Comprehension and Spoken English: Midterm Exercise Answers

The midterm exercise can be found at this link: http://www.voanews.com/learningenglish/home/What-to-Do-About-Reverse-Brain-Drain-in-US-133076123.html

1. What is a synonym for "brightest minds?"
--> smartest people, most clever people, most intelligent people (multiple answers possible).
2. How does the article define "green card?"
--> proof of permanent residence
3. Write the main idea in one complete sentence.
(multiple answers possible)
Foreign students have trouble staying in the United States after graduation because it is difficult to obtain a green card.
The U.S. should change its immigration policies to allow foreign students to stay after graduating.
The U.S. faces reverse brain drain because green card issues force foreign students to leave after graduating.

Comprehension and Spoken English: Homework due December 6

Using your active reading skills, finish reading "Blah Blah Blah" (in your course packet).
Do the following exercises following the text:
Meaning #1-3
Purpose and Audience #1
Method and Structure #2-4
Language #1

Writing Paragraphs: Homework due December 6

In your course packet: Read "Sentence Combining" and do the 3 exercises that follow.

Also, review how to write a complete sentence.
Confused? Need extra help? Try here: http://www.myenglishteacher.net/sentencefragments.html

If you would like, you may do the midterm exercise at home and hand it in to me on Tuesday. The prompt is:

Did you vote in the elections? Why or why not? Respond in a 5-sentence paragraph. Your paragraph must include a topic sentence, 3 supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. Write in complete sentences, and avoid run-on sentences.

Writing Paragraphs: Homework due November 29

1. Review "run-on sentence" and "sentence fragment" exercises from past homeworks (englishforeveryone.org and in your course packet). Do the exercises if you have not already. We will go over these in class.
2. Read "Thanksgiving" by Elaine Kirn (in your course packet). Write the main idea in one complete sentence.

We will do the midterm paragraph on November 29th.

Comprehension and Spoken English: Homework due November 29

Read "Blah Blah Blah" (by Kim Kessler) in your course packets.
Do the following exercises following the text:
Meaning #1-3
Purpose and Audience #1
Method and Structure #2-4
Language #1

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is an American national holiday when families get together, eat a feast, and give thanks for everything good in their lives. Here is some important vocabulary:

pilgrim(noun): an original settler in a region
settler(noun): a person who moves to another country or area
American Indians (noun): the indigenous/original peoples of North America
feast (noun, verb): to eat a large meal

Some traditional Thanksgiving foods: pumpkin pie, turkey, "stuffing" (what you put inside the turkey when you cook it), cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, corn

Comprehension and Spoken English: Homework due November 22

1. Go to this link.
2. Listen to the MP3 clip 3 times. DO NOT READ THE ARTICLE.
3. Write the main idea of the MP3 in one complete sentence.
4. Check your comprehension by reading the article and doing the exercises on the right side of the page ("vocabulary skills," "main idea," and "listening skills"). DO NOT READ BEFORE LISTENING!

Writing Paragraphs: Homework due Tuesday, November 22

Do this worksheet on "run-on sentences":
http://englishforeveryone.org/PDFs/Run%20on%20sentences.pdf

Also, review your notes on the structure of a paragraph. You will be asked to write a 5-sentence paragraph in class on November 22nd. A paragraph includes:

1. Topic sentence
2. First supporting sentence
3. Second supporting sentence
4. Third supporting sentence
5. Conclusion

Your paragraph should be cohesive and should NOT have run-on sentences.
Have a good week!

Have a wonderful vacation!

عيد مبارك

Don't forget to practice your English over the vacation! Here is some holiday vocabulary:

sheep = (noun) the animal you eat

the sacrifice/ to sacrifice = (noun/verb) Ibrahim's action (the reason we celebrate Eid al-adha)

the slaughter/ to slaughter = (noun/verb) the action of killing an animal

charity = (noun) generosity, such as sharing Eid meat

to celebrate = (verb) to participate in holiday festivities

to grill = (verb) to cook meat over fire

a feast/ to feast = (noun/verb) a large meal/ to eat a large meal

"I'm stuffed!" = an expression which means that you ate a lot!