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Friday, November 30, 2012
In the Atlas
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-09/04/content_2189188.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What's an atlas? What's a gazetteer?
2. In an atlas, look up each of the cities and countries named in the conversation.
3. What are the countries in the Southern Hemisphere called in your language?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-09/04/content_2189188.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What's an atlas? What's a gazetteer?
2. In an atlas, look up each of the cities and countries named in the conversation.
3. What are the countries in the Southern Hemisphere called in your language?
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Astronomy Terms
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-09/03/content_2186801.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What do you know about the astronomers Copernicus and Galileo and their discoveries?
2. Name the planets in order from the sun.
3. What is the Milky Way? Is there a different name for it in your language? If so, translate it into English.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-09/03/content_2186801.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What do you know about the astronomers Copernicus and Galileo and their discoveries?
2. Name the planets in order from the sun.
3. What is the Milky Way? Is there a different name for it in your language? If so, translate it into English.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
New Computing Terms II
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/30/content_2182528.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Use the words emoticon, netiquette, newbie, phishing, unfollow, and wi-fi in sentences.
2. What are some of the basic rules of "netiquette"?
3. In what situations do you (or would you) use "emoticons"? If you wouldn't use them, why not?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/30/content_2182528.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Use the words emoticon, netiquette, newbie, phishing, unfollow, and wi-fi in sentences.
2. What are some of the basic rules of "netiquette"?
3. In what situations do you (or would you) use "emoticons"? If you wouldn't use them, why not?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
New Computing Terms I
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/28/content_2178503.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Use the words bloggable, bulletize, cyberbullying, cybersquatting, and digerati in sentences.
2. Has anything happened to you recently that's "bloggable"?
3. Have you ever been bullied, by a cyberbully or a regular one? If so, talk about it. If not, what do you think it would be like?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/28/content_2178503.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Use the words bloggable, bulletize, cyberbullying, cybersquatting, and digerati in sentences.
2. Has anything happened to you recently that's "bloggable"?
3. Have you ever been bullied, by a cyberbully or a regular one? If so, talk about it. If not, what do you think it would be like?
Monday, November 26, 2012
Gone with the Wind
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/27/content_2177947.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Have you seen "Gone With the Wind"? If yes, talk about it. If no, what do you know about it?
2. Do you know any famous quotations from other movies?
3. "Gone With the Wind" is set against the American Civil War. "Titanic" is set against that ship's sinking. Do you know of other personal stories set against major historical events?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/27/content_2177947.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Have you seen "Gone With the Wind"? If yes, talk about it. If no, what do you know about it?
2. Do you know any famous quotations from other movies?
3. "Gone With the Wind" is set against the American Civil War. "Titanic" is set against that ship's sinking. Do you know of other personal stories set against major historical events?
Sunday, November 25, 2012
World Religions II
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/23/content_2173706.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Why do some people think that Taoism and Confucianism aren't really religions?
2. What do you know about the Indigenous traditions?
3. What other traditions are named, both religious and not religious? Talk about each.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/23/content_2173706.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Why do some people think that Taoism and Confucianism aren't really religions?
2. What do you know about the Indigenous traditions?
3. What other traditions are named, both religious and not religious? Talk about each.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
World Religions I
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/21/content_2170079.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What do you know about each of the four categories of religions: the Abrahamic, the Indian, the Chinese, and the Indigenous traditions?
2. What are the similarities among the Abrahamic traditions? What are the differences? Compare and contrast them.
3. What are the two major Indian traditions? How are they the same? How are they different?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/21/content_2170079.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What do you know about each of the four categories of religions: the Abrahamic, the Indian, the Chinese, and the Indigenous traditions?
2. What are the similarities among the Abrahamic traditions? What are the differences? Compare and contrast them.
3. What are the two major Indian traditions? How are they the same? How are they different?
Friday, November 23, 2012
King Arthur
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/20/content_2169143.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What do you know about King Arthur? Talk about his story.
2. What is the difference between "history" and a "legend"?
3. What is "chivalry"? The "Round Table"? "Camelot"? The "Holy Grail"?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/20/content_2169143.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What do you know about King Arthur? Talk about his story.
2. What is the difference between "history" and a "legend"?
3. What is "chivalry"? The "Round Table"? "Camelot"? The "Holy Grail"?
Thursday, November 22, 2012
English as She is Spoke 3
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/16/content_2165421.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Number 1 puts the adverb in the wrong place. Why is it wrong?
2. Number 1 also confuses "it" and "her." Have you made pronoun mistakes like this? Give an example.
3. Some of these sentences are about a play. What are some good questions you can ask a friend about a movie he or she has seen?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/16/content_2165421.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Number 1 puts the adverb in the wrong place. Why is it wrong?
2. Number 1 also confuses "it" and "her." Have you made pronoun mistakes like this? Give an example.
3. Some of these sentences are about a play. What are some good questions you can ask a friend about a movie he or she has seen?
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
English as She is Spoke 2
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/14/content_2161060.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Do you know what "context" is? Explain it.
2. In Number 1, "How" and "what" are confused. Have you made that mistake? Give an example.
3. Number 5 uses "be" and "do" together, a common (and very bad) mistake. Can you think of some bad examples?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/14/content_2161060.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Do you know what "context" is? Explain it.
2. In Number 1, "How" and "what" are confused. Have you made that mistake? Give an example.
3. Number 5 uses "be" and "do" together, a common (and very bad) mistake. Can you think of some bad examples?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
English as She is Spoke 1
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/13/content_2159918.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Before you read the explanations, read the "wrong" sentences and try to figure out what is wrong with them.
2. How could "having a bad looks" be different from "looking bad"? (Think of "ugly" and "badly behaved").
3. What do YOU think "still some o’clock" means?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/13/content_2159918.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Before you read the explanations, read the "wrong" sentences and try to figure out what is wrong with them.
2. How could "having a bad looks" be different from "looking bad"? (Think of "ugly" and "badly behaved").
3. What do YOU think "still some o’clock" means?
Monday, November 19, 2012
The Olympics
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/09/content_2156167.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Do you enjoy watching the Olympic games? Why or why not?
2. What was the purpose of the ancient Olympics?
3. How are the modern Olympics different from the ancient games? How are they the same?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/09/content_2156167.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Do you enjoy watching the Olympic games? Why or why not?
2. What was the purpose of the ancient Olympics?
3. How are the modern Olympics different from the ancient games? How are they the same?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Alfred Hitchcock
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/07/content_2152890.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Have you ever seen a film by Alfred Hitchcock? What do you know about him and his work?
2. Do you like suspense movies? Why or why not?
3. Have you heard of Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, or Peter Jackson? What do you know about their films?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/07/content_2152890.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Have you ever seen a film by Alfred Hitchcock? What do you know about him and his work?
2. Do you like suspense movies? Why or why not?
3. Have you heard of Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, or Peter Jackson? What do you know about their films?
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Photography
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/06/content_2151521.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Are you interested in photography? What sorts of things do you shoot?
2. Do you prefer to see bright color pictures, or black and white? Why?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of shooting digital pictures versus using film?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/06/content_2151521.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Are you interested in photography? What sorts of things do you shoot?
2. Do you prefer to see bright color pictures, or black and white? Why?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of shooting digital pictures versus using film?
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Middle Ages
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/02/content_2148190.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What are "the Middle Ages" in the middle between? (What comes before and after them?)
2. What are the three stages of the Middle Ages? What was each stage like?
3. What brought about the Renaissance?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-08/02/content_2148190.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What are "the Middle Ages" in the middle between? (What comes before and after them?)
2. What are the three stages of the Middle Ages? What was each stage like?
3. What brought about the Renaissance?
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Great Books
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/31/content_2145097.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What's the difference between "a great book" and "The Great Books"?
2. Have you read any of the Great Books mentioned in the article? What do you know about them?
3. What is the purpose of making "Great Books" lists?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/31/content_2145097.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What's the difference between "a great book" and "The Great Books"?
2. Have you read any of the Great Books mentioned in the article? What do you know about them?
3. What is the purpose of making "Great Books" lists?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Avengers
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/30/content_2143102.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Who are the four main characters in "The Avengers"? Talk about each one.
2. Have you seen any of the movies mentioned, or any other movies made from a comic book (Spiderman, Superman, etc.)? Talk about them.
3. Do you know any of the other films that had actors from this one, like "Sherlock Holmes" with Robert Downey Jr., or "Girl with the Pearl Earring" with Scarlett Johansson?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/30/content_2143102.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Who are the four main characters in "The Avengers"? Talk about each one.
2. Have you seen any of the movies mentioned, or any other movies made from a comic book (Spiderman, Superman, etc.)? Talk about them.
3. Do you know any of the other films that had actors from this one, like "Sherlock Holmes" with Robert Downey Jr., or "Girl with the Pearl Earring" with Scarlett Johansson?
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The Land Down Under
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/26/content_2138824.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What's a marsupial? Have you ever seen one?
2. What is the capital of Australia? What are its two largest cities? What do you know about them?
3. Discuss some aspects of Australian culture mentioned in the article, and tell why it's called "Down Under."
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/26/content_2138824.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What's a marsupial? Have you ever seen one?
2. What is the capital of Australia? What are its two largest cities? What do you know about them?
3. Discuss some aspects of Australian culture mentioned in the article, and tell why it's called "Down Under."
Monday, November 12, 2012
Visiting China
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/24/content_2135333.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What would YOU like to see in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an?
2. Have you seen any of the attractions mentioned in the article? What do you know about them?
3. What sights would you recommend for a foreign friend visiting China?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/24/content_2135333.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What would YOU like to see in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an?
2. Have you seen any of the attractions mentioned in the article? What do you know about them?
3. What sights would you recommend for a foreign friend visiting China?
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The Roman Empire
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/23/content_2134693.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What are the "Latin languages"? Why are they called that? Do you know any words in any of those languages?
2. What are some of the influences that Rome still has on the nations of modern Europe? Explain at least three.
3. Discuss the end of the Roman Empire.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/23/content_2134693.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What are the "Latin languages"? Why are they called that? Do you know any words in any of those languages?
2. What are some of the influences that Rome still has on the nations of modern Europe? Explain at least three.
3. Discuss the end of the Roman Empire.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Fun with Grammar VI
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/19/content_2129238.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/19/content_2129238.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Fun with Grammar V
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/17/content_2126024.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/17/content_2126024.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Fun with Grammar IV
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/16/content_2124734.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/16/content_2124734.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Fun with Grammar III
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/12/content_2121049.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/12/content_2121049.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Fun with Grammar II
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/10/content_2117413.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/10/content_2117413.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Fun with Grammar I
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/09/content_2116032.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/09/content_2116032.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: For each rule in this lesson:
1. Be sure you know what the problem is.
2. Make a sentence using the grammar point the WRONG way.
3. Now fix your "wrong" sentence.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Elvis Presley
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/05/content_2111989.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Tell Elvis Presley's "life story" as found in the lesson.
2. Why was Elvis so popular?
3. Do you know any of his songs? If yes, sing one. If not, learn one!
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/05/content_2111989.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Tell Elvis Presley's "life story" as found in the lesson.
2. Why was Elvis so popular?
3. Do you know any of his songs? If yes, sing one. If not, learn one!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Modern Art
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/03/content_2109002.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: Discuss the life and work of each of these artists. Use books or the internet if necessary:
1. Pablo Picasso
2. Salvador Dali
3. Marc Chagall
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/03/content_2109002.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions: Discuss the life and work of each of these artists. Use books or the internet if necessary:
1. Pablo Picasso
2. Salvador Dali
3. Marc Chagall
Friday, November 2, 2012
Incredible India
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/02/content_2107551.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Describe the geography of India.
2. What religions started in India? What do you know about each one?
3. Who was Mahatma Gandhi? What did he do?
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-07/02/content_2107551.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. Describe the geography of India.
2. What religions started in India? What do you know about each one?
3. Who was Mahatma Gandhi? What did he do?
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Evolution
Lesson from the Shenzhen Daily:
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-06/28/content_2103911.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What's the difference between evolution and creationism? Who believes in creationism?
2. Who is Charles Darwin? What is Darwinism?
3. Define and discuss these terms: adaptation, natural selection, survival of the fittest, On the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Voyage of the Beagle
http://szdaily.sznews.com/html/2012-06/28/content_2103911.htm
Practice the conversation; study the vocabulary; then discuss the questions with a friend in English.
Questions:
1. What's the difference between evolution and creationism? Who believes in creationism?
2. Who is Charles Darwin? What is Darwinism?
3. Define and discuss these terms: adaptation, natural selection, survival of the fittest, On the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man, The Voyage of the Beagle
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