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)

Persuasive letter.

Write a letter to your favorite restaurant persuading them to include healthier options on the menu.  Be sure to include:

• Questions
• Interesting/scary information
• Expert opinion
• Call to action

Homework #2 - due Spetember 19, 2013

Choose one topic and write 2-3 paragraphs.  You may use additional information from the internet.  Be sure to note the source of information, if you choose to use outside sources.

1. You are a health-care worker who is going into a poor area in a big city.  You have seen several cases of tuberculosis and influenza this month.  You are going to try to prevent an epidemic among the people in this area.  What will you say to the people?
2. A government official in your country has asked you for your suggestions about improving health care.  What will you say to the official?

Welcome, students, to 2013-14 school year!

This is your first homework assignment (due 9/11):

It is often said that character is who you are when no one is watching.  In one or two paragraphs, describe your character.  What defines you as a person? Do you have goals and a plan to reach them? How are you different from the person you are expected to be by your family and teachers? How much effort do you put into developing your character? What does it mean to "be yourself" to you? How hard is it to do the "right" thing? What is the role of culture in your character development?

Don't just answer these questions.  Simply, think about them.  Your paragraph(s) should have a clear structure.  Please, be mindful of grammar.

Bonus points: Who are these people and what is so fascinating about their characters?

NYSESLAT Writing - Descriptive Paragraph

One of your writing assignments will be to write a paragraph that describes what is happening in the picture.  The reader should be able to imagine the entire scene without ever looking at the picture.  Look at the picture and think about the following:

• What is the setting? 
• Who are the people and what are they doing?
• What might they be thinking or feeling?

Remember, your paragraph has to have a well-written topic sentence, supporting details, clear conclusion, and writing conventions of standard English. See the RUBRIC page above for more information on how your work is graded.  

 

Congratulations, class of 2012!

My darling girls, Gladys, Diana, and Jocelyn,
It was a privilege to have you in my class and in my life.  Thank you for showing me that learning looks like hard work and dedication.  Thank you for showing me the teacher in me.  Until you came into my classroom, I had a job.  Now, I teach.

I am so very proud of all of you.  You will achieve you goals because you can and because you believe on yourselves and I believe in you.  Your parents' hearts must be bursting with pride.  Years from now, I hope that you will look back on this day as the least of your accomplishments.  And stop by and see me sometimes.

Yours,
Ms. Sakhno

Living up the Street by Gary Soto

Chapter1 "Being Mean"
Vocabulary - mean, industry, broom, violent, provocation, orneriness, prevention, intend, feign, hurl threaten
Questions:
1. Who are the characters?
2. How does the author describe them?
3. Where does the story take place? (setting)
4. Why are the kids "being mean"?
5. Why did the Sotos want to fight the new kids?
6. What is ironic in the kids' decision to burn down the house?
7. What are the similarities and differences between Gary's and the Molinas' mothers?

Chapter 2 "Father"
Vocabulary - alley, garden, lawn, rake, stiff, conspicuous, bow, eulogy, casket, bury.
Questions:
1. Describe the father.
2. Why is the author paying so much attention to the garden scene?
3. Who scares the boy the most?
4. Why can't Gary hear "the things in [his] heart'?

Comparison Essay
Introduction - You are writing about the differences between Gary's family and the one on TV in "Father Knows Best."  Introduce both to the reader and explain why the boy is comparing the two. Write your thesis statement including points of contrast I & II.

Body Paragraph I - Point of contrast I.
Topic A
Support 1
Support 2
Topic B
Support 1
Support 2

Body Paragraph II - Point of contrast II.
Topic A
Support 1
Support 2
Topic B
Support 1
Support 2

Conclusion - summary of points, restatement of thesis, and a final comment.

NYSESLAT test-taking strategies

You cannot fail this test! You can do your best and show how much English you have learned in one year.  The information below may help you during the test.
Listening Strategies:


• Pay attention to the introduction. (“Listen to the article about…”)

• Read the questions.

• Take notes as you listen.

• Pay attention to intonation, rise in the volume of the voice, pauses, etc.

• Don’t get stuck on words you don’t know.

• Look down to concentrate.
Practice listening here or come for Rosetta Stone in the library Tues & Wed 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Reading Strategies:

• Read the questions first.  Look them over and decided what information you are asked to look for in the text.  Remember, if you have a question about something, then it's important!
• Look for dates, names, titles - they stand OUT!
• If you see a word you don't know, read the entire sentence and try to figure out the meaning.
• Write a summary of the text.  Use your own words to retell.  

Writing Strategies:

• Understand the TASK & GUIDELINES.  Read the task carefully.  
• Plan ahead: introduction, Body Paragraph I, II, conclusion.
• Make sure your thesis statement is well-developed.
•  Re-read your essay to see if you've made any grammatical/spelling mistakes.

Literature Response Unit

Week #1. What is fiction? What is the message of the poem? Ho does the author convey his message?

Vocabulary: fiction, literature, quote, interpret, patience, fortitude, character traits, convey, symbolism, repetition, stanza, synonym.

Quotes: "Literature is the question minus the answer."
            "Fiction is the truth inside a lie."

Readings: Aesop "The Tortoise and the Hare"
           Berton Braley "A Little further"
           Salman Javid "The Journey"
           Rudyard Kipling "If"

Homework: find either a definition or a quote on fiction and/or literature.  Explain how the poet conveys the message that people are adventurous and curious.

Weeks 2-4. What is (plot, characterization, setting, protagonist)?

Vocabulary: drama, play, characters, dialogue, action, pity, language, deaf, mute.

Quotes: "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved"

"Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world." 

Readings:  Miracle Worker, a play by William Gibson
The Story of My Life, an autobiography of Helen Keller
 
Week 5. - What is a theme?

Vocabulary: theme, controlling idea, unifying message

Readings: Miracle Worker, a play by William Gibson
The Story of My Life, an autobiography of Helen Keller

Happy Thanksgiving!

Read & listen to an essay on Thansgiving

Expository Essay Unit

Expository Speech Sample
In preparation for your speech you can use the following suggestions (from http://www.best-speech-topics.com)
1. Expository speeches are speeches that inform audiences about an idea or a process.  You would help your audience to either understand the process or actually perform the process.

2. The second category of expository speeches encompass those that discuss a past or current events. In this type of speech, you would offer audience members a clear idea of the main circumstances that occurred during the event you are speaking about.

3. The final category of speech topics is the definition speech topic. This speech could be about anything that is either tangible, alive or visible.


With any of these categories, you must decide how to organize the details of your speech. For some of the categories, a chronological order might work best. For others, you may need to work through the details in emotional order. Still, with other expository speech topics, choosing to show the details in terms of a spatial order might be your perfect option.

Post your work online using Googledocs. 

Expository Essay Topics.

Persuasive Essay Topics

• Do Video games promote violence among children?
• Why should cell phones be allowed / not allowed in schools?
• Should the results of exam be used to label students as intelligent, average and below average?
• Should animals be kept in Zoos?
• Should children be sent to boarding schools?
• Should uniforms be made compulsory in schools?
• Is it all right to hold parents responsible for the actions of their children?
• Single parenting – Is it good or bad for children?
• Recycling : How will it help our future?
• Is education important?
• Isn't Health Insurance the Right of all Americans?
• Nuclear Proliferation: Will Development of Nuclear Weapons Fuel a Third World War?
• Is Death Penalty Inhuman?
• Euthanasia: The Right to Die?
• Some Thoughts About Human Cloning.
• Pros and Cons of Adoption.
• The Grim Reality of Climate Change.
• Use of Mobile Phones in Schools.
• Should an Extra Language be Made Mandatory in Schools
• Are Websites like Facebook or MySpace Substituting Face-to-Face Social Interaction
• Homework Should be Banned
• Television is a Bad Influence
• Pros and Cons of Coeducation Schools
• Importance of Finding a Career
• Is There a More Effective Punishment than Grounding
• Should Schools Make Uniforms Compulsory?
• The Cons and Cons of Junk Food. ('Cons' repeated twice for effect.)
• Sex Education in Schools
• Teen Pregnancy
• Best TV Shows for High School Students.

Use our outline to plan your essay
Revision Checklist 
Fact vs. Opinion

Emergency Grammar Review

Hi, kids,

This is our post-quiz review of the questions a lot of people got wrong.  Please, take your time to review the links and the Power Point.  You may want to share this with parents, siblings, and friends.  A lot of people make mistakes with there/their/they're.


Quick Overview
Take the online Quiz
View the lesson on Possessive Pronouns here
There was or were

Poetry