Language Project: Sample of Giving Directions Dialogue (Blog Entry 2)

Hi gangs! As promised earlier, below is the sample of giving directions dialogue taken from http://esl.about.com/od/intermediateconversation/a/Asking-Directions.htm

Feel free to visit the blog. There are so much things to learn inside it!



Giving Directions


Bob: Excuse me, I'm afraid I can't find a bank. Do you know where one is?

Frank: Well, there are a few banks near here. Do you have a particular bank in mind?

Bob: I'm afraid I don't. I just need to withdraw some money from either a teller, or an ATM.

Frank: OK, that's easy.

Bob: I'm going by car.

Frank: Well, in that case, go straight ahead on this street until the third traffic light. Take a left there, and continue on until you come to a stop sign.

Bob: Do you know what the name of the street is?

Frank: Yes, I think it's Jennings Lane. Now, when you come to the stop sign, take the street on the left. You'll be on 8th Avenue.

Bob: OK, I go straight ahead on this street to the third traffic light. That's Jennings lane.

Frank: Yes, that's right.

Bob: Then I continue on to the stop sign and take a right on 8th Avenue.

Frank: No, take a left at the stop sign onto 8th Avenue.

Bob: Oh, thanks. What's next?

Frank: Well, continue on 8th Avenue for about 100 yards, past a supermarket until you come to another traffic light. Take a left and continue on for another 200 yards. You'll see the bank on the right.

Bob: Let me repeat that: I go about 100 yards, past a supermarket to the traffic light. I take a left and continue for another 200 yards. The bank is on the right.

Frank: Yes, that's it!

Bob: OK. Can I repeat this to see if I've understood everything?

Frank: Certainly.

Bob: Go straight ahead until the third traffic light. Take a left, and continue on to the stop sign. Turn left onto 8th Avenue.

Frank: Yes, that's right.

Bob: Go past the supermarket, to another traffic light, take the first left and I'll see the bank on the left.

Frank: Almost, you'll see the bank on the right, after 200 yards or so.

Bob: Well, thank you very much for taking the time to explain this to me!

Frank: Not at all. Enjoy your visit!

Bob: Thank you.

Language Project : Blog Review 1

Dear All,

I have already viewed all of the blogs . These are my comments. Please take appropriate actions:

1. There are some blogs which do not follow the requirements that I have outlined for your blog settings. For example the blog does not have logos (KPTM & MARA), Songs (KPTM & MARA), blog links and even title of the blog!

2. Some students do not write the first entry (About myself/Profile) - remember, marks for this particular entry is given individually! Late submission of the entry will result to deduction of 1 mark per day starting from today. Therefore, there are some students whose mark have been deducted by me.


p/s: Nur Hafizatul Imani : which group are you in?

Language Project: Sample of Self Introduction Essay (Entry 1)

  Below is a good sample of profile essay/self introduction essay for your first entry. The sample is taken from http://dilairlyna.blogspot.com/2012/10/self-introduction-essay.html

 Feel free to learn from her writings!

My complete name is Adila Rokhmaniar Irlyna but people call me Dila. I was born on first August, 18 years ago. I spent 17 years in my hometown Lumajang with my beloved parents. I have just one brother. He is four year older than me. My father work at Education Departments and my mother besides taking care of household, she is a teacher in junior high school. My brother was studying at Law Faculty in Jember University since 3 years ago. I’m studying at there too, but I chose Public Health Faculty. When I’m in tenth grade, word “Public Health” is heard fascinating for me. It learns about society, health and something which called Epidemiology.  Public health is preventing, protecting and promoting health. It suggests people to keep health because preventing is better than treating. So it will decrease some diseases. I think it is honorable act. That’s why I chose Public Health. Moreover, I want to be a chief manager at hospital or work at Health Departments or may be a Ministry of Health.

          My whole world becomes different since I have graduated from High School. I’m doing all the things by myself. No parent, my life is completely mine. Managing me is the hardest thing that I ever known. It’s been a month I stayed in Jember. My everyday activities included going to campus, doing assignments, studying, available on social network, and hanging out. I want to join UKM again to waste my spare time. I ever join PSM, one of UKM but I was kicked by cause I couldn't survive at there. Other words, I'm not pass the second vocal test. I intend to expand my ability, dance.  I was growing up in art family. My aunties are dancer so do with my dad and my brother’s good in music.

            I have some interests. I’m totally enjoyed reading novels, I waste my pocket just to buy some novels. My favorite is novel by Danielle Steel. It gives me such great inspiration to knowing life, love and people. I also like to writing but I’m bad in mathematics. My brain is just getting slow when I demand it to count something. I’m a lazy, lounge, and moody person. My best is smile as always.

            My goals are pass each semester with the best result so that can make my parent proud, become helpful person for my family, friends, people and this country. I also want to get better in every subject, active in UKM, throw away my lazy time and be a professional. :)

Language Project : Blog Entries

Hai guys and girls!

Sorry for the late update on the language project tasks in this blog. However, I have already explained it to you during our class meetings on what to write for your blog entries.

Nevertheless, in this entry I will still proceed to write those tasks for the blog entries that I have explained in the class.

The followings are the 3 entries that you should have already written or in progress (at least until 9/2/2014) in your blogs.

1. Entry 1 : Your personal profiles/ Essay about Myself (each members have to write his/her own profile entry)

2. Entry 2: Show me the way (write a dialogue between you and a stranger who asks for a direction)

3. Entry 3: Descriptive writing (write a story of your school; primary or secondary by using PAST TENSE)


In my next entry I will provide samples for each tasks (entries).

Enjoy blogging!

Language Project : Fundamental items in your blog

Below are the list of fundamental items that you should include in your blogs:

1. Title : Language Project 2013 HPE1013 (banner) - place it either on the right/left side of your blog or on the upper side of your blog.

2. Logo : KPTM & MARA logo.

3. Songs : maximum of 5 songs including KPTM and MARA songs.

4. Clock - display Malaysian time.

5. Blog List - display a list of your friends' blog address.

6. Followers

7. Your may include Nuffnang advertisement if you like. Please visit http://www.nuffnang.com.my/ for further information on how to place advertisements in your blog.

p/s: You may also include other items in your blog.

* In my next entry I will provide you with your first 'subject' for your blog post.

Language Project for HPE1013

Hai girls and boys!

For this semester we are going to conduct a language project as one of our coursework assessment. Therefore as a start I will give the general ideas of what the language project will be about. Please read on!

Description of skill to be demonstrated in Language project

1. Identify appropriate ideas and topic for graphic diary project (blog writing)/College bulletin/book review.

2. Planning and organize contents  based on suitable ideas to capture readers' interest.

3. Outlining the writing contents appropriately.

4. Develop and write creatively the language project.

5. Use internet technology to produce creative and interesting language project.

6. Complete self-assessment by using reflective viewing response.

7. Present the progress and reflection of the project.

Your tasks:

1. After reading this, you are required to form a group of 4-5 people and start to set/establish a blog page. 

2. When you have established a blog page, you are required send your blog address to me via the comment form below this entry.

*In my next blog post I will outline the features/items that you should include in your blog.

Good Luck & Have a Good Time Blogging!

Error Correction from the perception of Corder

It is to S.P. Corder that Error Analysis owes its place as a scientific method in linguistics. As Rod Ellis cites , "it was not until the 1970s that EA became a recognized part of applied linguistics, a development that owed much to the work of Corder". Before Corder, linguists observed learners' errors, divided them into categories, tried to see which ones were common and which were not, but not much attention was drawn to their role in second language acquisition. It was Corder who showed to whom information about errors would be helpful (teachers, researchers, and students) and how. 

There are many major concepts introduced by S. P. Corder in his article "The significance of learners' errors", among which we encounter the following: 

1) It is the learner who determines what the input is. The teacher can present a linguistic form, but this is not necessarily the input, but simply what is available to be learned. 

2) Keeping the above point in mind, learners' needs should be considered when teachers/linguists plan their syllabuses. Before Corder's work, syllabuses were based on theories and not so much on learners’ needs.

3) Mager (1962) points out that the learners' built-in syllabus is more efficient than the teacher's syllabus. Corder adds that if such a built-in syllabus exists, then learners’ errors would confirm its existence and would be systematic.

4) Corder introduced the distinction between systematic and non-systematic errors. Unsystematic errors occur in one’s native language; Corder calls these "mistakes" and states that they are not significant to the process of language learning. He keeps the term "errors" for the systematic ones, which occur in a second language. 

5) Errors are significant in three ways:

- to the teacher: they show a student’s progress

- to the researcher: they show how a language is acquired, what strategies the learner uses.

- to the learner: he can learn from these errors. 

6) When a learner has made an error, the most efficient way to teach him the correct form is not by simply giving it to him, but by letting him discover it and test different hypotheses. (This is derived from Carroll's proposal (Carroll 1955, cited in Corder), who suggested that the learner should find the correct linguistic form by searching for it. 

7) Many errors are due to that the learner uses structures from his native language. Corder claims that possession of one’s native language is facilitative. Errors in this case are not inhibitory, but rather evidence of one’s learning strategies. 

Adapted from :
http://www.proz.com/translation-articles/articles/633/

How to Pass Your Viva

Those who opt for dissertation or research as the mode of study for their degree or post graduate studies need to undergo a viva session. It is an interview-like session whereby you need to present about your writings in front of a set of panels that are going to give their views and comments on your documents. These views would eventually be the point to determine whether your masterpiece is worth to be graded or not. It is very important to be well-groomed before setting out for your viva session. 

1. Get comfortable with the settings

·         Before the day of the viva session, make sure you visit the venue the viva is going to take place. Get comfortable with all the facilities such as the screen, the LCD, the power socket and even the air conditioner! This is to make sure that everything would run smoothly on the presentation day.  Always prepare a Plan B in case any technical problems arise during the presentation.

2. Know your panels

·         Get a list names of your panels (usually you are allowed to choose your own panel). Check their academic backgrounds. Make some background search on their major academic fields. It is best to read some of your panels’ writings so that you can quote some of their ideas in your presentation. Discover their area of expertise. Recognize their background so that it would be easier for you to predict which of them would have the tendency to give provoking questions or which would ask you questions regarding your knowledge. Remember, those panels are there to be adversarial. They are there for them to challenge your point of views in your writings. So, make sure you know their weaknesses as much as their strength.

3. Be well verse about your writings

·         Make sure that you know your writings all out. It is vital to be well versed in everything that you have written in your dissertation or research. Know every point and inch of your work. Understand each and every reasons of using the methodologies, the techniques and the wording in your writings. Remember you are presenting your masterpiece hence make sure that you present it as the original writer and not merely as a presenter. Anticipate any possible questions that the panels might ask. Make sure you know what is so unique and outstanding about your writings. Empower the knowledge of your subject matter to prove that your ideas are different from others and also it is the latest version in the market. Justify the contributions that your ideas can give to the humankind and the community in general.

4. Watch your language

·         It is important to be fluent in the language you are presenting. If you are presenting in a second language, make sure you have a good command of the language. Use words which you are sure of the meaning. Avoid any words which are vague and ambiguous or which would lead to any misconceptions in your presentation. Practice your pronunciation so that you won’t stumble or stutter during the presentation.  

5. Do not use ‘I think’, ‘maybe’ or ‘ I don’t know’

·         Remember, you are the writer, so avoid any provocation from the panels to get you confuse or which would lead to you being doubtful of your work. Do not use the phrase ‘I think’ or ‘maybe’ because it would show that you are doubtful and unsure of your answers. Always have the grip of confidence in your answers. Do not say ‘I don’t know’ whenever you are attacked with ideas which are not yours. Always relate the questions with your study. Avoid any sound of hesitation in your tone and be very confidence in your intonation. Be firm in presenting your ideas because it would portray your ability to uphold what you believe. Always think that you are the expert in your subject matter.

6. Quote from famous writers

·         Support your ideas from famous writers. This is to show that you have ample of readings pertaining to your subject matter. You are actually building your credibility as an academician when you have variety of readings for which you are quoting in your presentation. Read much and always present your ideas on the rationale value of the study. However do not talk too much of other writers that you quote. Remember, you are presenting your work not theirs!

7. Be professional

·         Be professionals in your presentation. When you are comparing your writings either with those who have the same ideas as you are or with those who have contradicting ideas with you, do not condemn others. Even though you are defending your ideas and writings remember that you need to be ‘polite’ in attacking other writers too. Use your wits and be wise when using words or sentences when you are comparing others. Do not be too boastful with your ideas. Excellent academicians are those who can present their ideas without having to degrade other writers.

8. Manage your emotions

·         Bear in mind that viva is also a session where you are being attack not just to test your thorough knowledge of your subject matter but it is also a platform where the panels see you as a professional knowledgeable individual. A professional person more to a wise man who is able to control the emotions. Be emotionally stable especially when they tend to provoke you with questions which may mortify your ideas. Avoid displaying any signs of anger, dissatisfaction or annoyance in your face or intonations. Displaying good integrity and personality is very important during this session.

9. Dress to impress

·         Put on your best suits or dress. Wear some make-ups for ladies or nice neckties for gentlemen. Avoid any dark colors which may bring on dull mood or gloomy sensations in your attire. Promote colors which may transpire happiness and pleasure. Then again do not overdo it. Be modest but elegant in your dressing. Arrive early at the settings and get well prepared with all the equipments. It is better for you to wait for the panels instead of them waiting for you.  

10. Conquer the stage

·         It is your presentation day, therefore, conquer the stage. Relax and answer each and every question confidently. Take pleasure of the moment instead of being scare. Indulge in the situation and control your performance. Remember, on that day, you are the actor and most importantly you are also the director. You hold the fort, take control and take charge of everything on that day. So enjoy the moment!

The difference between ADOPTION and FOSTERING

Malaysian usually use the word 'adoption' as to portray the situation of someone's child who is being taken care by others (relatives or non relatives). In Malaysia, the word 'adoption' is widely used instead of 'fostering'. My question is: Are we as Malaysia confused with the two terms?

Here I would like to highlight the different meaning of the two terms:

Adoption is to mean that a child is being taken care by a new parent and the rights of the biological parent are bestowed to the new parents. All parenting responsibilities fall upon the new parent as the biological parent is unable to cater for the needs of the child. The biological parent does not have any authorities or rights over the child.

Fostering on the other hand means that a child is being taken care of a new parent however the biological parent still have their full rights to the child. The new parents still hold the responsibilities of catering the needs for the child however the child is free to go to the biological parent or the biological parent can take their child anytime they want.

Since Malaysia is an Islamic country, the word 'fostering' is more suitable since in Islamic religion, the fact that taking care of someone else child does not convey the meaning of adopting (permanently owned the child) but rather fostering (simply taking care and nurturing the child's need).

The Sentence Structure

The 5 Basic Patterns

1. Subject + Verb

• She runs. 
• John and I run. 
• They run. 
• We run

2. Subject + Verb + Object

• I drive a Mercedez. 
• Brendan kicks theball . 
• They ate lunch.

3. Subject + Verb + Complement

• She is lazy.
• Ali worked as a teacher. 
• They look ill.

4. Subject + Verb + Indirect Object + Direct Object

• She gives me a ball. 
• They coach me badminton.

5. Subject + Verb + Object + Complement

• I drive a Mercedes to my office.
• Brendan kicks the ball very hard.
• They ate lunch at the hotel

British English and American English Spelling

Here are the principal differences in spelling between British English and American English.

	British English	American English
Final -l is always doubled after one vowel in stressed and unstressed syllables in English but usually only in stressed syllables in American English, for example:	rebel > rebelled travel > travelled	rebel > rebelled travel > traveled
Some words end in -tre in English and -ter in American English, for example:	centre theatre	center theater
Some words end in -ogue in English and -og in American English, for example:	analogue catalogue	analog catalog
Some words end in -our in English and -or in American English, for example:	colour labour	color labor
Some verbs end in -ize or -ise in English but only in -ize in American English, for example:	realise, realize harmonise, harmonize	realize harmonize

Common Differences

English

American English

all right

all right, alright (disputed)

analyse

analyze

centre

center

cheque

check

colour

color

counsellor

counselor

criticise, criticize

criticize

defence

defense

doughnut

donut

favour

favor

fibre

fiber

flavour

flavor

fulfil

fulfill

grey

gray

honour

honor

humour

humor

jewellery

jewellery, jewelry

judgement, judgment

judgment

kerb

curb

labour

labor

license, licence (verb) licence (noun)

license (verb) license (noun)

litre

liter

metre

meter

mould

mold

neighbour

neighbor

offence

offense

practise (verb) practice (noun)

practice (verb) practice (noun)

pretence

pretense

programme

program

pyjamas

pajamas

realise, realize

realize

savour

savor

speciality

specialty

theatre

theater

travelled travelling

travelled, traveled travelling, traveling

tyre

tire

valour

valor

Courtesy of : http://www.englishclub.com/writing/spelling_american-english.htm

Common Errors: The Article

Incorrect	I have a good news for you.
Correct	I have good news for you
Incorrect	The men are national beings.
Correct	Men are national beings.
Incorrect	The boys leave the school at four o'clock.
Correct	The boys leave school at four o'clock.
Incorrect	He sent a word that he would come soon.
Correct	He sent word that he would come soon.
Incorrect	I have read the Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Correct	I have read Shakespeare's Macbeth
Incorrect	You cannot set a foot in this house.
Correct	You cannot set foot in this house.
Incorrect	The envy is an evil passion.
Correct	Envy is an evil passion.
Incorrect	He has not yet gone to the bed.
Correct	He has not yet gone to bed.
Incorrect	He is Daniel in judgment.
Correct	He is a Daniel in judgment.
Incorrect	He made very wise decision.
Correct	He made a very wise decision.
Incorrect	Fire broke out in our village.
Correct	A fire broke out in our village.
Incorrect	Andamans are a group of islands.
Correct	The Andamans are a group of islands.
							adapted from : http://www.englishdaily626.com