CESL Today Center for English as a Second Language | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale, IL 62901-4518 USA
Volume 71, Term 073
May – July 2007
[ Cities ] [ T.V. Shows ] [ Movies ] [ Music ] [ Dream Jobs ] [ Carbondale ] [ Learning a Foreign Language ] [ Differences Between Korean and English ] [ Moving to EAP2 ] [ What It Means to be a "Good" Teacher ]
[ TOEFL Advice ] [ Opinions About the TOEFL ] [ Abstracts ]
[ CESL ] [ CESL Today ] [ back issues ] [ index by author ]
Cities
The City of Happiness
Auckland, New Zealand is the best city I have ever visited in my life. Auckland is the largest and the most wonderful city in New Zealand, but it's not the capital city there. I have lived there for a month, and I visited different places in it, such as parks, museums, lakes, mountains, beaches, and famous buildings.
There are several things that make Auckland the city of happiness: its mood, its green land, and its great people. The city's mood, or its atmosphere, is a very beautiful, very happy mood. In addition, its green land makes it the place of peace for me, and the people out there are great, friendly, and peaceful people.
I strongly suggest everyone who needs a quiet vacation to visit it, and enjoy such an unusual city. Finally, if I want to write about Auckland, I will never be able to finish my word, but to end with a word, Auckland is not the city you visit and like it, it is the city you visit and feel it.
-Mohammed Mahboob
Marbella
The city that I really like the most is Marbella in Spain. It is one of the most interesting cities that I have visited. It has a very beautiful beach by the ocean. The richest people around the world like to spend their vacation there because Spanish people are so friendly. There are a variety of the best international restaurants, such as Indian, French and Arabic food. It is a really nice place for vacation and relaxation.
-Fawziah Hamza
Tarout Island
Tarout Island, or Ishtarut, named by the Phoenicians, is the second largest island in the Arabian Gulf. Tarout Island, and Al Qatif Oasis, which is on the coast near it, is located in the western province of Saudi Arabia. Before Islam, Tarout Island was known as Ishtarut. Ishtarut was the name of their God of love and beauty. The history of this island goes back to over five thousands years ago. It was believed to be "the Garden of Eden, a piece of Heaven on Earth," according to some website. Tarout Island is the birth of cultures, one of the quaint cities in history and the most important seaport in the past. Tarout Island became interesting because it has Tarout castle. This castle is the most important historical location on the Gulf Sea. I was born in Tarout Island and I love this city not just because I was born on it, but also because it's very old.
-Ahmed Al Zamzam
Riyadh
There are several huge cities in my country, but what I like and live in is Riyadh city, which is the capital city. It is a big huge city, crowded , and it has some deserts inside it. There are 5 million people who live in it. I can say it is similar to New York citym because most people are busy. I like it because you can find everything you need as most ministries, government and your works in it. The good thing about living in huge city is having a lot of realationships, friends, and if you like bussiness you have a good business over there.
-Faisal Al Maashoug
T.V. Shows
The Best T.V. Program
In my country, every family has a television. It played a role in our lives. We watched T.V. for news or whatever we want to see. Also, I liked to watch T.V. too. It had many kinds of programs. The best T.V. program is Entertainment. Every Sunday night, it introduced stars of events or activities. It reported their clothes/style, because there were many fans that wanted to follow their style. I also do that. They showed the stars' sandals. If I heard it, I shared it with my classmates during break time when I was in high school. This program revealed the star that had the new album. Then, I would buy it, because I liked her or who ever was the famous person. So, I liked the Entertainment T.V. program.
-Qin Zheng
My Favorite T.V. Program
HI! I am Patrick. This is my first time to write a personal blog, and I want to talk about my favorite T.V. program. My favorite program is ESPN. It talks about many kinds of sports, including sports news, games, and players in the world. Many Americans like sports, such as baseball, basketball, and football. These are very popular sports in America. People care about which team won the game yesterday, and which player did very well.
I like to watch sports games, especially baseball and basketball. In Taiwan, many people care about the MLB player who comes from Taiwan, like Yankees' Changming Wang, and Dodgers' Hungzi Kuo. Because both these pitchers are very popular in Taiwan, we like to watch them play games. The other sport I like is basketball, especially the NBA. If I have time, I want to go the United Center to watch the Chicago Bulls games.
These sports are my favorite! So this is why I like to watch ESPN. So if you have time, you should watch it and enjoy the games. I hope you will like it!
-Patrick
My Favorite Movie Show
My favorite T.V. show is the X-files. This is very interesting and makes you think a lot. At the end of the episode they will never tell you what will happen or the answer and give you a lot of space for thinking; you will think you have a lot of answers. This will let a lot of people love this show and become very famous at a wide span.
At 8 o'clock in the evening, every person sits in front of the T.V. and waits. This will not tell us the answer, but we can guess and hope tomorrow can come early.
-Renzhi Liu
Movies
The Best Movie "Farinelli"
My favorite movie is Farinelli. This movie's genre is an art film. The story of Farinelli is that there is a prominent vocalist in the 16th century in Europe. During that period, there is another vocalist role, which we can't see at the present age. At that time, in Papal court, they misunderstood the Bible, so they thought women couldn't sing in the church. So they needed men who had a high tone in voice. That is called "Castrato." This role is a kind of man soprano. Usually, for a man to take charge of the soprano role is impossible. So, if men could be Castrato, they had to be emasculated before puberty inevitably. That age is Castrato's period of prosperity because their voice is so fantastic and indescribable, so everyone liked them. This movie is the story of one Castrato, Farinelli. He performed in many European countries. In this movie, the most impressive part was the almost last part, which he sang "Lascia ch'io pianga." His voice seemed like an angel's voice. This movie is the best because this movie brings a fresh subject and a calm impression.
-Sung Hun Cho
Be Brave, Be Strong
My parents told me a lot of fairy tales when I was a little girl; yet my favorite one is "Harry Potter", which I've known since I was a middle school student. The first reason that I like this movie is Harry Potter really brings me back into a childhood world, and it keeps a childish heart in me. This famous movie describes the personality of the leading role, Harry Potter, by telling the story that happens in his magical life. I extremely respect Harry Potter because he is the person that I want to be. He is a brave hero who has never surrendered to darkness. No matter how difficult the way under his foot is, he still insists on justice. Also, he is strong; this does not mean he has a strong body; the strength is shown from his mind and intelligence. He always does his best to protect his friends and justice. It is different from other movies, not only because the story is unique, but also because of the use of technology in "Harry Potter". The director and the author of this novel have a perfect link to show us an excellent movie. The use of technology in this movie is at a high level; pictures and sounds in Harry Potter bring people of all ages into a magical world. There are 7 parts of the total story; the last one will be on-line on July 13. I expect it very much.
-Yiming Xu
Shawshank Redemption: Unimaginable Turning Point
Whenever I think of my favorite movies, they, with no exception, have some of the same features. My favorite movies have been the following: Titanic, Beautiful Mind, Shawshank Redemption, Moulan-rouge, and Forrest Gump. In these movies, there is something special, like the fact that they are based on real stories, they touched me emotionally during the movie time continually, and the story of the movie is built very well. Among these movies, the best one, even if it is difficult to choose one, is the Shawshank Redemption. It's a story about a guy who goes to prison unfairly. He spends time in the prison for several decades. During this terrible time, he becomes a great prisoner, changing the environment of the prison by making a hopeful atmosphere. As the movie went on, I thought he would just happily live in the prison forever. But there was a turning point. He had longed for extreme freedom, even though he was a good prisoner. He finally escaped the prison with a hammer, and lets the opponent, like the president of the prison, who illegally did bad crimes, go to prison ironically. It was the best movie with an unimaginable turning point. I will never forget this movie.
-Kwang Sub Son
Music
MUSIC
I like the Blue Hearts, which is the name of a rock band; especially, I like the vocalist. He is Hiroto Komoto. He makes the text, too. They are not very popular, but they have very core admirers. Why? Because, their music has power; however, their power is very special. Their music does not use a lot of beautiful words, but they can use a few words perfectly. Besides, his voice has a magic that is telling the truth. Sometimes, he sings of a very dirty world. Usually, people cannot understand it because it is not beautiful if it is true. However, if he sings this music, this really dirty music enters into people's hearts. I think it is his secret about popularity. They always shout the truth. They sacrifice everything of themselves. I like their style because I cannot copy that.
The Blue Hearts Official Website:
http://www.tri-m.co.jp/artists/blue_hearts/blue_hearts.html
-Shota Watanabe
My Favorite Musician: "Vibe"
I'd like to introduce my favorite musician, 'Vibe'. Vibe is the Korean group who consists of two men in their mid twenties. They have been the most popular group since their debut in 2002. They have released three albums, and all of them have been successful. They are also producers. They make their own songs and give many songs to other singers. For this reason, they have been selected as the greatest artist by other musicians, even though there are many artists who are famous in other Asian counties. They sing R&B, and their main theme is the sadness of farewell. Their soft voices, slow and sad melodies, and realistic lyrics have touched Koreans' hearts.
Among their several hit songs, my favorite is "The man and the woman". This song is sung with a female singer who is also considered one of the best singers in Korea. This song tells about the story of a broken couple. The couple think that they are broken even though they believe in each other and gave their everything to their lovers. This song expresses the emotions of the broken couple appropriately. Like their other songs, this has a slow and sad melody. This song sounds weird to Americans at first, but I believe they will come to like it.
-Allen Koh
Mohammad Abdou
Mohammad Abdou is a perfect musician. He is 52 years old. He has a beautiful voice. Also, his performance is very good. He chose good words, and that is not easy; it goes directly to your heart. When he sings, you think he describes your life. Furthermore, he has good emotion, when he sings; it makes you like you're inside the life of the song. Really, he is my favorite musician.
-Raed Al Hamad
Huge China, Small World
I've never listened to such an excellent kind of music before. I've never known such an excellent band, which can play traditional Chinese music and modern music elements at the same time. I've never found such excellent introducers who bring Chinese culture to the world in such a special way. They are "The Twelve Girls Band". This team is consisted of twelve girls who are all graduated from a famous Chinese music university. All of the twelve girls learned traditional Chinese musical instruments, such as the alto fiddle and the yang stringed instrument. There is no one who has this idea that mixes Chinese traditional music together with modern musical elements until they showed up on the stage. They became famous in a short time, and not only are they liked by Chinese people in all generations, but also accepted by people around the world. They hold vocal recitals in China, Japan, the U.S, and so on; their steps covered the world. Their most important show in their artistic lives until now is that they played at the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece; everyone was shocked by these twelve girls who were in red—the Chinese traditional color, and they will have a show at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing again as the successful symbol of Chinese culture links to the world today. Their music brings the great Chinese culture to the world, and lets people all over the world follow with China at that moment.
-Yiming Xu
Abo Nora
It is very nice when you get to relax and listen to music. I like to listen to music in my free time. One of the best musicians I like to listen to is Abo Nora. Abo Nora is a musician. He is from Saudi Arabia. In addition, he is one of the most popular musicians in the Middle East. He has been a singer for many years. Furthermore, he has a nice voice. He has sung all kinds of music such as romantic music, and sad music. He also plays guitar very well. He has over 100 songs. He is really professional in singing. I have met him, and talked with him. He is a kind man. Finally, anyone who is interested in music likes to listen to Abo Nora's music in the Middle East.
-Wabran Al Yami
Dream Jobs
Why I Want To Be an Accountant
I want to be an accountant because it is possibility, a amount of challenge, and a good salary. First, the possibility of advancement is a dream for all accountants because they work hard to get an advancement until they become a financial manager. The mount of challenge is important to an accountant because no part in the company can work your work; nobody can tell you something to do in your work or give you an order, except someone who works with you in accounting. The third reason is a good salary. In accounting, you can take a good pay because no one can do your work, and you are good at your job. You can do small, private business for yourself. Finally, you must work hard and be very organized to be a financial manager, and you will be famous and gain social status.
- Khaldoun Abu Awwad
Why I Want To Be an Engineer
People should decide about their future after they finish high school. They should study a major that they can get benefits from to have a good life. Furthermore, choosing a major is very important for many reasons, such improving a standard of living, and getting a good income. I decided to choose engineering as my major for many reasons: engineering is my hobby, it is very common all over the world, and I can get a good income when I become an engineer.
First of all, studying engineering is my hobby because I feel interested in it, so I will study engineering at a university. In addition, I have bought many engineering books and tools, for I like to read and learn about it. Also, I am concerned about anything new in the engineering world, like T.V.'s, cell phones or computers.
Next, engineering is becoming necessary in the world because we need so much technology. Engineers are needed in many places. Many companies, like Toshiba, depend on engineers to do their work. For example, the United States has a huge company of technology, so it needs engineers to deal with this technology.
Finally, I can earn a lot of money from working as an engineer. Engineers all over the world have a good income. In addition, they have many choices for working. They can find work in any place. For example, if I am an engineer, I can work at Sony Company, Dell Company, or HP Company; these companies hire more than 300 engineers each year.
In conclusion, engineering has become important in the world. The technology all over the world depends on engineers. Therefore, I decided to study engineering at the university. In addition, engineering is my favorite major. I am interested in it. Engineering also is common all over the world. When I become an engineer, I will get a great job.
- Abdulrahman Ghandoura
My Job
I want to be an engineer because engineering has a good salary, possibility of advancement, personal satisfaction, and an opportunity to start my own company.
First, most companies in Saudi Arabia give the engineers a good salary, and the salary is important to feel good when you live with your family, and engineers don't need help from anybody.
Second, I have to make some possibility of advancement to help people. When I am an expertise in this job, I can make plans or give some people ideas, then improve myself and people who work with me in this field.
Also, I hope to gain personal satisfaction, because of my dream to become an engineer and work in the biggest company (ARAMCO) in my country. And I don't want to work in some job that maybe I don't like, because I want to be excited in my job to work good.
In addition, I want to be an engineer like my father. I want to fix my stuff in my home by myself. However, I want to build up a company for me, and I want to be famous. Afterwards, I hope my sons become engineers like me because I want to give them my company and continue to work in it, and live without needing anything from anybody.
In conclusion, I would like to be an engineer, especially in Saudi Arabia because it has a good job and good salalry.
-Mohammad Albayat
My Occupation
I want to be a doctor because a doctor helps other people, has a high social status and earns a lot of money.
First, a doctor helps other people and can apply for a volunteer position. I think that is very great work. Most people can't do that because it's hard to study. For instance, doctors can treat people who get an injury. Also, when natural disasters occur, doctors can help injured people.
Second, a doctor has a high social status. That makes me satisfied about my job. Also, I have confidence about my job. For example, when I meet anyone, I will be confident. Then, I can concentrate on my job and have self-praise.
Third, doctors earn a lot of money. If I'm a doctor, I will buy a beautiful house. I will live there with my family. Then I will buy a good car because I like driving. Also, I will make my life-style better. Most doctors earn more money than workers with other jobs.
Finally, I think being a doctor is very interesting because this job has many advantages.
Also, if I get this job, I will be satisfied.
-Seung Ho Jang
Carbondale
Carbondale
Carbondale is a small city in southern Illinois, which is part of the United States. It has some pretty places such as the lakes around Carbondale or Giant City, and that is what I will write about. Giant City can be described as a big forest, and it has some lakes. It has good places to sit and start a fire and cook. I went to Giant City many times with my friends and we enjoyed it and we cooked and played soccer and cards. Giant City, in my opinion, is considered a good and safe place for children, and they can go there and play in the fresh air. One more thing, the last time I was there I saw some people exercising and relaxing, and this is for people who like to play some sports. Giant City is not too far from the city so we can say that Carbondale has some good places.
-Fahad Al Otaibi
Sculpture
The sculpture in Carbondale is to commemorate international friendship. It proves that our small town is interacting with the world; it means that building a good friendship is an important thing to us. Friendship is also important to us. A good friend can accompany you whenever you are happy or sad. A sculpture always symbolizes or commemorates something that is very important. When I looked at the sculpture, I remembered another sculpture in my country. It is a sculpture of a person, and everyone knows this person in China. He was the Chairman of our country in the past, and people erected a sculpture to commemorate him. This behavior is to express that people will respect him forever.
-Mei Liu
Way to Enjoy Carbondale
Usually, a small city has nothing, so people have a boring time, especially on the weekends so I want to suggest how we can enjoy a good weekend in Carbondale. My idea is you should start to take photographs because I think playing games, reading books, and watching movies are activities we can do anywhere. If it is possible, I want to do an activity that is special in Carbondale. What does Carbondale have? My answer is natural places. If you lived in a big city, you can understand that Carbondale has a lot of natural places. You should bring a camera and take good photographs. If you will do this, you will have good photographs, feel refreshed, and get good health too. What's more, you can learn camera skills. It is very convenient. I think if you feel bored in Carbondale, you should start to take photographs.
-Shota Watanabe
Carbondale
Some people may say Carbondale is a small and a boring city, especially on the weekends. But in my opinion, whether boring or not actually depends on how you think of it. This is my first visit in the U.S.A. Of course, Carbondale is the first city I stayed in. I was surprised by the scenery and natural resources of this city. There are a lot of lakes, forests and wild animals that are easy to find. During the weekends, while I have nothing to do, going out for a walk, whether along the lake or just along the road, is my favorite activity. Walking is the best activity for not only exercise, but also enjoying the natural scenery, unique houses, and beautiful sounds from birds. The silence is a treasure, which you rarely experience in a big city. If you feel bored on the weekend, it is a good choice to put all your thoughts down and experience a walk around this citys wonderful surroundings. Then, maybe you will feel much better.
-Hui Hseuh Hsu
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Learning a Foreign Language
Language
There are many different languages in the world. To learn a new language, you have to memorize its words and use them when you are talking to keep them in your mind. Besides that, there are many different ways that help you learn a new language. For example, get a small notebook and keep it in your pocket all the time to write new words when you hear them. Also, while somebody talks, ask him/her about the words that you hear for the first time. There is another way that helps you learn quickly. Write the hard words on a piece of paper then put it everywhere in your house so when you walk in your house you will see the words everywhere. The best way to learn a different language is to not spend your time with people who speak the same language.
-Hattan Al Ghamdi
Language Learning
English language is the first language in the world, which means that it is very important—more so than another language, for example, Arabic, German, etc. We have five skills to learning the English language: listening, grammar, reading, speaking and writing. The most important skills to learning English are reading skills. The writing is the hardest skill for me. The reason writing is a hard skill for me is because there is a difference between the English and Arabic writing format. Everyone has different ways to study. Before I took EAP2 with Mr. Leverett, I didnt have any strategies to study writing except to study the rules of writing. Now I like fluency exercises, which we wrote in class almost everyday. I recommend to any student that is learning writing skills to try writing a fluency exercise every day.
-Batil Al Onazi
Language Learning
No one can process information in exactly the same way that he wants. However, he can learn things more efficiently and in less time if he discovers how he can process information best. Arabic language is different than other languages, especially in format. I expand the strategies that I use for learning and studying, especially in English, because when I am learning something new or difficult, I naturally tend to use the learning style that I prefer. I recommend that every person should have his own learning style to be more successful in life, and also they should choose their learning styles according to their abilities and power.
-Ahmed Al Zamzam
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Differences Between Korean and English
Extreme Differences Between Korean and English
Between English and Korean, there are many kinds of differences. One of them, the most different thing, is word order. Usually, the English word order is subject, verb, and object order, but the Korean word order is not the same. For example, if I want to translate this sentence: "I like apples," this sentence order should be: "I apple like," according to Korean grammar. This word order used in Korean grammar is called Altaic language. So, when I say and make sentences, I should think about grammar order. This is the most difficult part for Korean speakers to learn English. The solution is that before you think of the sentence in Korean, You should try to make the sentence in English.
-Sung Hun Cho
/f/ and /p/
There is a funny and sad story about English pronunciation in Korea. One day, a Korean guy went to a good restaurant. He ordered pork, and finally the pork reached him. But a fork was ironically not given to him. So, he called the waiter to gain a fork, and asked him to bring a fork. As time passed, the waiter showed up again, but he only brought to the guy another pork, not a fork. Finally, he had to pay double the price for the two lumps of pork on that day. Like this story, most Korean speakers feel it is difficult to pronounce and to listen precisely and clearly in English, and to distinguish between each pronunciation like /p/ and /f/, /v/ and /b/, and /r/ and /l/. It's the same to me. The Korean language doesn't have many pronunciation sounds similar to English. It's so different. So, I think that many Korean speakers feel it is more difficult speaking and listening than reading and writing. But, it is still interesting to speak and listen to English, which isn't an easy language to adjust to.
-Kwang Sub Son
Differences Between Korean and English
Korean and English are completely different languages. First, they have different sentence structures. For example, objects come after verbs in English sentences. On the other hand, in Korean sentences, objects are placed before verbs. Second, English and Korean have different pronunciation systems. Usually, the pronunciation of English words is changed when the part of speech is changed, even though the partial spellings aren't changed. However, the pronunciation of Korean words doesn't change even if some letters are added to the words. One letter has one kind of pronunciation is the pronunciation principle of Korean. Furthermore, there is no "R" sound in Korean, so many English learners have trouble pronouncing words including "R". Most English teachers in Korea have not been educated how to pronounce "R" exactly, so the same thing is happening to today's students.
The most difficult part when I study English is to find the proper words which can deliver my thoughts or feelings exactly. The important thing that we should recognize is that there is no one-to-one correspondence between two different languages. Sometimes one language has a certain word, but the other doesn't, so it might take a lot of time to find the proper words for certain situations. I've felt frustrated many times because there is no word that can show my feelings. Therefore, when learning English, we'd better understand American culture and how Americans express their thoughts instead of trying to translate our native language into English.
-Allen Koh
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Moving to EAP2
A Day of EAP1 and EAP2
When I was an EAP1 student, I took 3 classes like this: core, advanced reading strategy, and writing. Now, I am also taking 3 classes as an EAP2 student like this: core, pronunciation, and writing. Both, EAP1 and EAP2 have had the same topic, "Environment", and have approached the topic with a more academic view. So, they look like similar classes, but they are a little bit different. The biggest difference between EAP1 and EAP2 is, I think, the amount of matter for studying. Now, we are studying a lot of things, and reading a textbook and an article more rapidly and busily, though there is a reason for this change--the 7 weeks schedule into a 6 weeks schedule, and the EAP2 classes are tougher. Actually, the EAP2 classes are like SIU classes. So, EAP2 students don't study a lot about grammar, the alphabet, and basic words in detail in class. Instead, we study about academic discussions in the core class, how to organize an essay well in the writing class, and how to pronounce English words correctly in the pronunciation class. So, I want to recommend to the other students who will come to the EAP2 level later to study more about grammar, basic vocabulary, and basic writing skills, because I still feel it is difficult and make many mistakes.
-Kwang Sub Son
Classes
There are a lot of differences between EAP1 and EAP2. EAP1 is, in general, easier than EAP2 for all the classes. EAP1 prepares us for EAP2, but EAP2 prepares us to start with SIU. In fact, for myself, EAP2 is more useful than EAP1. Also, EAP2 gives us professional writing skills, more than EAP1 does. In my opinion, I like EAP2 more than EAP1 because it means I'm exiting. EAP1 is less work than EAP2 in all classes. In EAP2, there is more reading, and they teach us the technical skills of reading, for example, skinning, skimming and fast reading. Moreover, in writing class in EAP2 we have to do a big research paper that improves our writing skills. Finally, the EAP2 class gives us the feeling that we are in the university, and I like this feeling.
English
In EAP2, you will use reading, writing and speaking more than in EAP1. In fact, you will enjoy EAP2 more than EAP1, but you should work hard. Furthermore, your reading ability will improve a lot, because you will write one paper each day, or even more. Actually, it seems difficult, but it is not; you should manage your time. In addition there are three important things in EAP2. First, be on time; don't waste your time, especially in writing. Second, you should learn from your grammar mistakes; the teacher will show you on your paper, so you can improve your ability. Third, read a lot, especially news articles, so you can catch more idioms, verbs and vocabularies. Concluding, EAP2 is better for you to test your language ability.
-Numey Al Shareif
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What It Means to be a "Good" Teacher
Good to Great Teacher
Have you read the book entitled, Good to Great before? It is a story about great companies going beyond good companies. The distinction between a good company and a great company depends not only on their income, but also the goodness they provide for their society, nation, and even the world. In CESL, there are many good teachers, and also there are many great teachers. They have different teaching styles and manners to make CESL students study and understand English more, because every teacher is not the same. Some teachers have good skills in some parts, while other teachers have good tips in others parts. Above all, I think that the great teacher should think of their students. For example, the teacher can write down many things on the write-board or speak slowly to help some students who can't understand, and he or she can explain difficult parts more and more, if most students don't understand, with patience. Moreover, the great teacher that goes beyond the good teacher should be a helpful person, not only for students, but also for other teachers, the CESL office, and even his/her community.
-Kwang Sub Son
What Makes a Good Teacher Good?
There are different qualities that make a good teacher in school. First it's very important how the teacher organizes the course. Second, if the teacher is good at communicating with students, it means that the teacher succeeds in class and tries to understand the feelings of the students. The good teacher uses good techniques in class and different methods, because it makes the students understand the subject. The most important point to help a teacher do well in class is to listen to another opinion from the students. Teachers should be fair with all the students in the class. When the teacher has a good education and good skills, it makes the teacher do well in teaching. The teacher's knowledge makes the students understand the course. Finally, controlling the classes makes the teacher more successful.
-Batil Al Onazi
Classes
There are a lot of strategies, which the teachers use in classes to transfer information to students. Some of the teachers want the students to work as groups. Working as a group has some negatives and positives. The positives are sharing the information between the students, and the students can understand the topic easier because it will reach them in a different way. In addition, everyone will have a new main idea about the topic, which the class discusses. However, there are some negatives from working as a group. For example, some students do not care about the class and talk about different topics or talk about what they are interested in, so that will affect the students and their grades.
-Khalid Al Kahtani
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TOEFL Advice
TOEFL
TOEFL is the test of English as a foreign language. The TOEFL test measures a student's skills and the student's ability to understand the English language. Who should take the TOEFL test? The student whose native language is not English. Any student who plans to take the TOEFL should study at least one month before for the TOEFL. The good way to do well on the TOEFL test is to study vocabulary and increase the ability to read quickly. Before the day of the TOEFL test, get enough sleep. TOEFL tests have 3 sections: listening, grammar and reading. Section one, listening, takes 50 minutes. Try to listen carefully before the speaker tries reading the answer. Section two is grammar. There are two types of questions. The first one is the multiple choice question; the second one is the error question, where you must find the error in the sentence. Finally, the hardest section is reading. The Reading section has five parts.
-Batil Al Onazi
TOEFL
The TOEFL has many tricks; because of that, everybody who wants to take it, learns a lot of strategies. In the reading part, people use more than one strategy. In my case, I like to read the questions first. Then I read the first and last sentence of each paragraph. After that, I like to scan the passage to find the answer. This way is good to me, because I understand the main idea, then I can answer many questions. In addition, this strategy works with me because I do not have enough time to read every thing in the passage. Many people like to read the whole passage because when they do not read like that, they cannot answer any questions. Finally, the TOEFL test requires a lot of practice, especially in the reading part.
TOEFL
The measure of English as a second language is called the TOEFL. When the international students get a high score on the TOEFL exam, they can enter the university to complete their studies. Before you take the exam, there are some suggestions you should take care of. First of all, you should take some practice exams before taking the exam to know how it is. Moreover, you should know all the directions before entering the exam. Also, you may eat and sleep well before the exam to prepare for it. In addition, you can choose a good seat in the examination room to be prepared for the listening part and other parts. In my experience, I think eating a piece of apple is very good for opening your mind and thinking while you are in the exam.
-Khalid Al Kahtani
TOEFL
There are many ways to prepare for the TOEFL test. For example, buying the book and the CD to make you get used to the test. I have taken it three times. Therefore, I would recommend to anybody who is just starting to save a lot of vocabulary because without vocabulary, you are nothing in the test, and you cannot even read and listen. The second step is to read more and more even if you do not understand because with more reading, you will get used to reading. My final recommendation, before going to the test eat a good meal, be relaxed, and bring some candies if you usually get a headache when you take a long test.
-Faisal Al Maashoug
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Opinions About the TOEFL
TOEFL
The English language has become the worldwide formalities language. For many years, English stayed on the top of the famous and desired languages. As we know, the American university has a special culture, so they require the international students to prove that they speak, listen, read and write in English. The TOEFL exam is made to be the judge of this and helps the people who speak English as a second language.
The TOEFL is a very good exam for many reasons. First, it is designed to gauge your English; TOEFL is the Test of English As a Foreign Language. This exam has more than one kind: IBT, TIP and P.P. It is designed for people who didnt speak English as a first language; also it is the gauge of their English that they have. For example, some students who lived outside the USA may have to prove that they speak, read, listen and write. Second, TOEFL has the attitude to improve your language. For example, TOEFL has a lot of vocabulary and we know if we don't have a good vocabulary, we will not improve in English. Finally, TOEFL is the way to study in the country when they speak English. So we cannot study in any university if we don't have the TOEFL, especially in the United States. I think that SIUC should think about the TOEFL score; it's huge for some international students, but on the other hand it's the way to improve your English.
-Ahmed Al Zamzam
Is TOEFL Score Fair to Measure English Capacity of the International Students?
I would like to comment on the rationalization of the TOEFL score to be suitable to evaluate the English capacities of international students. Many students who live in other countries wish to study in the U.S.A and they actually go to the America. However, they have to pass an important step for studying in the United States. It is the TOEFL that they should do. I insist that the TOEFL is not able to assess the English abilities of the international student, nor does it help the foreign students to study their majors.
Even though The TOEFL is one of the English tests that have a long history, it is a barrier that blocks many international students from obtaining the admission for the graduate or undergraduate schools. Besides, the TOEFL cannot examine the competence in each major such as physics, sociology, math, and so on because each international student has his own major and has other purposes for studying in America.
Finally, the TOEFL has several questions in various fields, and the people who are preparing to take the TOEFL do not know the questions that they will meet at the test. However, these several fields of questions do not involve their majors. Accordingly, only the institutional TOEFL must be changed.
-Sungjun Ha
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Abstracts
Abstract
The topic of this paper is solutions to prevent ship pollution. It is very important to find solutions to prevent ship pollution. There are many solutions, but I chose three of them to talk about. First, we should crack down on pollution from ships by fining and enforcing penalties. Second, we should detect ship pollution using technological equipments. Third, signing treaties by countries that share the ocean or the same sea to help each other.
-Hattan Al Ghamdi
Global Pollution from Asian Countries
Abstract
The topic of this paper is global pollution from Asian countries. In this paper, there are three kinds of problems and each problem has some solution. The first, Asian air pollution causes global warming. Secondly, air pollution causes a super-strong storm problem. Air pollution from factories and power plants can cause an acid rain problem, so we should protect ourselves from acid rain. The solutions for every problem is reducing the use of fuel, and developing alternative resources, but that is not easy.
-Sung Hun Cho
Abstract
The topic of this paper is solutions of ship pollution. It argues that ship pollution has become a big threat to the environment and humans. Therefore, the nations should work together to stop this pollution. There are many solutions that help to solve this issue; I am going to mention four of them. The first solution is that people should find alternative fuel that doesn't hurt the environment for ships. The second is that governments should make stricter rules for any ship that emits exhaust emission. The third solution is that all countries should hire people to look for any infraction. Finally, ship pollution is really a big threat to the environment, so governments and people should execute this solution to prevent this pollution.
-Wabran Al Yami
Which Is Your Way, Asian Countries?
Abstract
The topic of this paper is that the nations of the world, especially countries along the Pacific Ocean, should address the issue of Asian air pollution as soon as possible. It argues that governments' attitudes, economists' unlimited economic thought, and the negative opinion for improving Asian air quality. There are four reasons and solutions. The first is less developed Asian countries should set up to protect air as their primary plan, instead of seeking economic benefit only. The second is governments have to reduce the amount of power-driven vehicles, and the third is that Asian developing countries must change energy structure to clean and renewable energy. Finally, closer communication among Asian countries and conversations during a certain time will be helpful to reduce Asian air pollution.
-Yiming Xu
Threatened Tortoise to Endangered Tortoise
Abstract
The topic of this research paper is the many efforts to protect the Arizona Desert tortoises in the U.S.A. How can many organizations like military, companies, the government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) gather and make efforts at protecting the tortoises of Arizona that are becoming extinct? This research paper argues that there should be many reciprocal efforts from four fields to save the tortoise. The first is military and companies' efforts. The second is the U.S. government's efforts. And the last one is the NGOs' efforts. Through the interaction of these efforts, we finally can save the Arizona Desert tortoises.
-Kwang Sub Son
Abstract
The topic of this paper is plastic recycling. It argues that we should regard this solution as an international issue, and people should help the program to recycle. There are three reasons for this argument. The first is that recycling plastic can reduce the waste of our resources, and the second is that this solution won't produce any toxic substances. The third reason is that it is good for the earth's ecosystem.
-Mei Lu
Abstract
The topic of this paper is the Colorado River. They claim that the Colorado River has had a drought, which is a big problem. The Federal Government should address the situation of the Colorado River and its states as well as find solutions to preserve the river's water. First, the Federal Government should distribute water according to necessity and benefit. Second, the Federal Government should use modern water technologies to preserve and provide water. Finally, the federal government should make some rules to limit the growth of these states.
-Raed Al Hamad
Solution for Pacific Coast Problems
Abstract
The topic of this paper is solutions for Pacific Coast problems. There are three solutions to solve these problems. First, we should make new rules to control plant pollution around the Pacific Coast. Second, we should decrease dependence on fossil fuel energy by using clean energy. Third, the government should support alternative energy.
-Abdulhadi Al Marri
Contributors Mohammed Mahboob is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Fawziah Hamza is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed Al Zamzam is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Faisal Al Maashoug is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Sung Hun Cho is in EAP2 and is from South Korea.
YiMing Xu is in EAP2 and is from China.
Kwang Sub Son is in EAP2 and is from South Korea.
Shota Watanabe is in EAP2 and is from Japan.
Allen Koh is in EAP2 and is from South Korea.
Raed Al Hamad is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Wabran Al Yami is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Fahad AlOtaibi is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Mei Liu is in EAP2 and is from China.
Hui Hseuh (Mavis) Hsu is in EAP2 and is from Taiwan.
Hattan Al Ghamdi is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Batil AlOnazi is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Abdulaziz Al Homedey is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Numey Al Shareif is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Khalid Al Kahtani is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Sungjun Ha is in EAP2 and is from South Korea.
Abdulhadi Al Marri is in EAP2 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Qin Zheng is in AE2 and is from China.
Wei-Yu (Patrick) Chen is in AE2 and is from Taiwan.
Renzhi Liu is in AE2 and is from China.
Khaldoun Abu Awwad is in AE1 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Abdulrahman Ghandoura is in AE1 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Albayat is in AE1 and is from Saudi Arabia.
Seung Ho Jang is in AE1 and is from South Korea.
Final Note:
CESL Today is written by students in the Center for English as a Second Language at Southern Illinois University, in Carbondale, IL. Compilation and organization of the articles for this issue were done by Kasandra Merrill under the advisement of Thomas Leverett. The students have worked hard on these articles. We hope you enjoy them!
Center for English as a Second Language
Southern Illinois University,
Carbondale, IL 62901-4518 USA
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