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