Reading Explorer 2, Vocabulary Review

 By Nate Feldman

analyze    attached    conduct    effective    fracture   injured   

luxurious   offers    ruled out    vulnerable   X-ray    

1. I __________________myself playing softball, and now my leg hurts so bad and I can't walk.

2. I think I broke my leg, so I need an _______________to check if I have a leg __________________or not.  

3. The conversation club __________________you a chance to interact with native speakers in a relaxed setting.  

4. The Four Seasons Hotel is a _____________________place.  If you don't know Four Seasons, just check a picture on your phone.

5. I ________________the picture to my refrigerator, and now it is always there.  

6. I hope these exercises are ___________________in helping you improve your English.  

7. The rainstorm ____________________the chance of having an outdoor picnic.  

8. People with homes in bad condition are ____________________if there is a big storm in the area.  

9. Scientists __________________experiments in a laboratory.  

10. We must ____________________trends in the economy and see how things are changing.  

Discussion:

1. What is a luxurious place you went to?

2. What is an effective way to improve your English?

3. What is something you want to analyze?

4. When do you feel vulnerable?

5. When did you injure yourself?  What did you injure?

Note: Hello Jacqueline.  I hope you are reading this and enjoying your time in Aspen :) 

SSP Seoul, More Questions with Do and Be

 By Nate Feldman

1. _______________your friend study English with you?

2. _______________you happy today?

3. _______________your father here with you in the United States?

4. _______________Marwan come to class ever?

5. _______________Ibrahim like to eat Tikka Masala for lunch?

6. _______________Ali still play for the Kalba soccer club?

7. _______________I the teacher for this class?

8. _______________your mother here in the USA with you?

9. _______________you understand English well?

10. ______________you a teacher?  

Film and Discussion, Class 3 and Weekend Assignment

By Nate Feldman

This week in class, we watched the Disney film Raya and the Last Dragon, a story about a woman who is in search of the missing pieces of a magical dragon gem that can help defeat Druun creatures that turn people into stone and perhaps unite her divided land, Kumandra, again.  Along the way, she is accompanied by the mythical dragon, Sisu, along with a group of friends she makes along the way from various parts of Kumandra.  

For the weekend, write a review of the movie.  Summarize the story and describe what you thought about it.  What did you think of the characters?  The plot?  The main idea behind the story?

It should be about half-a-page to a page long.  

Reading and Writing Petra, Analyzing Causes and Effects

 By Nate Feldman

I didn't sleep a lot last night (cause).  As a result, I am really tired today. (effect) 

Because I didn't sleep a lot last night, I am really tired today. (effect)

Note: Use As a result for effects and because with causes.  Because can start the sentence or go in the middle.  

You can say "I am tired because I didn't sleep last night," or "Because I didn't sleep last night, I am so tired." 

Use As a result or because in the following sentences.

1. I ate a lot for lunch.  ___________________, I feel really full now.

2. _________________I injured myself in last weeks game, I can't play today.

3.  I got a good score ___________________I prepared for the exam really well.

4. I speak many languages.  ________________, I am able to interact with people from other cultures quite well.

5. I exercise every day. ____________________, I am in good shape.  

6. I have bad headaches __________________I am angry all of the time.

7. __________________I have good connections, it is easy for me to find good work opportunities.  

Vocabulary:

1. Contaminant: something that makes something else dirty.  

2. ruin: to damage something 

3. a wake-up call: something that lets you know that you must do something very important or a bad result will happen 

4. revenue: money you make from your business 

Reading Explorer 2, Review

 By Nate Feldman

Complete the sentences with the correct words.

archeologist     coffin    detective    mummy   preserve     tomb

1. The Taj Mahal in India is a _________________for the wife of an emperor there.  It was built over her after she died.  

2. A box for people who have died is a ____________________.

3. An _____________________researches old cities and places to find information about them. 

4. A ____________________is covered with white wraps.  

5. When you _____________________something, you keep it in good condition.  

6. A __________________tries to find information about something.  

Vocabulary from "Was King Tut Murdered?", Reading Explorer 2, Unit 3A, P.39-40

Luxurious: very fancy

*I went to a luxurious, five-star hotel.  I live a life of luxury. 

*There is a lot of luxury in this community. 

*I injured myself playing football, and I need to take some X-rays. 

Offering: suggesting

*I am offering you a position at my company. 

*Taking a vacation to another country offers the traveler an opportunity to see a place they haven’t been to before. 

Attached: stuck to something

*conduct: perform (an experiment, or scientific activity)

*injury: damage to the body

*a fracture: a broken bone

*effective: useful; it works

>>I hope these classes are effective in improving your English. 

*to rule (something) out: to say that thing is impossible or can’t happen 

>>I’m in my 40s, so that rules out me having a chance to have an NBA career now. 

>>The fact that I’m not from your country rules out the chances for me becoming your leader someday. 

Analyze: to look at information carefully

Vulnerable: to be in a weak position

>>People who were older or had pre-existing conditions were more vulnerable to Covid-19 than the rest of the population. 

SSP Seoul, Questions with Be and Do

 By Nate Feldman

Complete the sentences with the correct words.  Use the corrects forms of be or do.

1. _______________he speak English?

2. ______________you happy here?

3. ______________he from your country?

4. ______________your sister have a car?

5. ______________I your friend?

6. ______________Marwan come to class every day?

7. ______________you study a lot?  

8. ______________you a teacher here?

9. ______________she tired today?

10. _____________we have a quiz today?

Film and Discussion, Class Review 2

 By Nate Feldman

In the segment of the film Raya and the Last Dragon we saw yesterday, Raya is able to bring back the last dragon, Sisu.  They are able to find a piece of the dragon gem stone in the possession of the Cheif of Tail, who apparently died because she booby-trapped her area so well, that she became trapped herself.  

However, Naamari, the princess of Fang, is also after the gem pieces and tries to chase Raya and Sisu, who now appears as a human, because the piece of the gem they retrieved can help her shift into human form.  

Raya and Sisu are able to escape Naamari when they get on the boat of Boun, a child captain who looks to cook spicy dishes for people.  Then, they head towards Talon, the next place where they want to recover another broken piece of the gem.  

One big issue that begins to appear in the story is the subject of trust.  Raya mentions that she trusted someone, but she was let down and the world is broken.  She is always suspicious of people, even Boun, who she thinks might be poisoning her food.  

Sisu insists that they should bring gifts to new people they meet when they go to their cities, but Raya feels that these people cannot be trusted.

Discussion: Is it easy to trust people?  Do you think trust is essential to building good relationships?

Reading and Writing Petra, Vocabulary Review and Essay Outline

 By Nate Feldman

Complete the sentences with the words below.

alternative     distinctive    earn a living    economy    harmful    

necessary  partnership   preserve   sustainable  trend 

1. Eating too much junk food all of the time may be ___________________for your health.

2. I ____________________by teaching English classes to international students.

3. I have a _____________________with my friend from high school.  We run a business together.  

4. Many people take classes in-person.  An ______________________way to learn is to do online classes or watch videos.  

5. It's good to exercise for 2-3 hours sometimes, but I am not sure if this is _____________________.  Can you always do this?

6. To get good at writing, it's _____________________to practice every day.  You must do this.

7. To know our country's history, we must ___________________things from the past so we can remember these things.

8. I eat my pizza with rice and chicken on top.  This is a very ___________________way to eat a pizza.

9. Our country's ______________________is good, so people are making a lot of money and have a good quality lifestyle.

10. People posting their videos on Tik Tok has been a ____________________for the past few years. 

Writing Prompt:

*How do you like to travel?  Do you prefer to go to famous places?  Do you prefer to visit off the beaten track places?  Do you like to interact with the local community, or do you prefer to do it with people from your own country?

 

One reason people like to travel is it’s fun.  When people are in another city or country, they can see things they don’t see at home, so it is enjoyable for them.  Also, they can go to entertaining places, like different parks, sports stadiums, or concerts.  This is all fun for people.

Another reason people travel is because they learn things.  For example, they learn how to speak another language.  It’s better to learn that in the place where it is spoken than in a textbook.  They also can learn different cultural things, such as how people in that country socialize or cook or interact with other people.

 

Reason 1: Learn Things

*language

*history

*cultural information

 

Why do people like chocolate?

Chocolate is one of the most popular desserts you can find in the world.  In every culture, there is some kind of sweet thing that has chocolate in it, whether it is a cookie, brownie, cake, or pie just to name some.  However, why do we love chocolate so much?  People like chocolate because it is sweet, and it gives psychological benefits. 

 

Essay Outline:

Introduction: Background, why?, the reasons

Reason 1 + details

Reason 2  + details

Reason 3 + details

Conclusion: Summarize main idea and closing statement 

Reading Explorer 2, Review

 By Nate Feldman

active   adventurous   buff    cultures   

improve    keyboard     long-distance   skills 

1. I am very ___________________.  I play sports, write stories, make videos, and play music. 

2. I am very ___________________.  I go to countries, such as India, Jordan, and England.  

3.  I am a big music ______________.  I listen to music all of the time.  

4. At ELS, students must _________________, or get better, at different _______________, such as speaking, writing, listening, and reading.   

5. At ELS, we have students from many countries and ___________________, or ways of living.  

6. I do _____________________running.  I run for 10 km or more.  

7. I play the ___________________, or electric piano.  

Vocabulary, February, 28, 2024

1.      A mummy = a preserved body

2.      A tomb = a room used to bury the dead

3.      A coffin = a box in which a dead body is kept

4.      Archeologist = a scientist who studies things and people from the past

5.      Murder = a planned killing of another person

The murderer entered the building and shot the victim. 

Kennedy was murdered on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. 

SSP Seoul, Review

 By Nate Feldman

city      email address     first name   friends    hometown     

 interested in     job      last name

1. What's your ______________________?   It's Mike.  

2. What's your ______________________?  It's Johnson.

3.I am ________________________movies.  I love them so much.

4. Berwyn, PA is my ______________________.  I am from there.  

5. What's your _________________?  I work at ELS Philadelphia as a language teacher.   

6. My _____________________is nfeldman82@gmail.com.  

7. Philadelphia is a big ________________in the United States.  

8. My ___________________go places with me and spend time with me.  

Film and Discussion, Class 1 Review

By Nate Feldman

Yesterday, we began watching the movie Raya and the Last Dragon.  In it, we learn the story of Kumandra, a broken land in the shape of a dragon, where the different parts of it are at war with one another.  When Cheif Benja, the leader of Heart, invites the other nations (Tail, Talon, Spine, and Fang), he does it not to start a fight with them, but to build peaceful relations.  He is an idealist that believes that the former nations of Kumandra can live harmoniously once more.  

Heart possesses the magic Dragon Gem, a stone with the power of dragons, mythical creatures that had the power to frighten away dark spirits called Druun which can turn people into stone if they encounter them.  The other nations believe that this is what gives Heart its prosperity and power over all the nations, and they wish to obtain it.  

Raya, Cheif Benja's daughter, does not share her father's idealism.  She is suspicious of the other nations, especially Fang, who she sees as their arch-nemesis.  However, she tries to befriend Namaari, the Princess of Fang because they are both "dragon nerds," as they both put it.  

Unfortunately, Namaari is not really her friend, and she uses Raya to find the location of the Dragon Gem, which she has promised to bring to her mother.  This starts a fight between the all of the nations, and the gem is broken, releasing the Druun, and turning Chief Benja and many others into stone.  Now, the world is broken again.  

Question: Do you agree with Cheif Benja's idealism?  Is it good to try and bring people together to stop fighting?  

Reading and Writing Petra, Class 1, Vocabulary and Essay Introductions

 By Nate Feldman

Cause and Effect Essay:

*Why do people need to learn English?

*Why are more people traveling these days?

*Why is the climate changing? 

*Why do people like chocolate?

*Why is football a dangerous sport?

 

*2 reading quizzes

*2 short writings

*Final essay (first draft)

*Final essay revision

 

Distinctive: unique or special

>>>You talk in a very distinctive way. 

>>>Your style of cooking is very distinctive. 

Trend:  A consistent pattern of behavior

>>>People posting videos on Tik Tok is a trend that has been going on for a few years. 

Economy: Related to jobs and people making money

Maintain: to keep in a good condition

Preserve: to keep in original condition

Necessary: you have to do it

Sustainable: to last for a long time

Harmful: does bad things to you

>>Philly needs to do a better job of maintaining its roads.

Alternative: another choice

>>>You are studying at ELS, but studying at Temple is an alternative.  Studying online is an alternative. 

Partnership: people working together

Earn a living: make money from a job you have as a career

 

Why do people travel? 

 

Introduction: Background to the topic.

 

Every year, millions of people around the world travel to new places.  According to statistics, last year, 50 million people travelled somewhere new.  Traveling is becoming more and more an essential part of people’s lives, the same as finding a job.  But, why is it like this?  People travel for many reasons.

 

Chocolate is the international dessert.  In most cultures, you will find something that has chocolate in it, ranging from cookies to cake to pies to ice cream flavors.  But, why is chocolate so popular?  It is popular for the following reasons. 

Nate's Classes, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Film and Discussion:

*Pick a movie and begin watching 

*Discussion: What are your favorite types of movies and why?

SSP Seoul: 

*Begin reading Unit 1.

 Intermediate SEC class:

*We will listen to the video "The Active Life."  We will answer the following questions.

1. What sports does Paul do?

2. What musical instrument does Paul play?

3. Where is Paul studying this year?  What is Paul studying there?

Discussion: 

*What activities do you do in your spare time?

*Are you an adventurous person?  

*The story mentioned that Paul is a big "music buff," which means he is really into music.  What are things you are really into or passionate about?

Reading and Writing Petra:

*Read my blog entry about Ryers' Farm and Marsh Creek State Park.  

*Discussion: What are your favorite places to visit?  Why do you enjoy them so much?

MRW Quiz 2

Reading Passage

The other day in class, we read a short story about an albino girl who was viciously bullied by her classmates for her condition.  They aggressively taunted her by calling her “chalkface,” and asking if she bathed in bleach.  This story took place about 40 years ago, but it reflects a harsh reality that many young people have to deal with even today.  Bullying is one of humanity’s nastiest traits and remains pervasive in our society.  It’s people in a strong position making another person feel weak by insulting and intimidating them.  It is something we must continuously strive hard to eliminate, and I believe the following steps are a good start at that.

First of all, before we can actually take steps to stop bullying, we must be aware that the bullying is taking place.  In schools, adults must be keenly aware of what is going on around them.  This is easier said that done as teachers and administrators have a litany of tasks they must complete on a daily basis, so monitoring kid’s behavior often falls by the wayside.  Nevertheless, people with positions of authority must keep their eyes and ears open to be aware of any bullying that may be going on around them.

If in fact bullying is taking place, then teachers, administrators, and people in charge must intervene to stop this.  Bullying flourishes where there is a vacuum of leadership, so it is essential that people in charge are doing things to show this behavior is never tolerated.  They can do this by talking to the people who are bullying and making it clear that this behavior is absolutely unacceptable.  The story we read in class highlighted how the teacher was in the back of the class perusing LL Bean catalogues while the albino girl was being tormented.  It’s essential that people who have the power to stop it stop it immediately.  

Then, the schools have to create programs to educate students about the evils of bullying and harassment.  I know many schools do this, but it is essential that the schools make it as clear as possible that this kind of behavior will never be accepted.  They should also add why treating people equally is an important part of life beyond the classroom.  Impressionable young people need to be instilled with values of respect for others.  

Bullying is something that will probably not be completely eliminated, but we can’t be passive.  We must actively try and promote good behavior among young people to make a society free of intimidation.  

Short Answers:

1. Does the writer think school leaders are responsible for dealing with bullying?  What tells you this? (5 points)

2. How does the writer feel the teacher in “White Lies” is responsible for the bullying that happened in that story? (5 points)

3. Who do you feel is most responsible for what happened to Connie in the White Lies story (P.208-209)? (5 points)

Reading Explorer 2, Getting the Right Dog

 Jeff, Alison, and Mark go to an animal shelter to find the perfect dog for them.  When they arrived, they saw that there was a wide selection of dogs for them to adopt.  While they were looking at the different dogs, they began to discuss what the ideal dog for them would be.  

"I want to treat my dog like my child," Jeff said.  I want to dress him or her in clothes, give them food from five-star restaurants and take them on vacation to the most luxurious hotels.  I really want to spoil them because I love dogs so much!  

"That's nice," Alison said.  "As for me, I really want my dog to be there when I am not feeling well.  Sometimes, when I feel sick, it is nice to have a dog there by my side.  It makes me feel so much better."

"Those are all nice things," Mark replied.  "But, I need a dog for my job.  I work in security, and I need a dog that can smell things in people's luggage or bags.  For example, if they are bringing drugs, I need a dog for that."  

Questions:

1. Which person is looking for the pampered pet?

2. Which one wants the working dog?

3. Which one wants the animal carer?

4. What kind of dog do you prefer to have?

SSP Riyadh, Quiz 3

Section 1: Use on or in correctly

1. My birthday is ____________May 6.  

2. President's Day is __________February.  This year it was ___________Februrary 19.  It is a holiday for the Presidents.  

3. Ramadan is _____________March and April this year, but every year it changes.  

4. We go on a vaction ____________July often.  

5. The American Independence Day is _____________July 4 every year.  

6. Students don't go to school ______________the summer.  

7. It is very cold _______________the winter. 

8. New Year's Day is ___________January 1.  

Section 2: Use the correct vocabulary.

annual      attend     compete   event    

miss     takes place    take photos 

1. President's Day _________________on the third Monday in February.  

2. Teams in professional sports leagues ______________against each other.  

3. I _________________, or go to, class every day.

4. I never _________________class, or stay home.

5. We _____________________of SSP class outside.  We do a picture together.  

6. Thanksgiving is an _______________holiday in November.  It happens every year then.  

7. The Super Bowl is a sporting ___________________.  It happens in February.  

Section 3: Ask questions with when and how long?

Example: When do you celebrate your national day?  How long is sumemr vacation?

1. When ______________________________-

2. How long ___________________________

3. When ______________________________

4. How long ____________________________

Master's Reading and Writing

*Today, we read about President's Day and discussed important holidays in Japan and the USA. We also wrote about our favorite holidays.

Reading Explorer 2, Dogs in a Human World, 2B

A talent: a skill you are born with *You are a talented pianist. You are a talented athlete. *I have many talents. I can….. *therapy: something that improves your health (mental or physical) *at peace: a calm state *to track (something/someone): to locate *luggage: bags for travel *donate: give something without asking for anything in return Rescue: to save (someone/something) Shelter: a building that keeps you safe from weather/outdoors To pamper: to spoil someone or something Obedient: to do what others tell you to do Defiant: don’t do what others tell you Affection: ways to show love to others Affectionate Plenty: a lot >>There are plenty of places to get lunch nearby. Discussion Questions: 1. What are your talents? 2. What have you donated before? 3. Do you like to pamper your pets? Do you like to pamper people? 4. Are you obedient, or are you defiant? 5. What are there plenty of in your neighborhood?

SSP Riyadh, Vocabulary Festivals

 annual      attend    celebrate     compete    event    in     miss     on    

parades    take photos    takes place    traditional  

1. People ___________________President's Day __________the third Monday in February.  It's an _________________holiday.  We do it every year.  

2. Students do not ___________________school on President's Day.  

3. In the past, cherry pie was a ______________________food people ate on President's Day because of the story of George Washington and the cherry tree.  

4. There are _________________, or people walking in the street with music, on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and other American holidays.   

5. Students will _____________________in the gym this afternoon in a soccer match at 12:45.  Bring your game!   

6. When there is snow, a lot of people ______________________and post them on instagram.  

7. Don't ______________the class or you will get a bad score for participation.  

8. The Super Bowl is an _________________in February ___________ the United States for the championship of American football.  

9. President's Day _________________this next Monday.  

Master's Reading and Writing, Final Essay, Draft #1

This session, we have learned how to write essays in the process analysis style.  A process analysis essay tells, step-by-step, how something happens or is accomplished. 

Choose one of the topics to write a process-analysis essay:

1.   How to overcome anxiety

 

2.      How to stop bullying

 

3.      How to organize yourself better

 

4.      How to build better relationships with people 

Reading Explorer 2, Alligator Encounter Story

 

Do you want to know a terrifying story?  Well, even if you don’t, I will tell you this one anyway.  I was in Florida on vacation, and it was a typical warm, sunny day in the spring season, so I was in a lighthearted mood and wanted to go for a nice walk outside.  I was in a residential neighborhood, and I was passing by a pond when all of a sudden, a giant alligator leapt out of the pond and headed in my direction. 

I was completely alarmed and froze in my place.  The alligator approached me and looked me over curiously.  I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. I felt if I began running, it might attack, but I didn’t want to stay there and interact with this animal.  How to deal with an alligator in this situation was completely unknown to me.  The thoughts racing in my mind were very complex as I was thinking about how to survive the situation while also thinking about my whole life as I wasn’t sure if these were my last moments or not. 

Suddenly, I remembered that I had packed a turkey sandwich for having a picnic outside.  I pulled out the sandwich and threw it towards the pond.  The alligator headed in that direction to get the sandwich.  Apparently, this was what was attracting him to me.  As he devoured my sandwich, I turned on my jets and got out there as soon as possible  I am very lucky to be telling you this story. 

 

1.     1.  What is this reading mainly about?

 

 

 

2.      2. What happened when I passed by the pond?

 

 

 

3.    3. Why did the alligator come near me?

 

 

4.      4. How did I feel about being near the alligator?

 

 

 

 

5.   5.    I said I turned on my jets and got out of there as soon as possible.  What does it mean when you turn on your jets?

SSP Riyadh, prepositions with dates and months

 By Nate Feldman

Use on or in correctly.

1. One of my favorite holidays is the American Thanksgiving holiday.  It takes place _________November.  It is _________the fourth Thursday in this month.  People gather _________this day to have a big feast, with food like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, salad, and pumpkin pie.  

2. Halloween happens every year ___________October 31.  ___________this day, people dress in costumes and go to people's houses and ask for candy.

3. The American Independence Day is _____________July 4th every year.  People have cookouts, and at night there are firework shows.  We celebrate ___________this day because the Declaration of Independence was signed _____________July 4, 1776.  

4. Memorial Day is a holiday ______________May.  It is _____________the last Monday of May.  People have parades and remember the soldiers that fought and died for the United States.  

5. Valentine's Day is a day of love _____________February.  It happens every year ____________February 14.  People by flowers and chocolate for their loved ones and have a nice time with them.  

Master's Reading and Writing, How to Overcome Anxiety (an example essay)

 

            How to Deal with Anxiety

                   By Nate Feldman

Since I was young, I have had stage fright.  Every time I have had to get on stage, either for a performance or a speech, I can feel butterflies in my stomach and I become very jittery.  Anxiety of this sort affects people around the world in many ways.  People are unable to focus or do things appropriately because of these fears they have.  However, we must try to overcome this anxiety, and if you follow my steps, you can do that.

First, you need to be aware of what your anxiety is.  What are the things that make you nervous.  You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know you have one to begin with.  Ask yourself what makes you nervous.  Once you know, draw pictures of that thing or write about it somewhere.  You will have a clearer idea of what is making you feel anxious in your life.

Once you know what makes you anxious, you should do little things to confront this.  For example, if you are afraid of talking in front of people, perhaps you should practice talking in front of a small group.  If that is too much, then you should talk in front of one or two people.  Don’t try to do too much in the beginning, or the anxiety will control you again. 

Then, you must persist in confronting the anxiety.  Don’t just try and speak in front of people one time and then not do it again.  If you do that, the anxiety will return.  Get used to talking in front of people, even if it is just a few.  This way, it will become normal for you, and the anxiety might go away. 

Finally, keep confronting the anxiety in some way until you begin to not notice it anymore.  Eventually, the anxiety will get weaker and weaker, a process they call extinction.  It means you became so used to the thing, it no longer makes you nervous.  Now, you have overcome anxiety.

Master's Reading and Writing, Overcoming Anxiety

 By Nate Feldman

Vocabulary:

anxiety   jittery     kicked myself   take a crack at    wavering 

1. I feel ___________________when I speak in front of people.  It scares me a lot.

2. I _____________________for not going to the game because all of my friends had so much fun.

3. Right now, I am __________________between going to NYC or Florida this weekend.

4. I want to _____________________at making my own movie. 

5. Some people get a bit ____________________and shake when they have too much coffee.

When I was young, my friend said he wanted to travel to India with him.  He said he wanted to go and see the Taj Mahal.  Of course, the idea of going to such a far away land seemed really exhilarating.  But, the closer we got to going, the more anxiety I began to feel.  I woke up in sweats thinking of what kind of problems I would have there.  Perhaps I would get sick.  Maybe the culture shock would be too big for me.  I began to waver on whether I should go or not.  Unfortunately, I turned down the offer, and my friend went without me and with other people.  And from the pictures they showed me, they had a real blast there. 

Of course, I ended up spending the summer in the United States working at a summer camp.  This was fun, but I really began kicking myself for not going because the experience would have been so amazing.  After that, I vowed if I had an opportunity like that again, I wouldn’t turn it down.

Many years later, I began doing theatre at my university.  I really was passionate about acting and thought I would like to become a professional.  Of course, I began to get nervous again because I realized that it is a very difficult field to become a professional in.  Once again, I got the butterflies in my stomach thinking about my future goals.  Would I make enough money?  Would I be able to support myself without my parents’ help? 

The problem was when I thought of a life where I didn’t act, it gave me a sinking feeling.  I could feel myself getting jittery thinking of a life where I had to do something I really didn't care about.  So, I decided I would take a crack at becoming an actor even if people around me were not sure I could be successful at this.  This was a very difficult decision, but I know deep down in my gut it was the best thing for me.  So, I am glad I learned to confront anxiety and not let it take control of me. 

Reading Explorer 2, Animal Story

 

One day John was in a park when he saw an alligator.  The alligator looked him over curiously.  John, of course, was very alarmed when he saw this fierce creature in his presence.  Apparently, the alligator was hungry, and John looked like fresh meat to him.  All of a sudden, the alligator leapt at John and tried to bite him.  John knew that alligators are not lighthearted animals, so he was aware that he needed to escape asap. 

 

1.      Summarize what happened to John in the story. 

 

 

2.  Was John happy when he saw the alligator? 

 

Selection: choice

This menu, has a big selection of food.  The menu at a diner has a humungous selection. 

SSP Riyadh, Quiz 2

A. Use the prepositions at, in, from, to, on correctly in the following paragraphs.

1. Hi!  My name is Lucia and I work as a nurse.  I do the night shift at the local hospital.  I work _________night at the hospital.  I work ___________12:00 __________9:30.  I do this _____________Monday ____________Friday every week.  My husband also works ____________Monday__________ Friday, but his work starts ____________9:00 ________the morning and ends ___________6:00 ____________the evening, so we don't see each other much during the week.  _____________Sunday, we both have the day off, so we go to the park and relax.  

2. Hi!  My name is Bob.  I am a manager of my company.  I am a workaholic, so I work __________weekends and _____________weekdays as well.  I take time off ___________Saturday evenings, but this is the only time I don't work.  

3. My week starts ___________Monday and it ends ____________Friday.  I always come to work __________the morning, and I return to my home ____________the evening.  I work ___________8:30 __________5:30 every day.  

B. Use go + ing correctly with the verbs in parentheses.  

1. I go (walk) ___________________with my dog every evening.  

2. I go (camp) __________________with my family on the weekends.  

3.  I go (dance) __________________with my wife on Saturday nights.

4. I go (swim) ___________________in the summer.  

5. I go (hike) ___________________in the mountains during the warm months.  

6. I go (bowl) ___________________with a group of guys on Friday nights.  

C. Ask information questions in the simple present.  Use where, when, what, who

Example: Where do you study English?

1. Where _________________________________?

2. Who ___________________________________?

3. When ___________________________________?

4. What ___________________________________?

5. Where ____________________________________?

6. Who ______________________________________?

7. When ____________________________________?

8. What _______________________________________?

Master's Reading and Writing, Life Advice

 By Nate Feldman

When I was young, I remember the time my mother took me to a video store and she asked me to pick a movie I wanted.  Unfortunately, I wavered and it took me one hour to pick a movie because I was so nervous of picking the wrong movie that night.  Instead of having a nice night and enjoying a movie, I spent more time in the video store not deciding on the movie I wanted.  I learned something from that day.  Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.  It’s part of life.  Even if you pick the wrong movie, it’s better than doing nothing.  So, my life advice is to just accept that we make mistakes all of the time and always will.  And that’s OK, because that is what being human is about.

Reading Explorer 2, Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions:

*Do you consider yourself lighthearted or serious?  How do you feel around lighthearted people?

*What is something you think people need to be more aware of?

*What makes you feel alarmed?

*What are you curious about?

*How comfortable are you interacting with people from different backgrounds?

*What is apparent about people you see here in Philly every day?

>Apparently, people here don’t follow the traffic lights strictly because I see people go through the red light all of the time. 

SSP Riyadh, Prepositions with time

 

I will visit your country in June.  I will visit your country in the summer.  I will visit your country in 2024. 

 

I came here in November.  I came here in the fall.  I came here in 2023. 

 

I was born in May.  I was born on May 6. 

I will come to your country in June.  I will come to your country on June 13. 

 

I came to ELS in November.  I came to ELS on November 5. 

 

I will see you in 2025.  I will see you on March 3, 2025.

 

*What do you do in the spring? 

*What do you do in the summer? 

*What do you do in the fall? 

*What do you do in the winter?

*What will you do in 2024?

*What will you do on February 19, 2024?

Master's Reading and Writing, Vocabulary, Anxiety, Challenge by Another Name

 

Anxiety: when you feel nervous about something

jittery: when you are shaking

butterflies in your stomach: when you feel so nervous your stomach gets upset 

having second thoughts: when you are ready to change your mind about something

to kick yourself: to be sorry you did something 

homesick: you miss your home so much

daunted: challenged 

proposition: suggestion or offer 

to waver: to go back and forth between two ideas or things

take a crack (at something): try to do something

SSP Riyadh, Unit 3, Special Occasions

 By Nate Feldman

Vocabulary:

special occasion: special event

takes place: happens 

feast: a big meal 

parade: an event with many people walking in the streets for a holiday 

a cookout: eating outside

a musical instrument: you play music with (piano, oud, guitar, violin etc.) 

Reading Explorer 2, The Song of the Humpback Vocabulary Activity

 

Lighthearted: very easygoing and relaxed in life

Leaping: jumping

*My teacher is a very lighthearted individual.  Instead of walking in class, he leaps around. 

Biologist: studies living organisms

Marine: Ocean and sea life

A Marine Biologist: An expert in sea life

Aware: to have knowledge of something

*I am aware that you are planning to take a vacation. 

*I am not aware of any hotel near us. 

Alarmed: frightened or scared

To look over: to check someone or something out in a careful way

Curiously: something you want to know more about

Complex: many parts or difficult; opposite of simple

Unknown: nobody has the answer

National anthem: song of the country

Single: one

Interact: being involved with someone, communicating with them

Apparently: it’s clear

*You sleep every day in class.  Apparently, you are quite tired. 

Reading Explorer 2, HW, Vocabulary Review

 crops    depend on    extinct    historic    marketplace     seeds    

solely    species     suggest    variety   

1. Valley Forge Park is a ___________________place where George Washington's army stayed during the American Revolution.  

2. I bought some _________________at the store for different fruits and vegetables, and now I will plant them in the ground.  

3. I _________________you buy a new car if your current one is beginning to break down and is old.  

4. A good _____________________has a __________________of different fruits and vegetables for people to buy.  

5. You are __________________responsible for your actions.  Not other people.  

6. If we don't take care of endangered animals, they may eventually go __________________, so we must protect them.  

7. There are many _____________________of birds in the United States.  

8. All countries ____________________farmers to grow _________________and raise livestock for the nation's food supply.  

SSP Riyadh, Information questions in the simple present

 *Use  what, where, when, or who in the questions.

1. __________________do you live?

*I live in Philadelphia.  

2. ________________does he eat for lunch?

*He eats Indian food, especially tikka masala.  

3. ______________do you have class?

*I have class in the morning.  

4. _______________do you study at ELS?

*I study the English language.  

5. _____________do you study with?

*I study with my friend.  

6. _______________does he have dinner with?

*He has dinner with his family.  

7. ______________does she wake up?

*She wakes up at 7:00 in the morning.  

8. ______________do they go on weekends?

*They go to different cities on weekends.  

9. ________________does he eat at the Brazilian restaurant?

*He eats Churrasco. 

10. _______________do they eat Kabsa and Saleeq.

*They eat this food in Saudi Arabia.  

*Use preposition correctly 

Hi!  My name is Tom.  I work as a teacher.  I teach classes ______________the morning.  I teach ___________8:30 _____________12:20.  I teach English to international students.  ______________the evenings, I cook food at a restaurant.  My work starts ____________4:00, and I get home ______________11:00 _________night.  I have a very interesting life.  

Hi! I am Lucy.  I work as a nurse.  I work ____________the morning and the afternoon.  My shift begins _____________7:00 ___________the morning and finishes ______________4:00 in the afternoon.  

Master's Reading and Writing

 

Master’s Reading and Writing Quiz 1            Name:

Read Designate a Place for Each Thing, P.413-415.  Answer the following questions.  For each question, you will be evaluated on your idea, how you support it, and spelling and grammar.  Idea is worth 3 points, support is worth 1, spelling and grammar is worth 1 for each question.

1.      In this story, Marie Kondo goes through a specific daily ritual.  What is this ritual and what is the purpose of it?  Give details from the reading (5 points)

 

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2.      Based on this reading, would you describe Marie Kondo as an organized or disorganized person?  What facts in the reading give you this impression?  (5 points)

 

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Read the passage below and answer the question.

Since we were young, people have been trying to get us to organize our things.  Perhaps it was a teacher at school or our parents.  They would discipline us or ground us for the weekend if our desks in school or our rooms were filthy.  Despite this, organizing a room is a great challenge for many of us, and many people need advice on how to do this appropriately, or else their areas and space remain utter messes.  I can’t say this is ideal, but here are my steps for putting your room together. 

First, like Marie Kondo said, I think you should designate a place for specific things.  There should be a place for clothing, both clean and dirty, a place for pocket items, such as wallets, keys, and phones, and places for your books.  Perhaps, it can be a box for the pocket items, a closet for shoes or clothes, or a corner of the room where you place things.  This is important because it can be very confusing to know where to put things without a designated place, and it can also lead to the bad habit of just tossing your things in a random place, something that is certain to make you misplace your things more easily.  So, make sure everything has its own place. 

Now that you know where to put your things, it is time to establish a time to clean and tidy up the place.  Perhaps it will be every day, every two or three days, or maybe once a week.  But, you should create a time to do cleaning of some kind.  I say that because it is easy to forget to clean as we get preoccupied with our busy lives.  Something like cleaning can fall by the wayside if you don’t set a time to do it.  And one really critical thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to clean it all at once.  Perhaps you can clean one part of the room on certain days and another part of the room on others.  Or, you can designate 10 minutes a day that you do some small tidying up.  Little steps lead to big results. 

Organizing a room is not everyone’s favorite activity, but it is one that should not be overlooked if you want a comfortable living space.  Remember to make sure that your things have a specific area they are located in, and also make sure you establish a certain time to keep it neat.  If you do that, your room should be in good condition.  Thank you and have a nice room!

 

Questions:

3.      In Designate a Place for Everything by Marie Kondo, she says, “The reason every item must have a designated place is because the existence of an item without a home multiples the chances that your space will become cluttered again.”  Do you think the writer of the passage above shares the same view?  What tells you this?  (5 points)

 

 

 

 

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4.      Kondo states at the end of the passage that one of the reasons for rebound is the failure to designate a place for specific items.  What does she mean by this (5 points)?

 

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