Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Tuesday's Assignment



Degrees of Formality
Task 1:
Rewrite the sentences below, replacing the words in italics with their formal equivalents from the box. Make sure you use the correct form of the verb.

review
concerned
angry
ensure
receive
purchase
complete
assure
request
would like

1. I can promise you this will never happen again.
2. We will make sure the computer is repaired by one of our technicians.
3. The book I bought online was damaged.
4. I want you to give me my money back.
5. I hope you got the package I sent last week.
6. He’s really mad about the service he received at our store.
7. The work will be finished by the end of the month.
8. The manager is worried that they won’t meet their deadline.
9. Please go over the proposal and make any necessary changes.
10. She asked for the information a long time ago.

Task 2:
Read the sentences below and decide whether or not they use the degree of formality appropriate for the given situation. Revise the sentences if necessary.

1. a note to a co-worker: The meeting is at 10 sharp. Don’t be late.
2. a letter to a Member of Parliament: Thank you for your help in this matter.
3. an email message to a friend: I am looking forward to seeing you there :)
4. a note to a child’s teacher: I would greatly appreciate it if you could inform me when I could meet with you.
5. an email message to a superior: I’ll let you know about the time of the meeting ASAP.
6. a manager to her subordinates: Thanks for your hard work, guys!
7. a letter accompanying your résumé: Here is my résumé.
8. a note to the office cleaner: I would appreciate it if you could kindly clean under my desk in a timely fashion.

Friday, 21 November 2014

Friday's Assignment

Business Writing Cont.

1.     Write one or two paragraphs about a person who has influenced your life. Use appropriate pronoun references to make the paragraph coherent.

2.     Choose one of the topics below. Write either a descriptive or narrative paragraph. For the narrative paragraph, you can create a timeline and brainstorm events/steps you would like to include.

• Describe your most treasured possession
• Describe your favourite place
• Describe the best job you have ever had
• Narrate the events leading up your coming to Canada
• Describe the best day of your life



Thursday, 20 November 2014

Field Trip Thursday Nov 27: Christmas Past at Black Creek Pioneer Village



Next Thursday we are going to Black Creek Pioneer Village on a yellow school bus on the 27th of November, leaving MicroSkills LINC, 200 Consumers Rd, at 9:15 a.m. and returning by 2:30 p.m.

The program is entitled Christmas Past, and it will show what Christmas was like and how it was celebrated 200 years ago. The bus ride is free to us, thanks to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, but make sure to hand over your $11.50 for the program fee to your instructor by Monday. Spaces are limited, and latecomers are welcome to travel by TTC and pay the regular entrance fees.

Please dress appropriately for outdoor and indoor activities, and bring your camera, walking shoes, lunch (or lunch money), and a great attitude to learn and to enjoy!

The program description is as follows:
Christmas Past

HAND OUTS:

All grade levels
 mid November to December 23 only
*Maximum 400 students per half day 
Curriculum Links: Language; Environmental Studies; Social Studies: Heritage and Identity-Changing Roles and Responsibilities (grade 1)Changing Family and Community Traditions (grade 2)Communities in Canada,1780-1850 (grade 3)Communities in Canada, Past and Present(grade 6) History: Creating Canada, 1850-1890 (grade 8)
Traditions and celebrations of the different cultures that make up the Village provide a very special Christmas visit.  Scottish, Irish, British and Pennsylvania-German influences are seen in a traditional setting of 19th century homes, shops and community meeting places.  Each child makes a traditional Christmas craft.  Groups help to create a pomander, taste period treats, work at a printing press, try on pioneer winter clothes and play with old-style Christmas toys.  Join in the spirit of the season at this fun filled visit to the Village.
*Activities depend on buildings visited
$11.50 per student

Info from Black Creek Pioneer  Village ...

Wednesday, 19 November 2014

Wednesday's Assignment

Business Writing


In North American academic writing, it is important to state the purpose of writing at the beginning of a document. In essay writing, the introductory paragraph should summarize what you plan to talk about in the rest of your essay.
It is important to present the main points clearly and precisely, without putting the onus on the reader to decipher the meaning of the essay.

Task 1:

Write one or two comparison paragraphs on one of the following topics. Use an appropriate topic sentence and relevant supporting details. Include suitable transitions.

•         Your previous country’s geography and Canada’s geography
•         The weather in your previous country and in Canada
•         Your present apartment/house, and your previous apartment/house
•         Learning English in your previous country and learning English in Canada
•         The schools’ system in your country and in Canada
•         Education in your home country and in North America

Task 2:

Ask two of your peers to edit your work, then you are free to publish your masterpieceJ!




Friday, 14 November 2014

Friday's Assignment



Women's Suffrage

Take the opportunity to work on your presentation with your group. Make sure to follow the following steps:
  • ·       Narrow the topic
  • ·       Discuss all the subtopics
  • ·       Assign tasks
  • ·       Start your research
  • ·       Prepare speakers' notes
  • ·       Rehearse, rehearse, and then rehearse
  • ·       Present with your group
Task 1:
Watch this video in order to help you understand more about the topic.

Task 2:
List all the new things you have learnt from watching the video on your blogs by 2.30 pm today.




Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Tuesday's Field Trip photos

Yesterday we had great time at Toronto Centre for the Arts. Here are the photos we had together; please share your photos on your blogs together with your experience as well.







Wednesday's Assignment



The War of 1812 was a significant war in Canadian history.
Click on this link, read the article, listen to the related video, and then finish these tasks.

Task 1:
Write a quick summary of the article. (don't exceed 50 words)

Task 2:
Have two of your peers edit your work, and then publish on your blogs.