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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What should I do?

When travelling to another country it is important to know what to do and what not to do. I learned about the etiquette of sushi restaurants by watching this VIDEO. Choose ONE question below and answer in the comments.

1. Read about the do's and don'ts in THAILAND. What was the most interesting or surprising thing?

2. Have you ever made a mistake in etiquette when in a foreign country? What happened?

3. Have you ever noticed a foreigner making a mistake about your culture? What happened?

4. Do you know any interesting "do's and don'ts" from other cultures?

Next class we will be talking about fashion. Choose ONE of the questions below and answer in the comments.

1. Watch this VIDEO about fashion in Europe 600 years ago. What things do you see that are similar to our modern clothes? What things are different?

2. Watch this VIDEO about American fashion from 1950-2000. What changed? What stayed the same? What came back into fashion?

3. What different kinds of fashion do you know about in Japan or in other countries?

4. Throughout history, people have used make-up for ceremony, style or as a status symbol. Do you know any interesting facts about make up?

FOOD!

Next class we're going to talk about one of my favorite topics: FOOOOOD!
Choose one of the questions and answer it in the comments.
1. What is one of your favorite dishes? Why do you like it?
2. What dish do you hate? Why?
3. What kind of food can you cook?
4. What is your favorite restaurant? What do you usually order there?
5. When you were a child, was there some kind of food you hated or loved?
6. What did you have for dinner last night?
7. What do you usually have for breakfast?

Jobs

Next class we will talk about jobs and working. Look at the questions below, choose ONE and answer it in the comments.

1. Do you have a part-time job now? What do you do?
2. Did you used to have a part-time job? What did you do?
3. What kind of part-time job would you like? Why?
4. What kind of job would you like after you graduate from TUFS?
5. Do you know of any unusual jobs?

Review

Next class we will review for the test!

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Have a great Umi Day!!!

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Writing is FUN!

Next class we are going to do some creative writing. Here is an example of a poem we will read in class and then copy its style. Please read the poem then watch this video HERE. Finally, tell us what you think of the poem and video in the comments.

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This is Just to Say

by William Carlos Williams

I have eaten

the plums

that were in

the icebox

and which

you were probably

saving

for breakfast

Forgive me

they were delicious

so sweet

and so cold

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Special Occasions 2

Look at a list of world festivals HERE or a list of religious holidays HERE. Choose one festival or holiday and read a little bit about it. Please tell us about it in the comments.

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See you next class!

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Special Occasions

In the next two classes we will talk about special occasions and holidays. For example: New Years, Coming of Age Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Matt's Birthday, etc...

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In the comments please tell me about your favorite day and why...

Sorry everybody! I forgot to put the homework on our blog... I know you must be very sad. Don't worry, I promise to give you some next week!!

See you on Thursday~

International Beverages

Last class we heard about margaritas, toddies, Tibetan tea and mate. Next week we will learn about hot chocolate (or cocoa). Please click on one drink you are interested in and read more information about it. In the comments, please tell us something surprising or informative you read.

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Drinks

We will be talking about drinks next week and will hear about some popular beverages from Argentina, Tibet, Sri Lanka and Mexico. We will also learn how to make these drinks!
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In the comments, please tell me about your favorite drinks and how to make them (if you know how!).
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Achievement Test 1

We will have our first test next week. After the listening, you will have some time to practice speaking with a partner and then we will do the speaking test.
Email me if you have any questions.

Good luck!
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Review

We will have our first Achievement Test on June 3rd so next week we will review everything we have studied.

There is no homework for this week.

See you!
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