Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Impromptu Speaking: Organization

For the last few weeks of the school year, we'll be working on how to how to organize a public speech and stand in front of an audience an give a presentation. The focus will be impromptu speaking. According to the Free Dictionary, impromptu is something "spoken, performed, done, or composed with little or no preparation; extemporaneous." Impromptu speaking is also known as "extemporaneous speaking." An impromptu speech can't be prepared in advance, so the student must learn the skills to quickly organize the topic, and then present that topic with ease and confidence. 

For our purposes, each student will be given a card with a topic written on it. They will then have a few minutes to prepare a speech about that topic. Here are some topic examples


·       My three favorite animals.
·       What you would find in my closet. Make something up.
·       What you'd find under my bed.
·       The best letter of the alphabet.
·       Why your mom/dad is special.
·       A day that stands out.
·       The best surprise ever.
(Find more here)

 Organization

It is important to know how a speech is organized before you begin. The picture to the right is a helpful way to think about your speech.



After you have your topic:



First: Make a mental list of three things you want to say about it, and reasons or examples for each. These three things will make up the body of your speech. Once you have these, the remaining elements of your speech, the introduction and conclusion will be easy!

Here's how you speech will look:

Introduction:
“Hello, my name is_______and today I’d like to talk to you about________.

Body: (your three things)

·     “The first reason/thing …..because……”
·     “The second reason/thing” or “secondly” “….because….”
·     “The final reason/thing” or “finally…..because”

Conclusion

To conclude” or “in conclusion…these are the reasons/things….”

Use this "map" for every speech, and you will be on the road to giving a successful presentation every time!

  

 

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Comic Page

The Fluency students have created so many great comics (see last post), we've added a few more on this special "Comic Page." So just sit back, relax, and get ready to be entertained! --The first one is a special creation by a student who created his comic by hand, and then did a special animation for it. You'll love it, I promise!!
The Pig Party by Tycho

~by Gisbert~


~by Hugo~

~by Mark~

~by Paul~
~by Thomas~

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

It's Comical

Reading comic strips is a fun way to improve your English skills. Try it! Here are a few sites to get you started:
If reading comics is good for language skills, creating your own is even better! For this lesson, we made sure we all knew "comic" vocabulary, for example, comic book, comic strip, speech bubble, story board, etc., and then practiced making our own on comic templates. (For lesson plan and blank comic templates, see here).

The next step was to try our hand at creating our own using tools available free online. Some of the sites the students enjoyed using include:
Here is the grading criteria for the student-generated comics:
 
Comic Strip Grading Rubric

CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Attention to detail
Comic Strip shows exceptional attention to detail.
Comic Strip shows very good/good attention to detail
Comic Strip shows some attention to detail.
Comic strip shows little attention to detail.
Text Creativity
Student used all original ideas and text.
Most of the text and ideas is original.
A few original ideas, but either little text, or recycled text from other sources.
No original ideas used in text, or no text at all.
Organization
Pictures and text are extremely well organized and easy to understand.
Pictures and text are mostly well organized and easily understandable.
Pictures and text are only somewhat organized. Ideas come across as a bit chaotic. 
Organization of material is confusing to the reader and comic looks as if it were haphazardly thrown together.
Clarity and Neatness
Comic Strip is easy to read and all elements are clear.
Comic Strip is easy to read and most elements are clear.
Comic Strip is somewhat easy to read and some elements are clear.
Comic Strip is hard to read and few elements are clear.
Spelling & Proofreading
No spelling or grammar errors
No more than 1 spelling/grammar error
No more than 3 spelling/grammar errors
Several spelling/grammar errors
Use of Time
(Active Participation Grade)
Used time wisely.
Mostly used time wisely.
Sometimes used time wisely.
Wasted time in class and/or didn’t turn comic in on time.

Grading Table:
24-23 points = 10/9
23-18 points = 8/7
17-12 points = 6/5
Below 12 points = 4/3/2/1
The fluency students came up with some very clever dialogues and characters, and then got to work creating. Below you will find just a sample of the many--Enjoy!
By Danielle and Silvy (part 1)



By Danielle and Silvy (Part 2)




by Tara
by Noah

by Richard

by Rosalie


by Eijse



Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Just for Laughs!

When was the last time you really laughed? I mean, you laughed so hard your sides started aching? We interviewed our classmates to find out what they find funny. Most admit that they laugh when someone is clumsy (think of how we laugh when we see the old slip-on-a-banana-peel gag!). Some of us laugh when other people are laughing, or when someone is being silly. Some people laugh when they are nervous, or don't know what to say. Tickling makes most of us laugh too. Almost everyone agreed that jokes make us laugh--even if the joke is corny (meaning very silly!).

But, what is it that makes a joke funny?

In a famous study, Professor Richard Wiseman, in cooperation with The British Association for the Advancement of Science, set out to discover the funniest joke in the world. You can read more about it here on his LaughLab website (and download lots of funny jokes!). Here is the joke which they rated as the funniest one of all:

Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy takes out his phone and calls the emergency services.
He gasps: "My friend is dead! What can I do?" The operator says: "Calm down, I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence, then a gunshot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: "OK, now what?" 


Did that make you laugh, or at least chuckle? What is it about this joke that makes people find funny? Most likely it is the surprise ending!

Now watch this video about a guy who is trying to find the best joke ever. You will be aware of a series of puns, clichés, double meanings, and play on words.

 Quite clever isn't it? Many of these jokes are visual. Did you catch them all?  How often did you laugh?


 There are actually formulas for creating good jokes, and every joke should have at least one of these elements:
  1. They make use of words that have double meanings (puns, play on words, homonyms)
  2. The answer is something you weren't expecting.
  3. They create a funny picture in your head.
Using the criteria above, look at this video and determine what element (or elements) each joke has.


Now, read each joke below (it's better if you have friend to tell them to!), and use these criteria to categorize them. Some could fit more than one element. (For those of you who did these in class, I've added a few new jokes!)
D= Double meaning
U= Unexpected (ending)
P= (creates a funny Picture in your head)


_________1. Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the other side
 

_________2. Why is the sky so high?
So the birds don't bump their heads


_________3. What did one traffic light say to the other traffic light?
Don't look at me, I'm changing
 

_________4. Why don’t you ever see hippopotamus hiding in trees? 
Because they’re really good at it.

_________5. What do you call a dog without legs?
Anything you like. It won't run after you 


_________6. Patient: doctor, doctor, I feel like a bridge.
Doctor: what came over you?
Patient: two cars and a bus
 

__________7. What do you get if you cross a sheep with a kangaroo?
A woolly jumper 


__________8. Why do cows have bells?
Because their horns don't work
 

__________9. Why do golfers wear two pairs of pants? 
In case they get a hole in one.


_________10. A man walked into a hospital and said: "Doctor, doctor, I've grown curtains." The doctor said: "Calm down man and pull yourself together."
 

_________11. Why can't a car play football?
Because it has only got one boot
(in UK English, cars have "boots" not "trunks")

_________12. Why wasn't Cinderella allowed to be in the soccer team?
Because she runs away from the ball


_________13. Why did the boy take the pen and paper to bed?
So that he could draw the curtain
 

________14. What does the secretary do to old nails?   
 File them


________15. Why don't aliens starve in space?
Because they can find mars, a milky way, and a galaxy.
 
_______16. Two fish are in a tank. One turns to the other and asks “How do you drive this thing?”

______17.  Why can’t a bike stand on its own?
 It’s two tired.

______18.  When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.

______19. You want to hear a pizza joke? Never mind, it’s pretty cheesy.

______20.  What time is it when you have to go to the dentist? 
Tooth-hurtie.
 Answers: 1-U, 2-UP, 3-D, 4-UP, 5-UP, 6-DP, 7-D, 8-D, 9-D, 10-D, 11-D, 12-DP, 13-D, 14-D, 15-D, 16-DP, 17-D, 18-D, 19-D, 20-D

And now for something completely different... it's time for US to tell a few jokes!





 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Personality (Part 2)

In our last post, we talked about our personalities traits and how we might be perceived by others.
Now, think about your best friend. What is it about their personality that you really like? Are there things you wish they would change? Answer the survey questions below about your best friend, then use the list of adjectives to come up with a good description of them:


  1. _____ Is your friend usually in a good mood?  
  2. _____ Is it important for your friend to be successful in whatever he/she does?
  3. _____ Does your friend notice your feelings?
  4. _____ Does you friend often give presents, or pay for a snack or drink?
  5. _____ Does your friend work hard?
  6. _____ Does your friend become angry or annoyed if he/she has to wait for something or someone?
  7. _____ Can you trust your friend with a secret?
  8. _____ Does your friend listen well when you are speaking?
  9. _____ Does your friend keep his/her feelings to him/herself?
  10. _____ Is your friend usually not worried by things, no matter what happens?
  11. _____ Does your friend think the future will be good?
  12. _____ Does your friend often change their opinion about things?
  13. _____ Does your friend often postpone things he/she has to do?
  14. _____ Is your friend happy one moment and then sad the next?
  15. _____Does your friend like to be with people?



Which of these adjectives describes the quality asked about in each of the survey questions?
Another way to think about personality is by simply using the first two letters of the alphabet, "A" and "B." What is and A Type personality, and how does it differ from Type B? Here's a video that will give you a good example of each type, in a humorous kind of way :)

What did you discover about these two types? Which category would you put yourself into? Your friend? Take a look at the chart below to see words that accurately describe these two types of individuals. Do you think it's easier to be friends with A or B types?
Well, no matter if you see your friend as an A or B type, remember, as the video above says, "We need BOTH types" So you A Types out there, RELAX!! And you B Types, take care of those Type "A"s!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

What's Your Personality?

Photo credit: CNN.com
We all have certain characteristics that make us who we are. What words do you use to describe your personality traits or the personality traits of others? Here's a list to get you started. You can click on each word to get the fuller meaning. There are many words to describe personality, both positive and negative. Here is and even more a complete list of 636 Primary Personality Traits

So, it is clear that there are many words to describe your personality and the personalities of those around you. Try this Personality Adjective Quiz, and see how well you understand the meaning of these descriptive words.


PERSONALITY ADJECTIVE QUIZ
1. 
WHAT DO YOU CALL A PERSON WHO LIKES LOOKING AT HERSELF/ HIMSELF IN THE MIRROR ALL THE TIME?

A.
modest

B.
vain

C.
spoilt

D.
outgoing

2. 
WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PEOPLE  WHO SHOW THAT THEY LOVE  OR LIKE PEOPLE VERY MUCH?

A.
mean

B.
reliable

C.
affectionate

D.
moody

3. 
WHAT´S THE OPPOSITE OF "VAIN"?

A.
charming

B.
sensitive

C.
jealous

D.
modest

4. 
WHAT´S THE OPPOSITE OF "GENEROUS"?

A.
mean

B.
lazy

C.
selfish

D.
bossy

5. 
WHAT DO YOU CALL THE CHILDREN WHO BEHAVE BADLY BECAUSE THEY´RE NORMALLY GIVEN EVERYTHING THEY WANT?

A.
selfish

B.
spoilt

C.
reliable

D.
self-confident

6. 
WHAT´S THE OPPOSITE OF "MESSY"?

A.
tidy

B.
untidy

C.
lazy

D.
unreliable

7. 
WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PERSON WHO HAS COMMON SENSE AND IS PRACTICAL?

A.
sensitive

B.
sensible

C.
oversensitive

D.
ambitious

8. 
WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PERSON WHO LIKES GIVING ORDERS TO EVERYBODY ELSE?

A.
aggressive

B.
shy

C.
bossy

D.
insecure

9. 
WHAT´S THE OPPOSITE OF "CLEVER"?

A.
intelligent

B.
mean

C.
extrovert

D.
stupid

10. 
WHAT DO YOU CALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST OR RELY ON?

A.
unreliable

B.
reliable

C.
jealous

D.
moody

Answers: 1)B, 2)C, 3)D, 4)C, 5)B, 6)A, 7)B, 8)C, 9)D, 10)B

Now it's time for a little Personality Test. Answer each question as honestly as you can--there are no right or wrong answers. When you're finished, use the Key at the bottom to calculate your score. The Analysis will then give you and explanation of your score. --Do you agree with your results? When you are finished, you may wish to take another personality test and compare results. Here's one for you to try: Big Five Personality Test


Personality Test

1. When do you feel your best?
a. In the morning
b. During the afternoon and early evening
c. Late at night

2. You usually walk
a. Fairly fast, with long steps
b. Fairly fast, with short, quick steps
c. Less fast, head up, looking the world in the face
d. Less fast, head down
e. Very slowly

3. When talking to people you
a. Stand with your arms folded
b. Have your hands clasped
c. Have one or both your hands on your hips
d. Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e. Play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with
a. Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b. Your legs crossed
c. Your legs stretched out or straight
d. One leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with
a. A big, appreciative laugh
b. A laugh, but not a loud one
c. A quiet chuckle
d. A sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you
a. Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b. Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c. Make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted. Do you..
a. Welcome the break
b. Feel extremely irritated
c. Vary between these two extremes


8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a. Red or orange
b. Black
c. Yellow or light blue
d. Green
e. Dark blue or purple
f. White
g. Brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie
a. Stretched out on your back
b. Stretched out face down on your stomach
c. On your side, slightly curled
d. With your head on one arm
e. With your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are
a. Falling
b. Fighting or struggling
c. Searching for something or somebody
d. Flying or floating
e. You usually have dreamless sleep
f. Your dreams are always pleasant


Add up your points using the table below:



A
B
C
D
E
F
G
1
2
4
6




2
6
4
7
2
1


3
4
2
5
7
6


4
4
6
2
1



5
6
4
3
5



6
6
4
2




7
6
2
4




8
6
7
5
4
3
2
1
9
7
6
4
2
1


10
4
2
3
5
6
1




Total Points: ________________

Analysis
Over 60 points: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care" You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 to 60 points: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 to 50 points: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 to 40 points: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest...Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

21 to 30 points: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

Under 21 points: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

(Thanks to "Taking Off and Touching Down" for this test!)