Please answer the following questions in the comments (you can do it anonymously). Thanks!

1. What was your favorite activity or topic this semester? What did you want to do more of?
2. What activity or topic did you not like? What did you want to do less of?
3. Will you continue studying English next semester?

Apologizing

Out topic for next week is about apologizing. This week, think about how and when you say you are sorry. Choose ONE of the questions below and answer it in the comments.

1. When was the last time you sincerely apologized for something? Did it improve the situation?

2. Are you aware of any cultural differences in apologizing in other countries?

3. Watch this funny video about Japanese apologies. What did you think?

4. Would you ever apologize for something that wasn't your fault? If yes, give an example. If not, why not?

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Telling stories

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great vacation! In our next class we will learn how to tell a story. For homework, please think of a story you can tell to your group and tell us the topic in the comments. Anything is ok and it doesn't have to be true!

Here are some ideas:
Something funny, exciting or terrible that happened to you during the vacation.
A ghost story.
Your family history.
Your best birthday.
Something interesting a friend did.
A historical event.
A trip you went on.
The worst restaurant you ever went to.
Something strange you saw on the train.

Movies

We will talk about movies next time so please think about all the films and animations you have seen and loved and hated. Also, choose ONE of the questions below and answer it in the comments.
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1. What genre of movie do you like? For example: romantic comedies, horror, romance, thriller, etc... And why do you like those kinds of films?
2. A country's films can tell us a lot about its culture. What country's movies have you seen? What did you learn about the culture?
3. One of my favorite animators is Zumbakamera, from Spain. Watch one of the videos then recommend us your favorite animator.

Travel

In the next class we will talk about travel and plan a trip to Budapest, Hungary. Please read the introduction below and then answer ONE of the following questions.

Hungary is famous for its wine, hot springs, and goulash, but there is so much more. The capital, Budapest, is a hip and vibrant city that is not so cheap, but a very good value. Autumn is a good time to go – the changing leaves are romantic and the cool weather is perfect for drinking coffee in a cozy café in the back streets near the university. Budapest is full of art galleries, museums, monuments, festivals and lively nightclubs.
The Hungarian language is quite difficult for beginners, but if you learn a few phrases, you should have no problem communicating. At the very least, learn how to say “hello”, “please”, “thank you”, and the numbers up to ten.
Budapest is actually two cities separated by the Danube River. Buda, in the west of the city, is rugged, hilly and tranquil. Pest, in the east, is the heart of the city. Everything is within walking distance of subways and trams so it is easy to get around.

1. What is the most interesting thing for you about Budapest? Why?
2. Do you think the advice about learning the language is good? Why or why not?
3. If you have been to Budapest or Hungary, what was it like?

Review

Next class we will review for the Test. There is no homework!!
Hope to see you at the festival~

TV Shows

We are going to talk about TV shows in the next class. Think about how much TV you watch and what kind of shows you like the best. Choose one question from below and answer it in the comments.
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1. Watch this VIDEO about an American TV show called "Glee". Have you ever seen it? Does it look interesting to you? Why or why not?
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2. Watch the promotional VIDEO for "Six Feet Under". Do you know this American TV show? What kind of feeling does the video give you?
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3. Have you ever seen a "reality show"? Watch the trailer for "Jersey Shore" HERE. Is this something you're interested in seeing? Why or why not?
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