Being Bilingual

I am sure you have heard the saying "The pen is mightier than the sword". I believe that being articulate and the ability to write with eloquence go hand in hand.
Your blog assignment for this week is to read the article from the BBC about bilingualism, Then write your views on bilingualism.

I do NOT want:

1. Overly simplistic vocabulary (good, bad, all that stuff, things, big, small).
2. Extremely obvious and effortless opinions.
   
3. Rigid opinions that sound like you are saying what your parents want you to say. I'm not your dad.
4. Mechanical uncreative writing.
5. Texts written in Spanish and processed by a translator, or you.
   
6. Copied and pasted material.
7. Uninspired or boring writings.
8. Spelling mistakes.
9. Verbs written in past when they should be in simple form or vice versa. Your grammar will be graded
10. LESS than 500 words. That means that you have to write at least 501.

Do an outline. Think carefully. Post by Wednesday night at the latest. That is June 2nd

MAKE A MOVIE!

1^st Short Film Contest

UVM, Campus San Luis Potosí.

It’s very simple to participate:

1. Go to www.doctorralf.blogspot.com and download the entry form.

2. Fill out the form and give it to your English teacher

3. Get a video camera or a cell phone to record.

4. Organize your friends.

5. Make a movie!

RULES:

1. Movies must be maximum 15 minutes long.

2. Do NOT hurt yourself.

3. Dialogs must be in English.

4. Be respectful.

5. Turn in films on CD or DVD by June 7, 2010

The Single Story

Read instructions carefully and completely before doing anything.

As you produce your work, for school or in your professional life, you must put yourself into it. It should show who you are, what you are all about. You represent a culture, a lifestyle, an idea, a concept. You are not, or should not be, a cliché

1. Click on this link and watch this 5 minute video that will help you with your note taking as you follow the next step and will be your guide for step 3. Mind mapping
   
2. Click on the title. Watch the 18-minute conference. Take notes.
3. Write a 500-word essay where you will express your opinion on the topic of the video.
4. You must turn in your essay on Friday, along with your notes.
5. Write a brief comment after watching both videos.
   

As you are working on your grammar and punctuation exercises on the links on the posts below, you should have no trouble.

GLION English IV

Class:

Welcome to English IV. This semester we will be learning about tourism, hospitality and the food and beverage industry through English. It is of the utmost importance that you approach this class in English, rather than an English class. During this semester, we will listen, read, write and speak more English than you have ever done so. I would like to remind you that I am your teacher everyday, all day, do not hesitate to ask me anything anytime. On the right you will find two links to download the "encuadre". The 1st part covers weeks 1 to 8, while part 2 covers the second part of the semester. All four (4) projects are detailed in the documents.

I wish you success,

Rafael Ortiz

The Function of Conjuctions

Connecting ideas is easier than you might think and can be easily learned. We must remember that when we write in English.

We can learn about writing from books, but even a simple cartoon and song can go along way in helping us understand. Post a comment after watching the video.

HEY! That's an interjection

"Hey! Dude! What's an interjection?"

As I knew that the young voice was addressing me I turned around, and sure enough I was being asked a what an interjection was. I explained. It was understood.

As I walked away I remember how I learned what an interjection was. I was a young lad watching Saturday morning cartoons. Schoolhouse Rock taught me a lot of things through song. I was quite the follower. I went to YouTube and found it. So as a reply to all students here is a little video that will help you understand, in a very fun way, what an interjection is. Just click on the title.

listening to e-books & reading iPhones

As I fight to find the time to read, technology is just trying to make it easier for me, well for all of us. By clicking on the title you will be able to read about Nick Cave's new e-book... I should get an iPhone, shouldn't I?