Level 3 >> Post 10 (week 15) Evaluation of your Blogging Experience

Write about your experience using blogs in the English class.

Say:

> What you think about the experience in general
> How much you feel your writing skills have developed
> What you would like to include in the future
> What else you would like to write about


Wordcount: 200
Make comments on 3 of your classmates' posts.


Hello all,

This is the last blog session of this semester in which you have to evaluate the usage of this tool as a way of learning English.

I think using blogs was a great methodology, because you can write your thoughts in a different language and you can feel closer to a different culture. I also believe that if you put all your effort into this, you'll improve your writing skills, and if you are serious about it you can get really nice results.

I have improved a lot my writing skills, not only vocabulary but also I have learnt to give a specific structure to my ideas. The only way to improve your skills is to practice a lot without PROCRASTINATING in class or waiting for others to help you.

I expect in the future I can add some other things to this task, because sometimes it can be quite boring for the students. Perhaps adding more vocabulary or grammar aspects as you don't have a lot of knowledge of these aspects. The most common mistakes you've had while writing are related to these two characteristics.

Finally, I would like to write about different things in the future, maybe creating stories or a make-up recipe. I don't know, it all depends on the group of students I have next terms.

I hope to see you all during the next year in your LEVEL IV.

see you.

Session 9 (week 13) >> Themed post 4 ---> THE BEST HOLIDAYS or CONCERT I'VE HAD.

Hello all, this session is almost similar to blog session #7, because you have to choose between two choices. Please choose ONLY 1.

Topic 1: The best holidays I've had.
You should include the following ideas...


- when / where it was
- who were you with
- a bit of info about the place you visit
- describe the place
- describe how you felt and why you enjoyed it
- any other memories about it



Topic 2: The best concert I've had.
You should include the following ideas...


- when / where it was
- the artist/the band you saw
- a bit of info about the artist
- describe the atmosphere during the event
- describe how you felt and why you enjoyed it
- any other memories about it

THIS IS MY EXAMPLE:

Hello dear students,


This time I'm going to write about one of the best musical performance I've ever seen. This concert was about 10 years ago and it was here in Santiago, especifically at Victor Jara stadium. I went there with a couple of friends to see a great band called "Millencolin", they're from Sweden and they have visited Chile at least four times, but that's was the first time they played here; Moreover, another band I liked came on stage, so it was quite a fantastic experience not only for me but for my friends as well.

As I mentioned before, this band is from the city called Örebro, in Sweden. They have recorded lots of albums and even though they are from this country, they sing in English. Their style is similar to "punk" music, but a little bit softer.

As people who attended this concert were all fans, the atmosphere was totally special and motivating to all of us. For this reason, I was quite excited about being there having this amazing experience and listening to the songs with which I grew up.

To sum up, it was a great experience being with a bunch of friends of mine and I think one of the best memories I will always have about this is that I went to their first concert and afterwards we drank a couple of beers...

Write at least 190 words.

Add comments to your teacher + 3 classmates

                          

Session 8 (week 12) >> Themed post 3 ---> A country I'd like to visit in the future.

- Which country would you like to go to? Why?

- What do you know about it?
- What would you like to do there?
- Would you like to study/work/live there? Explain.
- Make comments on 3 of your classmates’ posts


- Wordcount: 180 words



Hello everybody!! This time I'm going to write about a country I'd like to visit. One of the countries that I'd really like to go in the future is Scotland. I believe it's because I've always felt a certain connection with its culture and history. I really enjoy reading and knowing everything about Scottish history, and I really admire the way they have built this country keeping all their ancient customs.

If I go there some day, one of the first things I will do is to visit all the castles near the Highlands, which you only have the chance to see by watching movies or pictures, because I think they are amazing old buildings that are still there despite the ages. As a second thing I would do while visiting this amazing country, it's to taste their traditional food called "haggis". And finally, I'd walk through the streets while listening to its traditional music coming from the "bagpipes" and trying to understand the Scottish weird accent.

I'd really like the idea of going there as a teacher of English and work at their schools or Universities, but I think it's quite difficult to do it, since its mother tongue is English or maybe as a Spanish teacher. That's why I think for the moment I'd go there just for travelling around the different cities and towns.

I hope this dream comes true some day in the future.



This is the traditional food in Scotland, it is called "Haggis". This traditional food is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs); minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, traditionally encased in the animal's stomach.. It doesn't sound so yummy, but I'd like to give it a try....

Session 7 (week 11) >> Carrer-Related Website OR An Expert on your Field

For this post, you have to choose only ONE of these 2 options:

Post 1 (Instructions).
Write about a career-related website that you enjoy visiting.

You have to:

- provide the link

- describe the website (sections, features,etc)

- say how often you visit the site

- explain why you like the site.

>Add comments to 3 of your classmates’ blogs + a comment on your teacher's post

>Word Count: 170

Post 2 (Instructions)
Who is a person/expert on your field that you admire?

Say:

-Who she/he is. (short biography)

-What she/he has done. (examples of their work)

-Why you like her/him.

-Include his/her image


> About 170 words

>Add comments to 3 of your classmates’ blogs + a comment on your teacher's post.


Hello dear students, in today's blog session you have to choose ONE post only. I chose post 1, so here is my sample for you to follow the example.


Well, the website I want to share with you today is about English teaching.This website is called "busyteacher" in which teachers can find a lot of materials for their lessons. This site has a lot of things, for example tests, worksheets, new ideas, pictures and more.


I use this website a lot, I mean almost everyday because I can find interesting things for my students and for lessons. I can take out new and different ideas. These new ideas come from different teachers all around the world, so teachers can share their ideas and other teachers can download them FOR FREE and put them into practice with their own groups. The main idea of this website is to make different things, of course depending on your group age and characteristics.


I really like this site, because I can find whatever I want to do with my students, and if I don't find the specific thing I want to do, I can find ideas to create my own. Another important aspect of this site is that you can download everything you want free of charge. :D


Well, finally I leave you the link in case you want to visit the website and practice your English.


www.busyteacher.org


I'll wait for your comments..

Themed post 2: A FAVOURITE ARTIST / PIECE OF ART

You'll need to say the following:


- The name of the artist. / The name of the piece of art.
- What kind of artist is she/he? / Who did the piece of art? When did you see it for the first time?
- Describe his or her work. / What does it represent for you?
- Why do you like him/her? / Why do you like it?
- Do you have any good memories about your choice? Tell us more about it.

Today I'm going to write about my favourite artist. He is a very well-known painter from the XVI century. Moreover, he was sculptor, architect and inventor, among other occupations, and his name is Leonardo Da Vinci. He created amazing paintings, which are very famous nowadays; for instance, “The last supper” and “La Gioconda” or “Mona Lisa”.

His work is very complex, and for me it is the best way to describe it. He had a detailed knowledge about a wide variety of subjects, such as anatomy, light, botany and geology, his interest in physiognomy and the way in which humans register emotion in expression and gesture, his innovative use of the human form in figurative composition, and his use of the subtle gradation of tone.

I really like him, firstly because he was not only a good painter but also he was a person who could think beyond the normal things that people usually thought back in those times. Secondly, he created different and amazing masterpieces. Finally, I would like to say that one of the memories I've got about Leonardo is related to the book called "The Da Vinci code", which tells about different mysteries around his work...

Also, there's a T.V series called "Da Vinci's Demons", it's related to Leonardo's first years as an artist and of course there're a lot fiction there, but it shows how this artist was able to think and create unknown and useful things.

*Wordcount: 160 words.

Blog session #5: A PHOTOGRAPH YOU LIKE

Say:

Who took it
What it shows
When it was taken
Why you like it
Upload it too

Hello dear survivors of the English course, today's blog session is about a picture of you. Well, I already added a picture of myself and I hope you like it.

I'm going to tell you more about the picture. I think you all know where the photo was taken, yes!! It's our beautiful London. For someone like me, I mean a Teacher of English, being there is like a dream came true. I really like this picture, because as a said it's in London and also because it was one of my first travels in Europe.

This photo was taken back in 2010, a long time ago, but every time I see this picture is like being there once again. It was the first day, I have just arrived from Sweden and I think it was past midnight. Well, after a long journey, by taxi, from the airport to the hostel a friend of mine took this photo. The taxi cost at least £150, which is equivalent to $97.000, so you can imagine how I felt when the taxi driver told me how much I had to pay. After this photo was taken, I went to grab something to eat because I haven't eaten anything at that moment and luckily I found a good and cheap place.

I chose this picture because it reminds me that dreams come true, and if you work hard and put a lot of effort in achieving what you want, you will get your reward in the future.


Now, I'm planning to go on a long journey to England again, but this time I'm going to live there for a while and study at one of the best Unis in the world, so I think I'll have to repeat this photo!! :)


Include any other information you'd like to mention.

Write at least 150 words.

Add comments to your teacher + 3 partners

Themed/Free Post 1: "Your favourite song / album"

Hello dear students, in today's blog session I'm going to express my thoughts about one of my favourite albums. This album is called "Vientos Modernos" and belongs to the Chilean Hardcore punk group of music "S.I.A". This album was released in 2003 and it was one of the best sellers’ albums in those years.

When I first listened to this album I felt quite motivated, because of songs' rhythm and motivating but at the same time depressive lyrics. This work was the beginning of big changes in the music scene, as to the hardcore music is concerned.

This album reminds me of my adolescent years, in which with a bunch of friends used to go to these big "tocatas", and the whole idea was to have the most amazing time while listening to this kind of music. Another important thing about these events was that I always bumped into old friends or ex-girlfriends, and at the end of every “concert” we ended up being a huge group of people singing and jumping.

After twelve years, I continue to listen to the same music and every time I start listening to this specific album I fill myself with positive energies, happiness, and old good memories with friends, and of course my first love relationships.


Your written piece should include:

- The name of the song or album
- The name of the band / singer
- A little of background of the band / singer
- How did you feel when you first listened to it?
- Some positive / negative memories about this song / album
- Something more you want to add.


* Remember: Try to organize your ideas into different paragraphs.
Use as many connectors as you wish.
Be careful with the punctuation.

Wordcount: 140 words

* Comments: Leave a comment on MY post + 3 of your classmates posts.

My favourite piece of technology

Hey guys!

In today's blog session I'll tell you more about my favourite technological device. Well, as you may notice during the lessons, I'm always carrying my computer with me, because it's a part of me. So, my favourite tech device is the computer.

I still remember when I first got this computer, it was the first thing I bought with my very first salary as a teacher 5 years ago. I believe that's why I take care so much of it and also because I save everything in it. I can keep everything here, from old pictures to lessons material. In addition, I use it all the time, for example to watch movies, listen to music and to keep in touch with my family or friends.

One of the things I like the most about my computer is how useful can be, because I can keep everything saved without using any paper or space at home. Some people might say that a cellphone is more useful than a computer, but I think a computer is better in terms of utility.

According to what my life would be without this device, I believe that it wouldn't be the same, because I'm so used to have my computer with me all the time and that's why my computer is a big part of my life.

Cheers.

Tips:

- Remember to keep your ideas into paragraphs.

- Be careful while using verbs in past tense.



Say:


What it is.

When you got it.

How you use it.

How often you use it.

Why you like it.

What life would be like without it.



Wordcount: 130

Blog Session #2: Expectations for a New Semester

Write about:

- the subjects you are doing this term
- extracurriculars you are taking
- other activities that you are part of at university
- what you expect from this new academic period

wordcount: 110 (minimum)

> Make comments on three of your classmates posts + a comment on your teacher's post.


Hey Dear Students, today's blog session is about the expectations for this new semester.

Well, this year has been really busy so far, at least for me, because I've been working a lot since March. I work at a school, I've got 2 courses here at Uni and I started doing private lessons in the evenings, so you can imagine that at the end of week I'm quite tired :p . I think having a lot of things to do during the week can be quite stressful, but at the same time is good as the week goes really fast.

I really hope to end up this year in one piece and not too tired. Also, I expect to improve my abilities as a teacher as well as a learner of this beautiful language. The most important thing I truly wish is to do my best during your lessons and I hope to give you all the necessary tools for you to fall in love with English.

As a final thought, I wish you enjoy every single lesson and that you take advantage of my knowledge for you to improve yours, so at the end of the year you can feel proud of yourself as I will.


I'll wait for your comments!!!

A big hug for all of you.

BLOG SESSION #1

This is the first blog session of the semester and it's about writing an auto biography, in which you have to include the following information:



- Birth info

- Studies info (elementary/high school/ univ)

- Family Info

- Hobbies

- Others... (pics for example)


> Number of words: 100 (minimum)

> Separate your ides into different paragraphs.

> Make comments on three of your classmates posts + a comment on your teacher post as well.


Here is an example...



Hi dear students, today's session is about yourselves and your personal info. I'm going to write an example so you can follow some structures.

My name is Ignacio Araya, I was born on November 21st, 1986. I studied English Pedagogy at Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez from 2006 to 2010. After that, I studied a Master degree at Universidad Andrés Bello from 2013 to 2015. I've got only one sister, her name is Marcela, my mother's name is Victoria and my father's name is Blas. The funny thing is that they're teachers as well, but from different subjects. I've got a little niece whose name is Catalina and She loves English.

In my free time, which is not too much because I work a lot during the week, I like to watch movies or T.V series and when I'm not at home I try to spend my time with friends or my family, no girlfriend yet. :( !! I really like hanging out in different bars with my friends mainly at the weekends.

Well, also I like to cook as I live on my own and spending time with myself until the right girlfriend shows up! :)

Welcome to English Level III

Dear Students,

Welcome to this AMAZING course, where you will learn a lot of things about English, but most importantly, you will learn having fun in a good place!!!

Please leave your comments with your personal info, so I can check your blog later.

I hope you learn a lot this semester and I hope to see you every day and every class......

See yoou!!!!



This is an example:

Hello, my name is Ignacio Araya and I'm going to be your teacher this semester. I have been teacher for 6 years now, and I really enjoy everything about this profession.

I live alone in an apartment :( in Santiago centro, and I work a lot. I was born on November 21st in 1986 (don't count my years haha )

I hope you enjoy my classes as I will enjoy teaching you.....