Sitcoms, Level 5, Unit 5

Hi L5 Students,

In Unit 5 we are studying Television and Reading, here is a link that discusses the top 20 sitcoms, situation-comedies of the past 20 years.



http://www.imdb.com/list/rGxtXiriRt0/

Have you ever seen any of these tv programs?  Do you like sitcoms? What is your favorite tv show from your country?

Best,
Bonnie

The Hope Diamond/Reported Speech

Hi to My L5 Class,

We are currently working on reported speech in the passive voice.  In our book there is a story on The Hope Diamond - what some people consider the most beautiful diamond in the world!  Watch the video and listen for reported speech in the passive voice, can you recognize the grammar structure?

http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/show.do?show=136360

More questions about the report: 

1) Why is it called the Hope Diamond?  

2) What color is it and why? 

3) How much does it weigh?

4) Where was it found? 

5) Who owned it?  

6) How did it become part of the Smithsonian Institute's museum collection? 

7) Why is it considered "cursed", do you believe it?

Enjoy!

Best,

Teacher Bonnie

More on "ing" clauses :) L5

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

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.

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

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

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

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.