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!

Post 4, Free-themed post Talk about your favourite song

Word Count for post 4: 200 words

Today's topic is telling us all about your favourite song.
You can talk about the genre (musical style), melody and lyrics.
Please explain how it is related to you,
Remember to follow the structure below.   

Hey guys, today you will propose a second topic for us to write. Nevertheless, I would like you this time to start using Transitional Phrases in your posts. ( please check out the following link: https://writingcenter.ashford.edu/transitional-phrases).

A transitional phrase indicates the connection between different paragraphs or sentences, they are really important to establish cohesion in your writing. Consequently, try to see which is the relation between your paragraphs, and choose a transition from the lists in the link. You should use at least 4 transitional phrases this time.

But first, you must get used to organize your ideas following a plan, use this delicious cookie as a guide ;)



Sample:

To begin with, I am not sure if I have a favourite song but I can remember some music that was very important in different parts of my life.
In this moment, I can only think of a song from FNM (Faith No More) an alt rock band from the 90's, which is quite famous here in Chile (at least in my generation). I remember listening to their albums with my friends back in school, and this song "Stripsearch" was on my playlist on repeat during the final months of 2002, just before I entered to the university.
The song comes from their "last" album called "Album of the year". Even though they reunited and released a new one some years ago, for many years this was their testament. It is a great record if you give it a chance.
In my opinion, it is a rather slow song, a bit dark but brilliant -just as many of Mike Patton's productions-. It has a cinematic feel (like being immersed in a movie or story). It deals with the concepts of change and transformation, and it can be interpreted as a person looking for its identity. For me, it was a way to remain calm in a moment of personal change and uncertainty.

Finally,here's the link:

Post 3 Free themed post

Talk about your favourite Movie or Series.
Please include a brief description of
Characters
Plot
Main themes
Explain why you like it so much, and who would you recommend it to.


180 WORDS


Hey guys, I am very glad that you chose this topic, since I am a huge fan of movies. My father and I used to rent videos every weekend when I was little, so It is still one of my favourite hobbies (although I don't have enough time these days).
 Today, I want to talk you about a movie I watched during those years. It is called "Seven".

This movie was directed by David Fincher, who is also the director of "Fight Club" among other films. It was released in 1995, with great acclaim. It is considered a thriller, since it includes elements from the detective novel and the horror tradition.


The story follows the efforts of Detectives Will Sommerset and David Mills, interpreted by Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, who start an investigation on the ritual murders held by a mysterious psychopath, who mimics the style and nature of his crimes to the seven deadly sins, found in Dante's Divine Comedy.
Each victim is related in a way with a particular sin. And as the movie develops, we discover that the murderer's plan is far more elaborate and sinister than expected.

I love this movie due to its peculiar themes and settings. The art direction used light and edit techniques that were later used in many  other movies, music clips, etc.
I think that for the better or worse, this movie started the genre of metaphysical killers, being Seven, the grown-up version of the more adolescent "Saw"(2004)

Post 2 The Best ever!

Dear bloggers, today you have two options for writing.



1) Talk about your best Holidays ever.

Please Mention:

- when it was
- where they went
- how long it was
- people you went with
- things/activities you did
- why it has been the best so far
- any other relevant info

2) Talk about the best Concert you ever attended:

Please Indicate: 

- when / where it was
- the artist 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


YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE ONLY ONE TOPIC!

Please check out my sample:


If I have to talk about my best holiday ever, I would say that  It happened in 2013. I was just starting a new period in my life, getting back to the University, and one of my best friends had just moved to Temuco with her girlfriend at the time. David is a very tall and cheerful American, who I met at work during 2010. We became best buddies, and I helped him a lot getting used to our culture and language.
During January, he invited me to stay for a couple of weeks down south, and go on a trip to different places, with the idea to trek at a very interesting place, hidden in the mountains close to Puerto Montt, the name was Cochamó.
Cochamó is a beautiful place located near the small town of Cochamó. It was originally a passing trail between Chile and Argentina, used by Gauchos in order to move their cattle between seasons. In recent years, It was rediscovered by hikers and mountain climbers, so the people there were from all over the world. The only challenge was the 4 hour walk that you had to make in order to get to the camp. We had to go through a rainstorm in the middle of a thick forest, I will never forget that. It was a great trip and a great memory, today my friends are no longer together, so when I see those pictures I can remember all the good times we spent together. Also, this kind of holidays shows you how you can relate to a new context, and discover new things about yourself.

 ...Now It is your turn. Choose one of the two topics and answer each question inside your story.

Tip: Try including the vocabulary we practised last class!

The Minimum amount of words is 170. (Mine was 272, so go figure)

Include some pictures to describe, and don't forget to comment on your Classmates posts (Choose 3, plus mine) ;)

Post 1, A country I would like to visit

Dear Students, This is your course Blog, here you can find all the instructions and samples to guide you on your writing.


Our first post is titled A country I would like to visit.Follow these instructions:

- 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.
- Upload some pictures

- Make comments on 3 of your classmates’ posts + a comment on your  teacher's post
(This is the most important part of the exercise)

Please check out my sample:



Iquitos, Peru.

If you ask me, I have always dreamt about going for a long holiday trip around the world. I know it is no easy task, but I really like the idea of moving constantly from place to place, meeting new people and adapting to their customs. Some years ago, I backpacked to the south of Peru, It was a wonderful experience. I loved every bit about it. The beautiful sights, the warmth of the people, and all the fun you can find even when you are on a budget!

If I had the time and money I would love to get back there, but this time I would choose to go north, to Iquitos, and stay a whole season in the jungle.
Iquitos is the capital city of the Loreto department, it has no road access, so you can only access it by plane or boat.
Once there, I'd really like to get on a boat trip on the amazon river, find a tourist lodge that offered jungle tours and finally, just spending some quiet time.

I am aware that this region is one of Peru's poorest, so I cannot ignore this fact. If possible, I'd like to help people maybe with some English teaching, and help them to increase the tourism.
A big problem here is that there are not strong laws protecting the forest nor the wildlife. I would really like to meet the people working in conservation.

On a personal level, I would use this trip to disconnect myself from everyday life, and also to take  pictures, drawings and create paintings about the people living and working next to one of the last natural reservoirs.

My jungle brother.


Fitzcarraldo (1982), filmed in Iquitos, you should definitely watch this movie!



So, What do you think about my choice? Please leave a comment below!


Now, It is your turn, If you had the time and means to travel, What country would you like to visit?

Write at least 160 words.


Tips: Write down at least 3 or 4 keywords, and create sentences related to these ideas. This is the backbone of your post.

Do not use a translator, It is awkward, inaccurate, and very boring!

Instead, try using this dictionary: www.wordreference.com

Relax, be creative and have fun!

Hello World!

Hi, welcome to my blog

Some helpful links:


Dictionary (Wordreference)

Plataforma Inglés

Lonely Planet

Welcome to the Course

Hello world!!!

Hey guys, If you are reading this, it means you have reached the course blog page, remember to link it to your own personal blogs and check out every post sent week by week. 

Don't forget to link your classmates and comment each post.

Read to you later!