Blog #8.1 (Responding to "Men are Much in the Sights..." (due Tuesday, July 1)

Answer 3 of the questions on p. 343 (Reading with a Critical Eye).

Blog #8: Writing a Summary

Write a summary of the article, "Men Are Much in the Sights of Recruiters in Nursing." The first line of the summary should state the name of the article, the author, and the main idea. The rest of the summary should include the major supporting details of the article.

Stating the name of the article and the main idea:
In "Men Are Much in the Sights of Recruiters in Nursing," by Eve Tahmincioglu (New York Times, 4/13/03),...

Debate format

A coin will be flipped to see which side of the debate goes first.

Part I:
1. First constructive argument from Team A. (3 minutes)
2. First constructive argument from Team B. (3 minutes)
3. Second constructive argument from Team A. (3 minutes)
4. Second constructive argument from Team B. (3 minutes)

(2 minutes) for both sides to discuss strategy for rebuttal.

Part II:
Crossfire/Rebuttal:
During this period, participants challenge and rebut the points made by the opposition. They may ask and answer questions during this time. This is an open format but all debaters must be respectful to each other. (15 minutes)

(1 minute) to prepare the closing statement.

Part III:
Closing statement: One person from each team summarizes their position on the debate (2 minutes each side).

Total time:  34 minutes

Debate topics

Here are some topics that I'm considering for the debates. If you have a suggestion for a topic related somehow to medicine, please post it for my consideration.



1. Childhood vaccines should be mandated (required by law) by the government.

2. The USA should increase funding to fight disease in developing nations.

3. Smoking should be banned, meaning cigarettes should be illegal.

Enjoy your weekend!

Hi Guys!

So this week we basically completed our chapter on supporting details (RS, ch. 3) and began the chapter on organizational patterns (RS, ch. 7). Both of these chapters entail recognizing the structure--the bones--under the writing. On Monday, I will have you take a few townsendpress.net tests in the Call Lab so I can see if you need more work on these skills. To prepare for this test, you should do the practice tests for these skills on townsend.net.

In listening, we began Leap, chapter 6, learned 40 new vocabulary words, and listened to podcasts on the eradication of smallpox and an alternative treatment for malaria. In 5A, we didn't listen to the malaria podcast because we ran out of time today. I would like EVERYBODY to listen to the audio for the malaria piece. Take notes and follow along in your book to help you understand the listening. I would also like you to listen to the third audio in chapter 6, which is about preparing for a debate. We will listen to this in the Call Lab on Monday but it might help for you to listen before class. If you want even more listening practice, go back and listen to the audio on smallpox. These are challenging materials to understand, but if you can do them, it means you have some very good listening skills.

 In RS, we will discuss the male nurse article on Monday, so be prepared. On Tuesday we will move on to the chapter on inference.

We will have our debates on Wednesday (1 debate) and Thursday (2 debates). I will post the schedule and the information regarding the debate in the next few days. We will discuss it in class on Monday.

 Remember: Next week is a short week due to July 4th on Friday.

HC

P.S. To all my Saudi students, let me wish you a Ramadan Kareem!

Leap chapter 6 (UPDATED AGAIN)

Leapchapter6 from holly_cin

If you missed class today... or even if you didn't...

The listening work we did in class today was challenging, maybe even DAUNTING for some of you. If you weren't in class, go over the vocabulary and listen to the audio on Leap.com. That's chapter 6, audio 1.
Even if you were in class, I recommend listening to the audio again.

your townsendpress account

Some of you mentioned to me that you would like to have your scores cleared so you can take the tests again. I think the only way for me to do this is to clear all of the tests you took. If you want me to do that for you, let me know.

For tomorrow...

RS, pp. 138-142, exercises 7 and 8 (which you should have already done)
RS, "Ten Things You Should Do" article and comprehension questions (which you already should have done)
LEAP, pp. 102-104: vocabulary
Vocabulary slides due Thursday.
Send to me at holly_cin@yahoo.com

What did you do during the break?

I forgot to ask you in class today!

Debate Teams and Topics

1. Childhood vaccines should be mandated (required by law) by the government.

2. Developed nations should increase funding to fight disease in developing nations.

3. Smoking should be banned, meaning cigarettes should be illegal.

5A:

Maryam--Uyen  (1--FOR)
Nawaf--Jean--Omar (1--AGAINST)

Dia--Pias (2--FOR)
Ahmed--David (2--AGAINST)

Muhammad--Lena (3--FOR)
Ali--Marta (3--AGAINST)

5B:
Lilia--Duy  (1--FOR)
Mohammed--Alejandro (1--AGAINST)

Norah--Rachel (2--FOR)
Ahmed--Rey (2--AGAINST)

Sultan--Karen (3--FOR)
Rana--Zachary (3--AGAINST)

Powerpoint slides for Leap chapter 6

1. unprecedented--Sultan
2. eradication--Sultan
3. contagious--Norah
4. devastating--Norah
5. epidemic--Alshaikh
6. decimated--Alshaikh
7. marginalized--Alshammari
8. nomadic--Alshammari
9. attributed--Rana
10. component--Rana
11. epidemiology--Rachel
12. daunting--Rachel
13. afflicted--Alejo
14. testimony--Alejo
15. deemed--Rey
16. vaccine--Rey
17. transmission--Zachary
18. immunization--Zachary
19. ensure--Duy
20. emerge--Duy
21. humanitarian--Karen
22. severe--Karen
23. clinical trial--Ali
24. administer--Ali
25. endemic--Alfuhaid
26. transformative--Alfuhaid
27. convulsions--Marta
28. infusion--Marta
29. monitor--Maryam
30. vertigo--Maryam
31. parasite--Dia
32. alternative--Dia
33. efficacy--Alsaihati
34. potent--Alsaihati
35. neutral--Omar
36. subsidy--Lena
37. reluctance--Jean
38. implement--Pias
39. intervention--David
40. mortality--Uyen

Tomorrow's schedule

Both classes will meet for the entire time in my classroom.

Greg will teach first while I conference from 8:30-10:20.

Then I will teach while Greg conferences from 10:40-12:30.

I hope you had a fun and restful break!

Tubing in Texas

I hope that some of you are planning to leave Houston this weekend. There are some really great places in Texas to go to "enjoy" the heat, as I mentioned in the prior post.

The following is some information on tubing the Comal River near San Marcos (between Austin and San Antonio):

http://comalrockinr.com/comal-river-float_virtual.php

There are several outfitters where you can rent the tubes. You don't have to get them at this particular place. They're all in the same area.

If you have any questions, please ask me. I'd be happy to help you plan your trip.

Secrets of Memory

Thanks, Zachary, for finding this! I had no idea that the LEAP listening was taken from this video. The next time I teach this, I'll use the video instead of the audio.

Change the tire

Who is most fastest in changing tire ...

Check out the link below

http://cdn.top4top.net/d_35f654c4bc0.mp4

Or

http://www.youtube.com/watch? V=m7jvWrThp3I

Doesn't it classified under extreme sports category. .??

video for listening :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMEVYHIB33I

The Rappin' Mathemetician

Places to go in Texas in the summer

Since you have several long weekends during this term (including a 4-day weekend this weekend), I'm giving you some of my recommendations for places to go outside of Houston. Actually, there are several great places to visit in Texas if you want to have some fun during the summer.

The first place I recommend is South Padre Island, which is located about 5 hours south of Houston. The beaches are beautiful and my family and I saw lots of dolphins when we took a boat ride there. It's a great place for seafood and for playing in the sun and sand. It doesn't look anything like Galveston. You can trust me as I'm a Floridian who knows her beaches!

The second place my family and I love is Austin because its beautiful and there is so much to do. Austin has wonderful nightlife for those of you who love music. Original bands play nightly on Sixth Street, which is downtown. In fact, a lot of famous bands get their start on Sixth Street. During the daytime there is also a lot to do and see. You can visit and tour the Texas State Capitol and wander around the campus of the University of Texas.

For water activity in Austin, you can go to Zilker Park, where you will find Barton Springs, a natural pool of really, really cold water (icy yet refreshing!) the length of 2 football fields. In addition to the pool, at Barton Springs you will also see lots of college students and other Austinites scantily dressed. If you are thinking about getting a tattoo, you can see many on display there! For children, there is a train ride and playground at Zilker Park as well as an outdoor theater that presents free performances throughout the summer (similar to Houston's Miller Theater). Finally, when you are at Zilker Park, you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along Town Lake. It's a true delight.

Another great place to swim in Austin is Lake Travis. The beach is a bit rocky but the temperature of the water is just perfect. You can rent jet skis and boats at various spots along the lake. There is also a water rides park in that area (I forget the name, but you can google "waterpark Austin Lake Travis" to find it, I'm sure). Finally, when in Austin make sure to enjoy some chips and salsa, or an entire meal, at the Oasis restaurant, which overlooks all of Lake Travis. It's quite a sight. You will ask yourself if you are really in Texas.

The last place I recommend to you today is about 45 minutes west of Austin, called Hamilton Pools. From the parking lot, you have to hike a short path and then you arrive in a swimming hole which feels like paradise and looks like Hawaii. The pool extends out from a grotto (like a cave) and you can swim or just float in the cool turquoise water. I visited Hamilton Pools for the first time nearly four years ago--it was the week after Hurricane Ike paid a visit to Houston--and we all agreed that we must return there again soon. The only thing I need to tell you is that you must check to see if the park is open before you go. If there are problems with bacteria levels in the water, they close the park. Here is the website:
https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool

Finally, if you have been to any great places here in the Lone Star state, please share the information with all of us!

Criteria vs. Criterion

I made a mistake in 5B today when I said that criteria was singular and criterion was plural. It's the opposite. Criteria is plural.

I was curious about my confusion so I looked at the Webster definition on-line which explains that Americans use criteria for both singular and plural meaning! That's why I said they both sound the same to me. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard anybody use the word criterion.

Of course this all makes sense to me now, because LEAP was written by Canadians, not Americans. If an American had written the book, they probably wouldn't have used the word criterion!

I'm not the ruler of the English language, but I think you will be safe in America if you only use the word criteria. However, I will check with Greg just to play it safe :D

So....
What is the criteria by which we judge the restaurant? (SINGULAR)
I have three criteria that my future husband must meet in order for me to marry him. (PLURAL)

Townsendpress.net chapters 2 and 4

I see that several of you have started to work on chapter 3, which is supporting details. Because I ran out of time today, I will not include the supporting details chapter (chapter 3 in RS) on the reading test tomorrow. Tomorrow's test will be mainly on main idea. In RS, the main idea means stated main idea and implied main idea. In the townsendpress.net exercises, implied main idea is chapter 4. So if you have time,  I think that townsendpress.net chapter 4 is fantastic practice for you. It is my hope that the more reading you do, and the more practice you get, the easier it becomes to figure out the main idea.

My Plagiarism Lecture (for Rachel and Nawaf, who missed the lecture in class)

Explaining stated and implied main idea (from RS)

Readtosucceedmainidea from holly_cin

Blog #7: Critical thinking (due THURSDAY, June 19)

We've spent the past few weeks reading about and listening to the causes of obesity in children.

Some of the culprits are:

1. Genetics ("Fat Chance")
2. The fast food industry, with McDonald's at the forefront ("Supersize Me")
3. The beverage industry ("Bottlers Agree to a School Ban on Sweet Drinks")
4. The advertising agency ("Ban on Fast-Food TV Ads May Cut Obesity")
5. The schools, for not educating the children about nutrition and for not providing physical exercise time and equipment ("Supersize Me")
6. The parents
7. The children
8. Other possibilities (video games/when we eat/where we eat/how much we eat...)

Having considered all of the information, who do you think is responsible for our children's obesity epidemic? Use evidence from the above sources--and others, if you have them--to explain, support, and argue your point of view.

You can start your composition as follows:

Although its difficult to single out just one specific cause for the obesity epidemic in America, I believe that the major cause of the problem is ___________.

A composition is not an essay. You can write 1-2 long paragraphs to answer the question.

Someone's Read to Succeed book

Somebody left their book.

I'm going to put in my box in the staff room. If you want to get it, knock on the door and ask someone to get you the book from my box.

Blog 6.7: Implied main idea (for HOMEWORK--due NOW)

RS, p. 82: Practice 4, passage3
Identify the topic and main idea

Blog #6.6: Implied main idea (in the Call Lab)

RS, p. 82: Practice 4, passage 2
Identify the topic and main idea

Blog #6.5 (in the Call Lab)

RS, p. 81: Practice 3, passage 5
Identify the topic and main idea

Blog #6.4 (in the Call Lab)

RS, p. 80: Practice 3, passage 4
Identify the topic and main idea

Blog #6.3 (in the Call Lab)

RS, p. 80: Practice 3, passage 3
Identify the topic and main idea

Blog #6.2 (in the Call Lab)

RS, p. 79: Practice 3, passage2
Identify the topic and main idea

Blog #6.1 (in the Call Lab)

RS, p. 79: Practice 3, passage 1
Identify the topic and main idea

Have a great weekend

This week was FULL with exciting presentations, bowling, and Fun Friday (thanks to Omar for the amazing empanadas). And of course the opening of the World Cup. Go Cote D'Ivoire!

Next week we have a lot to do before midterm exams, which will be on Wednesday and Thursday.  We will finish chapter 2 in RS on main idea and we'll also cover some of chapter 3 on supporting details. The midterm exam will cover these 2 chapters in RS. We'll also begin chapter 2 in LEAP.

Then you guys will have a nice 4-day weekend. Don't worry about me and Greg. We'll be working hard even if you're not here :(

HW: 
1. LEAP:  pp. 24-26 vocabulary
2. RS: pp. 106-109, article and comprehension questions (you should already have done this!)
3. RS, pp. 77-81, main idea exercises (you should already have done this too!)
4. Townsendpress.net
Go to the chapter 2 (main idea). Watch the video (it's great listening practice). Do as many exercises as you can. This will help me see if you need more help with understanding the main idea.
If you complete this, you can move on to chapter 3 (supporting details). I suggest that you watch the video first.


And if you're looking for EXTRA vocabulary practice...
RS, pp. 4-5
RS, pp. 59-60 
(These exercises would actually be a perfect test for me to give you!)

The Importance of Friendship (from Greg)

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle.  It looked like he was carrying all of his books.  I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?  He must really be a nerd.' I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. 

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.  They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.  His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him... He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.  My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.' They really should get lives.' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'  There was a big smile on his face.  It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.  I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.  As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now.  I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.  We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.  He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.  I asked him if he wanted to play a little football  with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. 

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books every day! ' He just laughed and handed me half the books.  Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors we began to think about college.  Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.  He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship. 

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd.  He had to prepare a speech for graduation.  I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak. Graduation day, I saw Kyle.  He looked great.  He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.  He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.   He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.  Boy, sometimes I was jealous!   Today was one of those days.  I could see that he was nervous about his speech.  So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'  He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.... ' Thanks,' he said. 
 
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began   ...
'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.  I am going to tell you a story.'  I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met. 
     
He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.  He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.' I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.  I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize its depth. 

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life.  For better or for worse. 

God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others. 
'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.' 

There is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. 

Today is a gift.  That's why we call it the present.

It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.

Sky diving president

I just saw on the news that George HW Bush (Bush I) jumped out of a plane today to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Happy Birthday, George! You really know how to live!

Videos of your first presentations

5B:
Alejandro: http://youtu.be/IF6u5WrUQ1Y

Zachary: http://youtu.be/ctKfARycggE

Karen: http://youtu.be/Us2gX93aQYo

Ahmed Alsheikh: http://youtu.be/0eSxlb4YHnA

Sultan: http://youtu.be/1gfAiwkuCqE

Rachel: http://youtu.be/IhmN73XB2XE

Mohammed 

Duy:

Rey: http://youtu.be/aHjNU_O5fnw



5A:
Lena: http://youtu.be/RTUEYv6oml8

Ali: http://youtu.be/3BcECxKcl48

Marta: http://youtu.be/uYxuR3Tc9DA 

Mohammed: http://youtu.be/muPZDKjSglw

Jean: http://youtu.be/Qlx-SjZ6G0s

Omar: http://youtu.be/L_H6S_WePX0

Uyen: http://youtu.be/CXA5NbgJQiY

David:  http://youtu.be/iNjPbBT-nYk

Ahmed Alshaiti:  http://youtu.be/ldTo5i2HPak

Pias:http://youtu.be/ap8ViMcgJNo

Maryam:
Dia:
Nawaf:

Updated Presentation Schedule

Please look at the updated schedule. I moved some of you around. If there is a problem, let me know ASAP (as soon as possible).

Blog #5: Responding to "Bottlers Agree..." (in the Call Lab/homework)

Who do you agree with? The schools that have basically "outlawed" the soft drinks or the 16-year-old high school student who wrote the "Letter to the Editor?"

Explain your position.

Vocabulary slides from RS chapter 2

Schedule for tomorrow (Monday)

As usual, Monday's classes will be combined.

8:30-10:  Class in Greg's room
10:10-11:  Holly's lecture on plagiarism (in the Call Lab)
11:10-12:30:  Holly's class in the Call Lab

An excellent explanation of a thesis statement

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/

Have a good weekend

Okay, so we're at the end of week three. Time goes by very quickly.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we'll have presentations next week. Before your presentation, you have to present in front of two classmates (at least one of whom does not speak your language). You can reserve a room in the library to do this or you can do this somewhere else. You must bring your classmates' feedback forms to me on the day of your presentation.

On Monday, we'll be in the Call Lab (you'll all have Greg first in his room and then me second in the Call Lab). We're going to listen to the listening (from Leap) on signposts (for your presentation) and we'll do more work on identifying the main idea. We'll also discuss "Bottler's Agree."

I recommend that you do some of the Townsend Press exercises for Main Idea if you have time.

Listening Practice #2 (due Monday)

Agree or disagree? Please post your thoughts.

Thesis Statement for your presentation

 1. Which of the following statements is a good thesis?

a) Tai chi is not very very popular.

b) Practising tai chi takes a person through a series of postures, which are coordinated with the person’s breathing.

c) Tai chi is good for your health.

2. Suppose the main idea of a presentation is that barefoot water skiing is more exciting than regular water skiing. Which of the following statements illustrate and support that idea?

a) It is popular.

b) The boat has to go faster for barefoot water skiing than for regular water skiing.

c) It requires a boat, water and a lot of skill.

3. If the main idea of a presentation is that high-wire walking is an extreme sport anyone can do, which of the following would not support this main idea?

a) In the past, high-wire walking was only practised by professionals who worked for the circus.

b) It requires hours and hours of practice.

c) Most people practise high-wire walking in their backyard or in the park.

Angelina Jolie article

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?_r=0

Thesis for your presentation (due Thursday, June 5)

Please write your thesis here. Remember, it must be a complete sentence.

Blog #4.5 (due before class on Tuesday)

5. In paragraph 11, we read, "The problem isn't that we evolved to store fat in times of famine and now can't handle our 24-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet of abundance. We're fat because we're changing in response to the medical strides we've taken." What is your opinion of this contention?

Blog #4.4 (due before class on Tuesday)

4. Kolata seems to underplay the role of food in making us fat. Paragraph 10 begins by questioning her avoidance of the topic: "Given the rise in obesity, however, is it really credible to put all the blame on our genes--and ignore he gazillion-dollar food industry?" Discuss whether obesity is genetically determined or whether it is caused by America's burgeoning (expanding) food industry.

Blog #4.3 (due before class on Tuesday)

3. In paragraph 6, Kolata explains why most people find it so difficult to keep weight off. What evidence does she provide to support her claim? Are you convinced by her explanation? Why or why not?

Blog #4.2 (due before class on Tuesday!)

2. Kolata argues that people really do not have much control over being fat. Do you agree with this contention? Explain what the MIT obesity researcher meant when he said, "I am a fat man in a thin man's body."

Blog #4.1: In the Call Lab (response to "Fat Chance") (due before class on Tuesday)

1. In the introductory paragraph, we read: "When you're blind, people want to help you. No one wants to help you when you're fat." Tell why there is such a stigma attached to obesity that no one wants to help fat people.

Extra reading for the Saudi students

...and for anybody else who is interested in the topic, of course.

I'd love to read your response to this.

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2014/06/01/We-want-to-develop-not-embellish-Saudi-education.html

RS context clues answers pp. 17-20

Practice 2
  Passage 1
     1. c
     2. d
     3. b
  Passage 2
     1. c
     2. b
     3. b
  Passage 3
     1. b
     2. a
     3. b

Class tomorrow (Monday)

8:30-10:20 Both classes with Greg in Greg's room
10:40-12:30: Both classes with Holly in the Call Lab

Presentation Schedule

I've decided to move all of the presentations to week 4, rather than begin on Friday as I had originally said. So here is the schedule:

Tuesday, June 10:
5B:
Norah
Duy
 

5A:
Lena



Wednesday, June 11:
5B:
Karen
Ahmed
Zachary
Alejandro  

5A:
Pias
Ali
Muhammad
Marta



Thursday, June 12:
5B:
Mohammed
Rana
Rachel


5A:
Uyen
Jean
David
Omar
Ahmed


Friday, June 13:
5B:
Sultan
Rey
Solika


5A:
Maryam
Nawaf
Dia