UPi Excursion to Brighton Beach

Dear UP2i students, Well, here is Brighton Beach.....
........ but don't worry! This is Brighton Beach in the UK! Brighton Beach in Melbourne, Australia is MUCH quieter - see info. and pictures below!

As many students have requested an excursion to the beach at the end of our 5 weeks of study, I thought it would be a nice idea to go to a 'less popular' beach (collocation!). While waiting for the very, very slow bus to VU Footscray Campus, I discovered the 216 bus, which goes through Footscray, the City and all the way to Brighton Beach! It takes about one hour and twenty minutes (from Footscray). It is a very quiet beach, but a lovely beach (see the photos below) and I thought that we could either have fish and chips, or a barbecue on the beach? (I will check if there are barbecue facilities nearby). So...watch this space! I will pass on more information when it comes to hand. Meanwhile, lets pray to God, Allah and Buddha for excellent weather next Friday!!

If you decide to get the late bus back to the city/Footscray, you may be able to catch a magnificent sunset from Brighton Beach, like the one in the picture here!

Cheers, Jo

TRANSITION SIGNALS TABLE

TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSIONS TABLE

Similarity
also, in the same way, just as ... so too, likewise, similarly

Exception/Contrast
but, however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet

Sequence/Order
first, second, third, ... next, then, finally

Time
after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier, immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently, then

Example
for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate

Emphasis
even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly

Place/Position
above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there

Cause and Effect
accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus

Additional Support or Evidence
additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then

Conclusion/Summary
finally, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, in summary


TRANSITION SIGNALS (Exercises)

http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/grammar/engineering/transitions/index.xml
http://efl.isikun.edu.tr/weblessons/WtransS/TransS2.html

COLLOCATIONS COMPETITION - And the winner is......

Collocations...which word goes with which word??????

International students experience major difficulties when they learn a new academic culture and therefore have problems meeting assignment deadlines and achieving successful study.

(Jo = 5)

When native speakers use informal language and unfamiliar non-verbal communication, an international student finds studying abroad one of the many major difficulties during an academic year and their path to successful study.

(Jo = 8)

Because they find a different education system and academic culture, students studying abroad have several major difficulties, such as, they don’t have suitable accommodation, they cannot understand informal language and native speakers, so non-verbal communication becomes more important for international students
(Sida = 9)

International students face major difficulties when they study in a different education system, learn a new academic culture during an academic year. They therefore study hard because they want to achieve successful study, especially when English language is their second language, and they want to study abroad, but do not know that there is an orientation week and do not know about their assignment deadlines.

(Magid = 5 + 4)


International students who are studying abroad under a new academic culture and education system have to pay a lot of individual attention to independent learning or they will meet major difficulties, as they cannot achieve successful study during the academic year just by using non-verbal communication and informal language when they are facing the native speakers.

(Simon = 12)

The major difficulties facing international students studying abroad is about language, that they must look for suitable accommodation, and instead of informal language they may use non-verbal communication to communicate with native speakers. International students therefore find that they need successful study and independent learning within a different education system based on Western academic culture. (Sparrow 7 +4)

One international student named Iris, who is studying abroad, has some major difficulties with a new education system, academic culture, independent learning and finding suitable accommodation. Another major difficulty is when Iris talks with a native speaker, who has been successful in her studies during an academic year, but Iris uses a lot of non-verbal communication and informal language. This makes her feel embarrassed. (Veronica 7 + 6)

The winner is ............SIMON !

CONGRATULATIONS SIMON!

REVISING ESSAY STRUCTURE/ESSAY PLANNING

Dear UP2i students,

This week's focus is BRAINSTORMING/PLANNING/DRAFTING AN ACADEMIC ESSAY.

(We therefore have a very busy week ahead!)

Many of you have focussed on writing essays and essay structure in the past, but you would be wise to revise what you know to ensure that you have a good plan ready for tomorrow's drafting lesson.

Here is a good PPT which revises essay structure:

http://elicos2b.blogspot.com/2009/10/div-5-paragraph-essay-see-more.html

Here are some other good websites that focus on academic essay writing:

http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/pdf/essay.pdf

http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/Essay.html

http://www.waylink-english.co.uk/?page=60000

These are just some of MANY websites on this topic - find one that you understand and feel comfortable with.

Remember - if you are in doubt, just ask!

Josephine

CULTURAL CORNER _ Trishna and Krishna

WORLD NEWS - Successful surgery to separate conjoined twins from Bangladesh - Trishna and Krishna.

One of the most talked about news stories this past week here in Australia, and one which has captured the world's attention is the story of the siamese twin orphan girls from Bangladesh who were brought to Melbourne, Australia for world-first surgery to separate them.

Thanks to the amazing work of specialist doctors here at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, the surgery has been a remarkable success.

Here are some video and news links if you would like to find out more.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Conjoined-Twins-Trishna-And-Krishna-Separated-After-25-Hour-Operation-In-Melbourne-Australia/Article/200911315455348?f=rss

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26360784-421,00.html

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/when-krishna-met-trishna/story-e6frg71x-1225799490181

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/first-photograph-of-bangladeshi-twins-trishna-and-krishna-with-their-birth-parents/story-e6frf7kx-1225801555410

You have done your homework, haven’t you?

You have done your homework, haven’t you?

Question Tags (also called ‘tag questions’)

As a follow up to today's lesson, here are some good website that give you practice and quizzes in using Question Tags correctly when speaking English.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/1634_gramchallenge2/
http://www.roseofyork.co.uk/learning5.html
http://a4esl.org/q/h/vm/m-tag01.html
http://www.english-zone.com/grammar/tags01.html
http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ei035/esl-test.php

Have a lovely weekend students!

Remember to organise your reading and research summary notes for Essay 1 before Monday's class.

Vocabulary Quiz - Good Luck!

Collocations
'Tell me who you go with and I'll tell you who you are'

What is a collocation? A collocation is two or more words that often go together.

These combinations just sound "right" to native English speakers, who use them all the time. On the other hand, other combinations may be unnatural and just sound "wrong".

Look at these examples:

In English we say:

'fish and chips' (We don't say 'chips and fish')
'natural food' (but we don't say unnatural food)


Why learn collocations?

• Your language will be more natural and more easily understood.
• You will have alternative and richer ways of expressing yourself.
• It is easier for our brains to remember and use language in chunks or blocks rather than as single words.

How to learn collocations
Be aware of collocations, and try to recognize them when you see or hear them.

Treat collocations as single blocks of language. Think of them as individual blocks or chunks, and (e.g learn strongly support, not strongly + support)

When you learn a new word, write down other words that collocate with it
(e.g. remember rightly, remember distinctly, remember vaguely, remember vividly).

Read as much as possible. Reading is an excellent way to learn vocabulary and collocations in context and naturally.

Revise what you learn regularly. Practice using new collocations in context as soon as possible after learning them.

Learn collocations in groups that work for you. You could learn them by topic (time, number, weather, money, family) or by a particular word (take action, take a chance, take an exam).

You can find information on collocations in any good learner's dictionary. And you can also find specialized dictionaries of collocations.
http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/collocations.htm


UP2i STUDENTS!
Here is a quiz for you in order to practice and learn some collocations which you may find useful for your Essay on Academic Culture. All of these words have been taken from the readings for Essay 1.

http://www.swfcabin.com/open/1258688267

UP2 PRESENTATION AND FORMATTING

The presentation of your written work reflects your attitude to your work.
Sloppy or untidy presentation would not give the reader/assessor of your written work a very good impression of you. In UP2, it is important that you give a positive and professional impression when you submit your work.

LAYOUT AND FORMATTING FOR UP2

• 3cm margins
• double spacing
• 12pt Arial

• Writing a heading for the task
• Write your name in full
• Write your class name
• Write your teacher's name (check spelling!)

Remember - If in doubt, Ask!

Cheers,
Josephine

HELP! INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVICE

Problem 1.

A new student from Korea called Jabi has just received a mark for his first assignment but it is lower than he expected, about 60%. In Korea he normally received A’s or marks of about 80%. He is confused because he worked hard and is worried that his language abilities are affecting his grades.

Dear Jabi:
You do not be upset about your score of the first assignment. In Australia, the marking system is mostly to blame. It is tough, few subjects give final grades above the eighties, scores between 75and 85 are considered very well. Most results are in the mid to high 60s.Any result above 50 per cent is a pass. So 60% is not a worse score.
It is important that to understand the Australian system, and then to know what to except. Although it is that, we still should work hard to improve our English. If we have a high level, the represent accepted score will be achieved. Thus be confidence on the study! Good luck!

Yours sincerely,
Lillian and Volcano

Problem 2.

Thao is from Thailand and has written an essay on the recent financial crisis in America. Her Economics lecturer went over some general points in the lecture. She wrote lots of notes in the lecture and then repeated the points the teacher had explained in her essay but didn’t do any other research. She received a poor mark and is angry she wasn’t given more information about the topic by the teacher.

An essay that just describes the main ideas and repeats the teacher's ideas will not geta good mark in Australia. Because academics in Australia require students to show that they have researched the topic's main idea, thought about the ideas, and developed their own argument.

Solution: Here is some advice about how to write the essay in order to get a good mark.

Firstly, in the class you should listen to the lecturer's points and understand the main ideas of the topic.

Secondly, after the class, you should do a lot of research on the internet or in textbooks.

Thirdly, you should outline the main ideas and opinions and sum up the useful information from your research.

Next, when you write an essay, you should add your own ideas about the event.

Finally, you should give a reference each time you quote the words of another person.

The best of luck!
Abdulhakim & Becky

Problem 3.

Gurpreet is from India. He was asked to write an article about the causes of global warming. He found a really good article in a journal by Al Gore, a very well known Environmental expert. He was very pleased at his research skills. He put the article into his own words and submitted it as his essay. When he got his essay back he had failed. He doesn’t know what he did wrong.


Advice:
After analysis the problem, we found that Gurpreet was suffering from culture shock in the classroom. He was asked to write an article about the causes of global warming. He just went away and did what he thought was wanted. He might be wrong about how to do that. He should work out what he needed to know and then ask for help such as from librarians, other students, study skills advisers and his teacher.
The more important reason is cheating. He found a good article and put it into his own words and submitted it as his essay. Gurpreet used his own words, which is good, but it is also a type of plagiarism, because he did not say where he got the ideas. When a student uses someone else’s idea, opinion or theories, they must give acknowledgement by using a reference. Counsellors:
Sparrow & Simon

Problem 4
Han is a psychology student from Vietnam. She was asked to write an essay that compared, analysed and evaluated the theories of Sigmund Freud and Karl Jung, two eminent psychoanalysts. She wrote a comprehensive essay describing the lives of the two men and wrote about their theories of how the mind works. After reading her essay the teacher explained to her that she needs to apply more ‘critical thinking’ skills when writing an essay, but Han is not sure what this means.

Dear Han,
The teacher explained to you that you need to apply more “critical thinking” skills when writing an essay after reading your essay. If you do not understand what the critical thinking skills mean, you have 3 ways solve this problem. First method, you can ask teacher to explain it means after class. Second way, you can go to the library to research the exactly meaning of critical thinking skills. The last way, if the teacher have no time to explain it to you after class, you can send email to ask the answer. David & H.David

Dear Han,
It is important to understand that an Australian tutor or lecturer expects you to do more than just 'describe' or 'explain' theories and ideas. Critical thinking is very valued in Australia, and your writing needs to reflect this. Look at these two examples from students who are writing on the same topic:


Student 1 - Peter
Tom Mason is an American lecturer from Harvard University. He wrote a theory in 1995 called the ‘Accounting Law Application Theory’ which is taught to many business undergraduate students in English speaking universities. It is a theory used to help student understand new methods of creating a profit and loss statement.

Student 2 – Miranda
Tom Mason’s theory of Accounting Law Application theory is a modern and progressive theory which can be compared to Smith’s theory, which was popular in the 1990s. Mason’s methodology for creating a profit and loss statement is a significant improvement however, as it creates a more accurate result. (Brown, 1999).

Peter has ‘described’ the theory, without applying or analysing it. The lecturer cannot be sure that Peter has understood Mason’s theory, so he would not receive a high mark for this essay. On the other hand, Miranda has gone further – it is clear that she has researched, understood and thought about the Mason’s theory. She compares it other theories and offers an evaluation of the theory. The lecturer can see that Miranda understands the theory very well, and she will receive a higher mark than Peter.

I hope this helps Han!

Regards, Josephine

Problem 5
Javier is a sociology student from Columbia. He was given the essay question, ‘Discuss both the problems and advantages that have arisen from rapid urbanisation in developing countries like India’. He was unsure of the meaning of ‘urbanisation’ but thought it might have something to do with crime and so he wrote his essay about that. He received an unsatisfactory grade.

When Javier discussed his essay, he had very deliberately organised his thinking and writing according to the way he had been trained to write essays in Columbia. The form of the essay between Columbia and Australia are different, and they lacked any conclusion which might have summarised the main points made in the body of the essay. And Javier was writing his essay according the clear academic style appropriate within his own Columbia culture. The lecturer, judging the essay in terms of his own culture style, would not find it acceptable. So Javier had to learn to adjust her purpose and to adapt the structure of her essay to meet the expectations of his lecturer.
Sida and Lei

Problem 6
Mohammed from Saudi Arabia was given a research project to do on the Australian political system. The teacher gave him very little information but suggested some articles in the library that would help him complete the assignment. Mohammed had never used the library before and was unsure how to find things. His research was inadequate and as a result he received a poor mark. He felt that he should have been given clearer directions by his teacher.

What you need to know isthat research skills are very important for your study. You have to develop your ability of searching information. In addition to use library while you doing your assignment is also helpful. If you are not very clearer about the project you are given, it better off ask your teacher to explain that for you. The teacher may not tell you how to do it, but you would be given some guides or suggestions which are helpful for your assignment.

Remember that if you learn the skills about doing research, it also will be useful in the future.
Ingrid

CAMPUS LIFE - Part 2

CAMPUS STAFF

Key Points /Advice to Students:

1) Australian universities are very large and this can be confusing for new students.
Read signs/maps carefully.
Orientate yourself in advance of the beginning of classes.



2) Understanding which staff member is responsible for giving advice, changing a subject enrolment is sometimes a challenge for new students.
Use the University/Faculty Student Handbook for a basic understanding of staff organisation.


3) Tutors play an important role for undergraduate students.
Your tutor is the first person you should go to if you have a question.



4) Office Hours are usually 9am-5pm.
Avoid the lunch period (12am-2pm) as this is a very busy time for university staff.


5) Think about what you are going to say when you have a question, problem or request.
Write down what you are going to say, so that you don't forget.


6) Check the preferred method of contact for staff (i.e. email or phone).
Make sure your emails are short, direct and polite.


THE ACADEMIC YEAR

A normal academic year has two semesters. Each semester is usually 12 weeks teaching weeks. The first semester starts in late February/earlyMarch, and the second semester ends in late October or early November.
Starting at different times is not usually allowed, unless special
permission is granted.


'O week' is the orientation week prior to the start of the first semester.
There is useful information and fun activities. It is a good way for students to understand the campus and facilities, meet relevant staff, and new friends.

CAMPUS LIFE - Answers to Worksheet Part 1

UNIVERSITY PREPARATION 2 READING
Campus Life by S. White

Part I Culture Shock in the Classroom
1. International students are prepared for ‘culture shock’ when they arrive in their new country, but are usually not prepared for the intensity of the culture shock that many experience.

2. According to the article, to understand a country’s education system, you need to examine or understand its culture.

3. The article highlights that when two different cultures ‘clash’, there is often a confusion about expectations, so this can be quite confusing and stressful for both students and teachers.

4. The writer asserts that the two qualities which Australian society values are individualism and equality.

5. He also goes on to state that these qualities are reflected in the education system and therefore phrases such as ‘independent learning’ and ‘self-directed learning’ and ‘self-access’ are very common.

6. According to White, why do students receive less individual attention from lecturers, tutors and teachers in Australia compared to other countries?
Because the teachers aim to develop a student’s ability to think for themselves.

7. What advice does the article give to international students if they do not understand a task? His advice is to ask for help.

8. In Australia, if a student asks for help, the teacher will
Explain the task more clearly for the student.

9. The writer believes that the main aim of education in Australia is
To build each individual’s ability to collect information and analyse it. They do not want students to understand by rote, but to question all information and ideas.

10. What is rote learning? How important is rote learning in the Australian Education System?
To learn something so that it can be repeated automatically without the student having to think about the meaning. Learning things using memorisation. It is not so important in the Australian Education System.

11. Complete this sentence:
Within the Australian education system you are encouraged to develop your own ideas, based on evidence, and to present those ideas in a logical way.

12. Are students expected to find answers to all questions?
No, because it is believed that there is no one correct answer to any question.

13. Name two of the types of learning activities which make up a majority of a student’s time at an Australia university:
- Individual research in libraries
- Work in teams with fellow students on tasks and projects.
- Discuss and debate issues with other students and teachers.

14. What does ‘debate’ refer to?
To listen to and analyse someone else’s ideas and defend your own ideas

15. Why is debating uncomfortable for some international students ?
Because some students come from cultures where disagreement is discouraged.

16. Why is asking questions important for students studying in Australia?
Because it is considered the key to successful study in Australia.

17. Classroom Etiquette
Summarise the main points of this section here:
The relationship between teacher and student is more equal
The relationship appears to be less respectful (students to teachers) but there are rules about behaviour
Male and female staff in an Australian university have the same authority- so you are expected to give men and women equal respect.


18. List some of the actions which are considered to be rude during classes or lessons in Australia:
1. Talking to friends
2. Arriving late (disrupting a class)
3. Letting your mobile ring

ANSWERS TO DAN FISHEL WORKSHEET

COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL New York, USA
PRESENTATION: International Student Experience: Culture shock
By Dan Fishel /January 2008

1. 60% of students at the university are international students
There are 33 nations represented.

2. According to the speaker, the mix of cultures creates a fascinating, exhilarating environment, but also very challenging

3. In his introduction, Dan Fisher outlines that he will discuss the following aspects of being an international student:
a. Personal adjustment
b. Social adjustment
c. Academic adjustment

PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT

4. Dan Fisher left his home country Israel , two and a half years ago.
5. He is currently studying a dual degree in journalism and business.
6. He worked as the senior editor of the 2nd largest newspaper in Israel.

7. Dan explains that when he suffered from culture shock, he felt the following (Tick the correct answers)
sadness
loneliness
Anxiety
lacking concentration

feeling leftout
feeling misunderstood
frustration

8. During this stage of his culture shock, Dan says that he hated Americans, and wanted the company of Israeli students, because he understood them.


9. How does Dan Fishel explain Phase 1 of an international student arrival in the new country?
He calls it the ‘honeymoon’



10. How did Dan feel about America when he first arrived?
He was ‘in love’ with America, and everything he saw.



11. What does Dan Fisher call Phase 2 of Culture Shock?
He calls it the ‘What am I doing here?’ Phase



12. What did he feel was the hardest thing about being in America?
That he couldn’t express himself well – He couldn’t communicate with Americans very effectively.



13. Dan Fisher presents some statistics on culture shock which highlight that
38 % of international students say they suffer from culture shock.

14. What were some of the problems he encountered during Phase II ?



Problem 1: Orientation/transport around the city
Problem 2: He didn’t like the food
Problem 3: He found it hard to learn the currency
Problem 4: He thought Americans were ‘too’ positive ( = fake)

15. Dan Fisher talks about the ‘halo effect’. What do you think
means?


This means that someone is very critical of others, but never blame themselves or find fault in their own behaviour.


16. What are some of the adjectives/expressions he uses to describe his view of Americans during this second phase of culture shock ?
hypocritical
insincere
distant
superficial



DAN FISHER’S TIPS FOR CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

1) Be Patient.
2) Remember your personal goals.
3) See the adventure in it.
4) Use your sense of humour
5) Deal with the stress as it arises.
6) Ask for help if you need it



SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT

17. Dan Fishel outlines what he considers to be some of the challenges of social adjustment for international students.

1) Understanding slang
2) Making friends
3) Feeling leftout
4) Not understanding the games/entertainment of American
culture
5) Personal contact rules (correct handshakes/no kissing.. etc)

ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENT

18.


Dan Fishel presents some Basic Rules for international students to follow:
1. Adhere to the honour code
2. Arrive on time for all classes
3. Attend all classes
4. Come prepared – do your homework
5. Cheating and Plagiarism are not allowed
6. Class participation is important

19. What are the two types of ‘class participation’ he refers to?
How are they different?



1) voluntary 2) cold-calling
In the first, the student decides if they want to answer a question or not – in the second, the student is called upon, even if they don’t want to answer.

20. At the end of his presentation, Dan Fishel summarises his main points:

1) Culture shock WILL occur, and will last only a semester
2) Give yourself time to catch up with slang, and adjust to a new social life
3) Expect a new learning experience
4) Understand that things will gradually improve.
5) Always ask for help if you need it.
6) BE PATIENT

Do you have a comment to make about Dan Fishel’s presentation?
LEAVE A COMMENT ON OUR BLOG!

CULTURE CORNER: Remembrance Day

CULTURE CORNER

Remembrance Day
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

Wednesday 11 November 2009 The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month commemorating the end of the Great War 1918.

Originally called Armistice Day, this day commemorated the end of the hostilities for the Great War, the signing of the armistice, which occurred on 11 November 1918 - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Armistice Day was observed by the Allies as a way of remembering those who died, especially soldiers with 'no known grave'. "In Victoria Street a group of Australian 'boys' accompanied by a band and their girls decorated in red, white and blue, were swinging down towards Whitehall to the huge delight of all spectators...

In Whitehall we got blocked, but what did it matter? We danced on the buses, we danced on the lorries, we danced on the pavement, we shouted, we sang... the office boys and girls at the War Office yelled to their companions across the way; we cheered and cheered again and again, while the Church bells rang out a peal of jubilation..." (Source: Sir Evelyn Wrench, 'Struggle', 1914-1918 in They Saw it Happen 1897-1940, compiled by Asa Briggs.)

It's no wonder Australian soldiers were dancing in the streets. Armistice Day marked the end of the bloodiest war the world had seen.Although Australia became a nation in 1901 its loyalties still lay with Britain and so the Australian government had committed itself to supporting the British war effort and Australian men volunteered to fight and die on the battlefields of Europe, Turkey and the Middle East.

Of the Australian population of 5 million, 300,000 young men went to the Great War. Of those 60,000 died and 156,000 were wounded or taken prisoner.

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=3615

PRESENT PERFECT TENSE IN ENGLISH

Hi UP2i students,

To follow up from this morning's lesson on using the PRESENT PERFECT TENSE in English.


Remember - to make the Present Perfect Tense,
we use the auxiliary verb (helping verb) TO HAVE + PAST PARTICIPLE (Verb 3)


We looked at 3 different ways we use the Present Perfect Tense:

1) TO TALK ABOUT EXPERIENCE


e.g. I have been to Beijing.
http://elicos2b.blogspot.com/2009/10/hi-everyone-this-week-we-have-looked-at.html



2) TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST, BUT CONTINUES TO THE PRESENT

e.g. I have studied at ELI in Melbourne for 3 months.



3) TO TALK ABOUT THE RECENT PAST

e.g. Jon has cut his finger! Quickly, get a bandage for him!

http://www.grammar-quizzes.com/presperf3a.html

Exercises
http://www.grammar.cl/Games/Past_Participles.htmhttp://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/pperf2.htm

Uses of the Present Perfect

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verb-tenses_present-perfect_u.htm

- Quizzes

http://www.better-english.com/grammar/presentperfect1.htm http://www.eclecticenglish.com/grammar/PresentPerfect1A.html

- In the S.A.C. - Go to Programs – Tense Busters

- Go to ELICALL – Students – Grammar (there are many good websites to help you practice the Present Perfect)

Of course, to form or make the present perfect, you need to know your past participle forms of verbs. Here are some fun ways to practice/revise/learn past participle forms in English.

Gamehttp://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/englishfile/elementary/i_games/gotoschool/games_gts02Irregular Past Participles

Gamehttp://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/englishfile/upperint/j_games/gotoschool/nef_upper_games_gts01/#Past Participle

Also, here is a great song which uses the present perfect to talk about experience:
http://elicos2b.blogspot.com/2009/10/queen-we-are-champions.html



Enjoy and Good Luck!

Cheers,
Josephine

LISTENING - Week 1

This week I will ask you to view a lecture given by Dan Fishel at the Columbia Business School, New York City, in January 2008. He does speak very quickly (!) but I think he makes some valuable points about the 'shock' that many students feel when they take the very brave step of leaving their home country to study, live and work in a foreign land.




Lecture: The International Student Experience: Culture Shock

Dan Fishel, Columbia Business School, NY, USA



Here are the relevant website addresses for the lecture:


Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPfB6GIjM9Q&NR=1

Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H82IFq0HbTQ&NR=1

Part III
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7iznNFGzIg&feature=related

Part IV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=powo_XwMTZs&feature=related

Part Vhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=powo_XwMTZs&feature=related



QUESTIONS
Here are some general questions about the lecture which we will discuss in our next lesson:

• Who is the speaker?

• Where is he?

• Who is his audience?

• What is his main topic?

• Is the presentation structured? (i.e. did he introduce the topic, the main points, and conclude his presentation)

• Do you think he used the PPT effectively?

• Do you think the audience enjoyed the presentation? Why/Why not?

• Did you enjoy the presentation?

Welcome to the Course!

Welcome UP2i students to the course, and to our new blog!

I hope that you will learn many new things and make new friends over the next few weeks.
UP2i is a challenging course (some people say that UP = Under Pressure!) but I am sure that with determination and hard-work, you will succeed!

I look forward to communicating with you via this blog, and hope that you will remember to check it everyday.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Cheers,
Josephine