 2008 — Experience a message for World Peace from Julia Ward Howe. Discover how an 1870 activist for womenĘĽs rights, peace and abolition inspired our MotherĘĽs Day Holiday. This is a free gift to share with all mothers and all people. Enjoy!

Arise, then, women of this day!

Arise, then, women of this day!

Arise, all women who have hearts,
Whether our baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly:
"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own.
It says: "Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God.

In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Phuong Anh's Wedding!

On Saturday, may 8, Phuong Ahn married her fiance, Andrew, at St. Mary's Church in Los Gatos. They had their reception at dynast restaurant. I will post more pictures on Monday.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Articles (Generic Nouns) - Lesson 23 - English Grammar



Articles (Generic Nouns) - Lesson 23 - English Grammar

JenniferESL — April 23, 2010 — Topic: Using the Definite Article (the) with Generic Nouns. Learn patterns for making generic nouns when talking about musical instruments, inventions, and animals. Level: Intermediate to advanced.

STUDENTS: Additional practice is available at EnglishCafe.com: http://www.englishcafe.com/blog/using-articles-with-generic-nouns-66835

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY by Reynaldo Elias Venegas Robles


This is a short history about myself. My name is Reynaldo Elias Venegas Robles.

I am from Mexico. I was born in a village named Ejutla de Eres, Oaxaca. When I was 20 years old, I moved to Mexico City where I studied in high school and college. When I finished college, I got my certificate, then I enrolled in a course for industrial electricians. I finished in three years, and then looked for a job.

I went to a factory to ask for an application. The manager asked, "What do you want to do?" I told him, "I'm an electrician." Then he said, "Ok," and gave me an application. I filled it out, handed it to him, and then he immediately gave me a test for the electrician position. After I took the test, I worked at the factory fo a long time--twelve years! After that, the boss gave me a payment for all those years of service. The factory gave me a lot of benefits, and the boss gave me vacation three times a year and a bonus four times a year. I earned a lot of money, but I had a lot of responsibilities, too.

After the factory, I bought a passenger bus and became a bus driver. I worked very hard for three years and bought three more taxi-cabs. In 2000, I sold two cars and the bus and came to the United States. I didn't know about how to find a job because I couldn't speak English, so I came to Milpitas Adult School. Since 2003, I have been going to the Adult school five days a week and work every day--Monday is my only day off. I don't have a girlfriend--I work too much!

I am thankful to my teacher and friends at Milpitas Adult School for helping me to learn English.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

China Opens World Expo in Shanghai



VOAVideo: China Opens World Expo in Shanghai

China opened the 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai on Saturday [5/1/10] with a lavish show and hundreds of thousands of visitors. Organizers expect some 70 million people to tour the exhibits, mostly Chinese visitors, during the six-month-long event. VOA's William Ide has more from Shanghai.

Monday, May 3, 2010

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Learn About Cinco de Mayo (2 minutes)

WatchMojo — May 02, 2008 — explains the history and background of Cinco de Mayo, the holiday that commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza SeguĂ­n over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

While Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday in Mexico, the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Economy, China Top Vietnam's Concerns



Economy, China Top Vietnam's Concerns

VOAvideo — May 01, 2010 — It has been 35 years since North Vietnamese forces took over what was then Saigon, ending a long and bloody war with the United States. Today a unified Vietnam is preoccupied with pushing ahead with free market economic reforms while maintaining its communist political system. As VOA Senior News Analyst Gary Thomas reports, that presents some roadblocks to closer ties and more trade with its onetime enemy.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Articles - Lesson 22, Part 2 - English Grammar

Articles - Lesson 22, Part 2 - English Grammar

JenniferESL — March 19, 2010 — An introduction of overview of English articles: a, an, the, and the zero article.Level: Intermediate to advanced.This is a lesson in TWO PARTS. Part 2 summarizes the basic rules for using English articles and offers practice.

STUDENTS: Additional practice is available at EnglishCafe.com.\: http://www.englishcafe.com/lesson/english-articles-part-2-61169