2009年11月4日 星期三
Tips on Writing Personal Letters (Part II)
Use creativity in your letter writing. Write letters on colorful stationery. You can even make your own. Send thoughtful non-occasion cards just for fun. Enclose recent photos of you and your family, friends or pets. Most importantly, write lively letters with interesting news and questions. If your note includes plain, boring contents, the receiver won't have much to write back about. Your letter should make your friend want to write back.
Some people build new friendships around the world by having pen pals.
This is a great way to learn about different countries and cultures. Some pen pals keep in touch for years. Sometimes pen friends may travel to meet each other face to face. Would you like to have a pen pal?
Look at the newspaper want ads. People who want pen pals sometimes advertise there. If you know a foreigner, ask him/her to help you find a pen pal from his/her country. Or join a pen pal club such as The International Pen Pal Agency. For a small fee, the club will introduce you to a pen pal in another country.
- Practice Your Letter Writing
1. Rewrite the following letter to make it more interesting.
Dear Sally,
Hi, How are you? I am fine. The weather in Taipei is still cool. I like it. I walk my dog every day in the park. He likes to go for walks. School is difficult this year. I always study. I don't have time to watch TV. Every day I come home, eat dinner, study and go to bed. I can't wait for summer vacation. Well, I have to go now. Bye!
Sincerely,
Rita
- Ideas:
※ Describe the weather. Tell why you like it.
※ What do you see in the park when you walk your dog? Did you see something interesting?
Did you meet anyone interesting? Ask Sally if she walks in the park.
※ What is the hardest subject for you in school? The easiest? Ask Sally about her studies.
※ Why are you looking forward to summer vacation? Share your plans. Ask Sally about her plans.
2. Write a letter to an old friend who used to be your neighbor. Tell this person what you've been doing since you moved away.
3. Write a few sentences about each of the following topics.
a) This week's weather
b) Your Chinese New Year vacation
c) A mutual friend you had dinner with last week
d) A trip you're planning
e) A movie you saw or a concert you attended
_
It is a good idea to write letter to friends! i prefer postcard :)
Tips on Writing Personal Letters (Part I)
Everyone loves to get letters. On the other hand, not everyone enjoys writing letters. Some people don't like to write letters because it takes time and effort. Others just don't know what to say. You've probably heard long-distance friends use the excuse, "Sorry I didn't write back sooner. I'm a terrible letter writer!"
However, the results of writing letters are rewarding. Long-distance friends can continue to build a lasting relationship through correspondence. Personal letters to your friends and family are easier to write than business letters. The language and format are informal, and you don't have to worry as much about mistakes.
Here are some guidelines to follow as you keep in touch by mail.
1. Write the heading at the top of the first page on the right-hand side. This includes your address and the date. Also, write your address in the top left-hand corner of the envelope. When writing to close friends, a heading isn't necessary. But always put a return address on the envelope.
2. Place the greeting on the left-hand side of the page. The most common greeting begins,
"Dear..." Follow with your friend's name and a comma. Unless you are writing to your
boyfriend or girlfriend, do not begin with "Dearest."
3. The main body of the letter follows the greeting. It contains the information and questions for the reader. Indent each new paragraph or thought. Write interesting details about the things you have done or people you've met. Tell about your future plans, too. Don't simply write about yourself, however. Include questions for the other person. Then he/she will have something to write back to you about.
4. The closing is the last step in letter writing. Keep it simple by using common closing phrases, such as "Sincerely," "Yours truly," or "Your friend." If the letter is for someone extra special, sign it "Love." Don't forget to sign your name below the closing, too.
5. You may forget to include some information in your letter. If so, you can write a postscript, or "P.S." below your signature. If you're really forgetful, you can write an additional postscript by using "P.P.S."
2009年9月18日 星期五
Properly Speaking
So, you're going to give a speech. Feeling nervous? Well, you're normal. But by learning a few basics about public speaking, you can take the platform with confidence. Any good speech begins with planning. The main part, the body, should contain two to five main ideas. Support these ideas with examples, statistics or personal stories that add life and warmth.
But be careful not to wander too far from the main ideas. With the body organized, you can think of an introduction. This should grab the listeners’ attention. So you want it catchy—but not corny. It's wise not to try a joke that might fall flat. But a story with a little humor is usually safe. A more serious talk can begin with a quotation or a thoughtful question.
To end your speech, summarize the main ideas, and tie your conclusion to the introduction. That will give unity to the whole speech. Audiences warm to speakers who talk and act naturally. On the platform, stand straight, yet relaxed. Use gestures when appropriate to help you communicate. Moving a bit will help you look and feel at ease. Speak in a friendly, conversational tone.
Rather than reading, use brief notes to help you remember key points. And don’t rush! Give the audience time to absorb your ideas. But how can you “act naturally” in front of an audience? Believe it or not, the best cure for nervousness is preparation. Rehearsing will keep you from getting tongue-tied.
Practice your speech several times. Check your posture and tone, too. When you finally take the platform, make eye contact with your audience. Seeing their interest will encourage you. So, it's all organized, you’ve prepared, they’re on the edge of their seats. Now go for it!
2009年9月7日 星期一
Confusing Words
The English language has a huge vocabulary of over 600,000 words.
That's good for dictionary publishers, but it can be a challenge to language learners. Many words in English have almost the same meaning.
Their usage, however, is often very different. Look at the following words and try your hand at using them correctly.
●ENTER and JOIN
People enter contests and competitions. They want to compete to win a prize.
Join is used when people become a member of a club or organization or participate
in an activity.
Ex. At least 25 people entered the pie-eating contest. Will you join the
baseball team this year?
•Will you ___________ the choir at church?
•Frank hopes to ____________ the math contest next spring.
●CURE and HEAL
Cure means to make someone better when they are sick. Usually medical treatment
is involved. Heal means to become healthy again.
Ex. Tom used to suffer from cancer, but now he's completely cured.
Do you think these cuts will heal quickly?
•Her leg was completely ________ in five weeks.
•Do you think this medicine can _________ my cold?
●REALIZE and UNDERSTAND
Realize means to be aware of something that you did not know before. Understand means to completely know the meaning of something or how it works.
Ex. When she got to work, she realized she'd left her umbrella on the bus.
Maggie finally understands these chemistry problems.
•When did you ____________ you wanted to be an opera singer?
•She ___________ everything she needs to do in order to finish the project.
__
A lot to learn:)
How to Improve Your Vocabulary II
Here's how to improve your guessing strategies:
1. Learn word forms. For example, since the Latin root dict means "to say" and the prefix pre- means "before," what does predict mean?
Add the suffix -ion, and the verb predict becomes a noun, prediction. And are you able to guess what predictable means? Or is it too unpredictable?
2. Trust your feelings. Sometimes the context will give you a sense of whether a word is positive or negative, or offer a hint about other aspects of the word.
But remember: It's not enough to improve your passive vocabulary — to know what words mean.
You'll also want to develop a greater active vocabulary— to be able to use them.
Here's how:
1. Study word groups. Words related to the same topic—like music, sports or weather—are much easier to learn together than in isolation.
2. Learn words in context. Don’t just memorize word lists.
3. Carry a notepad. Make a note of any new words you come across. Words are good friends to have. And who doesn’t need a few more good friends?
2009年8月26日 星期三
How to Improve Your Vocabulary
Have you ever experienced the frustration of not being able to find the right English word? It’s no fun, is it? You’ve almost got it—the word is on the tip of your tongue—but you just can’t get it to come out. Developing a good vocabulary will help decrease your discomfort. It goes without saying that studying vocabulary is a key part of language learning.
Why? Because every language is made up of—what else?—words. When you meet an unfamiliar word, what do you do? Reach for the dictionary? Not so fast. Pick up a pencil or pen instead. If you're reading, underline the new words in your text, but don't look them up yet.
If you're watching TV or listening to a speech, write down any new words as best you can. Try to guess what each word means from its context. Instead of always depending on the dictionary, use your head first. You might not always guess right, but you'll often be "headed" in the right direction.
2009年8月17日 星期一
Finding Opportunities to Practice
When it comes to language learning, you're the boss. "Wait a minute,"
you say. "Isn't it the teacher's job to tell me what to learn?"
Actually, effective language learners don't rely on the teacher to spoon-feed them. They're go-getters. They seek out opportunities to use their new language
and to learn new vocabulary. They know that language proficiency won’t just drop out of the sky, and that learning comes by doing.
In short, they’re active learners.
"I know, I know," you admit. "I should practice English more."
Actually, instead of looking for chances to practice English,
think of ways to use English in daily life.
That is, put yourself in situations where you’ll be forced to communicate in English, and you'll see more progress over time.
You need large helpings of English input to feed your language development.
And when you use the language, it will become your own.
KEYSHere are a few suggestions to get you started:
1. Surround yourself with good English reading material—
including Studio Classroom, of course. Subscribe to a newspaper.
Buy magazines featuring topics you’re interested in.
2. Attend functions where English is the language of choice,
such as Studio Classroom's youth rallies and Wednesday night Bible studies.
here's probably an English-speaking church or English Bible class in your area, too. Write us if you need help finding one.
3. Go to a fast food restaurant and try to order in English.
4. Get together with a friend and have an “English lunch” once a week.
5. Make friends with a foreigner.
Don’t make him feel like your language guinea pig, though.
6. Become an English news hound. Watch CNN or listen to the news on ICRT to keep up-to-date. 7. Rent a video tape of an English movie—and don't read the subtitles.
How to Improve Your Conversation Skills
If you want to improve your English conversation skills, you only have to do one thing: TALK. Of course, that’s not as easy as it sounds.
It takes courage to speak to people in a foreign language.
Besides that, it requires a willingness to make verbal errors.
Some people are so afraid of making a mistake that they never open their mouths.And that’s the biggest blunder of all.
Like city traffic, a conversation in a foreign language doesn't always flow smoothly. Not to worry, though.
When you hit a "traffic jam" in your conversation, you can find a way around it.
Here are a few ideas:When you don't understand—"Excuse me, but could you say that again? I didn't catch it.
"When the speaker talks too fast—"Could you speak more slowly, please?"
When you don’t agree—"I’m not sure I can agree.
"When you want to change the subject—"By the way..." or "Speaking of..."Sad to say, but all good things must come to an end.
Whether you're in a conversation (or an article, like this one), you need to find a way to exit gracefully.
Whatever you do, don’t just stop suddenly and say, "Goodbye!"
Instead, give your partner a signal like the following:
* "Well, I really need to be going..."
* "It was nice talking to you." (Note past tense.)
* "Well, I'm sure you've got other things to do."
* "Oh, look at the time!"
Unless your partner ignores your signal (which is very rude),
you can begin to negotiate an end to your conversation:
* "OK, talk to you later. "* "Take care."* "Have a nice (weekend)."
2009年8月8日 星期六
inchallah (UPMF)
http://www.upmf-grenoble.fr/66373061/1/fiche___pagelibre/&RH=U2FR&RF=U2EN
congratulations to Hamza! (I met him in India last July and he is Moroccan)
hope he wont mind that I post this here.
_
"inchallah" is in Arabs. It means "if god want it".
2009年8月7日 星期五
keep in touch?
could not believe it has been a whole year from those days in India.
miss everything and everyone there...
strong fears when I was in the airport
racing for seats on metro
buildings, cars, foods, in Kolkata
trip to Darjeeling
colleagues, tea, even rats in office
trainees, local friends...
dont have enough energy to turn on my laptop after a long day.
i shall find ways to keep in touch with them. how?
How to Learn English II
[from StudioClassroom]
By the way, what do you want to be able to do with your English?
Have a conversation with a foreigner? Understand movies without reading the Chinese subtitles? Read an English newspaper? Study abroad?
If you determine why you want to learn English, it will help you know where to start.
Learning English requires a number of very specific skills:
listening, speaking, reading, writing. Think about which skill you need to brush up on the most.
In this series, "Keys to Learning English," we want to give you some principles to help you improve your language learning skills. But there is no magic formula.
You can't just wake up one morning, say a few magic words, and instantly turn into a fluent English speaker.
You have to apply yourself. And you can't give up.
If you use the "keys" in this series, they will help you unlock the door to the world of English. I promise.
2009年8月4日 星期二
How to Learn English
So you want to learn English?
I guess that goes without saying if you're reading this article.
First of all, you need to ask yourself, "How badly do I want to?"
Some students treat English as a content subject, like history, geography or literature.
All you do is memorize a lot of facts and you've got it, right?
Actually, becoming proficient in a foreign language is more like learning to play the piano.
It takes practice. A lot of practice.
Some of you may be saying, "I just don't have any language aptitude." Oh, come now.
If you can read this, you have plenty of aptitude for learning a language.
The more important question is whether or not you have the motivation.
Many people only want to learn English to pass tests in school.
That's not enough.
Experts tell us that the most successful language learners have a strong desire to communicate with people in the target culture.
2009年7月20日 星期一
When saying No
Have you ever wanted to say "no" but somehow ended up saying "yes?"
Sometimes we just don't know how to refuse effectively and still sound polite.
Actually, we can say "no" without offending others.
It just takes practice and a good dose of willpower.
There are many ways to say "no" besides just a blunt "No!"
Note the variety of expressions used to say "no" in the following situations
.....no following....
Even with lots of ways to refuse, saying "no" can still be difficult for many of us.
Why? We may wish to please the other person and avoid hurting his/her feelings.
Or, perhaps we really want to do the suggested activity, but can’t for some reason.
Notice how expressing a desire to say "yes" softens the refusal in the following conversations.
.....no following....
2009年7月19日 星期日
30 must read books for managers
Inc. magazine celebrated 30th anniversary, choosing thirty must read books for managers.
1,Against the Gods。作者:Peter Bernstein,中譯本:馴服風險。
2,The Art of the Start。作者:Guy Kawasaki。
3,The Box。作者:Marc Levinson,中譯本:箱子。
4,Brand New。作者:Nancy Koehn。
5,The Dilbert Principle。作者:Scott Adams,中譯本:呆伯特法則。
6,The E-Myth Revisited。作者:Michael Gerber。
7,The Effective Executive。作者:Peter Drucker。
8,The Fifth Discipline。作者:Peter Senge,中譯本:第五項修練。
9,First, Break All the Rules。作者:Marcus Buckingham等,中譯本:首先,打破成規。
10,Good to Great。作者:Jim Collins,中譯本:從A到A+。
11,The Great Game of Business。作者:Jack Stack,中譯本:春田再造奇蹟。
12,Growing a Business。作者:Paul Hawken,中譯本:實現創業的夢想。
13,Green to Gold。作者:Daniel Esty等,中譯本:綠色商機。
14,How to Win Friends and Influence People。作者:Dale Carnegie,中譯本:讓鱷魚開口說人話。
15,The Innovator's Dilemma。作者:Clayton Christensen,中譯本:創新者的兩難。
16,Intellectual Capital。作者:Thomas Stewart,中譯本:智慧資本。
17,The Knack。作者:Norm Brodsky等。
18,Let My People Go Surfing。作者:Yvon Chouinard,中譯本:任性創業法則。
19,Made to Stick。作者:Chip Heath等,中譯本:創意黏力學。
20,The New New Thing。作者:Michael Lewis,中譯本:以新致富的矽谷文化。
21,Nuts! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success。作者:Kevin Freiberg等,中譯本:西南航空。
22,Ogilvy on Advertising。作者:David Ogilvy,中譯本:大衛‧歐吉沛談廣告。
23,On Competition。作者:Michael Porter。
24,Personal History。作者:Katharine Graham,中譯本:個人歷史。
25,Pour Your Heart Into It。作者:Howard Schultz等,中譯本:STARBUCKS咖啡王國傳奇。26,Small Giants。作者:Bo Burlingham,中譯本:小,是我故意的。
27,Soul of a New Machine。作者:Tracy Kidder,中譯本:打造天鷹。
28,The Wealth of Nations。作者:Adam Smith,中譯本:國富論。
29,What Management Is。作者:Joan Magretta等,中譯本:管理是什麼。
30,The Wisdom of Crowds。作者:James Surowiecki,中譯本:群眾的智慧。
resourse:文章來源:EMBA網站(2009年6月)本文網址:http://www.emba.com.tw/ShowArticleCon.asp?artid=7367
many great books to read : )
2009年7月15日 星期三
On the Telephone III
[from StudioClassroom]
Sometimes your telephone conversation must be interrupted.
If possible, give a reason before leaving the phone.
Try to give the other person a choice by saying, “
Would you hold on?” or “Can I call you right back?”
Note the following for other ideas:
* Can you excuse me? The kids are fighting.I’ll call you back as soon as I can.
* There’s someone at the door. I have to go. Can you call me later?
* Oh, no! The soup’s boiling over! Can you hold on a minute?
Used effectively, the telephone can be a big help in everyday living.
Make friends with yours today.
2009年7月13日 星期一
all of a sudden
in that split second,
I realize the concept I do not believe for a long time.
person on 3rd place makes fun of the runner-up(the second).
next time, when you are attacked, it is not totally awful.
dont be so serious.
people use their words, trying to make you too angry to keep going.
under that circumstances,
your single sentences woke me up!
when you are asked questions, pls switch on your brand.
Think!
First , clarify it and try to guess/know why people ask this question.
do ask them for purpose.
a ha!
2009年7月11日 星期六
On the Telephone 2
In formal situations,
such as placing orders or requesting service, give your first and last name.
Verify that you've reached the right company and state the reason for your call.
If you are put on hold, take that time to review what you want to say.
Write down the name of the person you spoke with.
This makes it easier to call back without having to explain everything again.
Here are some ways to make these kinds of calls:
*Hello, Jake's Plumbing? This is Sandra Smith.
Send a plumber right away. There's a broken pipe in the bathroom.
*Good morning, Uptown Bank? This is Marsha Woods.
There seems to be a problem with my bank statement.
Oh, I should speak with Lynn? Thank you. Can you transfer my call?
*Hello, is this Mrs. Baker? This is Ted Brown from Ace Electric.
The new lights you ordered just came in. Can we deliver them today?
2009年7月10日 星期五
training new hires
even though you work for free,
existing employees still need to use their own time to teach you,
without ensuring how long you would stay..
If i were the manager,
i would have the responsibility to teach young stupid freshman once or twice a year ,
i guess it is acceptable.
being nice and helpful to questions,
at the same time, i still have to keep my works/ tasks going.
no wonder that we should be serious to hire and train new hires.
Retaining talents is more important : )
young new hires would ask stupid questions..
but they just dont know.
when everyone confront things/ situations at the first time,
it is very normal that he or she has no idea.
they are naive .. and need to learn more about
how the REAL world runs.
how can i convince others that i am a good investment?
"quick learner" would be a crucial criteria when i recruit employees.
when will i do recruitment?
: -D
2009年7月5日 星期日
what a funny day!
the small zip separated from the shorts.
the shorts JUST happened to be the one i wore today.
and it is the second time the zip didnt work..
thank god that my top was long enough
to hide the missing zip.
dont know how embarrassing it would be...
i lost my cell phone today..
not a big deal.
i had planned to get a new one.
and this one was old ,inherited from my papa.
i hit myself by forehead.
it was so painful to make me burst into crying..
my aunt comforted me that i would become smarter.
so funny ...
tomorrow is another day :_)
2009年7月4日 星期六
On the Telephone
From StudioClassroom
Does speaking on the telephone in English intimidate you?
Fear not! Learning telephone skills is easy.
Whether making or receiving the call,
the first rule is to speak clearly in a friendly tone of voice.
Also identify yourself right away.
If you are the caller, say who you want to speak to.
After reaching the person you want to talk with,
be prompt in stating why you called.
_
I was told to be FIRM on the telephone,
because my voice reveals my young age
,especially to vendors which seek to do business with me.
Fear not!
