Julie's Blog

Great Essays

2009-06-09T09:21:00.002-05:00

AE2 writing students: this is a link to a website where you can take quizzes for each chapter in Great Essays. Click on the link below to take the quiz for Chapter 3 - Comparison Essays.

Great Essays student site

AE1 paragraph example

2009-06-08T15:54:00.001-05:00

What can international students gain by studying in the U.S.?

There are many advantages for international students who study in the U.S. First, they can learn English from native speakers. It is very important to become fluent in a second language. Second, they can meet new people when they study in their classes. Also, they can make new friends in the dorms or cafeteria. Finally, international students can learn about other cultures because the U.S. has people from different countries and is very diverse. In conclusion, international students studying in the U.S. can gain many benefits.

Term 093 in CESL

2009-05-26T09:47:00.002-05:00

The first summer term is well under way after a nice, long holiday weekend. The activities for this term include bowling and roller skating, as well as social breaks every Thursday at 3:10. Check out the events on CESL's Facebook page - it's called Center for English as a Second Language.

SIU's Sunset Concert Series begins Thursday, June 18 at 7:00. Every Thursday for six weeks, SIU sponsors a concert from 7:00 to 9:00. The first one will be in front of Shryock Auditorium. After that, they will alternate between Shryock and Turley Park.

There is a lot of other fun stuff to do in Carbondale during the summer. Just tell me what you're interested in and I can give you some suggestions. There is no reason to be bored in this small, but exciting town.

Happy blogging, AE2!

AE2 sample paragraph - formatting practice

2009-05-26T09:43:00.002-05:00

Julie Bird
AE2 Writing
Paragraph
May 21, 2009

My Family

My family is not a typical, American family. My parents got married when they were young and have been married for more than fifty years. I have three older sisters, one of which was in college when I was born. Even though my family has four, adult women in it, my parents only have three grandchildren. In these ways, my family is unique.

AE2 - example summary

2008-09-29T13:19:00.001-05:00

In the article, “Lucid Dreaming,” the author points out the history of lucid dreaming and how to become a lucid dreamer. First, he explains that lucid dreaming is a dream in which the dreamers are aware that they are dreaming and they can control what happens in the dream. Lucid dreaming is a very old idea going back to the days of Aristotle and having its original connections to religion. More recently, lucid dreaming has been redefined and books are still written about it today. Next, the author describes some of the techniques used to become a lucid dreamer. Stephen LaBerge created the MILD technique in which people wake up, tell themselves they are dreaming, and then go back into the dream to control what happens in the dream. There are also steps people can take to help themselves remember their dreams and start learning from their dreams. Finally, the author wishes the readers a nice journey into their dreaming life.

AE2 Summary

2008-04-28T16:39:00.001-05:00

Our class wrote a summary about an article that explained how secondhand smoke is dangerous. This was a group project and our first summary of the term.

In “The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke,” the author shows the harm of secondhand smoke to lessen the dangers to nonsmokers. First, the new studies of secondhand smoke show that lung cancer is a danger even for nonsmokers. Next, the author explains that in the past people did not know that cigarettes could be a risk for nonsmokers. In addition, children whose parents smoke are more affected than those that live in a nonsmoking household. Finally, the U.S. now has many laws to stop the effects of secondhand smoking. Both smokers and nonsmokers have a high risk of having problems strong laws strong laws related to smoking.

Treasures at the University Museum

2008-04-09T15:40:00.004-05:00

Our AE2 class went to the museum on Tuesday. The students analyzed one piece of art of their choice. Their paragraphs are on their weblogs - check them out.

A beautiful place

2008-03-24T09:54:00.000-06:00

My favorite, beautiful place in southern Illinois is Inspiration Point, which is located in the Shawnee National Forest. It is a very tall cliff that overlooks the flat land in the western part of Illinois. From the road, you can see a long cliff that stretches for miles, but within that cliff is one rock that is perfectly flat. The colors of the cliff are amazing. In addition, if you walk to the top, there is a path through the forest that is filled with trees, flowers, and small animals. Standing on top of the rock, you can see an incredible view, including swamps, trees, a bridge, and one road that leads away from the cliff. Also, the view of the sunset is the best in southern Illinois. While there are many great places in the Shawnee National Forest, this one is the most interesting and peaceful.

Dating advice

2008-02-20T14:04:00.003-06:00

These lists were compiled by my Culture through Media class. Our topic this week was love and dating.

Dating advice for women (written by the men in the class):
Be loyal.
Have an active lifestyle.
Keep drinks or liquor that the man likes.
Don't talk too much.
Be yourself.
Don't be picky.
Don't expect the guy to pay for every date.

Dating advice for men (written by the women in the class):
You should carry her stuff.
Listen carefully when she is talking.
Remember special days, such as anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentine' Day.
Do not use the words beautiful, cute, pretty, or sexy about other girls.
Keep clean and have a good smell.
Don't be a picky eater.
You should treat her gently all the time.

2008-02-20T10:53:00.003-06:00

According to the article, “Is it only a dream? Maybe it’s much more,” by Cheyenne Owens, dreams may have a special meaning in our lives. First, all people dream for two hours every night, even though not everyone remembers their dreams. Some people believe that dreams can tell the future. Also, people can find the meaning of their dreams from a dream dictionary. The author concludes by pointing out that dreams might be an important part of a person’s life.

Activities - fun, fun!!

2008-02-05T16:30:00.000-06:00

I hope nobody misses the Chinese New Year party this Friday. It's from 2:00 ~ 5:00 pm at the Interfaith Center. We'll eat, play games, sing karaoke, have fun......

Also, there's a St. Louis trip on Saturday and a rodeo on Sunday. I'll bet most of our students and teachers (including me) have never been to a rodeo. That is American culture at its finest.

Enjoy these activities if you can. If you can't, just remember that only YOU can make your own fun - if you're bored, it's your own fault. (At least that's what my mom always told me when I was growing up.)

See you Friday!!

Welcome back!

2008-01-17T12:10:00.000-06:00

To the students who visit my blog, I'd like to say "welcome to CESL" or "welcome back to CESL," depending on if you are a new or returning student. This is going to be a fun term. AE2 students get to have all new textbooks, which I'm excited about even if the students aren't. EAP1 students get to take a fabulous Culture through Media class with me or Farrar. I think they'll love it! Also, we're going to have some awesome activities this term, including a trip to St. Louis and a Chinese New Year party.

So, enjoy the term!!

Is it newsworthy? You tell me...

2007-11-12T16:41:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time in a land far, far away......

I was standing on a very crowded bus during rush hour. The light was green, the bus was turning right, and a pedestrian was walking across the crosswalk. The bus driver honked his horn at the pedestrian even though it was his turn to walk and the bus was supposed to wait. The pedestrian and the bus driver started yelling at each other. Finally, the bus started moving again and we heard a loud bang on one of the windows. The pedestrian had thrown something large at the bus and it broke the window. The driver immediately slammed on the breaks and all of us that were standing almost fell down. The driver reached under his seat to get a crowbar, opened his window, jumped out of the window, and chased after the pedestrian.

I looked around at the others and saw fear in their eyes. I got off the bus and took a taxi. I didn't want to put my life in the hands of a madman.

It was definitely unusual and unexpected. Other than that, I think it was only newsworthy to people in close geographic or cultural proximity.

Lots of new CESL photos

2007-09-15T18:43:00.000-05:00

Hi there,
Check out the new photos I've posted on our photo site. You can click on the link that says "CESL photos." Again, if there are any pictures of you that you don't want posted, please let me know. Also, send me any photos that you want me to add to the site.
Thanks.

Ayumi's birthday

2007-09-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

Change

2007-08-30T12:50:00.000-05:00

New term, new semester, new students, new classes, new topics, new office, new computer, new clothes, new friends, new season, new smart rooms, new routines, new goals...

Change is good.

4th of July

2007-07-01T18:44:00.000-05:00

This 4th of July, CESL is having a picnic at Evergreen Park. We will welcome new students and groups that will be studying with us this summer. It starts at 6:30 pm and lasts until the fireworks, which start around 9 pm. Don't miss this chance to hang out with CESL students, teachers, and families.

Catch me.........

2007-06-11T16:14:00.000-05:00

The novel, Catch Me If You Can, is one of the greatest books ever written. If anyone says otherwise, they are wrong. Just ask any EAP2 student or GSE student and they will tell you how great it is.

Like pulling teeth

2007-04-23T16:43:00.000-05:00

like pulling teeth = extremely difficult
Getting the students to come to class on time is like pulling teeth.

water under the bridge = something that has happened and cannot be changed
Your midterm exam is water under the bridge. It's time to look forward towards the final exam.

to keep (one) on (one's) toes = to keep one alert
I like to keep the students on their toes by giving them lots of pop quizzes.

Who are these people?

2007-04-13T15:03:00.000-05:00

Man, this seems like a long time ago.

So does this.

EAP1 students are the greatest in the world!

2007-04-13T14:23:00.000-05:00

I thought the title might catch some people's eyes and make them actually read my post. Reading is a wonderful window to new and different worlds. Just like through our CESL classes and friends, our minds can be opened through books (and weblogs). What are some ways to really get into reading? First, you have to choose to read something you are interested in. Then, don't linger on things that you don't understand, but focus on the parts that you do understand. If you become completely engrossed in the story, you won't worry about those few words that you don't know.

I also want to say that guessing vocabulary from context is difficult, but it is an important skill. If you think you are not very good at it, then just keep practicing. Guessing the exact meaning is not as helpful as understanding the overall meaning of the sentence or paragraph.

Feel free to post comments and be sure to check out CESL photos on the right.

Another term... and it's finally Spring!

2007-03-29T15:35:00.000-06:00

Another term is under way, Spring is here, CESL is going to Giant City on Saturday - could life be any better?
If any AE2 students are reading this post, I want to say welcome to our class and to the world of blogging. If you ever have any questions or don't know how to post something, just ask me. I have become an expert in the past couple months. Also, be sure to check out my CESL photos. Maybe you will see your own cute face there.

Go get blogging!

BOWLING!!

2007-03-05T16:49:00.000-06:00

I know you guys voted to go to another place for our EOT party, but it would be too crowded because they have another thing going on tomorrow night. So...... we are going bowling and that's good for me because I really like bowling. The bowling alley serves food and drink, so you can get a snack or dinner there.

Let's meet after the end-of-term exhibit and drive there together. We need cars. If you have a car, please wait to see if anyone needs a ride. We are going to SI Bowl in Carterville (on 13 on the way to Marion). Our reservation is for 5:30 pm.

AE2 Party???

2007-02-27T16:00:00.000-06:00

What should we do to celebrate the end of the term? I, personally, think there is nothing to celebrate. Alas, all good things must come to an end, so......... what will we do to mark this occasion?

Some suggestions I've heard include: bowling and pizza, roller skating, picnic or BBQ, games in the CESL classrooms, Pinch Penny, Ambassador Hall.......

Well, most of these are good suggestions (with the exception of Pinch Penny). I'm leaning towards bowling or Ambassador Hall, but Ambassador Hall would mean somebody would have to cook and I don't want that somebody to be me. Another idea would be going to a restaurant that can accommodate a large group, but then there's the issue of money.
So, if anyone has a solution or a really large house, let me know.

Suggested time is Tuesday, March 6. We will offer rides to anyone who needs one.

AE2 - Weblog Assignment due Tuesday, February 27

2007-02-23T11:00:00.000-06:00

Your last weblog assignment is different from the others that you've done this term. Please write one paragraph arguing for or against the death penalty. The paragraph does not have to represent your own opinion. In your topic sentence, you should state the side you are arguing for. Next, you should give your reason for choosing that side. You could use any of the reasons that we wrote on the board on Thursday in class. After that, you should give examples or details about that reason. Finally, finish your paragraph with a nice, concluding sentence that restates the argument. And, last but not least, please post the paragraph on your weblog.

The assignment is due on Tuesday.

Please let me know if you have any questions or do not understand this assignment.

Links on your weblog

2007-02-20T17:25:00.000-06:00

All of the AE2 weblogs are looking pretty good recently. If you need any help posting or linking, please let me know. I'll be happy to help you. Here are some basic instructions:

To add a link to your link list:
1. Customize
2. Add a page element and choose 'link list' (if you already have a link list, click 'edit' under links)
3. Type in the site URL, such as www.siu.edu/~cesl/
4. Type in a name, such as CESL
5. Click 'add link'
6. Save changes

To link to a website in your post:
Ask me and I can show you in 2 minutes (or less).

Links that you might want to add to your link list:

Julie - juliecesl.blogspot.com (check the link for CESL photos - you might see your own cute face there)
AE2 - ceslae2.blogspot.com
CESL - www.siu.edu/~cesl/
Jessica - jessicamontgomerie.blogspot.com/
Mr. Leverett - www.tomleveretts.blogspot.com/

and anything else you're interested in......

International Festival

2007-02-08T18:29:00.000-06:00

The International Festival is coming up at SIU next week. My favorite event is on Wednesday from 11 - 1:30. It's the food fair and people can try food from all over the world. There are a lot of other activities as well. Check it out at:

SIU International Festival

Snow is pretty,

2007-02-01T16:52:00.000-06:00

but I'm sick of winter. I truly hope the groundhog doesn't see his shadow tomorrow. I don't think I can take 6 more weeks of winter.

www.groundhog.org

Lunar New Year

2007-01-31T15:55:00.000-06:00

Well, the Lunar New Year is upon us and many folks don't know anything about it. It is mostly celebrated in China and Taiwan, but other Asian countries do some celebrating as well. Lunar means moon. February 18 is the first day of the next lunar calendar. Here at CESL, we're going to celebrate the new year on Friday, February 16. According to the Chinese zodiac, each year is represented by an animal. This year is the year of the dog, but after the new year starts, it will be the year of the pig or boar. Check out this website and find out which animal represents you.

www.metaphysicalzone.com/china/

Lost in weblog land.....

2007-01-30T15:12:00.000-06:00

Well, here I am attempting to join the millions who already move effortlessly in, on, and through cyberspace. If this post is successful, I will move on to something much more daring and challenging - adding links to my page. I might sit here for hours today and tonight, but I am determined rise above pencil and paper and I will work patiently until I have mastered this whole blog thing.

Please feel free to add my link to your page.

2007-01-17T16:40:00.000-06:00