Units 10 and 11: Amazing abilities and talents

In class last week, we talked a little about things we can do vs. things we could do.

Remember, "could" is used in two ways in English:

1) "Could" means future possibility.

"Could I borrow your phone?"
"When I finish university, I could become a teacher."

2) "Could" also means past ability.

"Could you play piano when you were a kid?"
"They could sing beautifully when they weren't tired."

It is important to pay attention to the other verbs in the sentence to understand which meaning could has!

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This week, I want to know what you think about your major at university.



Are you learning how to do things you couldn't do before now?
What could you use your knowledge for?
Do you know what classes you would like to take next semester?

Please write at least 50 words for your response, and post it here before class starts this week. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Becka

Unit 9: Where were you when...?

When we talk about really big news events, sometimes we think about where we were, or what we were doing at that time.

For example, every American probably remembers where they were when 9/11 happened. I was at work, and when I heard about the first plane, we thought it was strange, but we did not worry because the reports said it was a small plane. It sounded like an accident. Then we turned on the TV and saw the second plane hit the other building. I often visited New York City and I was shocked that this happened. Also, my friends lived near those buildings, and I was worried about them.



This week, I want you to tell us something about a personal memory you have about a big news event that affected you. It can be any kind of memory - sad, happy, etc. Tell us: what was the news event? Where were you at that time? How old were you? How did you feel about it?

Please make your response at least 75 words and post it to this forum BEFORE your first class with me this week.

Unit 8: Who do you think is an 'unsung hero'?

This week, we talked about heroes and leaders. We learned about the lives of social activists such as John Lennon (pictured here with his wife, Yoko Ono)...



...Mahatma Gandhi...


...and Aung San Suu Kyi.


These people became famous for the good things they did... but how about people who do good things who aren't famous?

People who do good in the world but don't receive any recognition are usually called "unsung heroes". We use the past tense "sung" in this expression because in English, when we give someone praise, we say we "sing" their praises. An unsung hero is someone who we think deserves more praise.

Who is an unsung hero in your life? Tell us about her or him. Why do you think they are a hero? What good things did they do? Please make your response at least 50 words, and post it before your first class this week.