Post 10:English Language Challenges

Hey guys! Finally here it is! The las post of the semester.
I sincerely thank you for making it all up to this moment. Since we are not having any extra sessions at the lab. Please complete this post at home during this week, so it is complete before the end of the year.
So please the following directions:

> What comments can you make about your experience learning English at university? What about the use of blogs?
> What aspects of your English need to be improved and how do you plan to do this?
> Outside the English class, how much are you using English these days? What for?

- Wordcount: 260
- Make comments on 3 of your partners' posts.

Post 9. Changes to my study Program

Dear Class, there is only one post left! Before the end of the semester, I'd like you to think about all the changes and challenges that you have faced as students, and think in creative ways to enhance your experience as a student.

http://www.qs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Challenges-for-university-rankings.jpg

http://education.co.za/ten-common-problems-students-face-during-college

Write about some changes that could be made to your study programme (career)
Among others, think about:

> The curriculum (the subjects you have to study)
> Workload and length of studies
> Faculty facilities (buildings and infrastructure)
> Use of technology
> Teaching methods



- Word Count: 250
- Leave comments on 3 of your classmates’ posts.

Post 8- The holidays!

Write about your future summer holidays

Mention: 

- Places  you are going (or would like) to visit
- People you are going to / would like to be with 
- Activities you are thinking of being part of.

You have to write 240 words.

We are going to start  using the following expressions (choose one per category)

Giving your opinion

"In my opinion…."

"As far as I'm concerned…."

"As I see it…."

Giving a strong opinion

"I'm absolutely convinced that…."

"I strongly believe that…."

"I have no doubt that…"

Agreeing 

"I think (that's) right."

"I agree with...."

Strong agreement

"I couldn't agree with (X) more."

"I agree entirely."

"I totally agree (with)."

Agreeing in part

"I agree with (this) up to a point, but..."

"That's quite true, but..."

"I agree with (X) in principle, but..."

Disagreeing

"I'm not sure I agree with (X)."

"(I'm afraid) I don't agree."

"(I'm afraid) I disagree."

"(I'm afraid) I can't agree with (that)."

"(I'm afraid) I don't share (that) opinion."


Example:


Well, as far as I am concerned, the following holidays will be out of the ordinary, not because I am planning a big trip or a radical change. As I see it, I will just try to chill out, and rest from the craziness that was 2018. I strongly believe that this year was quite intense, at least for everyone. Many people believe that change is good, I agree with this up to a point, but when things run out of control, like receiving unexpected news, having to change your job or studies, or even worse, facing the death of loved ones, It can be hard and tiresome. 
I totally agree that change is part of our lives, and that expecting a quiet life nowadays, It seems a bit naive. Nevertheless, change is also good for many people, specially when you feel stuck in your projects, a bit of a push reminds you of who you really are and what you really want.
Having said this, I think I am going to stay in Santiago, and spend some quality time with my loved ones. I haven't seen my family in a while, and I would rather be with them than any other place. I used to go out a lot some years ago, but  I am afraid that hanging out for two months straight is not the best way to enjoy my free time anymore. I know this might sound a bit boring, but It is true anyways. 
Since the new year brings new challenges, I'd rather take it easy during  the summer months and be close to my home, since I am sure that I will not have enough time during the working year.
Having said that, I would still like to get out from Santiago for a couple of days, get back to my reading, and my personal projects ( I love painting and drawing among other things). I am continuing my studies, so there is a lot of planning to do. Even though I know that sometimes it is better to take it easy and enjoy each day as it comes.

So, what about you? Are you going to take it easy this summer, or do you plan to have a great adventure? Please share your thoughts on this.

PET practise

Today we start our first practise for the final test. In  order to achieve that, go to the following links, complete each exercise and upload your results into your blogs.

But first, what is the  PET (Preliminary English Test)? Go to the following link and find out:

https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/preliminary/

So that's it, remember to plug your headphones, and best of luck!

Reading:

http://www.examenglish.com/PET/pet_reading1.htm

http://www.examenglish.com/PET/reading1.htm

http://www.examenglish.com/PET/pet_reading2.htm

Listening:

http://www.examenglish.com/PET/pet_listening_part1.htm

http://www.examenglish.com/PET/pet_listening_part2.htm

Vocabulary:

http://www.examenglish.com/PET/pet_vocab.htm

Post 7, Free Themed Post

Hey guys today you have a new (and definite) Free-themed topic. Please think well about it. This time, instead of just a story, let's think about holding an argument. Think of current topics that have two opposing views, or present a dilemma. Prepare a list of  Pros/Cons (things in favor/against) and let's argue!

https://www.procon.org/debate-topics.php

Is obesity a disease?

Here are some ways to start/finish your argument (Choose one)

Introduction Ideas	Conclusion Ideas
Use a true story	What will happen if your solution is adopted or people accept your argument?
Scenario: Imaginary story which illustrates the problem	Revise the scenario showing what will happen if the reader adopts your ideas.
Startling quotation, fact, or statistic	Use a real-life example of how your idea works.
Explain the problem	Tell the reader what they need to think, do, feel, or believe.
Describe vividly	Appeal to the reader's emotions, character, or reason.
Frame story or flashback	Finish the frame story.

You can mix and match these ideas for your essay.

taken from:https://owlcation.com/academia/How-to-Write-an-Argument-Essay

Word count: 230.

Post 6: Post graduate studies

First read the following article about choosing the right course.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/mar/03/how-make-sure-dont-choose-wrong-postgraduate-course

Look for some examples on the web.

Write about a postgraduate course that you would consider taking in the future.

Include:

- Reasons to do the course

- Subject(s) you would like to study

- Where you would like to study (Chile or abroad)

- How you would like to study (distance learning, blended system, part-time course, etc)

- Any other relevant ideas

- Make comments on 3 of your classmates’ posts + a comment on your teacher's post.

- Word Count: 220 words

Last year I finished my thesis on Visual Art, and less than a month after I started my Master's degree in Media Art. So for me, continuing my studies was something I deeply wanted from the start. I can assure you that it is a lot of extra work maintaining a regular life with so many occupations and assignments.
Anyways, it has been an excellent opportunity to dig deeper on all the things you found interesting during your BA and want to keep developing.

Nonetheless, I would love to look for an Artist Residency in a foreign country. Taking some time outside is very important for fresh artists, and many people try to go to the main cultural centers, such as Berlin or London. In my case, I am not that interested in going to those places. If I had all the time and money available. I would study in Scotland, in The Glasgow School of Art. Art schools are a great option, since you can concentrate on specific topics, and working alongside people from all over the world. 

On the other hand, I wouldn't mind studying in South America, as long as I could learn something related to my current interests.  I am interested in Art history, specifically Latin American art, from the Colonial era until now.  I would like to find a special program that focused on these topics. There is a nice Masters Degree in Latin American Art at the University of Cuyo in Argentina.

If I cannot travel, I would still try to keep myself informed. In Chile, it is not easy to work and study, but distance learning has become a sensible option.  

So, what about you, would you like to continue your studies in the future?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuEcXjDci-8

Post 5, My future job.

First, check out the following video:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-170413

Listen and read the transcript of the video and think about the following questions;

- What kind of job would you like to have? How do you imagine it?

- Outdoors /indoors?

- Would you like to travel a lot in your job?

- What about the salary?

- What major are you studying / are you thinking of taking? Would you like to have a second career?

- Add any other related ideas.

Well, This is an awkward question for me, since I am currently working and actually, I enjoy my job  a lot. I realize that it is different from what I  had thought It would be when I  was a student, but still, I think it is a nice living. 

Regarding my future plans, I would love to continue teaching, I have found a lot of happiness working with people. Maybe I would like to travel some more, but in a good sense. I would like to travel to different parts of Chile, in order to learn more about its people and their customs. I know it sounds a bit farfetched, but I truly believe that teaching is not just a matter of passing down information in an efficient way, but more about sharing experiences and creating bonds. Also, we need to make our best efforts to fight ignorance and prejudice, poverty is not just a material issue but a cultural matter as well. 

Maybe If I had to change something, I would love to work with small groups of students, so I could get to know them better.For the time being, I have no real concerns about the money, even though I should be thinking about the future and start saving some money, so obviously, I would like to have a steady income. On a different note, I am finishing my first year at Master's program in Media Arts, and that is a field I would love to integrate into my teaching. I think that Art is a "place" where people can learn and comment upon current issues,  So, I would definitely like a steady job, which allowed me to meet new people and share our experiences and opinions about life today.

So, What do you think about it?, please don't forget to comment below.  

Word count: 210 at least!