Geoff's 130

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sOYFJdtvYkKW4VYAj4tAojxCPqsyuQEbM87I0UNUDA0/edit

Handwriting Test

Write down the following sentences (2 minutes):

The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog. Pack my box with five dozen liquor jugs.

Jack amazed a few girls by dropping the antique vase. The five boxing wizards jump quickly.

Write as fast as you can without making mistakes (3 minutes)

How important is spelling? One British academic thinks it may not be so important. He claims  English teachers, scholars, and linguists have been wrong to emphasize the need for correct spelling. He has suggested that various spellings of words should be acceptable if everyone can easily and effectively communicate.

Not everyone agrees, however. Even if English may have many exceptions to established rules, those rules still exist for a reason. Communication is easier with consistent spelling. Good spelling goes hand in hand with good writing, which implies that the reader shouldn't have to re-read sentences to understand the meaning of the writer. Most academics agree that spelling is just as important as good grammar.

With the popularity of text messaging, in which people ignore proper spelling and grammar for speed, it's become more important than ever to follow spelling rules.  What would your impression be of an official letter from the bank or local government with words spelled strangely? Or how would you feel about a glossy business pamphlet which introduced you to a company's products and services, but with numerous spelling mistakes? Equally important, yet also more troublesome, would be a poorly-written business letter or email.  What might the consequences be then?

Handwriting Test:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N1wubmSVVf0cP0cneeYwIX1L8i1LHQioEOaUAQIW4XA/edit

120

Part One: Obligation

How strict are/were your parents? Were there many things that you had to do? Were there many things that you were not allowed to do?

• Did you have to help with the housework (cooking/cleaning) ?
• Did you have to stay home at night?
• Did you have to come home at a specific time?
• Did you have to eat something you didn't like?
• Did you have to go to extra lessons after school or on weekends?
• Did you have to take care of your younger brother or sister?

Part Two: Advice

1. I'm bored in Vancouver. What should I do?
2. I want to feel younger. What should I do?
3. My best friend's boyfriend/girlfriend just told me that she/he is secretly in love with me. What should I do?
4. There is a student in class who keeps asking me out on dates. I keep saying no, but he keeps asking. What should I do?

Summary:

In the article, “Cramming”, the author focuses on the potential negative effects of all-night studying sessions.  He claims that cramming can be counterproductive, as it may weaken the student’s ability to concentrate during the test.  However, it is difficult to predict the full impact of an all-nighter because the effects differ greatly from person to person.  He also dispels the myth that stimulants help the person to keep a clear head; in fact, they do not.  They only temporarily hide the fact that the person cannot think clearly or focus.  Furthermore, abuse of substances like caffeine and speed can trigger many negative physical or psychological reactions.  Fortunately, the effects of an all-nighter do not generally last long and recovery is quick, provided that the student does not regularly abuse stimulants.  Recognising that all-nighters are not always avoidable, the writer concludes by recommending students use moderation and be careful not to overdo it.

https://docs.google.com/a/canada-english.com/document/d/1tm2VL4IiVvMCPkTxCTVigEAXPuOGDZ3XuFcPRtjLpS0/edit#

140 Skills Class

Taking too many college courses at once can have potentially serious consequences.

1.  Students can become overwhelmed with the workload, and their GPA can suffer as a result.

2.  Some students can get so stressed that they burn out and are unable to finish their degree.

3.  Other students can be tempted by the use of illegal prescription drugs to help them focus and keep them awake into the night.

4.  Taking more than the average number of courses at the same time can be beneficial for students who want to graduate early.

5.  The pressure of a busy schedule can tempt a student into committing academic fraud, which can lead to expulsion.

6.  Taking on too many responsibilities at work can have similar negative effects.