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Thursday, February 24, 2011

NOTES FOR THE WEEKEND

A few notes on homework:

REWRITE THE COMPOSITIONS
I RETURNED TO YOU ON MONDAY

I forgot to mention one thing I absolutely want you to do:  Correct and re-write the compositions that I have returned to you. The only way you can improve your writing is to go back, look at what you have written. Look at the correction symbols, correct The mistakes and write a second version.





The way you learn to improve your writing is to correct and rewrite as many times as you need to. If you never rewrite, you will probably keep making the same mistakes. You will probably not improve very much. Remember, professional writers often rewrite their stories 15 or 20 times. Nobody gets it right the first tine, especially when they are writing with time pressure   in class.

OTHER HOMEWORK

Grammar:   As you know, you will have a grammar test on modals (can, could, must, have to, should) ,       time clauses ( when, while, before, after)  and other connecting words: because, and, but, so, or. I should probably include count and non-count nouns etc. , but I will save that for later along with articles, and other words like some, many, much, any, a few, a little etc.

I gave you a couple of grammar handouts. Try working on them I will also try to put some exercises on modals, time clauses and coordination on the Grammar links.

By the way, just to give yourself a break go to the Real Canadian Song Book, scroll down to Gordon Lightfoot and listen to the song  Four Strong Winds. You can see the words, and do a little quiz. It is a great way to practice English.

Reading/Speaking:
  •  Read a story in the book you chose. Try to write down the main points. What was it about?
  • What happened in the beginning, after that, etc. at the end. Make sure you keep it in the past tense.
  • Telephone your partner and tell each other your stories. A good idea is to try and write down a few notes. Remember. Keep it in the past tense. 
  • You will probably do something like this in class for marks quite soon. Look at this as practice.                        .

 Look at the poll on the right hand side. Put in your vote.

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