Category: EFL/ ESL English

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

    toddler reading

    Vaccination

    Posted on by Ms. Elle

    Getting a vaccination could soon be as simple as eating a potato. Researchers at the University of Maryland, led by Dr. Carol Tacket, are developing edible vaccines that could grant immunity against some diseases.

    To be inoculated against a virus, bacterium, or toxin, the antibodies of our immune systems must be exposed to the illness-bearing agent, or pathogen. Vaccines work by exposing the body to pathogens that have been killed or disarmed. Once sensitized, antibodies can mobilize rapidly against familiar enemies by binding to them and preventing their growth and activity.

    Most vaccines are delivered in shots or pills, but the new one will be incorporated in raw potatoes. The potatoes have been genetically engineered to produce the key piece of an E.coli toxin that causes acute diarrhea. As the spuds move through the intestinal system and are digested, the toxin fragment is released and exposed to the immune system, which then generates antibodies against the toxin.

    Dr. Tacket’s group is waiting for approval from the FDA to test the potato vaccine on humans; it has already been tested successfully in mice. The next step would be to genetically modify bananas to carry vaccines, because raw bananas taste better than raw potatoes.

    The potential for edible vaccines is tremendous, especially in developing countries. Whereas current vaccines are expensive to produce, store, transport, and administer, an edible vaccine could be grown where it is needed in the quantity desired, and requires considerably less medical expertise to use.

    EXERCISE 1: Below are list of vocabulary from the reading article. Complete the table by providing the definition and sample sentence for each of the given vocabulary. You may download, link below.

    vocabularymeaningsample sentence
    edible fit to be eaten as foodFruits found in the forest may not be edible.
    grant (verb)to giveTheir request for monetary allowance was granted.
    immunitythe condition that permits either natural or acquired resistance to diseaseVaccines help the body build immunity to diseases.
    disease
    inoculate
    toxin
    antibody
    immune system
    expose
    pathogen
    genetically engineered
    generates
    potential
    tremendous
    current
    administer
    quantity
    desire
    vocabulary tableDownload

    EXERCISE 2: Reading Comprehension Questions

    Download questions to test your reading comprehension.

    Questions-article-4Download WORD file
    Questions-article-4PDF

    EXERCISE 3: Write a short essay on any of the following topics.

    1. How a CoViD-19 vaccine works?
    2. Benefits of CoViD-19 vaccine
    3. Advantages of a vaccinated person over unvaccinated individual
    4. Importance of vaccination
    5. How are CoViD-19 vaccines administered?

    Related Posts

    toddler reading

    Mobile Phones

    Posted on by Ms. Elle

    Just a few minutes’ chatting on a mobile phone reduces the brain functions of children for almost an hour, according to new Spanish test results quoted in Norwegian media.

    The tests, conducted by the German investigator Michael Klieeisen at the Spanish Neuro Diagnostic Research Institute in Marbella, are the first to show how children’s brains react to the use of mobile phones. With the help of a scanner, Klieeisen was able to create pictures of how the brains of an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl reacted while they used a mobile phone. The results were compared with similar tests using adult subjects.

    The tests showed that the brain activity of the child subjects was reduced significantly, especially on the side where the mobile phone was held, a few minutes after the call was begun, the report said. Also, brain activity was lower than normal in large sections of the brain for 50 minutes after the end of the call, the test results showed.

    “My advice to all parents is not to allow children to use mobile phones.” Klieeisen was quoted by Aftenposten as saying. “Not only are electrical activities affected, but also bio chemical processes. We do not know if it is dangerous, but we do know that children’s brains, which are not fully developed, are more vulnerable than adult brains are,” the researcher added.

    Researchers in Britain confirm the Spanish results, and Norwegian and Swedish experts are also studying the health risk posed by mobile phones.

    Reading Comprehension Questions

    Questions-article-2Download
    Questions-article-2Download

    MORE HERE

    american culture

    American History, Language, and Culture

    Posted on by Ms. Elle

    American culture encompasses the customs and traditions of the United States. “Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and a million other things.

    The United States is the third largest country in the world with a population of more than 332 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A child is born every 9 seconds, and a person dies every 11 seconds.

    In addition to Indigenous Americans who were already living on the continent, the population of the United States was built on immigration from other countries. *Despite recent moves to close the U.S borders to new immigrants and refugees, a new immigrant moves to the United States every 666 seconds, according to the Census Bureau.

    The United States is sometimes described as a “melting pot”, in which different cultures have contributed their own distinct “flavors” to American culture. Just as cultures from around the world have influenced American culture, today American culture influences the world. The term Western culture often refers broadly to the cultures of the United States and Europe.

    Because of this, the United States is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Nearly every region of the world has influenced American culture, most notably the English who colonized the country beginning in the early 1600s, according to the Library of Congress. U.S. culture has also been shaped by the cultures of Indigenous Americans, Latin Americans, Africans and Asians.

    The way people “melt” in the United States differs. “Different groups of immigrants integrate in different ways. For example, in the United States, Catholic Spanish-speaking communities might keep their language and other cultural family traditions, but are integrated in the urban community and have embraced the American way of life in many other ways.

    The Northeast, South, Midwest, Southeast and Western regions of the United States all have distinct traditions and customs.  

    *As the American government changes from Trump to Biden administration, there have been changes and modifications regarding laws on immigration and refugees.

    **Sources: https://www.livescience.com/author/kim-ann-zimmermann

    Guide Questions

    Answer the following questions. You may need additional information from other internet sources.

    1. What is culture?

    2. Who are considered indigenous Americans?

    3. What is “melting-pot”? Give examples.

    4. What countries have contributed to the diversified culture of American people?

    5. Give examples of ways on how immigrants integrate their culture in American society?

    6. What is being referred to by the term western culture?

    Test Your Vocabulary: American Culture part 1

    American Culture Part 2

    Language

    The United States has no official language according to the U.S. government. While almost every language in the world is spoken in the United States, the most frequently spoken non-English languages are Spanish, Chinese, French and Filipino. Ninety percent of the U.S. population speaks and understands at least some English, and most official businesses are conducted in English. Some states have official or preferred languages. For example, English and Hawaiian are the official languages of Hawaii.

    The Census Bureau estimates that more than 300 languages are spoken in the United States. The bureau divides those languages into four categories: one, Spanish; two, other Indo-European languages, which includes German, Yiddish, Swedish, French, Italian, Russian, Polish, Hindi, Punjabi, Greek and several others; three, Asian and Pacific Island languages, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Tamil and more; and number four, “all other languages,” which is a category for languages that didn’t fit into the first three categories, such as Hungarian, Arabic, Hebrew, languages of Africa and languages of native people of North, Central and South America.

    Religion

    Nearly every known religion is practiced in the United States, which was founded on the basis of religious freedom. About 71% of Americans identify themselves as Christians, according to information gathered by the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan research group, in 2017. The research also found that about 23% had no religious affiliation at all and around 6% of the population is made up non-Christian religions. The number of people who identify with no religion seems to be decreasing. According to the Pew Research Center, this category is expected to drop from 16% in 2015 to 13% in 2060.

    Fashion

    Clothing styles vary by social status, region, occupation and climate. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, cowboy hats and boots are some of the items of clothing that are closely associated with Americans.  Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Victoria Secret are some well-known American brands. American fashion is widely influenced by celebrities and the media. And fashion sales equal around 200 Billion per year according to a paper published by Harvard University in 2007. More and more Americans are buying fashion, electronics and more online. According to the Census Bureau, U.S. retail e-commerce sales for the first quarter of 2017 totaled around 98.1 Billion USD.

    Food

    American cuisine was influenced by Europeans and Native Americans in its early history. Today, there are a number of foods that are commonly identified as American, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips, macaroni and cheese, and meat loaf. “As American as apple pie”, has come to mean something that is authentically American. There are also styles of cooking and types of foods that are specific to a region. Southern-style cooking is often called “American comfort food” and includes dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas and cornbread, according. Tex-Mex, popular in Texas and the Southwest, is a blend of Spanish and Mexican cooking styles and includes items such as chili and burritos, and relies heavily on shredded cheese and beans. Jerky, dried meats that are served as snacks, is also a food that was created in the United States, according to NPR.

    The Arts

    The United States is widely known around the world as a leader in mass media production, including television and movies. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the United States comprises one-third of the worldwide media and entertainment industry. The television broadcasting industry took hold in the United States in the early 1950s, and American television programs are now shown around the world. The United States also has a vibrant movie industry, centered in Hollywood, California, and American movies are popular worldwide. The U.S. film industry earned $31 billion in revenues in 2013, and is expected to reach $771 billion by 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    The United States’ arts culture extends beyond movies and television shows, though. New York is home to Broadway, and Americans have a rich theatrical history. American folk art is an artistic style and is identified with quilts and other hand-crafted items. American music is very diverse with many, many styles, including rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, country and western, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll and hip hop.

    Sports

    Baseball is called America’s favorite pastime. The United States is a sports-minded country, with millions of fans who follow football, baseball, basketball and hockey, among other sports. Baseball, which was developed in colonial America and became an organized sport in the mid-1800s, is known as America’s favorite pastime, although it has been eclipsed in popularity by football for the past three decades, according to the Harris Poll.

    American holidays

    Many holidays are celebrated only in the United States. Americans celebrate their independence from Britain on July 4th. Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, honors those who have died in military service. Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, celebrates the country’s workforce. Thanksgiving, another distinctive American holiday, falls on the fourth Thursday in November and dates back to colonial times to celebrate the harvest. Presidents’ Day, marking the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, is a federal holiday that occurs on the third Monday in February. The contributions of veterans are honored on Veterans’ Day, observed on November 11. The contributions of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. are remembered on the third Monday in January.

    *2021: 350 languages

    Guide Questions

    Answer the following questions. You may need additional information from other internet sources.

    1. Why do you think the USA has no official language?

    2. In the context of American society, what does “religious freedom” mean?

    3. How has American celebrities influenced how people around the world view beauty?

    4. Suggest ways on how American media have permeated into the world.

    5. Which American sport is popular in Thailand? Why is it popular?

    6. What American holiday(s) can be matched to any Thai holiday(s)?

    Test Your Vocabulary: American Culture part 2

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    LET’S CONNECT

    united kingdom culture

    United Kingdom: History, Language and Culture

    Posted on by Ms. Elle

    Woven into the fabric of the United Kingdom of Great Britain is a rich history defined by wars, rebellions, royals, social upheaval and the rise and fall of what was once the biggest empire in the world. The Romans occupied Britain from AD 43 to AD 410 and left behind straight roads, a sewage system and hot baths, amongst other things. After that the Romans, Jutes, Saxons and Angles all established kingdoms south of Hadrian’s Wall before the Normans arrived and gave rise to the myth that it was the last time England was invaded. It wasn’t. England was subsequently invaded several times by the French, a few times by the Scots, at various intervals by pretenders to the throne and once by the Dutch. The Spanish and the Germans also had a go but neither actually set foot on dry land.

    King Henry VIII is not only famous for having six wives, but also for breaking away from the Church of Rome, setting up the Church of England so he could get divorced. After Henry, battles between monarchs, nations, nobles and sections of the population invariably became tussles about how to run the country, culminating in the English Civil War (1642-1651), which was won by the Parliamentarians.

    The constitutional monarchy that exists in the United Kingdom today developed during the 18th and 19th centuries as power came to be increasingly exercised by an elected parliament. In 1801 Great Britain – that’s England, Wales and Scotland – were formally united with Ireland. The subsequent reign of Queen Victoria, whose role was now little more than symbolic, coincided with a period of great economic success and unfettered empire building before events of the 20th century, notably two world wars, resulted in the dismantling of the empire.

    In 1920, Ireland gained independence from the United Kingdom, leaving behind Northern Ireland, whose troubled relationship with the UK led to an ethno-nationalist conflict better known as The Troubles (1968-1998). World wars and internal conflicts led to social upheaval, which resulted in universal suffrage, the Welfare State, the repeal of the death penalty and the legalization of homosexuality. In 2014 Scotland held a referendum to determine whether it would continue being part of the United Kingdom or not. It voted to stay, but calls for independence can still be heard across the land.

    Did you know? Cricket, football, boxing, rowing, rugby (league and union), tennis and golf were formalized into sports in the UK. • The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the world’s oldest and largest broadcaster. • The Orkney Vole has inhabited the islands for 4,600 years and does not occur on mainland Britain.

    United Kingdom Culture

    Religion in United Kingdom. Predominantly Christian (Church of England, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist), sizeable Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and Hindu minorities. Around 15% of the population have no religion. Social Conventions in United Kingdom Handshaking is customary when introduced to someone for the first time. One or two kisses on the cheek is gaining popularity for close friends. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone’s home and a small present such as flowers or chocolates is appreciated. It is polite to wait until everyone has been served before eating. Some nightclubs and restaurants do not allow jeans and trainers, otherwise casual wear is widely acceptable. For business, a suit and tie should be worn, although in some workplaces an open neck is acceptable.

    Topless sunbathing is allowed on certain beaches and tolerated in some parks. Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places, including stations, pubs and restaurants, throughout the UK. The monarchy, though now only symbolic politically, is a powerful and often subconscious unifying force. Members of the Royal Family are the subject of unceasing fascination, with their every move avidly followed and reported by the popular press, both in the UK and abroad.

    Language in United Kingdom. The main language is English, but Welsh is spoken in parts of Wales, and Gaelic in parts of Scotland. The many ethnic minorities within the UK also speak their own languages like Cantonese, Greek, Hindi, Mandarin, Turkish, Urdu, so on and so forth.

    *Source: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/europe/united-kingdom/history-language-culture/

    Guide Questions

    1. How has Great Britain’s invaders enriched the countries culture?

    2. What was the initial purpose for setting up the Church of England?

    3. What comprises Great Britain? United Kingdom?

    4. Look for additional information regarding the ethno-nationalist conflict known as “The Troubles”.

    5. How does UK’s social courtesies differ from Thai social customary?

    6. Why do you think the UK Royal Family fascinates people around the world.

    Related Posts

    LET’S CONNECT

    past story

    Past Stories

    Posted on by Ms. Elle

    Dear Diary

    Story by Mitchelle Juaban

    Dear Diary, I ran into the kindest person in the world yesterday. I didn’t see him coming as I walked hurriedly into the university canteen. I bumped unto him and hit my face hard unto his chest. I felt dizzy for a while, and as I looked up to see who it was I saw his handsome face staring back at me. I blushed! He then asked me if I was alright to which I timidly answered yes. It was then I realized that he was actually holding me on both arms. Oh my gosh, I blushed some more. I didn’t know what to do! I was frozen. I just stared at him with my mouth opened for what felt like eternity. After a while, he asked if there was something wrong. “Oh. I’m so sorry. But… but I think I got your shirt stained with my lipstick” I explained hurriedly. He let go of me, and intently glanced at the lipstick stain on his shirt.

    I was nervous. A lot of things were running in my mind at that time. “Will he get angry? Should I ask him to take his shirt off, so I could wash it? Oh no I should not say that. Does he think I’m crazy? Will he ever talk to me again?” ……Then I heard him say, “Not a big deal. Anyway, I like the way it looks on my shirt.”

    Guide Questions

    1. Where did the story happened?
    2. How was the narrator of the story and the handsome guy related?
    3. How did the narrator of the story feel about the handsome guy?
    4. What was on the handsome guy’s shirt?
    5. How did the handsome guy feel about the narrator of the story? Give your reason(s)

    Download these stories

    Email Address is needed to download this file

    The Best Hamburger of My Life

    When I was thirteen years old, I had a great surprise at the Grand Hotel in Toronto. My favorite soccer team was visiting from Mexico, so I went to the hotel to get autographs from some of the players. When I got there, I waited outside for a long time because I was very nervous. Finally, I told my legs to start moving, and I went up to my favorite striker, Sergio Verdirame, and asked for his autograph. My voice was trembling, but I controlled it. He stopped to listen to me, and then an amazing thing happened. He invited me to his table for dinner. I could not believe it! Suddenly I was sitting across the table from Sergio Verdirame! I ordered a big hamburger with everything on it except onions. When the food came, my hands were shaking, and I could not eat or talk. After a while, I took a deep breath and said to myself, “Hey, this happens just once in your life.” I got rid of my nerves and started talking with the team and enjoying my hamburger. They were really great guys, and we had a good time laughing and joking together. That was the most delicious hamburger I ever ate in my life because I was eating it with my idol.

    Guide Questions

    1. How old was the person narrating this story?
    2. Who was the person’s favorite soccer player?
    3. Who did the person eat with in the restaurant?
    4. What did he have for dinner?
    5. What vegetable he didn’t eat with it?
    6. How did the person get rid of his/her nerves?
    7. Decide if the person narrating the story is a female or a male. Give your reason(s).

    DOWNLOAD THE PAST STORIES HERE

    Email Address is needed to download this file

    The Hero

    **Story by Betty Erickson

    After a week of rain, the sun came out. Nick ran out to play. He found a puddle full of tadpoles under his swing.

    Day after day, Nick watched the tadpoles. They grew legs. Their tails got shorter. Nick was afraid that the puddle would dry up before the tadpoles turned into toads. So he scooped the tadpoles into an old watering can.

    Two weeks later, Nick watched a tiny toad come out of the spout. It jumped into the grass. Then two more toads came out of the spout. At last Nick counted six happy toads hopping in the grass. Nick felt like a hero. He had saved a whole puddle of toads!

    Guide Questions

    1. Where did Nick put the tadpoles?
    2. How many happy toads did Nick see?
    3. Where was the puddle?
    4. For how long had it been raining?
    5. How did the first three toads get out of the watering can?
    6. Why did Nick have to save the tadpoles before the puddle dried up?
    7. Write down two differences between tadpoles and toads.

    DOWNLOAD THE PAST STORIES HERE

    Email Address is needed to download this file

    MORE HERE

    Announcements

    Posted on by Ms. Elle
    1. New Hire: Human Resource Announcement

    Vocabulary

    overseeprioracceptinvaluable
    assetannouncetrack recordconstruction

    GUIDE QUESTIONS

    1. What is the announcement about?
    2. Where was Mark previously affiliated?
    3. What is Mark’s work?
    4. How will you be able to contact Mark?
    5. Who will Mark be reporting to?

    source: HR Forms New Hire: Human Resource Announcement

    2. First Day of the Week

    Guide Questions

    1. Who is being referred to by the word “all”?
    2. Who wrote this announcement? Justify your answer.
    3. How does the course Reading 101 deliver? Justify your answer.
    4. What are the learning sources for the course?
    5. When do the week’s tasks due?

    MORE HERE

    Wh Questions

    WH- Questions

    Posted on by Ms. Elle

    To be able to ask questions clearly in a conversation is very important for the following reasons. One, a person would be understood clearly thus avoiding miscommunication. Aside from this, asking questions in a conversation shows that you are interested, and it keeps the conversation going.

    WH-Questions are one of the different ways of asking questions. These are questions that begin with what, where, when, why, who, which, how, how many, how often, and how much.

    Example

    What is happening here?

    Where is the bathroom?

    When does the plane arrive?

    Why are there so many people here?

    Who are you talking to?

    Which of the these do you prefer?

    How do I go to the bus station?

    How many countries are there in the ASEAN?

    How often do you ride your bicycle?

    How much are these apples?

    Let’s Practice

    Instructions

    1. Pick a box and an image will pop up.
    2. Ask a WH-question about the image.

    MORE HERE