Thursday, January 10, 2013
Something New; Something Memorable
Write two paragraphs, one for each topic, one for "something new" and one for "something memorable." You may mention multiple examples or expand on one example. Your paragraphs should be a minimum of 150 words and maximum of 200 words for each topic.
Be specific and detailed in your writing. Use your best sentences and proofread carefully. Work is due before class time on Wednesday, January 16. Post here and bring a copy, properly formatted, to class to hand in that day. Thank you everyone.
My comments will follow yours and will be posted before the end of next week.
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14 comments:
Something New
To students, homework is always new or, more precisely, a new challenge. Though I have been through several kinds of assignments, poem is still a new one I have never met before. "Here I Am" and "Note" are two different kinds of poems. The first one is more about everyone themselves, their personality, which are related to the specific things. The "Note" needs fill many abstract things, more imagination into the fixed structure, which make it a real tough task. As I say during my presentation: "When I set the theme, I have to squeeze my memories to meet the goal." But finally, the result turns out not satisfactory. After I hear all the presentations of the poems, it dawns upon me that a poet writes something that can touch many people's hearts, while a student like me just writes the thing that can only resonate with myself. This is what makes the poet a poet.
—156 words
Something Memorable
I have few chances to speak publicly in my own language, let alone in English. So I feel super nervous of doing it. I can't help remembering the first time when I am standing in front of the class, and about to present the poem --''Here I Am", I ask Brad, the teacher, whether I could sit on the table. One of the classmates tells me that she thought I was kidding, not serious at that time, while we share thoughts about "Something New; Something Memorable" in groups. But as I say later, I just hope no one would see my legs shaking. As long as I finish my speech, I breathe a sigh of relief. I think my legs are doing fine, but my voice is quivering, as well as my hands. And the situation doesn't seem to be improved too much at the following presentations. The closer to my turn, the faster my heart beats, like watching a time bomb with its last few minutes. It's an awkward moment, but it's still something memorable.
—177 words
Something New
From the first and last step, the English eleven’s class was new for me, and I will mention some of them which are inspired me in the right sense and direction. I learned how to read my piece of writing, poem, loudly in front of students and having more confident in front of Mr. Brad who knew my mistakes. When I finished reading, they encourage me by words and some of them by looking to my eyes. Writing tests with open dictionary and open book were very new for me. In the first unit test, I was hesitated to be the first person who grabs a dictionary from the shelf because I was not sure if it was really allowed, so I waited to be the next person who takes the dictionary. I looked in to the William’s Zinsser’s article, and I quoted some sentences without having pressure of thinking to memorise something that I have no idea.
160 words
Something Memorable
I believe, I will leave everything behind in English 11, but only things that will stay in me forever are sweet memories. Writing a theme or massage for Pascal’s story as a group was very interesting and memorable for me because one of us had viewed the story form the different angle and had a different theme which was tasty for me because I had no idea which one is right, so the majority of us chose “The poverty limits us to the future.” It is still in my mind when we released the car that was stuck in the snow. It was glorious heavy snow day, and a lady came in the class and asked for help, so some of us went out to help her out by pushing her car, and navigate her in the right direction. Coming to school, saying, “Hi” to my best friend who I had not seen for a week and watching my swatch and going to the lab for printing my homework are really unforgettable for me that makes me to feel wonderful.
182 words
Something New
There are always new things in the new class. For me, the assignment on the blog and the presentations in front of the class are two new tastes in English 11 class. Formerly, I never tried to write a comment on an English blog, but right now I have had these experiences, and I really enjoyed publishing my own thoughts or viewpoints on the blog. Also, through the blog, I have understood various opinions from other classmates with different background. I have cordially appreciated that the world is so multiple. The blog is conducive to learn from others, and then the presentations are more challenging to me. I remember the first time I stood in front of class to read my work, “Here I Am,” and I was so nervous that I didn’t dare to see anyone. I believed that was a failing presentation, but I reflected that experience, and at the second time, I got better in communication. The presentation also is a good way to know the classmates. At first, I felt confused with the various ethnic names of the classmates. After the presentations, each living portrayal of my classmate has impressed my mind.
-196 words
Something Memorable
For me, more memorable things in English 11 class are I tasted numerous literary characters and poem composition. Brad presented multiple figures to our class through the films, speeches, and short stories either fictional or non-fictional. The talented autistic person, Temple Grandin, the junior thinker, Jimmy (Getting Closer), the victim of the brutal world, Pascal (Ghosts), the common woman with flaws, George’s mother (Homework), the outstanding warner of global warming, Dr. Hansen, the Hollywood producer, Motss, and the real spin doctor, brean (Wage the Dog), these characters still have been active in my mind. I was like walking in the promenade of the world literature, and I really encountered the diversity. Another unforgettable event in English 11 class is that I tried to compose a poem that is focused on me. I made an endeavour to dig the sparks from my life and concentrated them onto each word. I discovered that poetry is like a mirror that can reflect poet’s soul. In the material world, I have been proud to have odd moments to write the poem. I really treasure this poetic experience.
-183 words
Something New
Before attending English 11, I heard lots of hearsay about teacher Brad, so that I took this class cautiously; however I am very glad I am able to learn with him. His unique teaching style gives me much revelation by watching videos, having group discussions, and blogging our homework. The blog homework is totally new for me. There is no doubt that I really enjoyed and appreciated it. Firstly, it gives me a chance to understand more about our assignment by reading some of what the predecessors have done before. Secondly, I learned a lot from my peers, especially when some of our homework is worth discussing. Not only do I learn their writing technique; I discover how they look at the topic from different angles as well. Most of their opinions are amazing. Thirdly, it encourages me to finish my homework as soon as possible. I remember once I posted my poem, "Here I am", and then I found out that I had same idea as my peer’s. After this experience, I told myself to finish my homework right away. The blog is a place which stores lots of precious experience and it also represents our efforts. (198 words)
Something Memorable
From Brad's class, not only did I learn English, but I also learned to have a newer and wider view to look at the world. Brad’s teaching materials are usually full of meaning and introspective. I was very impressed by two of the assignments. One of them is the short story, "Ghost." It reveals the problems and sufferings that happened in Haiti and even around the world. Frankly, we sometimes do not pay enough attention to the world, expect for catastrophes. Hence, with Brad’s enlightenment, it arouses me to take heed of these neglected issues. Another memorable assignment is the movie, Wag the Dog. I really like this movie, even though it seems ridiculous and exaggerated. In the movie, the producer, Stanley Motss, colludes with Brean to "make a war, "and that surprised me a lot. I usually think the mass media should be responsible for conveying the truth to the public; however how horrible it is when the media is manipulated by the politicians. Consequently, I started to wonder that how many things I know is the truth. Furthermore, I started to do more research instead of just believing everything. Everything in English is related to your life. 199words
Something New
There is a variety of constructive and important new contributions to my personal understanding this term. Firstly, the adopted practice to posting assignments on a blog, brought me up to date in the student's world. Using blogs in the classroom is a modern system used in the actual world. In addition, the blogging method not only permitted me to share my achievements, but also appreciate the great work of my classmates. Consulting Brad's writing model, posted there was a powerful tool that made me confident in my homework. William Zinseer mentioned that “writing is learning by imitation. We all need models”. Also, consulting good examples made me found my own style. Another refresh acquirement obtained in this course, is the enlightening experience to spend time in groups. While I was getting into the short story world, I was sharing similar and contrasting points of view from a same story; that were very instructive for the different cultural background of each student. Learning process could be tedious, but with the indicated brilliant techniques, English 11 class was enjoyable and effective. -181 words
Something Memorable
Throughout this course, a fictional character, an illustrative movie and a challenging assignment made my experience unforgettable. To start with, a nine year old boy created by Steven Millhouser in the short story “Getting Closer” will endure in my mind. Undoubtedly, this character showed me how a brilliant writer can play with reality and fiction and at the same time transform a common topic as is death in a memorable master peace. Besides, a film based on a real wonderful woman with a singular personality called Temple Grandin, fascinated me. The feature was a prodigious example about how autistic people can enhance our world; they can perceive things that many individual are blind to see. For example, how should we treat animals based on their needs instead of our convenient way of life. Finally, a demanding but a rewarding task: create a poem. Trying to find the proper word or sentence to describe a deep feeling or a thought, it had proven my real knowledge of English and that won't be easy to forget. However, when I read my finished poem out loud, it was a gratifying moment. I'm so grateful for obtain all this significant and beneficial moments. 199-words
Something New
I joined the English 11 class to improve my level of English. I learned many new things in this class, which were a new experience for me, especially assignments on the blog, group discussions, writing poetry and presentations in class. I never wrote a blog and I tried it for the first time, viewing the ideas of different students on blog gave me a wider scope to think and write in a better way about the same topic. Group discussions were also the new concept for me and it gave me a chance to interact with different students. It helped me to express my views with the other students. Similarly, writing a poem was new and interesting thing for me. In the beginning, I thought it would not be possible for me to write a poem but with some inspiration from my wife, I succeeded in writing a poem and I got a chance to present it in front of the class. It boosted my confidence and I realized the improvement in expressing my feelings through words and that English is not so difficult, only I need is hard work, sincerity and a teacher like Mr. Brad.
Words-197
Something Memorable
I enjoyed many memorable moments during this class. However, the potluck party and viewing the movie “Wag the Dog “were the most memorable moments for me. Teachers and students participated in the pot luck party with zeal and enthusiasm. We sang Christmas songs with actions, and it was the first occasion for me to participate in such function and I enjoyed it thoroughly. From this function, I felt the difference of student teacher relationship in Canada and in our country. Similarly, when I watched the movie “Wag the Dog”, then I realized that how powerful the media is! There is a huge difference between what happens and what is shown to us. We can't believe the media with blind eyes, we will have to use our brain to know the real situation. On the whole, the English 11 class was a memorable experience for me.
words 148
Something New
Each course in the Person ALC bears something new and interesting. For example, this term the students of English 11 and English 12, Brad's classes, watched the movie "Temple Grandin."
The main character of the film, Temple Grandin, is a real person with high-functioning autism, but she is a Doctor of Animal Science and professor at Colorado State University. This movie gave me a new vision on a problem of people with mental disabilities in our societies. Furthermore, the article "Writing Good English" by William Zinsser opened my eyes on understanding of elementary and, at the same time, useful rules of writing."Short is better than long. Simple is good. . . .One thought per sentence." It is a golden motto for the students. Over and above that, the group discussions were valuable. The classmates in small teams or pairs exchanged their opinions and added one another. These exercises improved to make sense of a new idea. Something new catches us and moves forward. ( 160 words )
Something Memorable
During Brad's class, English 11, I remember the first presentation "Here I Am." Why was it memorable? At first, we had a sociable atmosphere when the audience encouraged a presenter by applauding before reading his/her poem. That was wonderful! Second, personally, it was really attractive topic because I wrote about something noteworthy for me like the others. After that assignment, I knew my classmates much better than before in view of the fact that they wrote about short biographical events in their timelines. They were not strangers anymore for me. Additionally, I recall the work in pairs - my partner was Dulce - when we had to check and correct the homework "Describing a Person" written by students of our class. Both of us found it difficult to mark such work where "writing shows us a character must be interpreted by the reader." If I look back on some activities of this class, it means that I enjoy studying English here. ( 158 words )
“Something New”
In my Gmail-Drive, I looked closely to all of subjects I have written during the English 11 class with Mr. Brad Hyde, our dedicated teacher. I found many subjects that are new to me, I chose one that is most interesting- “Here I Am”. I found “Here I Am” as a unique subject that gives a lot of information about oneself. It was not a very long piece of writing, but you could see your extracted moments of joy, love and freedom in it. “Here I Am” is not only a piece of manuscript to hand in or put in your binder. It is you to be represented in front of the class by yourself. I was stressed the moment I was presenting in front of the class. Now, I don’t think if it was stressful; I feel that was more interesting than stressful. In my opinion positivity is the key to ease. - 153 words
“Something Memorable”
When I want to say or write about “something memorable” in Mr. Hyde’s class, I lose in memories. The memorable moment I’m thinking about now may differ from the memorable moment when I remember in the class, sometimes. It was Mr. Brad’s feeling and impression that stuck in my mind; “a few of his students came back to see him after graduation,” I guess. I have the answer to this question. It is - wherever we go or whatever we do in our lives and don’t come back doesn't mean we forget everything behind; we honor the dedication of Mr. Brad Hyde that resulted to our success and improvement of positive attitudes. I see him more like a friend than a teacher which is very encouraging. The friendly atmosphere he created to us as well as a competitive class is not forgettable. To respect to dedication of and make a teacher happy, we should be hardworking and successful. - 158 words
I am grateful for the opportunity to enrich my language skills and world outlook in English 11 class. Teacher, Brad, makes it really especial and unique. Preparing for this assignment, I revised my own comment to “Something New; Something Memorable” from former students. The impression I’ve got then is that English class is a way to learn every day something new about the world and humanity. And it is extremely true about this class. It was new for me not to learn in English class new grammar rules, but to learn language (and much more) directly from modern writers, my teacher and classmates. It was also new and helpful to have a teacher’s model to follow for each assignment. It makes clear the expectations and requirements of the teacher to our writing. Such teaching methods as group discussions (almost every class), presentations and posting our assignments at the blog gave us the opportunity to share our opinions and understand the specific issues that we have studied from different points of view. It also allowed us to get to know each other, and, as a result, created a friendly atmosphere in the class. – 193 words
There are many moments to remember about my English class, so I’m going to share those that are special to me. An article “Writing Good English,” by William Zinsser totally changed my notions about English writing. This is one of that knowledge that I’ll keep and use in my life. A short story, “Ghosts,” is very powerful and memorable. It left me with strong emotional impression, and made me think deeper about social problems and human behavior. The assignment that I really enjoyed is “Capturing an Image.” It was a very creative task that allowed me to know something new and interesting about my classmates. Almost everyone shared something personal about their life, and it was great. Another moment that I’ll remember is writing a poem. Indeed, it was the toughest assignment, but the result is worth. I believe that, giving such challenging task as to write a poem, Brad gives the students an opportunity to discover their ability and encourages doing even more. It is no exaggeration to say that English class with Brad is much more than learning language; it is also a new knowledge and interesting discussions through which the students learn to think comprehensively and critically, to be tolerant and open-minded. – 205 words
Something New
From the first day of the class, I have never stopped being surprised because everything is new to me. I appreciate being in Brad’s class because he is not only a great English teacher but also he is like an encyclopedia. Brad gave me a direct sharp reminder while I was enjoying the warm sunny day in early winter. I started to notice of climate change and think about harmful problems of global warning. In this term, I have learned the way of posting my writing on the blog. Because of this blog, I have gotten more ideas and learned vocabulary and ways of writing from other classmates. Furthermore, I am glad to know a great doctor, Temple Grandin. I am touched by her passion and effort to animal. Watching the video,” Wag The Dog”, is new to me. It reminds me the similar tragedies have been used, and I was spinning as a dog’s tail. Being Brad’s student is like exploring in Wonderland, I enjoy the experience of discovering something new in the class. 175 words
Something Memorable
Even though the class is going to the end, some of the unforgettable memory still remains in my mind. First, I would have never forgotten the experience of the first presentation in this class. Especially, I misunderstood the meaning on the handout, and my brain was blank when I stood in the front of the class. At that moment, I just wanted to dig a hole and jump into it. Moreover, in this term, we have read many thoughtful and unforgettable stories. The narrative story, “Getting Closer”, is the best. I sympathetic with the nine year old boy, and I admire the great author, Steven Mullhauser. Besides, I love the time of group discussion. While we were sharing our writings or point of views of stories with teammates, my teammates were not only helping each other to understand the writer’s intention but also encouraged me to express my opinion orally. The story “Ghost” is very difficult to understand the details. I am thankful for Nadezhda helping me to figure out what does Tiya mean to tell Pascal at the end of the story. As Sunny said, ”group discussion is awesome.” Indeed, it is. The relationship in this class is treasure, and I would never forget. 205words
Something New; Something Memorable
Something New
I want to mention a few things that I have never experienced before taking Brad’s class. First, instead of using a text book, Brad uses a diversity of materials, such as articles, short stories, lectures and films. For me, these lively topics make his class very attractive; moreover, I like to share some of them with my little boy and I also found that it’s a good way to expand my son’s interests. Second, Brad gives us an example for each assignment which did help a lot. From his models, I can understand his expectations and what I am supposed to write. Besides, as William Zinsser said, “writing is learned by imitation. We all need models.”(in“Writing Good English”), we may learn different styles of writing from Brad’s examples. Lastly, I think word limitation is an effective training to strengthen my thoughts. In order to meet this requirement, I have to organize and narrow down my ideas well. If you get stale in learning English, I recommend trying Brad’s class. ----170 words
Something Memorable
During the last class, when we discussed something memorable, classmates talked about Jimmy, the main character of “Getting Closer”. It reminded me that my son and I once had an interesting discussion about Jimmy. Although it’s not impossible for a child to think and to behave maturely like an adult, we imagined how Jimmy would act if he had been in Disney Land. Because we remember that time we had in Disney Land, we tried to storm every attraction within one day, even though we were tired and hungry, we decided to forbear to eat dinner until 11pm. My son said, “Are he crazy? Jimmy is so stupid! Time waits for no one; even though you stand there doing nothing, it doesn’t mean that you could hold the joy forever. The ticket is expensive; we should use every minute to play.” I like the sentence in “Getting Closer”-“Ending is everywhere. It’s right there in the beginning.” I am glad that my son knows it clearly. ----166 words
Something New
During this term of English 11 class, I have learnt a numerous of new things from Brad’s teaching material: Presenting a picture in class, writing a presentable poem, and doing critical thinking from movie’s reaction. “Note to myself,” Brad made it so not easy to complete, but he handed out some samples, which were from others student’s work, for us to keep in track. “My Garden,” Brad required us to discover one of our living pictures and shared in class. Finally “Wag the Gog,” is one of the fiction movies that I like the most and it taught me how to handle difficulties in life. In fact, I am so proud of myself to make until the end of this term and thank Brad’s patience to see my studying process.
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Something Memorable
After this term, English 11, I have many things that catch my memory. For example, presenting our works and watching a movie in class. I remembered before this class, I neither know how to present in public nor watch a movie in class. Brad’s teaching style is really stretch our daily habits and also helps us to be successful in our community and at work. Specially, when I did the poem presentation in front of the class, I noticed myself is getting better on each presentation I had done. Some movies I watched were not really helpful, but he showed us some meaningful movies, “Wag the Dog and Temple Grandin,” and I learned many life experiences and how to face the problems. Indeed, to others Brad may be their teacher, but to me Brad is my mentor.
-139
Something New
Experiences I got from English 11 are valuable additions to my life. In every class I learn some thing new. Our class discussion about choices and persuasion was the best example. The discussion about cell phone, fashion and furniture stick in my mind and give an image of real world. It was an amazing experience, writing poem and presenting in front of students. Thanks to our teacher Brad, I gained confidence presenting my work without shaking for the first time in my life. Our class was the best place to learn communication through group discussion, give attention to details, and critical thinking. Writing essay without specific topic, and open book in exam time is a new experience for me. I had a great opportunity to read amazing writings of my classmates through the blog. We had joyful time in our English 11 class.
144- words
Something Memorable
English 11 class was full of memorable events. Sitting at night, struggling to get an idea
for writing and getting relief after posting on the blog were routine through out the semester. The day, when I couldn’t control my emotions and cried after reading Brad’s comment about my repeated mistakes was an unforgettable moment in my English class. Even though we had amazing pictures and presentations, Brenda’s presentation about high-rise buildings around MetroTown area has been alive in my mind. Svitlana's beautiful handwriting and Brad’s (our teacher) life experience tips in the middle of classes are the most memorable things. Even though they are fiction, I feel that Jimmy (image of me), Uncle Maxo (the compassionate guy), Temple Grandin (the visionary lady), and Tiye (acceptance seeker) are near to me. English eleven classes were not only English class, but also classes of freethinking, speaking and writing. I am lucky to share these memories with my classmates.
157-words
Something New
Teaching takes energy. A lot of it and, this term, fatigue sometimes made teaching harder. A classroom like ours is a hive of activity. Students come late, need to be brought up to date on an activity or have forgotten assignments and need my advice on catching up. It is never dull, but sometimes I felt a little less effective some days this term. You never know exactly how well a class will run. Will the class’s mood affect the plan that day? How will students react to the new story? In other words, how much energy will it take to get through the day is something I can never really know. And, depending on how my personal energy stores are stocked that day, it can be easier or harder. I walk out after teaching two long classes on Wednesday and Friday, muse on my day in the car (while watching out for my fellow drivers) and begin the process of unwinding the day. Students occupy a teacher’s thoughts; plans percolate along in the background, too, and the trick is to make the lessons work for the class as it is composed this term. I am mostly happy how it went, after all, but wish that I could transport my current knowledge about teaching well back into my 35 year old body!
—222 words
Something Memorable
The 12s were a force of nature this year. I had more younger students and lots of youthful energy. The human brain isn’t fully mature until age 25. I’ve noticed it in my own children: how much they changed on or around that magical date. Mostly a bit calmer, thankfully, but don’t get me wrong—I liked the energy but also got frustrated enough to post a show-the-adjective piece at the blog in order to draw attention to the state of things in the classroom.
The 11s were a serious, hardworking and attentive group this term. It scared me sometimes when you hung on every word I said in class in silence so quiet you could have heard a mouse tiptoeing across the floor. You had lots to learn, knew it, and dug in and got the job done. I am very grateful that your calm and supportive atmosphere followed on the heels of my dynamic and energetic 12s.
—159 words
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