Author: Ms. Elle

JungKook and 3RACHA at the Global Citizen Music Festival 2023

Posted on by Ms. Elle

The Global Citizen Festival 2023 is held at Central Park in New York City on 23 September 2023. The inclusion of some Asian performers like Jungkook and 3RACHA is certainly refreshing and encouraging.

Jungkook is set to perform his global hits like “Still with You”, and “Seven” which he will most likely perform together with LATTO.

Stray Kids had been set to perform but due to a car accident involving Lee Know, HyunJin, and Seungmin, the 3RACHA will join the music festival instead. 3RACHA is a hiphop musical subunit of the the eight man boy band. It features three of the Stray Kids members, Changbin, Bang Chan, and Han.

Other performers include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill, Anita, Conan Cray, D-Nice, and Sofia Carson.

Watch JungKook as he prepares for the big event

3RACHA MitchRyan's Blog

StrayKids’ Hiphop trio: Changbin, Bang Chan, and Han

Photos: courtesy of Stray Kids Twitter

Here’s the notice from JYPE regarding the car accident, a notice regarding Stray Kids schedule

MORE HERE

hotel staff and their duties

Hotel Staff and Their Duties

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Hotel staff are crucial members of the any hotel business. They are the backbone of the whole operation. Their duties should be specific and executed with precision. Here’s a lesson on hotel staff and their duties.

LISTENING

  1. Listen to the dialog between Mark Smith, the general manager of Happy Hotel, and Summer Brown.

Dialog 1 (Mark and Summer)

At the Front Office

Mark: Hi, I’m Mark Smith, the general manager of this hotel.

Summer: Good morning, Mr. Smith. My name’s Summer Brown, the new receptionist. This is my first day here. Nice to meet you, sir.

Mark: Nice to meet you too, Ms. Brown, and welcome to our Hotel. By the way, have you been informed about your job as a receptionist?

Summer:    Yes, sir. I’m in charge of the front desk.  I’m responsible for welcoming guests, and I have to assist them during check in and check out. By the way, you can  call me Summer.

Mark: OK, Summer. Besides welcoming guests, and taking care of their check in and out; your duties include receiving guest reservations as well.

Summer:    All right, Mr. Smith. Thank you for your advice.

Mark: You’re welcome. See you later.

2. Listen again and answer the questions.

  1. Who is Summer Brown?
  2. What does a receptionist/ reception clerk do?
  3. Who is Mark Smith?

3. Listen to the dialog again and complete the following sentences.

Dialog 1 (Mark and Summer)

  1. I’m Mark Smith, the [1] ___________________ of this hotel.
  2. This is my first day here. Nice to [2] ________________  you, sir.
  3. Nice to meet you, too, Ms. Brown, and [3]  ___________     to our Hotel.
  4. By the way, have you been informed about your job as a [4] _________here?
  5. I’m in [5]   _______________ of the front desk and ….
  6. I’m responsible for welcoming [6] ______________, and I have [7] ____________ them during check in and check out.
  7. Besides ……, your duties include________________________ as well.
  8. All right, Mr. Smith. Thank you for your [9] ________________ .
  9. You’re welcome. [10] ________________  later.

 4. Listen to the audio clip of hotel staff talking about their hotel duties. Complete the chart below.

Dialog 2 (hotel duties)

hotel dialogue

VOCABULARY

5. Match each job with a suitable duty.

SPEAKING

6. Role play. Work in groups of 4. Listen to what each of the staff talks again and then take turn to practice saying each job and the duty above.

   A. Take a role to play

   B. Listen to dialog 2 again

   C. Practice your line/script

D. Role play a hotel scene where each member gets to talk about his/her job.

GRAMMAR

Use SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE when taking about job or job description.

Follow the pattern below when explaining job duties.

PATTERN

grammar pattern

Example

7. Write two sentences about the hotel staff and their duties.  Use the grammar  pattern above.

hotel staff duties exercise grammar

Other sources

Hotel Staff: Employment Options and Descriptions

A comprehensive overview of job positions within a hotel

MORE HERE

pronunciation structure

Pronunciation

Posted on by Ms. Elle
pronunciation lesson diagram

Before we begin, students are asked to perform activity 1.

Activity 1: Using your mobile phone, record yourself reading the following words. You may submit your recording to your teacher for evaluation purposes.

unitstoragetabletreatmenttargetvisitsystemsurveyvillagesurface
disturbdistrusttodayobservedesistpromotecorrectbehindbeforecanteen

Be more understandable when speaking English Improve your “Stress and Intonation” : Effective use of stress and intonation in speaking can greatly enhance the clarity and impact of a message. By emphasizing important words or using appropriate intonation patterns, speakers can help ensure that their message is received and understood as intended.

What is “Stress and Intonation”?

Stress refers to the emphasis placed on particular syllables or words, while intonation refers to the melody or pitch changes used in speech to convey meaning.

Stress in Speaking: Stress is often used in speaking to convey emphasis, contrast, and importance. By placing emphasis on a particular word or syllable, speakers can draw attention to important information and convey meaning more effectively.

For example, in the sentence

“I didn’t say he stole the money“, the meaning can be changed depending on which word is stressed.

If the word “didn’t” is stressed, it implies that someone else said he stole the money.

If the word “say” is stressed, it implies that the speaker communicated the information in a different way, such as through body language.

Practicing stress in speaking can help you convey emphasis and importance in your message.

What is Intonation?

Intonation in Speaking

Intonation refers to the melody or pitch changes used in speech to convey meaning. It can include changes in pitch, tone, and stress within a sentence or phrase. Intonation is particularly important in conveying emotions and attitudes in speech.

For example, a high-pitched, excited intonation might be used to convey enthusiasm or joy, while a low, monotone intonation might be used to convey boredom or disinterest.

Two main types of intonation patterns: rising and falling.

A rising intonation indicates a question or uncertainty

A falling intonation indicates a statement or assertion.

For example, the sentence

“You’re coming with me?” would typically have a rising intonation, indicating a question.

“You’re coming with me.” would typically have a falling intonation, indicating a statement.

Practicing intonation can greatly improve your speaking skills and help you convey your message more effectively. Effective use of stress and intonation in speaking can greatly enhance the clarity and impact of a message. By emphasizing important words or using appropriate intonation patterns, speakers can help ensure that their message is received and understood as intended.

List of Nouns with Stress in the 1st Syllable (Oo)

U-nitSTO-rageTA-bleTREAT-mentTAR-getVI-sitSYS-temSUR-veyVIL-lageSUR-face
SUM-mitTO-werTO-talTO-picTI-tle

List of Nouns with Stress in the 2nd Syllable (oO)

Dis-TURBDis-TRUSTTo-DAYOb-SERVEDe-SISTPro-MOTECor-RECTBe-HINDBe-FORECan-TEEN
Re-VOKERe-TURNEn-TICEEn-JOYRe-MOVE

Pronunciation practice.

1. Please reMOVE the TARget off my back.

2. ReVOKE his LIcense toDAY.

3. EnJOY your VIsit.

4. The TAble is beHIND the CURtain.

5. The WAter can enTICE you to swim.

6. CanTEENs should proMOTE good food.

7. You are corRECT!

8. We are GOing home toDAY.

9. ReTURN all the books now.

10. The beFORE and AFter photos are FUNny.

Activity #2: Reading with stress and intonation

First student: ‘I’m going to the market to buy some eggs.’

Second student: ‘I’m going to the market to buy some eggs and some biscuits.’

Third student: ‘I’m going to the market to buy some eggs, some biscuits and a cake.’

News reporting transcript

Hello! Good evening. Welcome to ITV news.

Our main headline tonight.

The school day in Jersey will be extended from next term.

Politicians have decided to add an extra hour of lessons,

Monday to Friday, to make up for time lost because of corona virus.

Classes will also be held on Saturday mornings.

Teachers are welcoming the decision but some students have told us

they will boycott the extra lessons and are considering staying away from school altogether

Clare Burton has our top story.

Final Two-Consonant Cluster Pronunciation (part 1)

Lateral Approximant + Stop or Affricate: 0:06 – 1:12 [example: help, bulb, belch]

Rhotic /r/ + Stop or Affricate: 1:13 – 2:31 [example: harp, arch, large]

Lateral Approximant + Fricative: 2:32 – 3:30 [example: golf, wealth, Welsh]

Rhotic /r/ + Fricative: 3:31 – 4:37 [example: dwarf, north, marsh]

Final Two-Consonant Cluster Pronunciation (part 3)

Lateral Approximant + Nasal 0:00 – 0:34 [example: film, kiln]

Rhotic /r/ + Nasal or Lateral 0:35 – 1:14 [example: arm, born, snarl]

Nasal + Stop or Affricate 1:15 – 2:16 [example: jump, lunch, pink]

Nasal + Fricative 2:17 – 3:19 [example: triumph, prince, bronze]

Final Two-Consonant Cluster Pronunciation (part 3)

voiceless fricative + voiceless stop: 0:00 – 0:42 [example: left, crisp, ask]

Two voiceless fricatives: 0:43 – 0:54 [example: fifth]

Two voiceless stops: 0:55 – 1:14 [example: opt, act]

Stop + voiceless fricative: 1:15 – 2:18 [example: depth, eighth, box]

reading comprehension practice

Reading for Comprehension Practice

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Reading is one of the best ways to acquire new vocabulary and learn grammar structures.

When reading, it engages the imagination. It is like having motion pictures in your mind. With this, details are printed deeply in memory that retention and recall may be long term, and comprehension may be achieved. Frequent and thorough reading are best in attaining overall linguistic competence. However, quick reading is necessary as tests and exams are time restrained.

Reading for Comprehension Techniques

  1. Quickly SKIM for NOUNS, VERBS, and ADJECTIVES
    • use this when you are reading for gist
  2. SCAN for details like NAMES, DATES, DAYS, NUMBERS, etc…
    • use this when you are reading for details

Two reading skills related to quick reading are skimming and scanning.

Skimming is a reading technique used when you want to quickly get the gist or idea of a text, thus reading for gist. Skimming refers to a quick browse of the entire text, paying more attention to the content words – like nouns, verbs, and adjectives, as they provide meaning. In this manner, you are able to get the ideas or messages the writer is trying to convey quickly.

Example: Rescue teams were slow to respond and poorly equipped.

Scanning is another technique related to quick reading. It is used when reading for details. Here, readers scan the text for more specific information such as, names, time, date, day, percent, and other specific data in the text.

Example:

On 15 November 2022, the world’s population reached 8 billion people, a milestone in human development. While it took the global population 12 years to grow from 7 to 8 billion, it will take approximately 15 years—until 2037— for it to reach 9 billion, a sign that the overall growth rate of the global population is slowing. 

Reading for Overall Linguistic Competence Techniques

  1. Read frequently
  2. Pay attention to new words and grammar structures
  3. Immediately use new words in a sentence or in conversation
  4. Test your comprehension by answering guide questions if available

READING EXERCISES: Click the link below. Read the texts and answer the guide questions after.

  1. Past stories
  2. Announcements
  3. Article 1 – Mobile Phones
  4. Article 2 – Vaccination

RELATED POSTS

writing skills in English

Writing Skills in English

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Writing is an important and a necessary skill to develop. And to improve one’s writing skills in English, practice is the key. Download the writing skills practice book below, and start honing your writing skills.

writing-skills-practice bookDownload

MORE HERE

5 Things To Do in Tamot Phatthalung Thailand

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Tamot Phatthalung in Thailand is one of the 11 districts in Phattalung province in the South of Thailand. Tamot is landlocked by districts like Kong Ra, Khao Chaison, Bang Kaeo, Pa Bon, and Palian (Trang Province). It is one of the up-and-coming tourist destinations in Phatthalung; and the best place to experience nature at its finest. It’s homestay program is also what makes Tamot unique.

Read for more things to do in Tamot Phatthalung Thailand

Water Rafting: Water rafting is one of the staples of activity you can do in Phattalung. I know it sounds daunting or scary especially for those who have not experienced it before but it really is not. The water rafting in Tamod Phattalung is actually beginner friendly. There are not a lot of rapids to be worried about so there is so much time for beginners to get used to the paddling before you encounter some of the mini rapids. Yes… mini rapids. The rapids are actually not that intense. Beginners and folks with kids will actually find it fun. But for those who are thrill seekers you might find it kinda dull. The water rafting here in Tamod can be good for groups looking for a team building activity, families on vacation, or tourists just looking to experience and bond with mother nature.

Train Canoe Ride: Getting pulled by a long tail boat while seated on a canoe along with your friends and given a tour around the dam is a different kind of experience. This is one of the interesting activities you’d find in Tamod. The water in the dam is so calm and the place is so quiet. This is also the place where dragon boat rowing teams come to practice.

train canoe ride at Tamot Phatthalung Thailans

The Sea of Mist: The sea of mist is a tricky one. If you really want to see it in its full glory you have to sacrifice waking up very early. There’s only a short window of time in the morning where you can see the clouds at its thickest. It also involves a bit of walking as cars and other 4 wheeled vehicles are not advised to go up the hill. If you are lucky enough to borrow a motorcycle then you could save yourself the hassle of hiking. But driving a motorcycle up there is quite dangerous as the slope is quite steep and there’s a lot of loose gravel.

There are quite a few viewpoints scattered around Tamot, and Kwantakhum view point is one of them. We particular visited this as it was nearest our next destination.

sea of mist view point Tamot Phatthalung Thailand
Khwantakhum View Point Tamot Phattalung

The Local Food: One local delicacy that you shouldn’t miss is Miang Kum (a leaf-wrapped bite-size appetizer). Most Miang Kum/ Miang Kham use fresh betel leaves but in Tamod Phattalung they replace it with Lotus flower petals. I was amazed! Lotus flowers are literally omnipresent in the South and it’s a perfect subject for photography but little did I know that it can also be eaten. And it tastes as good as it looks.

A bunch of gracious local ladies prepared all these when we visited Khok Nong Na Model Rice Field. Just by looking at the ingredients you’d know the tremendous amount of preparation they had to put in. It was so very nice of them, and we were absolutely grateful.

To shed light about Khok Nong Na Model builds sustainability and its importance in the economy of Thailand click the link.

Watch the video below to see it. For a complete recipe of Miang Kham check out “Miang Kham” Wild Betel Leaf Wrap เมี่ยงคำ.

Miang Kham Tamot Phatthalung
Miang Kham

Experience Homestay: If you’re visiting Tamot for a few days, you could stay in one of their homestays. One of our out-of-school activities was held in Tamot, teachers and students had to stay in the homes of locals who are participating in Tamot’s homestay program.

It was definitely an experience to remember. The people, as well as our hosts, were welcoming, gracious, and ready to help. It was the best way to experience their way of living.

For more information on Tamot’s homestay program visit their Facebook Page โฮมสเตย์ชุมชนตะโหมด พัทลุง

MORE on PHATTHALUNG HERE

LET’S CONNECT

wat rong khun or the white temple of chiang rai thailand

White Temple Chiang Rai Thailand

Posted on by Ms. Elle

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is Chiang Rai’s most iconic temple. This temple is on the top of “must visit places” list of tourists visiting Thailand. A holiday to Chiang Rai is not complete without a visit to this unusual temple. It is located 60 หมู่ที่ 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000.

Now is definitely the time to go. Thailand has lifted all travel restrictions related to COVID-19. And there are loads of air fare promos most notably from Thai Smile Airways.

Going into the area is free but entering the White Temple grounds is not. It’s quite a large place with several , equally interesting architectural designs. It also has some quite interesting activities to do within the temple if you are up to it. For people bringing their DSLRs or mirror less cams it would pay to bring your ultra wide lens along with your portrait lens as the structures are big and beautiful but there’s not much room to back up to if you have a narrow field of view.

For those who would like to try their luck on a wishing well this place has it. The wishing well that they have is quite challenging as you have to shoot the coin in an under water pot. Make sure you have extra coins with you and good luck.

White Temple Chiang Rai Thailand
Wishing Well

They also have steel sheets cut into small decorative shapes where you can write your plans or hopes and dreams and hang it on a wishing tree. The decorative metal sheets are not free (20 THB each) so just think of it as some sort of donation to the temple every time you buy one.

White Temple Chiang Rai Thailand
wishing tree

As mentioned earlier entering the white temple grounds is not free. The white temple used to be enclosed by a fence but recently it was replaced with canal that separates its ground from the parking lot and adjacent infrastructures. At the gates you will be greeted by employees-in-charge and pay the entrance fee, 100 THB for foreigners and 50 THB for locals. All the other structures around the huge ground are all free of charge.

Photography and video taking are allowed only on the surrounding ground and on the bridge leading to the temple but these are not allowed inside the temple. Also, visitors are asked to take off their shoes before going inside the temple. If you wish to only take photos and videos of the magnificent architecture, you can and exit at the left side of the temple.

The white temple is one of Thailand’s iconic architectures, as it absolutely different from the rest of Thai temples. Its white color symbolizes the purity of Buddha, and its intricate details, elaborate embellishments, and gold trimming give the temple grace and elegance.

White Temple Chiang Rai Thailand
Wat Rong Khun or best known as the White Temple

The Golden Temple is a great new addition to the array of unique architecture in this place. It is located at the east wing of the area. By its name, the entire temple is painted in gold, and it houses various artworks, illustrations, and symbols.

White Temple Chiang Rai Thailand
The Golden Temple

Have you been to the White Temple?

How was the experience?

MORE HERE

group discussion

Group Discussion

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Discussion is a process where people talk, converse, and discourse about something trivial or significant wherein the end result is to express ideas, make decision, or solve a problem.

Good vs Bad Group Discussion

Video by PolyU ELC

Lesson 1

  • Characteristics of an Effective Group Discussion
  • Roles of Each Member in a Group Discussion
  • Steps in Conducting a Group Discussion

Instructions

  • Watch the video
  • Answer the following questions for the class discussion later
    1. What are the things to avoid in a group discussion? Make a list.
    2. What would make a group discussion successful? Make a list.
    3. Name/describe the role of each of the members in the group?
    4. How does a good discussion should start? Describe it.
    5. How does a good discussion should end? Describe it.
    6. Suggest ways on how to keep the discussion going.

Suggested Topics for Group Discussion

Make a list of the advantages of marijuana

Make a list of the disadvantages of marijuana

Talk about the benefits and challenges of the use of marijuana

Discuss about the feelings of the general Thai population about same-sex marriage

Why was same-sex marriage approved by the Thai government?

How can Thai people preserve their culture and tradition in the midst of changing times?

Lesson 2

  • Deciding on a topic for group discussion
  • Mind mapping topic for group discussion

Instructions

  1. Watch the video on how to mind map topics for group discussion
  2. Together with your group members map out your topic on a paper or on your electronic device.
  3. Submit your mind map for consultation, marking, and approval.
  4. Save your work and compile them on your portfolio (paper or electronic)

Lesson 3

  • Group Discussion Script Writing
  • Finish product: group discussion script

Instructions

  1. Meet your group members
  2. Go through the guidelines in writing a script for your GD.
  3. Write/ organize ideas and information, questions and answers
  4. Submit for approval, and practice for the GD presentation (onsite or recorded in a video).

Guidelines for GD Script writing

  1. Moderator/ facilitator open the discussion
    1. greetings
    2. set the objectives/goals of the discussion
    3. explain briefly but concisely the significance of the topic (why do you need to discuss the topic)
    4. take the attendance (can done immediately after the greetings or before the greetings)
    5. begin the discussion (use transitional phrases to move from this step to the next for example, without further ado let’s begin the discussion….)
  2. Discussion proper
    1. Members at this point share their opinion(s), ask for other’s opinion, express agreement, disagreement or partial agreement, ask or give explanation, ask or express clarification, and ask or give suggestion. You may find helpful phrases for group discussion here.
    2. The exchanges among members should resemble a web of opinions, ideas, and questions, answers that are being thrown around rather than a two-way traffic of question and answer just like an interview (refer to the illustration below).
    3. While discussions are going on, minutes are jotted down or recorded by the secretary or any one assigned.
    4. The GD is completed/ finished when the objectives/goals set in the beginning have already been achieved. The moderator will then transition from this step to the next.
Ideal GD Dynamics
Poor GD Dynamics

3. The moderator summarizes the discussion and mentions important and salient points from the discussion.

  1. review objective(s)/goal(s) of the group discussion
  2. enumerate the decision reached
  3. closing remark (thank members and bid goodbye, and remind members of their responsibilities, or schedule of the next group discussion/ activities).

Group Discussion Notes HERE

GD-HandoutDownload

MORE HERE

English Conversation

Posted on by Ms. Elle

Survey Test/Activity

    English Conversation Structure

    basic parts of a conversation

    Lesson 2 Getting to Know You

    sample conversation
    sample conversation

    ACTIVITY #1. Answer these questions with your partner.

    1. Take a look at your conversation e-book, name the different ways of introducing yourself? Introducing other people?
    2. What is SMALL TALK?
    3. What are topics you should not talk about during small talk?
    4. What are good topics to talk about during small talk?

    ACTIVITY #2. Do this activity with your partner.

    1. Look at conversation samples 1 and 2. Label the parts of the conversation according to the basic conversation structure above.
    2. Write and act out a conversation between two people meeting for the first time at a conference.
    • follow the basic conversation structure – kickstart, body, leave taking, goodbye.
    • small talk topics – nationality, home, occupation, workplace,  and the reason why they come to a conference

    HELPFUL VIDEOS

    Lesson 3: Request, Permission, Offer

    • Making a request (การร้องขอ)
    • Asking for permission (ขออนุญาติ)
    • Offering help (ให้ความช่วยเหลือ)

    Activity #1

    1. Familiarize the common expressions used for making a request, asking permission, and offering help.
    2. Practice using the expressions – Go to MAKING A REQUEST PRACTICE and ASKING PERMISSION PRACTICE.
    3. Complete the conversation exercises below.

    Activity #2

    1. Write and act out a conversation involving making a request, asking permission, and/or offering help. (Be mindful of the structure of your conversation)

    HELPFUL PHRASES

    Making a Request

    polite request in english
    polite request in english

    Asking Permission

    simple sentence pattern for asking permission

    Offering Help

    CONVERSATION EXERCISES – 1

    Somchai: Good morning, Madam. ________(1 offer help)____________?

    Nattawadee: Good morning. __________(2 permission)__________________?

    Somchai: I’m sorry, he’s out of the office at the moment.

    Nattawadee: Oh, well, never mind.

    Somchai: _____________(3 offer help)_______________________ for you tomorrow?

    Nattawadee: Oh, yes please. For 10 AM.

    Somchai: Just a minute… _____(4 decline)_____________ he has another meeting at 10 AM. Will three in the afternoon be all right with you?

    Nattawadee: No, thank you. I’ll meet him at his residence tonight. It’s something urgent.

    Somchai: ________(5 offer help)________________ him anything?

    Nattawadee: Thanks. You could tell him that Ms. Nattawadee was here.

    Somchai: I will tell him.

    Nattawadee: Thank you.

    CONVERSATION EXERCISES – 2

    Tom: Hey Jerry, going somewhere?

    Jerry: Yes. I need to pick up the new guests at the airport.

    Tom: ______(1 offer help)___________________?

    Jerry: That would be great! It can be pretty lonely driving alone you know.

    Tom: I certainly know that. Ok, ______( 2 permission)______ quickly grab my bag.

    Jerry: Ok. Oh by the way I forgot to bring my wallet. ___(3 request)___________ bringing it. It’s on my table next to the computer.

    Tom: Sure thing!

    Jerry: I’ll wait for you in the car.

    Tom: OK.

    CONVERSATION EXERCISES – 3

    Follow the conversation in the video. Fill in the missing conversation lines.

    HELPFUL VIDEOS

    Lesson 4

    Complaining, Clarifying, Apologizing, and Thanking

    Instructions

    1. Go over your e-book, unit 4.
    2. Define the following complain, clarify, apologize, and thank.
    3. List down words and phrases used for making complaints, asking for clarification, apologizing, and thanking.
    4. Use 2 to 3 of these expressions in a sentence. Share your sentences with your seatmate.
    5. Complete the conversation in the video below. Practice and present your conversation with the customer service agent.

    MORE HERE

    Helpful Phrases to Remember for an Effective Group Discussion

    Posted on by Ms. Elle

    Discussion is a process where people talk, converse, and discourse about something trivial or significant wherein the end result is to express ideas, make decision, or solve a problem.

    .

    MORE HERE