NYSESLAT 2014

Reading, Writing, and Listening test is on May 13th, 2014.

• It starts at 8 a.m. sharp in room 217. Don't be late!
• Bring sharpened #2 pencils.
• Get enough sleep.
• Eat nutritious breakfast. Do not bring food or drinks to the room

Things to do over the break

1. Watch "The Ten Commandments" ABC Sunday, April, 19th, at 7 p.m. - write a two paragraph summary for extra credit.
2. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral (5th Avenue & 53 street)or St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam ave)
3. Easter Parade - Easter Sunday 4/20/14 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on 5th Avenue between 49th and 57th street
4. Queens Botanical Garden - Easter egg Hunt, flower show, face painting. 43-50 Main Street, Flushing. Noon - 3:30 p.m. April 19th.

Spring 2014 Advanced ESL

This course will focus on further developing Advanced ESL students’ writing and reading skills. The ultimate goal of this class is to prepare the students for the NYSESLAT and to help them transition into the mainstream classroom. According to New York City Department of Education, students who score Proficient on the NYSESLAT are likely to be successful students in high school and beyond. 

 

Please, note the following:

• ESL credits count towards English elective credits.  You have to earn credits in this class because the grade goes on your transcript.
• If you are a graduating senior, you have to do everything in your power to score Proficient on the NYSESLAT in April. You don’t want to take non-credit ESL in college.
• You need this class because of your last year’s test results (see your goal sheet for details).
• You must have neat notes and updated folder to earn full participation credit for this class.
• We will cover many topics that include science, linguistics, sociology, current events, etc. Each topic will have a reading, writing, grammar, and test preparation component.  What do these have to do with ESL? Everything! Please, do not question my instructional objectives; embrace them and you will learn something that might interest you.

Unit #5 - Global Climate Change

Grammar - Perfect & Participle - check out the list of irregular verb past participles

• In this unit we will examine the effect of global climate change on various ecosystems. 
• We read/write/research about the causes of global warming and the greenhouse effect.
• We will learn the rules and application of present/past perfect tense and the formulae for questions.

The Magic Barrel by Bernard Malamud

Access to the text


ELECTION DAY WORK (Due November 6th):
Read up to paragraph #145.  Answer these questions on a separate piece of paper.  Each answer should be at least a paragraph in length. Be sure to have a proper heading. 

• Paragraph #114 - What realization makes Leo panic and cry? Be sure to use author's words in your answer (in quotes).
• Leo considers leaving the school at the cusp of graduation. What tells the reader that he has found no answer in the books?
• In paragraphs 117-140, Salzman appears and disappears again.  In your own words, write a summary of their conversation.
• There is an old English saying that states, "The eyes are the window to the soul." Explain what it means to you and describe the girl who deeply moved Leo (paragraphs #142-143).  Be sure to add a sentence or two discussing why you think Leo had a different reaction to this girl than all other ones.

1. How does Malamud introduce Leo? 
2. How does Salzman appear in the story and reappear later?  How does the author portray Pinye'a unpleasant appearance?  
3. Why is Leo feeling uneasy about finding a bride through matchmaker?
4. How does Salzman try to "sell" the potential brides?
5. In paragraph 80, Salzman asks "What suits you?" How should Leo answer? 
6. Why is Leo relieved that Salzman leaves, but "in low spirits" the next day?
7. How does the author shows Leo's disgust with pictures?
8. p.207 - How does Malamud reveal Leo's state of mind?
9. Why does Leo's revelation about himself make him cry?

When answering these and any other questions about fiction, characters, writing techniques, and literary language be sure to use evidence from the text to support your answer.  Sometimes, you can use direct quotes.  Other times, you can paraphrase.  In all cases, your response should be backed up with textual support.     

Homework Project due 10.18.13

Choose one topic to present/write about. It is very important that you provide the source of information for your essay/project such as the textbook, website, etc. 

• What holds up a bridge? Draw a picture or a blueprint of major types of bridges (beam, suspension, truss, etc.) and discuss what maintains the structural integrity.
• The History of Brooklyn Bridge. Discuss the history and controversy surrounding one of New York's most famous landmarks.
• "London Bridge is Falling Down" is an old English song.  Discuss its origin, lyrics, and different versions.  This project requires a performance. Yes, you will have to sing in front of the class.
• Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse. Create a PowerPoint Presentation that includes a video (you cannot stream a Youtube video in school) of a swaying bridge and its subsequent collapse.  Be sure to include slides that discuss engineering errors of this project.
• Charles Bridge is a 14th century stone bridge linking the two sides of Prague, Czech Republic. Create a PowerPoint Presentation that includes pictures of the bridge, the monuments, and the history of this remarkable landmark.

Homework due 10-07 - Monday

Choose one topic to research about and write 1-2 paragraphs.  Make sure to include the source of information.

1. In what ways do you think conditions during the American Civil War resembled those of the Crimean War? Be sure to use information from the listening passage and one other source such as the Internet or a textbook.
2. Choose one person who has made significant changes on modern medicine and discuss his/her contribution.
3. Pick one disease that has had significant impact on humans. Be prepared to discuss your findings with the class.
4. Interview a real nurse. Write a report about the job description, difficulties, work environment, etc.
5. Write a short story about a hospital stay from a patient's point of view

Bonus points: discuss Florence Nightingale's contribution to the improvement of hospital conditions.
Lo! in that house of misery
A lady with a lamp I see
Pass through the glimmering gloom,
And flit from room to room.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1857)