Hello Level 5 Class,
Please follow the link to more information about "ing" clauses.
http://www.eslmonster.com/article/ing-clauses
We are reviewing this grammar point in class, Unit 3.
Also, if you haven't seen this video already, please click on the link below to see a PBS profile on the Amish people, you may have to cut and paste the link into your browser. It is a really interesting biography about a very devote group of people that hold on to their traditions and values from hundreds of years ago.
http://video.pbs.org/video/2200745636/
Best,
Teacher Bonnie
Monday, April 2, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Level 4 Passive Voice & Goals for Education
For My Level 4 ESL Class,
Today we are reviewing Unit 1 for a quiz next Saturday, April 7th. Also, we are continuing to work on Unit 2, in our Ventures 4 book. On the right side of this page you will see a link to Ventures Arcade. Click on the link and it will take you to Ventures 4, follow the link to Unit 1, then Unit 2. Complete the exercises on Noun Clauses in Unit 1 and, in Unit 2, on the Passive Voice and Reading.
When you finish the above exercises, think about this...
The topic of Unit 2 is Student Success. Have you discovered your passion for learning? What is your goal for education? What are your career goals? Life goals?
Here are some student success quotes to help you think through the process:
For example:
"Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself." - John Dewey
"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." – W.B. Yeats
Please follow the link for more inspirational quotes on learning:
http://conciselearning.com/studentsuccessquotes.html
Be prepared to share your goals with the class.
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Also, have you thought about transferring into the Credit ESL classes on main campus? The next meeting is on Tuesday, April 10th, please ask me for further details.
Best,
Teacher Bonnie
Today we are reviewing Unit 1 for a quiz next Saturday, April 7th. Also, we are continuing to work on Unit 2, in our Ventures 4 book. On the right side of this page you will see a link to Ventures Arcade. Click on the link and it will take you to Ventures 4, follow the link to Unit 1, then Unit 2. Complete the exercises on Noun Clauses in Unit 1 and, in Unit 2, on the Passive Voice and Reading.
When you finish the above exercises, think about this...
The topic of Unit 2 is Student Success. Have you discovered your passion for learning? What is your goal for education? What are your career goals? Life goals?
Here are some student success quotes to help you think through the process:
For example:
"Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself." - John Dewey
"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." – W.B. Yeats
Please follow the link for more inspirational quotes on learning:
http://conciselearning.com/studentsuccessquotes.html
Be prepared to share your goals with the class.
.jpg)
Best,
Teacher Bonnie
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Amish
Hello Class,
Please click on the link below to see a PBS profile on the Amish people, you may have to cut and paste the link into your browser. It is a really interesting biography about a very devote group of people that hold on to their traditions and values from hundreds of years ago.
http://video.pbs.org/video/2200745636/
Best,
Teacher Bonnie
Please click on the link below to see a PBS profile on the Amish people, you may have to cut and paste the link into your browser. It is a really interesting biography about a very devote group of people that hold on to their traditions and values from hundreds of years ago.
http://video.pbs.org/video/2200745636/
Best,
Teacher Bonnie
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Cleft Sentences: What are they?
Hi Level 5 Class,
We are currently reviewing Cleft Sentence structures which give emphasis to the focus of your sentence.
For more information, follow the links, you might have to cut and paste them into your browser:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/12881488/Cleft-SentencesExercises
http://esl.about.com/od/grammarstructures/a/g_emphasis.htm
What we need is to study more! Lol!
What I need is a good vacation. :)
Best,
Teacher Bonnie
We are currently reviewing Cleft Sentence structures which give emphasis to the focus of your sentence.
For more information, follow the links, you might have to cut and paste them into your browser:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/12881488/Cleft-SentencesExercises
http://esl.about.com/od/grammarstructures/a/g_emphasis.htm
What we need is to study more! Lol!
What I need is a good vacation. :)
Best,
Teacher Bonnie
Monday, February 20, 2012
Welcome to Spring Semester, Level 5!
Welcome to your ESL Level 5 Class at PCC-CEC! 
English-as-a-Second Language can be interesting, fun and exciting. Learning English fluency will open doors to furthering your education and career goals. I am privileged to be part of your learning experience.
Here are some of what's happening this spring:
1) Location and Hours: Class is in Bungalow 3 also known as Portable 3. We start at 8am and finish class at 11:20am, our break is at 9:20am for 20 minutes. We meet Monday through Thursday.
2) Our book this semester is Passages 2 - See the syllabus for details.
3) We have a webpage for our class only. It is accessible on the PCC homepage, look in the left hand column and go to:
Login: Online Classes (https://bb-pcc.blackboard.com/)
You will need your PCC log-in ID.
4) If you plan on transferring to PCC credit class, be sure to become part of the Bridge Program. We will discuss more about this in class.
All the best for an exciting semester,
Teacher Bonnie
Here is the course description and information:
Course Information Sheet: Spring 2012
Course: English as a Second Language ESL 1031, Level 5, Section 7142
Description:
Advanced English proficiency level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to meet most life and work-related demands with little problem. Emphasis is on increased use of grammatical functions to prepare students for greater academic success at both high school and college levels.
Location: Community Education Center / Pasadena City College
3035 East Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA. 91107
Room number: B3 (Bungalow/Portable 3)
Instructor: Bonnie
Email: English4work@yahoo.com
Class Online: PCC Blackboard, Section 7142
Blog: http://myeslclass.blogspot.com
Classroom Hours: 8:00 am to 11:20 am (break is 20 minutes)
Monday through Thursday
Class starts: February 21st through June 14th, 2012
Required Text: Passages 2: Student Book (ISBN # 978-0-521-68391-3)
Passages 2: Workbook (ISBN # 978-0-521-68393-7)
Evaluation Policy:
Classroom Participation 35%
Tests & Quizzes 25%
Attendance 30%
Homework 10%
Total 100%
TESTS:
• ESL Appraisal Assessment: Diagnostic Test
• CASAS Pre Test: Required
• CASAS Post Test: Required
• Quiz after each unit is required to evaluate student’s understanding and comprehension
• Student Projects and Presentations
Attendance Policy:
Four consecutive absences can result in student being dropped. However, the teacher may allow limited excused absences as required. Students must notify the teacher ahead of time when possible (for example tell the teacher, tell your classmate, or call the administration office @ (626) 585-3000 and leave a message for the instructor). Please, explain absence to your absence to your teacher.
English-as-a-Second Language can be interesting, fun and exciting. Learning English fluency will open doors to furthering your education and career goals. I am privileged to be part of your learning experience.
Here are some of what's happening this spring:
1) Location and Hours: Class is in Bungalow 3 also known as Portable 3. We start at 8am and finish class at 11:20am, our break is at 9:20am for 20 minutes. We meet Monday through Thursday.
2) Our book this semester is Passages 2 - See the syllabus for details.
3) We have a webpage for our class only. It is accessible on the PCC homepage, look in the left hand column and go to:
Login: Online Classes (https://bb-pcc.blackboard.com/)
You will need your PCC log-in ID.
4) If you plan on transferring to PCC credit class, be sure to become part of the Bridge Program. We will discuss more about this in class.
All the best for an exciting semester,
Teacher Bonnie
Here is the course description and information:
Course Information Sheet: Spring 2012
Course: English as a Second Language ESL 1031, Level 5, Section 7142
Description:
Advanced English proficiency level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to meet most life and work-related demands with little problem. Emphasis is on increased use of grammatical functions to prepare students for greater academic success at both high school and college levels.
Location: Community Education Center / Pasadena City College
3035 East Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA. 91107
Room number: B3 (Bungalow/Portable 3)
Instructor: Bonnie
Email: English4work@yahoo.com
Class Online: PCC Blackboard, Section 7142
Blog: http://myeslclass.blogspot.com
Classroom Hours: 8:00 am to 11:20 am (break is 20 minutes)
Monday through Thursday
Class starts: February 21st through June 14th, 2012
Required Text: Passages 2: Student Book (ISBN # 978-0-521-68391-3)
Passages 2: Workbook (ISBN # 978-0-521-68393-7)
Evaluation Policy:
Classroom Participation 35%
Tests & Quizzes 25%
Attendance 30%
Homework 10%
Total 100%
TESTS:
• ESL Appraisal Assessment: Diagnostic Test
• CASAS Pre Test: Required
• CASAS Post Test: Required
• Quiz after each unit is required to evaluate student’s understanding and comprehension
• Student Projects and Presentations
Attendance Policy:
Four consecutive absences can result in student being dropped. However, the teacher may allow limited excused absences as required. Students must notify the teacher ahead of time when possible (for example tell the teacher, tell your classmate, or call the administration office @ (626) 585-3000 and leave a message for the instructor). Please, explain absence to your absence to your teacher.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Passive Voice
Hi Class!
Welcome to your L5 blog!
This week we're studying the passive voice. Here are some notes edited from the very helpful University of North Carolina Writing Center, follow the "passive voice" link in the Grammar Websites list on the right side of this page, or cut and paste:
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/passivevoice
"Review: Defining the Passive Voice"
"A passive construction occurs when you make the object of an action into the subject of a sentence. That is, whoever or whatever is performing the action is not the grammatical subject of the sentence. Take a look at this passive rephrasing of a familiar joke:
Why was the road crossed by the chicken?
Who is doing the action in this sentence? The chicken is the one doing the action in this sentence, but the chicken is not in the spot where you would expect the grammatical subject to be. Instead, the road is the grammatical subject. The more familiar phrasing (why did the chicken cross the road?) puts the agent in the subject position, the position of doing something—the chicken (the agent/doer) crosses the road (the object). We use active verbs to represent that "doing," whether it be crossing roads, proposing ideas, making arguments, or invading houses (more on that shortly).
Once you know what to look for, passive constructions are easy to spot. Look for a form of "to be" (is, are, am , was, were, has been, have been, had been, will be, will have been, being) followed by a past participle. (The past participle is a form of the verb that typically, but not always, ends in "-ed." Some exceptions to the "-ed" rule are words like "paid" (not "payed") and "driven." (not "drived"). Here's a sure-fire formula for identifying the passive voice:
form of "to be" + past participle = passive voice
For example: The city has been burnt by the sun.
When her house was invaded, Penelope had to think of ways to delay her remarriage.
NOTE: Forms of "be" are not always passive: "be" can be the main verb of a sentence that describes a state of being, rather than an action. For example, the sentence "John is a good student" is not passive; "is" is simply describing John's state of being. The moral of the story: don't assume that any time you see a form of "have" and a form of "to be" together, you are looking at a passive sentence. "I have to be on time for the concert," for example, is not passive. Ask yourself whether there is an action going on in the sentence and, if so, whether whoever or whatever is doing that action is the subject of the sentence. In a passive sentence, the object of the action (e.g., the road) will be in the subject position at the front of the sentence. There will be a form of be and a past participle. If the subject appears at all, it will usually be at the end of the sentence, often in a phrase that starts with "by" (e.g., "by the chicken").
Let's briefly look at how to change passive constructions into active ones. You can usually just switch the word order, making the agent and subject one by putting the agent up front:
PASSIVE:
The city has been burnt by the sun.
...becomes...
ACTIVE:
The sun burned the city.
PASSIVE:
When her house was invaded, Penelope had to delay her marriage.
...becomes...
ACTIVE:
After the robbers invaded her house, Penelope had to delay her marriage.
To repeat, the key to identifying the passive voice is to look for both a form of "to be" and a past participle, which usually, but not always, ends in "-ed."
Clarity and meaning
The primary reason why your instructors frown on the passive voice is that they often have to guess what you mean. Sometimes, the confusion is minor. For example:
When her house was invaded, Penelope had to delay her marriage.
Like many passive constructions, this sentence lacks explicit reference to the agent—it doesn't tell the reader who or what invaded Penelope's house. The active voice clarifies things:
After the robbers invaded her house, Penelope had to delay her marriage.
Thus many instructors—the readers making sense of your writing—prefer that you use the active voice. They want you to specify who or what is doing the action. Compare the following two examples from an anthropology paper on a Laotian village to see if you agree.
(passive) A new system of drug control laws was set up. (By whom?)
(active) The Lao People's Revolutionary Party set up a new system of drug control laws."
That should help. Be sure to check the links to the right of this page for more exercises.
See you in class!
Bonnie C.
Welcome to your L5 blog!
This week we're studying the passive voice. Here are some notes edited from the very helpful University of North Carolina Writing Center, follow the "passive voice" link in the Grammar Websites list on the right side of this page, or cut and paste:
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/passivevoice
"Review: Defining the Passive Voice"
"A passive construction occurs when you make the object of an action into the subject of a sentence. That is, whoever or whatever is performing the action is not the grammatical subject of the sentence. Take a look at this passive rephrasing of a familiar joke:
Why was the road crossed by the chicken?
Who is doing the action in this sentence? The chicken is the one doing the action in this sentence, but the chicken is not in the spot where you would expect the grammatical subject to be. Instead, the road is the grammatical subject. The more familiar phrasing (why did the chicken cross the road?) puts the agent in the subject position, the position of doing something—the chicken (the agent/doer) crosses the road (the object). We use active verbs to represent that "doing," whether it be crossing roads, proposing ideas, making arguments, or invading houses (more on that shortly).
Once you know what to look for, passive constructions are easy to spot. Look for a form of "to be" (is, are, am , was, were, has been, have been, had been, will be, will have been, being) followed by a past participle. (The past participle is a form of the verb that typically, but not always, ends in "-ed." Some exceptions to the "-ed" rule are words like "paid" (not "payed") and "driven." (not "drived"). Here's a sure-fire formula for identifying the passive voice:
form of "to be" + past participle = passive voice
For example: The city has been burnt by the sun.
When her house was invaded, Penelope had to think of ways to delay her remarriage.
NOTE: Forms of "be" are not always passive: "be" can be the main verb of a sentence that describes a state of being, rather than an action. For example, the sentence "John is a good student" is not passive; "is" is simply describing John's state of being. The moral of the story: don't assume that any time you see a form of "have" and a form of "to be" together, you are looking at a passive sentence. "I have to be on time for the concert," for example, is not passive. Ask yourself whether there is an action going on in the sentence and, if so, whether whoever or whatever is doing that action is the subject of the sentence. In a passive sentence, the object of the action (e.g., the road) will be in the subject position at the front of the sentence. There will be a form of be and a past participle. If the subject appears at all, it will usually be at the end of the sentence, often in a phrase that starts with "by" (e.g., "by the chicken").
Let's briefly look at how to change passive constructions into active ones. You can usually just switch the word order, making the agent and subject one by putting the agent up front:
PASSIVE:
The city has been burnt by the sun.
...becomes...
ACTIVE:
The sun burned the city.
PASSIVE:
When her house was invaded, Penelope had to delay her marriage.
...becomes...
ACTIVE:
After the robbers invaded her house, Penelope had to delay her marriage.
To repeat, the key to identifying the passive voice is to look for both a form of "to be" and a past participle, which usually, but not always, ends in "-ed."
Clarity and meaning
The primary reason why your instructors frown on the passive voice is that they often have to guess what you mean. Sometimes, the confusion is minor. For example:
When her house was invaded, Penelope had to delay her marriage.
Like many passive constructions, this sentence lacks explicit reference to the agent—it doesn't tell the reader who or what invaded Penelope's house. The active voice clarifies things:
After the robbers invaded her house, Penelope had to delay her marriage.
Thus many instructors—the readers making sense of your writing—prefer that you use the active voice. They want you to specify who or what is doing the action. Compare the following two examples from an anthropology paper on a Laotian village to see if you agree.
(passive) A new system of drug control laws was set up. (By whom?)
(active) The Lao People's Revolutionary Party set up a new system of drug control laws."
That should help. Be sure to check the links to the right of this page for more exercises.
See you in class!
Bonnie C.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Welcome to PCC-CEC ESL L5 Class, Winter 2012!
Welcome Class!
Happy New Year!!!
Here is the class syllabus for Level 5. I will give you a copy in class, but you can refer to it here throughout the short semester.
Please note that the winter session is only 6 weeks, so it is quick, but we will learn a lot if you come every day, and focus on assignments. Additionally, you must buy the book, Transitions, student book and workbook as we use them everyday in class. You can purchase the books at the PCC main campus bookstore.
ESL can be fun as well as informative, I look forward to an exciting, short semester with you all.
Best,
Instructor Bonnie
Course Information Sheet
Winter 2012
Course: English as a Second Language ESL 1040A, Condensed, Level 5, Section 3002
Description:
Advanced English proficiency level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to meet most life and work-related demands with minimal challenges. Emphasis is on increased use of grammatical functions to prepare students for greater academic success at both high school and college levels.
Location: Community Education Center / Pasadena City College
Room number: CEC: B-3
Instructor: B. Cheeseman
Instructor Contact Information: english4work@yahoo.com
Classroom Hours: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (break is 20 minutes)
Monday through Thursday
Class starts: January 9, through February 16, 2012
Student Books* - Ventures Transitions - Student Book:(ISBN # 978-0-512-18613-1)
Ventures Transitions – Workbook: (ISBN # 978-0-521-18614-8)
*Students are required to purchase textbooks
Student Blog & Blackboard On-line: http://myeslclass.blogspot.com and Blackboard on-line supplemental course content (information for student log-in given in class.)
Evaluation Policy:
Classroom Participation 35%
Tests & Quizzes 25%
Attendance 30%
Homework 10%
Total 100%
Tests:
• ESL Appraisal Assessment - Diagnostic Test
• CASAS Pre Test - Required
• CASAS Post Test - Required
• Quiz after each unit is required to evaluate student’s understanding and comprehension of each unit’s content (listening, grammar, and reading/comprehension).
Attendance Policy:
Four consecutive absences can result in student being dropped. However, the teacher may allow limited excused absences as required. Students must notify the teacher ahead of time when possible (for example tell the teacher, tell your classmate, or call the administration office: (626) 585-3000; and leave a message for your instructor). Please, explain absence to your instructor when you return to class.
Office Hours for Students:
Office Hours after class are scheduled by the Instructor. The instructor will inform students the date, time and location to meet with students.
Happy New Year!!!
Here is the class syllabus for Level 5. I will give you a copy in class, but you can refer to it here throughout the short semester.
Please note that the winter session is only 6 weeks, so it is quick, but we will learn a lot if you come every day, and focus on assignments. Additionally, you must buy the book, Transitions, student book and workbook as we use them everyday in class. You can purchase the books at the PCC main campus bookstore.
ESL can be fun as well as informative, I look forward to an exciting, short semester with you all.
Best,
Instructor Bonnie
Course Information Sheet
Winter 2012
Course: English as a Second Language ESL 1040A, Condensed, Level 5, Section 3002
Description:
Advanced English proficiency level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing to meet most life and work-related demands with minimal challenges. Emphasis is on increased use of grammatical functions to prepare students for greater academic success at both high school and college levels.
Location: Community Education Center / Pasadena City College
Room number: CEC: B-3
Instructor: B. Cheeseman
Instructor Contact Information: english4work@yahoo.com
Classroom Hours: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (break is 20 minutes)
Monday through Thursday
Class starts: January 9, through February 16, 2012
Student Books* - Ventures Transitions - Student Book:(ISBN # 978-0-512-18613-1)
Ventures Transitions – Workbook: (ISBN # 978-0-521-18614-8)
*Students are required to purchase textbooks
Student Blog & Blackboard On-line: http://myeslclass.blogspot.com and Blackboard on-line supplemental course content (information for student log-in given in class.)
Evaluation Policy:
Classroom Participation 35%
Tests & Quizzes 25%
Attendance 30%
Homework 10%
Total 100%
Tests:
• ESL Appraisal Assessment - Diagnostic Test
• CASAS Pre Test - Required
• CASAS Post Test - Required
• Quiz after each unit is required to evaluate student’s understanding and comprehension of each unit’s content (listening, grammar, and reading/comprehension).
Attendance Policy:
Four consecutive absences can result in student being dropped. However, the teacher may allow limited excused absences as required. Students must notify the teacher ahead of time when possible (for example tell the teacher, tell your classmate, or call the administration office: (626) 585-3000; and leave a message for your instructor). Please, explain absence to your instructor when you return to class.
Office Hours for Students:
Office Hours after class are scheduled by the Instructor. The instructor will inform students the date, time and location to meet with students.
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Quizlet Link & Study Guide
Hi L4 Class, Here is a link to join Quizlet when we use this website in class and work on our vocabulary. Click here: Quizlet Vocabular...
