Our Seventh Discussion

New Resource:

• VOANews best videos on YouTube. (See MilpitasChat 092908)

Warm-up:

• What was your favorite toy when you were a child?


• What is your favorite toy now?

TOEFL Writing Topics: Do you agree or disagree?

• 41. The expression "Never, never give up" means to keep trying and never stop working for your goals . . .


• 46. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning and start the day's work. Others prefer to get up later in the day and work until late at night . . .


• 63. What do you want most in a friend someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable?


• 116. Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time . . .


• 117. People learn in different ways. Some people learn by doing things; other people learn by reading about things; others learn by listening to people talk about things . . .

TOEFL® Podcast #19: Office Hours.

• Ask for help from a professor


• Yes, but . . . (postpone the meeting or request)


• Appointment (office hours)

New : VOANews Videos on YouTube!!!

The Voice of America is one of the world's leading international broadcasters. VOA produces radio, television, and Internet programming in 45 languages. Look at some of our best and most interesting news and feature report videos here on YouTube.

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Homework for 093008

Homework for 093008: TOEFL® Podcast #19: Office Hours.
I was sitting in a lecture, waiting to get my test back. When I did get it back, I was shocked. My grade was a C-, even though I thought I had done really well. When I looked over the test to see what I got wrong, I couldn’t understand why I missed so many questions. I decided to talk to my professor about it after class...

Our sixth meeting

We started the class with the game: Two Truths and a Lie. Then we broke into groups of three and discussed the following from TOEFL Essay Blog.

12. University:
21. Coworker:
24. New Experiences:
34. Face-to-face communication:
75. People are never satisfied:
106. Two or more friends:

Today we listened to TOEFL® Podcast #26: Running into someone.

Homework for 093008: TOEFL® Podcast #19: Office Hours.
I was sitting in a lecture, waiting to get my test back. When I did get it back, I was shocked. My grade was a C-, even though I thought I had done really well. When I looked over the test to see what I got wrong, I couldn’t understand why I missed so many questions. I decided to talk to my professor about it after class...

Homework for 092508

Homework: Read and listen to TOEFL® Podcast #26 Running into Someone. This is an especially useful dialogue for striking up a casual friendship.

Our Fifth Meeting

We started the class with the game: Two Truths and a Lie. Then we broke into groups of three and discussed the following from TOEFL Essay Blog. The more you talk about a topic, the easier it will be to write about the same topic.

• 8. Books about real events
• 49. Important room
• 53. Judge a person
• 59. Advice
• 63. Movies
• 105. Television

Today we listened to ESLPod TOEFL: feedback on a paper.
Homework: Read and listen to TOEFL® Podcast #26

Homework for Tuesday 092308

Homework: Read and listen to ESLPod TOEFL: feedback on a paper.

Our Fourth Meeting

Warm-up question: How do you ask someone for their phone number?

1. How can I contact you?
2. Can you give me your phone number?
3. May I have your phone number, please?
   

Today's questions are from TOEFL Essay Blog. The more you talk about a topic, the easier it will be to write about the same topic.

• Question 4: A gift to a child
  
• Question 9: Books and experience
  
• Question 10: Borrowing money
  
• Question 19: Computers
  
• Question 37: Games

A very helpful website: http://www.lclark.edu/~krauss/toppicks/pronunciation.html

Discussion about Essay Writing--Part 1

What is the most difficult part about writing an essay?

On Tuesday, we listened to and discussed TOEFL® Podcast #16 . During this podcast, Dr McQuillan said that the best way to learn how to write is to read alot--particularly examples of TOEFL essays. Here are some links to some TOEFL example essays.

• ETS List of TOEFL Essay Topics
• TOEFL Essays Blog (excellent--scroll down the page to see the sample essay topics)
• TOEFL-Prep Writing Practice Site
• Learn4God: TOEFL Test Prep
  

HOMEWORK: Listen to TOEFL® Podcast #17 Writing an Essay II. In this podcast, we discuss how to write an academic essay in English. Part 2 of 2 covers the body and conclusion of an academic essay. Listen.

Homework for Tuesday 091608

A student films her teacher and classmates

TOEFL® Podcast #16 Writing an Essay I. In this podcast, we discuss how to write an academic essay in English. Part 1 of 2 covers the importance of reading for improving writing skills, and what should go into your introduction. Listen.

TOEFL® Podcast #17 Writing an Essay II. In this podcast, we discuss how to write an academic essay in English. Part 2 of 2 covers the body and conclusion of an academic essay. Listen.

Our Second Meeting

How do you choose a good class?

Part 1

What is your best and worst memory from junior high school? How about high school?

Tell us about your favorite subject. Why do you like him/her?

Tell us about your favorite teacher. Why do you like him/her?

Tell us about some of your classmates?
Who was your enemy (bully)?
Who was your friend?
Who was the funniest or most unusual classmate?

Part 2
Listen to ESLPod TOEFL #23: Looking for a Class

How are the customs of the classrooms in the US different from the customs that you have experienced in other places?

What did you find the most surprising thing about the USA school system?

How do you choose good classes?

What advice would you give a new student about choosing a good school?

What are the major characteristics you think a teacher should have?

Example:
Rate My Professor: SJSU
Rate My Professor: Ohlone College

Homework for Tuesday 091608
TOEFL® Podcast #16
Writing an Essay IIn this podcast, we discuss how to write an academic essay in English. Part 1 of 2 covers the importance of reading for improving writing skills, and what should go into your introduction. Listen.

TOEFL® Podcast #17
Writing an Essay IIIn this podcast, we discuss how to write an academic essay in English. Part 2 of 2 covers the body and conclusion of an academic essay. Listen.

Our First Meeting

September 9 is California Admissions Day!

1) What images spring to mind when you hear ‘California’?

2) Do like living in California? Why or why not?

3) Describe your idea of a typical Californian.

4) What is California famous for?

5) What are the good things and bad things about California?

6) What new places would you like to visit in California? Why?