Journal Question #2

What are interesting stereotypes of people in your country? In CESL we are aware of how different every country is from each other, but we all know that there are very different kinds of people in our own country. I’d like to hear a description of some of these kinds of people. Here in the US there is a new trend that is starting with teenagers that originated where I grew up. The movement is called “Emo”. Emo has it’s origins in a type of music that became popular, and as the music spread so did its fashion. This music is a lot like Punk, but it’s very melodramatic. These types of people are pictured as depressed and hating the world; also as whiny children. I used to be pretty influenced by this movement (too funny). Anyways, here is a picture of what some of these kids look like and what they wear. Maybe you have seen some of them around.
Due 4/6 at 5pm! 10 SENTENCES for EAP1 and 20 SENTENCES for EAP2. Pictures desired.

Journal Question #1

Please explain to me the story behind your national Flag. The United States’ Flag’s name is “Old Glory.” The creation of the first flag is attributed to a woman names Betsy Ross. The first flag looked a little similar to the current one but there was at one point a circle of thirteen stars that represented the thirteen colonies at the time. Since then there have been laws that have allotted for stars to be added to the flag for each of the existing states. So if we were to create another state the flag would be changed. The current flag has thirteen red and white stripes that alternate starting with the red. The three colors of the flag represent different things; red stands for hardiness and valor, white represents purity and innocence and blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance and justice. Now, please tell me the story of your national flag. I’d like to see a picture of your country’s flag as well.
Due 3/30 at 5pm! 10 SENTENCES for EAP1 and 20 SENTENCES for EAP2. Pictures desired.

My "Welcome" Spiel

Hello Students!
I know that you are all exciting (or at least should be) about being in writing this term.
If you have had to do my assignments before you know the deal, but you still need to leave me a comment with what your current level and class is!!
You will always find the homework assignment on this page. If you cannot post on your page, or if you have any questions of any kind please post a comment on the homework assignment. (To post on a homework assignment, click on it's title and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link that says "Post a Comment").

There will be a homework assignment due every Monday at 5pm. Any homework turned in after this time will still be accepted, but there will be a 1.5 point reduction. Also, any homework that does not meet the sentence length requirements will receive a 1.5 point reduction. Each assignment is graded out of 10 points so if your assignment was late and didn't meet requirements there is the possibility that you will receive 7/10 (70%) if your entries content is good.
Also, I grade these assignments based on content. Grammar is not as important as your ideas (if I don't understand what you are trying to tell me because of grammar you will loose points), so please try to express yourself as best as you can. Be creative and funny, these two things will get you a good grade. Also, don't compare your work with your classmates. I grade each of you independently and base my decisions on what I have seen in your work!

I am available to tutor if you need hep in any of your courses so please e-mail me at ana_lightcap86@yahoo.com

Thanks!!

Journal Questions #6

For some of you this is your last CESL term. You are about to leave CESL and head out into the University, maybe to SIU or somewhere else. Now I am asking your to think about you best memory of CESL. What was something that happened to you while you were at CESL that was very memorable for you? Why was it so good? God forbid that you haven't had a good time at CESL, but if you cannot think of a good moment but can only think of a bad one, please tell me that too. Do not mention anyone's name. Please post any pictures you have that relate to this!
If you don't want to talk about CESL, but your time here in Carbondale or in other parts of the US that you visited to, was it anything like you expected? What did you learn from your time here? What would you do again?
As long as your answer has something to do with this topic I'll love it. Also....PICTURES!! Please? (e-mail some to me at ana_lightcap86@yahoo.com If you do, I'll love you forever...and you'll be forever immortalized in the CESL Today!)

DUE 3/2 at 5PM. 20 SENTENCES.

This is the Last Journal Question of the Term. Enjoy!!!!

Journal Question #5

Hello All!! (Sorry this question is up a little late but I know none of you really do them until after Friday, so I think it's ok).
I just came back from Chicago because I had an interview for the JET program. If I get the job I'll be helping to teach English in Japan this coming July. I was a little nervous because I have wanted to travel my whole life. Though, I don't think that I was the most nervous that I have even been before.
This week I want to ask you what was a time in your life that you remember being very nervous or anxious about. It can be an exciting event, like getting to do something that you have always wanted to (an interview for a good job etc...), or it could be before something very negative, like having to do something you don't want to (give a speech or something like that.)
If you have a picture, awesome! If not, that's sad...

REMEMBER: 20 SENTENCES (I count the periods!!!!) Due 2/23 at 5pm!!!!

Thanks!!

Journal Question #4

This next Saturday is Valentine's Day. As far as I know I think all of your countries celebrate this holiday, though I know that each our your cultures celebrate this holiday differently. If you don't know this holiday, it's simple to understand. This is a day for Lovers. It's on this day that you tell the person you love most all about it. Also, sometimes people give gifts to their family and friends.
My question for this week asks about the kind of person you would want to marry. What do you want them to be like? What personality or what kind appearance?
If you are blessed enough to be married now please tell me about this person. How did you meet them? What are they like? What are you going to do for them this weekend?
If this question is a little too personal for you, tell me past experiences with this holiday in your country. How did you celebrate this day as a child?
DUE 2/16 at 5 PM. 20 Sentences.

(Also, I will be out of town this next Monday so I'll be getting your grades back to you a little late!!)

Americans

Hey all!!! After reading many of your journal #2s I was really impressed. I learned a lot of new things, and then heard some things that I had to learn about the hard way after meeting many international students. On my personal page I wrote my own reaction. It is my opinion and should not be taken as a personal attack to anyone in particular. It is something I have wanted to say to international students here, and to people I have met when I left my country, but never was able to say. Read it if you are interested. I couldn't pass up the chance to do the same thing that you all did.
Here is the Link.