Audio books

Today in class I mentioned that audio books could be the answer to your problem of trying to find time to read. You can listen to them when you are exercising, lying in bed resting after finishing your homework, or travelling. This way, you can multi task, and even give your eyes a rest. At [...]

Comprehension Test on Culture

I know- killer test! Some of you looked really worried today when you saw what was expected of you in terms of answers. But rest assured- with enough practice, it will get easier. You have to really want to do well, though. Otherwise it’s really going to be uphill all the way for you. As [...]

Argumentative essay: human activities and the state of the environment

Here is the presentation I used in class to share with you some of my thoughts about your essays. I have also uploaded here the presentations that I linked to: run-on sentences and dangling participles. Like I told you in class, I would like you to redraft your essays, but you can do this over [...]

3E1 Debate 4: Schools should not have a dress code

Pre-debate votes: For- 16; Against- 10; Undecided- 8 Post-debate votes: For- 5; Against- 21; Undecided- 9 I think it is quite clear that the Opposition succesfully overturned the motion. Proposition: Uniforms stifle self-experession, and students try to express themselves in other ways that may not be acceptable, such as jewellery and make-up. A uniform is [...]

3E1 Debate 3: Keeping fit and healthy is more important than getting good grades

Pre-debate vote: For- 14; Against- 5; Undecided- 12 Post-debate vote: For- 6; Against- 13; Undecided- 11 Proposition: If one is not fit, one cannot concentrate on one’s studies, and may fall sick easily. Main aim in life is to live comfortably. There are many benefits to being fit and healthy. Opposition: main goal at this [...]

3E3 Debate 4: Sharing and downloading of files should be legal

Pre-debate vote: For- 26; Against- 5; Undecided- 1 Post-debate vote: For- 11; Against- 15; Undecided- 6 A very surprising result. Who would have thought that by the end of the debate, the side that proposed making it illegal to share files would sway so many voters! This testifies to the persuasive power of the Opposition, [...]

3E3 Debate 3: Abortion should not be legalized

Pre-debate vote: For- 8; Against- 14; Undecided- 6 (3 people abstained. Not cool, man! ) Post-debate vote: For- 4; Against- 24; Undecided- 3 The negative wording of the motion confused many in the audience, which may explain why 3 people just decided to keep mum till they had figured out, by the end of the [...]

3E1 Debate 2: Public schooling is more effective than home schooling

Pre-debate vote: For- 18; Against- 5; Undecided- 12 Post-debate vote: For- 18; Against- 9; Undecided- 7 (one chose to abstain? for shame!) This is a pet topic of mine, so I was eagerly waiting to hear the arguments in favour of and against home schooling Proposition: Public schools have a long history and a conducive [...]

3E1 Debate 1: Money is not the most important thing in life

Pre-debate vote: For- 21; Against- 8; Undecided- 5 Post-debate vote: For- 11; Against-18; Undecided- 3 A clear victory for the opposition, which says much for their persuasiveness, since intuition would normally force us to agree with the motion. Proposition: other factors are more important (like love, family, success, etc), people don’t always choose subjects to [...]

3E5 Debate 4: National Service should be mandatory for women

Pre-debate vote: For- 13; Against- 11; Undecided- 11 Post-debate vote: For- 16; Against- 13; Undecided- 6 The numbers show that people were listening very carefully. They couldn’t help it- this was one passionate debate, with articulate and well prepared speakers, and a topic that seems made in heaven for the avid debator. Proposition: NS is [...]