1. You must never take your helmet off while you are riding a motorcycle.
all
Helmets must be worn at all times when riding a motorcycle
2. They wanted to apologize for their behaviour: that's why they paid for dinner.
order
They paid for dinner in order to apologize for their behaviour
3. It isn't necessary to bring skis as they are included in the package.
have
You don't have to bring skis as they are included in the package.
4. I thought parking was allowed here.
under the impression
was under the impression that parking was allowed here.
5. Simon said, "I will be playing tennis when you arrive."
he
Simon said he would playing tennis when I arrived
6. When I was a child, we would go to the local park every Saturday afternoon.
used
When I was a child, we used to go the park every Saturday.
7. His daughter continued to cry until he could not be seen any longer.
sight
She continued to cry until he was out of sight
8. I'm afraid that car is just too expensive
means
the car is beyond my means
9. They moved to this village in 1999
lived
they have lived in this village since 1999.
10. One other thing before I forget - Donata is coming to visit next weekend
by
by the way, Donata is coming to visit next weekend.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
ADVERBS
ADVERBS
Adverbs modify—describe, restrict, or in some way qualify—verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Adverbs can also modify clauses, phrases, and entire sentences.
Adverbs indicate the how, when, where, and what (extent) of something.
How: She’ll run there quickly.
When: I’m going to go today.
Where: Bring that book here.
What (extent): She was fully immersed in the water.
Let’s look at some examples:
The ballerina delicately danced across the stage.
Delicately is the adverb here describing the verb danced.
How could the only fourpeople to survive go missing?
Here, the adverb only modifi es the adjective four and the noun people.
He quiteseriouslyquestioned the superintendent’s methods.
In this example, quite is the adverb modifying the adverb and verb seriously and questioned, respectively.
We arrived just after they left for the airport.
Here, just is the adverb modifying the clause after they left.
They walked closely totheedge of the lava flow.
Closely is the adverb here, modifying the phrase to the edge.
Thankfully,he reached them just in the nick of time.
Here, thankfully is the adverb modifying the rest of the sentence.
Most adverbs are formed by adding the suffi x -ly to adjectives, but you can’t count on the -ly alone to identify adverbs. Some adjectives also use -ly (fatherly, lonely, motherly). And while adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, adjectives modify nouns and nouns alone. With that in mind, when you see an -ly modifi er in a sentence, you can identify whether it’s an adjective or an adverb based on what it’s modifying.
Her fatherlyuncle
Her fatherlyold uncle
As with adjectives, the addition of suffi xes helps create and identify adverbs. In
this instance the suffi x added is -ly.
ADJECTIVES
An adjective is a word used to modify—describe, restrict, or somehow qualify— nouns and pronouns. Adjectives modify only nouns and pronouns; they do not modify other adjectives, verbs, or adverbs. (That’s what adverbs are for.)
His brother was the serious student.
Here, serious is the adjective describing the noun student.
That was me … silly me.
In this example, silly is the adjective describing the pronoun me.
Some adjectives are simple and common, single-syllable words.
bad ,left and true
bright, new and weird
dark, old and wrong
dumb, right and young
false and strange
good and stupid
Colors can be used as adjectives, too.
black, green and teal
blue, purple and white
brown, red and yellow
Many adjectives are created simply by adding certain suffi xes to words that were previously nouns or verbs.
Descriptive Adjectives
Descriptive adjectives more defi nitively and fully identify a characteristic of a noun.
The cold fl oor
A beautiful girl
In these examples, without the addition of the adjective, the reader would still know that a fl oor and a girl were being discussed. However, the addition of an adjective provides a better idea of what sort of fl oor and girl are being discussed
Limiting Adjectives
Limiting adjectives narrow the scope of a noun to some degree. This classification includes the following kinds of adjectives:
Possessive adjectives show possession or ownership: my, her, his, our, their, your.
This is my book.
Numbering adjectives identify number or amount: many, nineteen, several, three.
Sixteen girls at the party had brown hair.
His brother was the serious student.
Here, serious is the adjective describing the noun student.
That was me … silly me.
In this example, silly is the adjective describing the pronoun me.
Some adjectives are simple and common, single-syllable words.
bad ,left and true
bright, new and weird
dark, old and wrong
dumb, right and young
false and strange
good and stupid
Colors can be used as adjectives, too.
black, green and teal
blue, purple and white
brown, red and yellow
Many adjectives are created simply by adding certain suffi xes to words that were previously nouns or verbs.
Descriptive Adjectives
Descriptive adjectives more defi nitively and fully identify a characteristic of a noun.
The cold fl oor
A beautiful girl
In these examples, without the addition of the adjective, the reader would still know that a fl oor and a girl were being discussed. However, the addition of an adjective provides a better idea of what sort of fl oor and girl are being discussed
Limiting Adjectives
Limiting adjectives narrow the scope of a noun to some degree. This classification includes the following kinds of adjectives:
Possessive adjectives show possession or ownership: my, her, his, our, their, your.
This is my book.
Numbering adjectives identify number or amount: many, nineteen, several, three.
Sixteen girls at the party had brown hair.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Passive Voice
The passive voice is a structure that allows you to make a statement without knowing who performed the action of the sentence:
The house was destroyed. Or the person who performed the action is placed in a passive position in the sentence:
The house was destroyed by soldiers.
An active sentence is commonly structured subject _ verb _ direct
object. A passive sentence changes that structure to direct object used as the subject _ to be _ past participle _ by _ subject used as the object of the preposition. Let’s compare the two structures:
Active Sentences Passive Sentences
Kim finds the dog. The dog is found by Kim.
We buy his car. His car is bought by us.
The girls stole the purse. The purse was stolen by the girls.
They solved the problem. The problem was solved by them.
The verb to be in the passive sentences is conjugated in the same
tense as the verb in the active sentences. Look how the various
tenses appear in the passive:
Tense Passive Sentences
Present:The house is destroyed by the soldiers.
Past: The house was destroyed by the soldiers.
Present Perfect: The house has been destroyed by the soldiers.
Past Perfect: The house had been destroyed by the
soldiers.
Future: The house will be destroyed by the soldiers.
Future Perfect: The house will have been destroyed by the
soldiers.
Only in the present and past tenses is there a difference between the habitual form of the conjugation and the conjugation for an action in progress or incomplete:
the house is destroyed/the house is being destroyed
the house was destroyed/the house was being destroyed....
EXERCISES
Rewrite the passive sentences below as an action in progress. Keep the same tense.
1. Glenda is kissed by Stuart.
ANSWER: Glenda is being kissed by Stuart.
2. She was spoiled by her parents.
ANSWER: She was being spoiled by her parents.
3. My eyes are tested in the clinic
ANSWER: My eyes are being tested in the clinic
4. They were arrested for a crime
ANSWER: They were being arrested for a crime
5. Monique is awarded a medal
ANSWER: Monique is being awarded a medal.
6. The treasure was buried on an island
ANSWER: The treasure was being buried on an island.
7. The dog is punished again.
ANSWER: The dog is being punished again.
8. Was the old barn burned down?
ANSWER: Was the old barn being burned down?
Rewrite the passive sentences below in the present perfect tense.
1. We were punished by Father.
ANSWER: We have been punished by Father.
2. The men are taken prisoner.
ANSWER: The men have been taken prisoner.
3. She is thanked by the happy tourists.
ANSWER: She has been thanked by the happy tourists.
4. I was beaten by a robber.
ANSWER: I have been beaten by a robber.
5. The car was not washed again.
ANSWER: The car has not been washed again.
6. Tony is examined by the doctor.
ANSWER: Tony has been examined by the doctor.
7. They are surrounded by the enemy.ANSWER: They have been surrounded by the enemy.
8. Was your sister fired from her job?
ANSWER: Has your sister been fired from her job?
9. Was the baby carried to his bedroom?
ANSWER: Has the baby been carried to his bedroom?
10. She is congratulated by her boss.
ANSWER: She has been congratulated by her boss.
Rewrite the following active sentences as passive sentences. Keep the same tense.
1. A storm destroyed the cottage.
ANSWER: The cottage was destroyed by a storm.
2. Did Columbus discover the New World?
ANSWER: Was the New World discovered by Columbus?
3. They will buy our house.
ANSWER: Our house will be bought by them.
4. My grandmother has baked the cakes.
ANSWER: The cakes have been baked by my grandmother.
5. Phil is cutting the bread.
ANSWER: The bread is being cut by Phil.
6. Sergio was selling the newspapers.
ANSWER: The newspapers were being sold by Sergio.
7. Has Iris taken the money?
ANSWER: Has the money been taken by Iris?
8. She will kiss the baby.
ANSWER: The baby will be kissed by her.
9. Is Max building the fence?
ANSWER: Is the fence being built by Max?
10. Her brother forgot the map.
ANSWER:The map was forgotten by her brother.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
FAIRYTALE VOCABULARY
http://www.faithfuljohn.com/flash/story/en
GO OVER:
1 to change to something new or to a new way of doing things:Many motorists are going over from leaded to unleaded fuel.She went over (= changed her support) to the Democrats at the last election.2 to change to another broadcaster or place of broadcast:We're now going over to Kate Adie speaking live from Baghdad.Later in this bulletin we will be going over to our Westminster studio for an update on the situation.
1 to change to something new or to a new way of doing things:Many motorists are going over from leaded to unleaded fuel.She went over (= changed her support) to the Democrats at the last election.2 to change to another broadcaster or place of broadcast:We're now going over to Kate Adie speaking live from Baghdad.Later in this bulletin we will be going over to our Westminster studio for an update on the situation.
PLEDGE:
a serious or formal promise, especially one to give money or to be a friend, or something that you give as a sign that you will keep a promise:[+ to infinitive] All the candidates have given/made pledges not to raise taxes if they are elected.
BLOSSOM:
1 When a tree or plant blossoms, it produces flowers before producing edible fruit:The cherry tree is beginning to blossom.
2. a small flower, or the small flowers on a tree or plant
GLITTER:
1 to produce a lot of small bright flashes of reflected light:Her diamond necklace glittered brilliantly under the spotlights.
DART:
a small thin object with a sharp point which is thrown by hand in a game, or fired from a gun or blown from a tube when used as a weaponCompare arrow.
a serious or formal promise, especially one to give money or to be a friend, or something that you give as a sign that you will keep a promise:[+ to infinitive] All the candidates have given/made pledges not to raise taxes if they are elected.
BLOSSOM:
1 When a tree or plant blossoms, it produces flowers before producing edible fruit:The cherry tree is beginning to blossom.
2. a small flower, or the small flowers on a tree or plant
GLITTER:
1 to produce a lot of small bright flashes of reflected light:Her diamond necklace glittered brilliantly under the spotlights.
DART:
a small thin object with a sharp point which is thrown by hand in a game, or fired from a gun or blown from a tube when used as a weaponCompare arrow.
HANDMAIDEN:
1 (ALSO handmaid) OLD USE a female servant
2 FORMAL something, such as an idea, which helps and supports something else:Technique is the handmaiden of art.
1 (ALSO handmaid) OLD USE a female servant
2 FORMAL something, such as an idea, which helps and supports something else:Technique is the handmaiden of art.
WONDROUS:
extremely and surprisingly good:a wondrous sight/sound/thingOur new improved face cream has wondrous effects on tired-looking skin.
extremely and surprisingly good:a wondrous sight/sound/thingOur new improved face cream has wondrous effects on tired-looking skin.
LEAP :
to make a large jump or sudden movement, usually from one place to another:He leapt out of his car and ran towards the house.I leaped up to answer the phone
to make a large jump or sudden movement, usually from one place to another:He leapt out of his car and ran towards the house.I leaped up to answer the phone
BRIMSTONE:
the chemical sulphur
the chemical sulphur
FOAM:
1 a mass of very small bubbles formed on the surface of a liquid2 a cream-like substance which is filled with bubbles of air:shaving foam3 a soft material used to fill furniture and other objects
1 a mass of very small bubbles formed on the surface of a liquid2 a cream-like substance which is filled with bubbles of air:shaving foam3 a soft material used to fill furniture and other objects
MIST:
1 thin fog produced by very small drops of water gathering in the air just above an area of ground or water:The mountain villages seem to be permanently shrouded in mist.The early-morning mist soon lifted/cleared.2 a thin layer of liquid on the surface of something which makes it difficult to see:UK There's always a mist on the bathroom mirror/windows when I've had a shower.Through a mist of tears, I watched his train pull out of the station.
NOSTRIL:
either of the two openings in the nose through which air moves when you breathe:The horses came to a halt, steam streaming from their nostrils.
1 thin fog produced by very small drops of water gathering in the air just above an area of ground or water:The mountain villages seem to be permanently shrouded in mist.The early-morning mist soon lifted/cleared.2 a thin layer of liquid on the surface of something which makes it difficult to see:UK There's always a mist on the bathroom mirror/windows when I've had a shower.Through a mist of tears, I watched his train pull out of the station.
NOSTRIL:
either of the two openings in the nose through which air moves when you breathe:The horses came to a halt, steam streaming from their nostrils.
HOOF:
the hard part on the bottom of the feet of animals such as horses, sheep and deer
the hard part on the bottom of the feet of animals such as horses, sheep and deer
GRAB:
1. to take the opportunity to get, use or enjoy something quickly:If you don't grab this opportunity, you might not get another one.We'd better get there early, or someone else will grab the best seats.Let's just grab a quick bite.
2. to take hold of something or someone suddenly and roughly:A mugger grabbed her handbag as she was walking across the park.He grabbed (hold of) his child's arm to stop her from running into the road.
DUNGEON:
An underground prison, especially in a castle
1. to take the opportunity to get, use or enjoy something quickly:If you don't grab this opportunity, you might not get another one.We'd better get there early, or someone else will grab the best seats.Let's just grab a quick bite.
2. to take hold of something or someone suddenly and roughly:A mugger grabbed her handbag as she was walking across the park.He grabbed (hold of) his child's arm to stop her from running into the road.
DUNGEON:
An underground prison, especially in a castle
Sunday, March 8, 2009
CHATTING
Historial de conversación de Messenger Plus!
Inicio de sesión: domingo, 08 de marzo de 2009
(S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI@(S) (mavicky_blue@hotmail.com)
Leigh (leighhalliday@hotmail.com)
(18:46) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: Hello….how are you?
(18:47) Leigh: I am tired. This weekend I took a course on how to teach english as a foreign language. I had 20 hours of class in 2 days! 11 yesterday, and 9 today!
(18:47) Leigh: and how are you?
(18:47) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: fine
(18:48) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: but tell me something about your course…it is interesting
(18:49) Leigh: sure!
(18:49) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I would like to learn something about that because I am becoming a teacher
(18:49) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: English teacher. Of course
(18:50) Leigh: we learned how to assess what level their english is at... it is not an exact science, but you can try to guess approximately at least. There is: elementary, low intermediate, intermediate, high intermediate, and advanced. Many schools rate these different.
(18:51) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah, it is important to take into account for teaching, I guess so
(18:51) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: but you learned it for all ages or special ages?
(18:52) Leigh: this course was more generic... it is only part of my overall course. I took a 20 hour weekend course, and now I am taking a 100 hour online course which will go into much more detail
(18:53) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: ohh it is good
(18:53) Leigh: we learned a lot of games to play with students to help them learn different things, and we got to practice teaching a bit. I had to teach comparatives and superlatives: big, bigger biggest. small, smaller, smallest. nice, nicer, nicest and to show this, we lined up everone from shortest to tallest, and said "you are tall, you are taller, you are tallest"
(18:53) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: it is a similar autonomous learning
(18:54) Leigh: yes exactly. or distance education
(18:54) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: i have some problems with superlatives and comparatives, I can write these but when I am speaking i dont used it
(18:55) Leigh: you should try to just when you are walking around. that building is big, that building is bigger, that building is the biggest
(18:56) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: it is a good advice, I will try to bear mind it
(18:56) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: why do you learn how to teach a second language?
(18:57) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: Are you become a teacher?
(18:59) Leigh: I am not sure! Not right now anyway, but maybe one day in the future. I want to go and volunteer in Peru (or another country) teaching english for a month, hopefully next winter
(18:59) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: wow it is a good idea but you should come to Colombia
(18:59) Leigh: I want to teach english to orphans
(18:59) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: it is better :)
(19:00) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I really like the idea, I can notice that you have a big heart and you have clear your purposes
(19:00) Leigh: thank you very much :)
(19:01) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: so tell me something about what do you do when you are not in classes?
(19:02) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: last time you said me that you're working
(19:04) Leigh: yes! I am a computer programmer. so I work from 9-5, monday to friday. at night I go to the gym, have spanish 2 times a week, and in my spare time study, hang out with my friends, go dancing, go to church
(19:04) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: what kind of religion do you have?
(19:04) Leigh: I am a Christian... are you religious?
(19:05) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah ….I am a Christian
(19:05) Leigh: cool :)
(19:05) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: but I'm not going to church
(19:05) Leigh: how come?
(19:06) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I believe in god but I try to be better every day and follow that the Bible say
(19:07) Leigh: me too! I think it is important to have a community to help you, which is why I go to church, but certainly your relationship with God is the most important thing
(19:07) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah, but in Colombia is different when we were child our parents told us you have to go to church you have to believe in god …you have to everything is you have to but nobody say why you have too
(19:09) Leigh: it is similar here in a lot of families
(19:09) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: so I met about god three years ago
(19:09) Leigh: when I was younger I believed because my parents told me to... but when I got older and started to think about it myself I had to figure out my own reasons for it, and figure out what exactly I believe
(19:09) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I got used to went to Christian church and I learned who is god and I met that He has beautiful things for us but human dont have bear in mind these
(19:11) Leigh: wait one second
(19:11) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: ok don'tworry
(19:11) Leigh: you mean that humans don't pay attention to the plan that God has for them?
(19:11) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah
(19:12) Leigh: ok, continue :)
(19:13) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: and I think that we have far away from him and we don't know his real love …sorry…we are far away from him and we don't know his real love
(19:13) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: there are a few people that read the Bible so nobody learn about his plans
(19:14) Leigh: I think you are right. One of the reason I like to help orphans is because I think that God has a special place in his heart for orphans, for poor people, for people that are being oppressed... so I like to show them God's love by helping them and showing that I love them as well
(19:15) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah It is a great plan if one day I can help you, I am so glad to help you
(19:16) Leigh: thank you! one day I would like to come to columbia... so you can help me by giving me some information when the time comes :)
(19:16) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: oh yeah, I think that you are learning something that help so much but when you want to apply your knowledges it is different
(19:18) Leigh: you mean with spanish?
(19:18) Leigh: you are right... I have trouble having conversations, because you need to think so fast. it is much easier to talk on msn
(19:18) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah, it is true for example when I am sometimes speaking
I feel that all time I am wrong but when I write I feel better
(19:20) Leigh: yup, you have more time to think about what you are writing/saying
(19:20) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah
(19:20) Leigh: and you can fix mistakes before you hit enter... with speaking, they hear your mistakes right away but the only way to get better at speaking, is to pratice
(19:21) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yes I know that but I sometimes feel that i dont have a good pronunciation when our teacher told me read, I feel insecure also I'm trying to improve my listening skill
(19:23) Leigh: speaking and listening are much harder than reading and writing
(19:23) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: oh yeah …I consider that I have a good grammar but English is too complicated
(19:24) Leigh: hahaha, there are a lot of irregular things
(19:24) Leigh: I think that your english is definitely advanced though you are at a very high level
(19:25) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: thank you at university we have to pass an exam called Michigan and it is said all contrary
(19:26) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: in that exam we met words that we never use and never listen …the thing easier is speaking exam but reading, listening and grammar and the last one it is most difficult
(19:27) Leigh: for those they probably make it very difficult I don't even know if I would pass!
(19:27) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: for example the next examI have to write an essay so our teacher are teaching how to write an essay this semester and we will a little time to write it so I can imagine that
(19:29) Leigh: that is pretty difficult!
(19:29) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah I really like to write but in spanish
(19:30) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: you have to bear in mind rules and I hate the rules
(19:36) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: tell me something Do you have a girlfriend?
(19:36) Leigh: no I don't! I am single. what about you? do you have a boyfriend?
(19:36) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: No I'm single too…nobody wants to love me
(19:37) Leigh: dont' say that! you just haven't met the right guy ..what are columbian guys like?
(19:38) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I really fall in love of my old boyfriend but we can't stay because he lives in Bogota and I live in Neiva but we wish to be together one day
(19:39) Leigh: I hope it works out for you!
(19:39) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: maybe but now I'm studying hard because I would like to do a postgrade in another country
(19:40) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I would like to apply for scholarship
(19:45) Leigh: what would you like to do your postgrad in?
(19:45) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: didactic i dont know how to say it
(19:46) Leigh: what does that mean?
(19:46) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: how to teach
(19:47) Leigh: ahh interesting... you are teaching me english!
(19:47) Leigh: 800,000 - 140,000 pesos per month…is that a lot of money?
(19:48) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: in Colombia is a few money per?
(19:48) Leigh: month oh every month
(19:49) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I don't know if pesos in your country is the same in mine
(19:49) Leigh: columbian pesos
(19:49) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah
(19:50) Leigh: could I live with 140,000 pesos a month?
(19:50) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: 140.000 or 1400 000
(19:51) Leigh: 140 mil
(19:52) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: you can't live with that
(19:52) Leigh: can you live with 800 mil?
(19:53) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: if you want to live better you have to earn about one million or more…kind of
(19:53) Leigh: maybe they wrote the number wrong
(19:53) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah….i think that
(19:54) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I guess so
(19:56) Leigh: guess what, I haven't had a girlfriend in 7 yearsQ!
(19:56) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: wow …why?
(19:56) Leigh: I am not sure
it is a long time though haha
(19:57) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: YEAH-…too much
(19:57) Leigh: I know... but it is difficult to meet girls…especially ones that you like!
(19:57) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: but are you interest or interesting someone?
(19:58) Leigh: no right now I am not interested in anyone
(19:58) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: ok
(19:58) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: thank you so much for your helping
I really like to write in English and practice it
(19:59) Leigh: no problem :) I am glad I could help you
if you have questions, just let me know
(19:59) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: ok.. bye..kisses
Inicio de sesión: domingo, 08 de marzo de 2009
(S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI@(S) (mavicky_blue@hotmail.com)
Leigh (leighhalliday@hotmail.com)
(18:46) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: Hello….how are you?
(18:47) Leigh: I am tired. This weekend I took a course on how to teach english as a foreign language. I had 20 hours of class in 2 days! 11 yesterday, and 9 today!
(18:47) Leigh: and how are you?
(18:47) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: fine
(18:48) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: but tell me something about your course…it is interesting
(18:49) Leigh: sure!
(18:49) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I would like to learn something about that because I am becoming a teacher
(18:49) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: English teacher. Of course
(18:50) Leigh: we learned how to assess what level their english is at... it is not an exact science, but you can try to guess approximately at least. There is: elementary, low intermediate, intermediate, high intermediate, and advanced. Many schools rate these different.
(18:51) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah, it is important to take into account for teaching, I guess so
(18:51) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: but you learned it for all ages or special ages?
(18:52) Leigh: this course was more generic... it is only part of my overall course. I took a 20 hour weekend course, and now I am taking a 100 hour online course which will go into much more detail
(18:53) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: ohh it is good
(18:53) Leigh: we learned a lot of games to play with students to help them learn different things, and we got to practice teaching a bit. I had to teach comparatives and superlatives: big, bigger biggest. small, smaller, smallest. nice, nicer, nicest and to show this, we lined up everone from shortest to tallest, and said "you are tall, you are taller, you are tallest"
(18:53) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: it is a similar autonomous learning
(18:54) Leigh: yes exactly. or distance education
(18:54) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: i have some problems with superlatives and comparatives, I can write these but when I am speaking i dont used it
(18:55) Leigh: you should try to just when you are walking around. that building is big, that building is bigger, that building is the biggest
(18:56) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: it is a good advice, I will try to bear mind it
(18:56) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: why do you learn how to teach a second language?
(18:57) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: Are you become a teacher?
(18:59) Leigh: I am not sure! Not right now anyway, but maybe one day in the future. I want to go and volunteer in Peru (or another country) teaching english for a month, hopefully next winter
(18:59) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: wow it is a good idea but you should come to Colombia
(18:59) Leigh: I want to teach english to orphans
(18:59) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: it is better :)
(19:00) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I really like the idea, I can notice that you have a big heart and you have clear your purposes
(19:00) Leigh: thank you very much :)
(19:01) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: so tell me something about what do you do when you are not in classes?
(19:02) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: last time you said me that you're working
(19:04) Leigh: yes! I am a computer programmer. so I work from 9-5, monday to friday. at night I go to the gym, have spanish 2 times a week, and in my spare time study, hang out with my friends, go dancing, go to church
(19:04) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: what kind of religion do you have?
(19:04) Leigh: I am a Christian... are you religious?
(19:05) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah ….I am a Christian
(19:05) Leigh: cool :)
(19:05) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: but I'm not going to church
(19:05) Leigh: how come?
(19:06) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I believe in god but I try to be better every day and follow that the Bible say
(19:07) Leigh: me too! I think it is important to have a community to help you, which is why I go to church, but certainly your relationship with God is the most important thing
(19:07) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah, but in Colombia is different when we were child our parents told us you have to go to church you have to believe in god …you have to everything is you have to but nobody say why you have too
(19:09) Leigh: it is similar here in a lot of families
(19:09) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: so I met about god three years ago
(19:09) Leigh: when I was younger I believed because my parents told me to... but when I got older and started to think about it myself I had to figure out my own reasons for it, and figure out what exactly I believe
(19:09) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I got used to went to Christian church and I learned who is god and I met that He has beautiful things for us but human dont have bear in mind these
(19:11) Leigh: wait one second
(19:11) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: ok don'tworry
(19:11) Leigh: you mean that humans don't pay attention to the plan that God has for them?
(19:11) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah
(19:12) Leigh: ok, continue :)
(19:13) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: and I think that we have far away from him and we don't know his real love …sorry…we are far away from him and we don't know his real love
(19:13) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: there are a few people that read the Bible so nobody learn about his plans
(19:14) Leigh: I think you are right. One of the reason I like to help orphans is because I think that God has a special place in his heart for orphans, for poor people, for people that are being oppressed... so I like to show them God's love by helping them and showing that I love them as well
(19:15) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah It is a great plan if one day I can help you, I am so glad to help you
(19:16) Leigh: thank you! one day I would like to come to columbia... so you can help me by giving me some information when the time comes :)
(19:16) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: oh yeah, I think that you are learning something that help so much but when you want to apply your knowledges it is different
(19:18) Leigh: you mean with spanish?
(19:18) Leigh: you are right... I have trouble having conversations, because you need to think so fast. it is much easier to talk on msn
(19:18) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah, it is true for example when I am sometimes speaking
I feel that all time I am wrong but when I write I feel better
(19:20) Leigh: yup, you have more time to think about what you are writing/saying
(19:20) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah
(19:20) Leigh: and you can fix mistakes before you hit enter... with speaking, they hear your mistakes right away but the only way to get better at speaking, is to pratice
(19:21) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yes I know that but I sometimes feel that i dont have a good pronunciation when our teacher told me read, I feel insecure also I'm trying to improve my listening skill
(19:23) Leigh: speaking and listening are much harder than reading and writing
(19:23) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: oh yeah …I consider that I have a good grammar but English is too complicated
(19:24) Leigh: hahaha, there are a lot of irregular things
(19:24) Leigh: I think that your english is definitely advanced though you are at a very high level
(19:25) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: thank you at university we have to pass an exam called Michigan and it is said all contrary
(19:26) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: in that exam we met words that we never use and never listen …the thing easier is speaking exam but reading, listening and grammar and the last one it is most difficult
(19:27) Leigh: for those they probably make it very difficult I don't even know if I would pass!
(19:27) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: for example the next examI have to write an essay so our teacher are teaching how to write an essay this semester and we will a little time to write it so I can imagine that
(19:29) Leigh: that is pretty difficult!
(19:29) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah I really like to write but in spanish
(19:30) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: you have to bear in mind rules and I hate the rules
(19:36) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: tell me something Do you have a girlfriend?
(19:36) Leigh: no I don't! I am single. what about you? do you have a boyfriend?
(19:36) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: No I'm single too…nobody wants to love me
(19:37) Leigh: dont' say that! you just haven't met the right guy ..what are columbian guys like?
(19:38) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I really fall in love of my old boyfriend but we can't stay because he lives in Bogota and I live in Neiva but we wish to be together one day
(19:39) Leigh: I hope it works out for you!
(19:39) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: maybe but now I'm studying hard because I would like to do a postgrade in another country
(19:40) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I would like to apply for scholarship
(19:45) Leigh: what would you like to do your postgrad in?
(19:45) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: didactic i dont know how to say it
(19:46) Leigh: what does that mean?
(19:46) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: how to teach
(19:47) Leigh: ahh interesting... you are teaching me english!
(19:47) Leigh: 800,000 - 140,000 pesos per month…is that a lot of money?
(19:48) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: in Colombia is a few money per?
(19:48) Leigh: month oh every month
(19:49) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I don't know if pesos in your country is the same in mine
(19:49) Leigh: columbian pesos
(19:49) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah
(19:50) Leigh: could I live with 140,000 pesos a month?
(19:50) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: 140.000 or 1400 000
(19:51) Leigh: 140 mil
(19:52) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: you can't live with that
(19:52) Leigh: can you live with 800 mil?
(19:53) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: if you want to live better you have to earn about one million or more…kind of
(19:53) Leigh: maybe they wrote the number wrong
(19:53) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: yeah….i think that
(19:54) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: I guess so
(19:56) Leigh: guess what, I haven't had a girlfriend in 7 yearsQ!
(19:56) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: wow …why?
(19:56) Leigh: I am not sure
it is a long time though haha
(19:57) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: YEAH-…too much
(19:57) Leigh: I know... but it is difficult to meet girls…especially ones that you like!
(19:57) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: but are you interest or interesting someone?
(19:58) Leigh: no right now I am not interested in anyone
(19:58) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: ok
(19:58) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: thank you so much for your helping
I really like to write in English and practice it
(19:59) Leigh: no problem :) I am glad I could help you
if you have questions, just let me know
(19:59) (S)M@rIä VïCtÖrI: ok.. bye..kisses
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