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!

Sample Paragraphs

(1) Topic sentence
(2) Supporting sentence #1
(3) Supporting sentence #2
(4) Supporting sentence #3
(5) Concluding sentence

A simple sample paragraph for "what now":

(1) Many excellent films have been produced recently in the United States, but my favorite movie is "Titanic." (2) I enjoy "Titanic" because it is based on an actual historical event, the sinking of the ship "Titanic" in 1912. (3) I also like this movie because it shows that people of different economic classes can still fall in love. (4) Finally, I am impressed by this film because it is the first movie to use elaborate digital special effects. (5) I will probably continue to watch "Titanic" with my friends every year as I have since it came out in 1997.

A simple sample paragraph for "so what":

(1) Couscous is my favorite Moroccan dish. (2) I enjoy eating couscous because it has a lot of vegetables, which is very healthy. (3) Couscous is particularly good because it comes in many varieties, such as chicken and lamb. (4) In addition, this traditional meal brings together the entire family every Friday. (5) Couscous is the preferred dish of many Moroccans, including me, because it is part of our cultural and culinary heritage.

Still confused? Have a question? Post a comment.

Midterm Date: November 22 in class

The midterm (in French, "partiel") will be in class on Tuesday, November 22 for both the Writing Paragraphs and Comprehension class. The midterm is to help you identify how well you are doing in this course. It will not be a large percentage of your grade. This is what will be on the exam:


Writing Paragraphs: Write a 5 sentence paragraph (on a topic that I will give you) using the correct structure of a paragraph (topic sentence, supporting sentences, concluding sentence).


Comprehension: Listening comprehension: answer comprehension questions (including defining a word using context clues) and identifying the main idea.

Writing Paragraphs: Homework due Tuesday, November 15

Read in your course packet "Sentence Fragments" and "Run-on Sentences." Do the associated exercises. We will review them in class.

Comprehension & Spoken English: Homework due Tuesday, November 15

1. Go to this link.
2. Read the article "English Through Music: Lady Gaga."
3. Do the three activities to the right: "Vocabulary Skills," "Main Idea," and "Listening Skills."

Questions? Post a comment.
You may answer other students' questions.