Friday, December 18, 2009

Toyo Gakuen University FE2-Reading Semester 2 Final Exam Study Guide



Well the end of the year is here. Your final exam is on Friday 8 January. Here's your final exam study guide:


The exam will cover units 9, 10, and 11.  In order to pass the exam (試験に合格するために) you must show that you understand and remember the content, vocabulary and grammar that you studied in units 9,10 and 11. You must also show that you can use the reading skills you practiced in class. There will be 6 types of questions:

Questions about the contents of Units 9,10, and 11

  1. Vocabulary: A. Match the vocabulary from the textbook with the Japanese translation. B. Match the words that make collocations.
  2. Grammar: These are multiple choice type questions. You will have to choose from 4 choices. Will will choose the best word or words to fill in the blank in a sentence. (p. 77 #3, p. 84 #1).
  3. Content: These are multiple choice type questions. You will be asked questions about the readings ("Into the Wild", pp. 78,79; and "Seeds of Change", pp.86, 87). You will have to choose from 4 choices.
  4. Personal response. This is a short paragraph type of answer. These questions will be about "Into the Wild" and Seeds of Change". Please study your answers to the "What do you think?" questions on pages 78 and 86. You will have to write 2 or 3 sentences in order to answer the question. Your answer should be at least 50 words.

Questions about two new readings.

  1. Reading for the main idea. This is a multiple choice type of question. You will have to choose from 4 choices.
  2. Reading for details. This is a multiple choice type of question. You will have to choose from 4 choices.

The exam will be sixty minutes. Use the following resources to help you study for the exam:
The answer sheets for the Independent Study Tasks in the lecture (x) folder.
Verb patterns
Unit 10 Word search
Unit 11 Verbs + Nouns
Unit 3 Word Search
Sarah's Freshman English Reading Blog: Unit 10, and  Unit 11
 
Good luck!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English Last lesson: Christmas and The English Lounge Podcast

Well this is our last lesson. So today is special. First we are going to learn about Christmas in Tarragona Spain.
Now let's listen to the Toyo Gakuen University English Lounge Podcast. In this podcast you will hear two Toyo Gakuen University students talk about their homestay experiences.



Click the link:The English Lounge Podcast
Posted using ShareThis

Toyo Gakuen University Christmas Lesson

Well, Christmas is almost here, and the year is almost over, so as a special treat, we are going to have a Christmas lesson. First let's learn about Christmas around the world.

Let's watch a video.




Merry Christmas! See you next year.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Toyo Gakuen University FE2 Reading Unit 11: Seeds of Change

Today we are going to read about three plants that have changed the world: tobacco, cotton and sugar cane. Look at the pictures below. Which picture is tobacco? Which picture is cotton? Which picture is sugar cane?


 
 

Tobacco, cotton, and sugar cane were grown on slave plantations. Let's watch a video about slave plantations. A student in Singapore made the video. Enjoy!



What do you think? Post a comment. Which plant changed the world the most? Which plant was the most beneficial (都合が良い)? Which plant was the most harmful (有害な)? Which plant is most important in your life? Do your wear cotton clothes? Do you smoke? Do you eat a lot of sweets? Post your answers below.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English 2009 2nd Semester Lesson 12

Today's lesson is about restaurants and day-trips. First, let's watch some videos about day-trips and special events in Thailand, Ireland, Canada, and the U.K.



Now let's review some vocabulary: TYG 応用英語 English Vocabulary List

Next, let's watch a video about going to a restaurant. English language learners in Mexico made the video. Watch, listen and take notes. What did the people order?



Advice for ordering in a restaurant
  • take as long as you need to look over the menu
  • don't hesitate to ask the server a question about the menu
  • be sure that the server underestands your order
  • don't hesitate to refuse a wrong order
  • leave a tip in countries that have a tipping custom. The customary amount is different for different countries. Check your guide book.

Friday, December 04, 2009

Toyo Gakuen University Travel English Special Guest Maho Takahashi from Peace boat.


peace-boat-in-nyc
Originally uploaded by dandeluca
Today we are going to have a special lecture by Maho Takahashi of Peace boat. Maho-san will tell us about Global English. This is the second time that Maho-san has visited Togaku. You can see pictures of last year's visit. Click the link: http://mrstoutsblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/interest-based-english-travel-peace.html

Toyo Gakuen University FE2 Reading Unit 10 Into the Wild Lesson 2

Today we continue enjoying the story of Chris McCandless. First, let's watch a video with Sean Penn, the director of the film Into the Wild and Emile Hirsh, the actor who played Chris McCandless.



Now let's watch a tribute to Chris McCandless. This video shows pictures of the real Chris McCandless.




Now open the lecture folder. Save the document called FE2U10-2IndepStudy to your own folder. Do the tasks.

Finally, post a comment. What do you think of Chris McCandless? Do you think he was brave (勇な)? Do you think he was foolish? How would you feel in his situation (どのようにあなたが彼の状況では感じることが) ?

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Toyo Gakuen University Introduction to Business English 1B: Our Company Presentation project

Today we will continue working on our presentation project, and practice presentation skills. First, let's look at a company profile of a Japanese company called Logos.




Now let's watch a very bad presentation. How many mistakes can you find? What are the mistakes?



OK, now let's review the project outline. Click this link: Our Company.
In your presentation you must explain your company's corporate values and mission. Here are some links to some real company's mission statements:
Now let's practice some vocabulary. Click this link: Presentation vocabulary

Finally, here are the presentation assessment criteria (評価基準). You can use this as a checklist.

Content (内容) 10 points


Your presentation must contain the following information:
  • When the company was founded
  • Where the company was founded
  • Who founded the company
  • The number of offices
  • The locations of the offices
  • The number of employees
  • The company's product or service
  • Annual revenues
  • The company's corporate values (see p. 79 of  your textbook)
  • The company's mission, services and benefits to its customers (see p. 133 of your textbook)
Presentation
A. Slides (5 points)
  • 4 slides
  • 30 point fonts
  • An image on every slide.
  • The URL of the sites where you got your images.
  • No more than 10 words on each slide.
B. Speaking (15 points)

  • Speech is 4 minutes long, each speaker speaks for 2 minutes, and the speech is memorised (Yes = 10 points; No = 0 points)
  • Speech is clear, easy to hear, and easy to understand (scale (尺度) from 0-5)
Have fun!! Your presentation is next week Thursday the 10th of December.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English: Unit 7 - Cooking is easy

Today we are going to learn useful English for cooking. Many homestay families are interested in Japanese food. It's a good idea to teach them how to make a Japanese dish. First, let's watch a funny video about making sushi. What mistakes is Baka Tono making?



Next, here's a video in English about how to make tempura.



Now lets watch a video about making fish and chips.


This video downloaded from VideoJug

Let's watch again and do the tasks on your handouts. The tasks for this video were written by Paul Carr for his video podcast ESLpodTV. On the ESLpodTV website Paul Carr wrote the following about this video lesson:
    There are some useful words and expressions to learn below. More are in the text.
    pour - move liquid from one container to another

    serve - give food to the people who will eat it
    season - give flavor to food by adding salt, pepper etc.

    fry - cook food in oil

    flip - turn something onto its other side




    For Japanese and Spanish translations please go to transcript. ( せりふの訳はこのページです)

    Finally, please leave a comment. What Jpanese dish can you make? What are the ingredients? How do you make it? Please post a comment.

    Friday, November 27, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Travel English Unit 12

    Sydney's Oldest Pub
    The picture above is The Lord Nelson Brewery. The Lord Nelson Brewery is the oldest pub in Sydney, Australia. I went to the Lord Nelson in 2000. I really enjoyed it. Look at the map below.


    View Larger Map

    Here's a video about the Lord Nelson Brewery Pub.


    Watch more Sydney videos at tripfilms.com

    Today we are going to learn useful English that we can use in pubs. We are also going to learn about drinking laws in various countries. Finally we'll learn about small talk.
    Click this link: Unit 12 - What would you like to drink?

    Toyo Gakuen University FE2 Reading Unit 10: Into the Wild



    Today we are going to read a true story about a young man called Chris McCandless. McCandless' story was made into a movie called Into the Wild. Let's watch a movie trailer for Into the Wild.

    Now open the lecture folder and save the document called "FE2IndepStudyU10" to your own folder. Do the tasks. When you are finished please post a comment.
    Enjoy!

    Thursday, November 26, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Introduction to Business English 1B Unit 9: Companies



    Today we are going to finish Unit 9 and begin working on our project.
    Watch the video. What do you think are Luis Vuitton's corporate values?
    Now let's learn some new vocabulary that we'll need to do our project. Click the link: TYG Introduction to Business English Vocabulary List 2

    OK, Here's your Project Outline:

    Our Company

    In pairs you will present an international company. It can be a real company, or it can be a company that you create. You will do a 4-minute presentation using powerpoint. Your powerpoint must have the following:
    • 4 slides
    • 30 point fonts
    • An image on every slide.
    • The URL of the sites where you got your images.
    • No more than 10 words on each slide.
    You must provide the following information about your company:
    • When, where, and by whom the company was founded (see p. 80 of your textbook)
    • The number of offices
    • The locations of the offices
    • The number of employees
    • The company's product or service
    • Annual revenues
    • The company's corporate values (see p. 79 of  your textbook)
    • The company's mission, services and benefits to its customers (see p. 133 of your textbook)
    Each presenter must speak for 2 minutes. You must dress appropriately.

    Your presentation will be on Thursday 10 December

    Have fun!!!

    Toyo Gakuen University Extension Centre Class: Destination Canada!

    Here's a video about the CN Tower in my hometown Toronto. Enjoy!

    Wednesday, November 25, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English Unit 6: It's 50% off


    Today's lesson is about shopping. Watch the video. What is the shopping mall's name? Where is it?

    Today's lesson is about shopping. Watch the video. What is the shopping mall's name? Where is it?

    Now click this link: Online conversion - clothing

    What is your sweater size in the U.S., the U.K. and Continental Europe?

    Finally, please leave a comment. Where do you like to shop?


    Toyo Gakuen University Students and Teachers help make JALT 2009 a success

    Toyo Gakuen University Students and Teachers at JALT 2009
    Click the link to see each photo in the album


    Last weekend, students and teachers at Toyo Gakuen University participated in the Japan Association of  Language Teaching (JALT) National conference in Shizuoka. You can see some pictures above. I was humbled by the great work of my colleagues, and very proud of our students' work. They really worked hard and impressed everyone! It made me very proud to say I'm a Toyo Gakuen University teacher!!

    Friday, November 20, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University FE2-Reading: Grammarman and Comics made by Students!

    Today was the midterm exam. You must be tired. Let's finish the lesson with something fun!
    Here are some videos of a cartoon character called Grammarman.  We have visited the Grammarman website before. We read the Frankenstein comic on the Grammarman website. Watch the videos. There are eight grammar mistakes in the first video. Can you find them?



    Now let's read some comics made by students from around the world. These students are learning English - just like you! Some are Brian Boyd's students in Thailand. Brian Boyd is an English teacher in Bangkok and the creator of Grammarman.
    Click this link: Student Comics Galleries. Read the comics in Gallery 1 and answer the questions on the Study Gallery Quiz. The Student Gallery Quiz is in the lecture folder.


    OK! Go for lunch. See you next week!

    Friday, November 13, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Travel English 2009 Semester 2 - Lesson 7: Going to the Doctor



    Today we are going to learn useful English for going to the doctor. Let's watch a funny video. Click the link: A Visit to the Doctor.

    Look at the vocabulary below:

    aftersun cream 日焼け後のケア用クリーム 
    after meals 食後
    aspirin アスピリン(鎮痛剤の一種)
    avoid 避ける
    cold (n) 風邪
    cream クリーム
    eat too much 食べすぎる
    every ~ごとに
    eye drops 目薬
    fresh air 新鮮な空気
    hay fever 花粉症
    headache 頭痛
    itchy かゆい
    medicine 薬
    painkiller 鎮痛剤
    pharmacist 薬剤師
    pharmacy 薬局
    plenty of たくさんの~
    problem 問題
    rash 発疹
    rough (波が)荒い
    rub (v) こする
    seasick 船酔い
    see a doctor 医者に診せる
    serious 重い
    sick 吐き気がする
    sore 痛い
    spicy 香辛料のきいた、からい
    stay out of ~を避ける
    stomachache 腹痛
    sunburn (炎症を起こすような)日焼け
    tablet 錠剤
    terrible ひどく(気分が)悪い
    throat のど
    toothache 歯痛
    twice a day 1日2回
    What’s the matter? どうしましたか?
    wrong 具合が悪い

    What did you think of today's lesson. Please leave a comment.

    Toyo Gakuen University FE2 Reading 2009 Semester 2 Study Guide



    The midterm exam is next Friday, the 20th of November.
    Here is your study guide:

    The exam will cover Units 6-8, and the Frankenstein comic. There will be 6 types of questions:
    1. Timed reading: scan a reading for 1 minute in order to find specific information. This is a multiple choice type question.
    2. Reading for the main idea. This is a multiple choice type of question. You will have to choose from 4 choices.
    3. Reading for details. This is a multiple choice type of question. You will have to choose from 4 choices.
    4. Making inferences. This is a multiple choice type of question. You will have to choose from 4 choices.
    5. Matching activities: A. Match the vocabulary from the textbook with the Japanese translation. B. collocations.
    6. Personal response. This is a short paragraph type of answer. You will have to write 2 or 3 sentences in order to answer the question. Your answer should be at least 50 words.
    The test will be 60 minutes.
    Use the following resources in order to study for the exam:


    Also, review these posts from Mr. Stout's Blog: Unit 7 - Celebrity Interview , Unit 8 - Dilemmas Unit 8 Part 2 and look at these posts from Sarah's Blog: Unit 6, Unit 7, Unit 8, and Frankenstein.
    Finally, please review the answer keys to the Independent Study Task sheets for Units 6 - 8.

    Good luck!

    Thursday, November 12, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Introduction to Business English 1B: Unit 9 - Companies

    Today we start our unit on companies. Included in this unit will be a case study as usual. You will also do a presentation project.

    One of the companies that we will read about is called Natura. You can see the Natura logo below. Click this link to read a wikipedia article about Natura in Japanese.

    Now let's scan the unit for unknown vocabulary and add it to our list on smart.fm

    Finally, please write a comment. What did you think of today's lesson?.

    Wednesday, November 11, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English Unit 5 and Fall 2009 Mid-term Exam Study Guide

    Today we are going to do Unit 5 in our textbook. We will learn about household chores.

    Start 'em Young; Spend More Time on Flickr.
    Flickr photo be chefranden

    Also, we will review. The mid-term exam is next Wednesday, the 18th of November 2009.

    Day 158/365 Exam!
    Flickr photo by jerine

    The midterm exam will have 3 parts:

    Part 1: Vocabulary.
    Click this link: TGU IE2 Homestay Midterm Exam 2008 List. and do the lessons on smart.fm

    Part2: Multiple choice questions about Units 1 - 4 in your textbook. Click here to do a quiz on Unit 1: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=ck1lQzJZcjBoMkl5cjBXUlBQTk8zR3c6MA..

    Part3: 2 short paragraph answer type questions. You will be asked to write one or two paragraphs for each question. Your answer should be between 50 words and 100 words.
    Here are the questions:

    *Describe a homestay trip that you would like to do in the future. Include the following points:
    • Where you would like to do a homestay.
    • Why you want to do a homestay.
    • How you would prepare for the homestay.
    • The type of homestay family you would like. For example: an older couple with no children, or a young couple with young children.
    • What you would like to do during the homestay.
    *Describe two problems that you think you might have during a homestay. Why do you think you will have these problems? What will you do in order to overcome these problems?

    Study hard and good luck!

    Remembrance Day 2009

    From Michael's Mash-Ups
    Today is Remembrance Day. Every 11th of November in Canada we remember the terrible tragedy of war and we pray for peace. We also recite a poem called "In Flanders Fields".
    Here's a beautiful video made by a teacher in Canada. Please pray for peace today.

    Friday, November 06, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Travel English 2009 Semester 2 - Lesson 7: Asking for directions

    Today we are going to learn how to ask for directions.
    Let's watch a video first.


    Now let's learn some vocabulary.
    Click this link: http://mrstoutsblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/toyo-gakuen-university-interest-based_24.html

    The midterm exam is next week. Please do some practice tests.
    See you next week!

    Toyo Gakuen University FE2-Reading Unit 8 Dilemmas Part 2

    Today we are going to finish Unit 8. Open the lecture folder. Save the document called "FE2U8-2IndepStudy". Read the instructions. Do the tasks.

    The image below is an example of an e-mail to an online advice column called School of Life. Click the image for a larger view (画像をクリックして拡大イメージを見る).


    Click the link below. Read the blog post. Do the online vocabulary study exercises.
    Mr. Stout's Blog-For students and teachers: Toyo Gakuen University Freshman English 2 - Reading Unit 8: Dilemmas

    Finally, please read pp.70,71 in your textbook in order to prepare for next lesson (次の授業の準備のために教科書の70,71ペジを読んで下さい)
    See ya next week!

    Thursday, November 05, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Introduction to Business English 1B: Case Study - Conflict Resolution



    Today we are going to look at a case study involving an office conflict.
    First let's watch a funny video called "The Great Office War". Watch the video and answer the questions below:
    1. Why did the conflict start?
    2. Which departments were involved in the conflict?
    3. How could the war have been prevented?

    Finally, after the case study please post a comment below.

    Wednesday, November 04, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Homestay Class 2009 Semester 2 Lesson 7



    1. Image0002 by Katsuhito, 2. P2009_0909_204200 by Mr. Suzuki, 3. Hamburger and peperontino by Sohei, 4. Cake By Rena, 5. JANANESE SUSHI by Hideaki, 6. A lunch set from the Togaku Cafeteria

    Today will continue studying about food and table manners. Above you can see some pictures of food. Students in this class took the pictures. Choose a picture you like, click the link. Write a comment and ask a question.

    Now let's learn about meals and manners in America, Britain and Canada. Click this link:http://mrstoutsblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/toyo-gakuen-university-homestay-english.html

    Finally, exciting news! Sasa has replied to your comments about the videos her students made. Click here to read her reply: What makes Slovenia unique?

    Saturday, October 31, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Special Events: Halloween

    We celebrated Halloween at Toyo Gakuen University!
    Students and teachers had a party in the English Lounge. We carved pumpkins, played games and ate snacks.

    Meg shows her kohai how to carve a jack-o-lantern

    G5 Boys carve jack-o-lanterns

    G5's Takuya and his jack-o-lantern

    The K9 Freshman English Reading class had a special lesson about Frankenstein.

    Mr. Stout's Blog-For students and teachers: Toyo Gakuen University FE-2 Special Halloween Lesson: Frankenstein

    Finally, I found this cool website by a woman in Hawaii who made Halloween bentos. Check it out!

    Frankenstein-Bento1
    http://www.aibento.net/2009/10/23/frankenstein-bento-403/

    Friday, October 30, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Interest-based English - Travel: Unit 4 review and extension

    Today we are going to review Unit 4. In Unit 4 we learned useful English for making a hotel reservation. After we review Unit 4, we will visit a hotel reservation website. Click the link below.
    Mr. Stout's Blog-For students and teachers: Toyo Gakuen University Interest-based English - Travel: Lesson 4

    Now let's watch a cool video made by students in Slovenia! Click this link:
    http://rostilj.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-makes-slovenia-unique.html

    Please post a comment. Tell Sasa's students how much you liked their video.

    Toyo Gakuen University FE-2 Special Halloween Lesson: Frankenstein



    Happy Halloween! Today we are going to have a special lesson.
    Click the link to learn about Halloween: http://www.grammarmancomic.com/factshalloween.html

    Next, we are going to read a comic adaptation (改作) of Frankenstein.

    Who was Frankenstein? (a) a monster (b) an alien (c) a scientist

    Let's find out! Open the lecture folder. Click "FE2SpecialFrankensteinIndepStudyTasks.doc". Save the document and do the tasks.

    Finally, please leave a comment. Did you like this comic? Do you think Frankenstein was a good man? Why do you think he regretted making the creature?

    You can read more great comics on this website: http://www.grammarmancomic.com/
    You can read comics made by students too: http://www.grammarmancomic.com/sscom2.html

    Wednesday, October 28, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English 2009 2nd Semester Lesson 6



    1. Kentaro's photo, 2. Sohei's photo, 3. Rena's photo, 4. Yuta's photo, 5. Ryota's photo, 6. Kenshiro's photo, 7. Kengo's photo, 8. Japanese JINJYA by Hideaki, 9. Mt.Fuji by Yuuma, 10. Sarusima by Minami, 11. A tower in Osaka by Minami, 12. River, 13. Disposal center, 14. Dog, 15. 090309_1126~01, 16. 090902_1624~01, 17. Katsuhiro's room, 18. Kengo's room, 19. KC3D0245, 20. 091027_0946~010001

    Hello again everyone!
    Look at the mozaic above. Our flickr photostream is getting better and better! Click on one of the links and make a comment on the picture, and ask a question.

    Now let's review some vocabulary. After that I have more exciting news! Click this link:TYG 応用英語 English Vocabulary List Please do an iKnow, a dictation, and a Brainspeed lesson.

    OK, now the exciting news! People from Japan, Ireland, and Brazil have watched your videos!! Please read the comments made by your classmates and others. Please write a reply.

    Homestay Class Videos 1
    Homestay Class Videos 2
    Now, for homework please take some photos of your favourite food. Upload them to our flickr photostream.

    Friday, October 23, 2009

    英語総合1B - Michael Pritchard's Water Filter

    Last lesson we learned that we can make water safer by using a water filter. Next lesson we are going to read about reclaimed water. Watch this video about an amazing invention. You can watch the video with Japanese subtitles. Click "View subtitles" next to the play button on the video player. After you watch the video, answer the questions. Bring your answers to class next Tuesday. If you can't understand, send me an e-mail (もうし分からなくたらメールして下さい)



    1. Why did Pritchard invent the Lifesaver bottle?
    2. Why is the filter in the lifesaver bottle so good?
    3. What is the benefit of processing water at the source?
    4. How much money is needed to make water safe for everyone in the world?

    Wednesday, October 21, 2009

    Videos made by the Toyo Gakuen University Fall 2009 Homestay Class

    Last week we learned how to make videos on Animoto. Here are the videos.



    Takamasa made his own Animoto account. Here is his video.



    Next, please post a comment. Ask a question about one of the videos. The video below will help you learn how to post a comment.

    Monday, October 19, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Festival 2009



    Toyo Gakuen University's annual festival was held last Saturday and Sunday. I went to the festival on Saturday. I enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed the dance performances. I enjoyed the gospel groups's singing. I enjoyed the food. I especially enjoyed seeing third year and fourth year students. I don't see third year and fourth year students often because they take their classes at the Hongo campus.

    Me and my Kids

    Everyone worked hard to make the festival great. Everyone was smiling and enjoying the festival. It was great!
    What was your favourite thing at the festival. Please leave a comment.

    Wednesday, October 14, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English Fall 2009 Videos

    Here are videos I made using your words and your photos. Enjoy!




    Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English Fall 2009 Lesson 4

    Today we are going to do these things:
    1. Review vocabulary and add new words to our TYG 応用英語 English Vocabulary List
    2. Look at our new flickr photstream
    3. Learn how to make an animoto video
    4. Start Unit 3 in our textbook.
    The picture below is a mozaic. I made it with some of your pictures.


    Homestay Class Mozaic

    Please write a comment about today's class.

    英語総合1B Lesson 4 Blackboard Notes

    Here are the blackboard notes for our lesson on the thirteenth of October.
    To see the notes more clearly, double click the picture. After that, click "all sizes".


    Eigo Sogo Blackboard Notes 13/10/09 - 2

    Sunday, October 11, 2009

    英語総合1B - Poetic Social Mission: A Special event by onedrop.org

    This image is protected by copyright ©onedropfoundation. The image was downloaded from http://www.youtube.com/user/onedropfoundation . The image is used here in accordance with the non-free use rationale.

    We have been learning many things about water in Unit 2, "Water: Our most important resource", in our textbook Tapestry Reading 1. You can review the things we've learned by reading the blackboard notes that I posted on this blog.

    Recently, I discovered something wonderful! I discovered onedrop.org. ONEDROP.ORG was founded by Guy Laliberte. Guy Laliberte is a Canadian! He was also the founder of Cirque du Soliel (太陽のサーカス). Maybe you know Cirque de Soliel because Cirque du Soliel has a theatre at the Tokyo Disney Resort.



    Now Guy Laliberte is on the International Space Station. Last weekend, he presented an incredible webcast from the International Space Station called Poetic Social Mission. The purpose of the webcast was to teach people about the importance of water. The webcast was broadcast from places all over the world including Osaka. Many artists, scientists, and world leaders from all over the world participated in the webcast including former American Vice President Al Gore, David Suzuki, Peter Gabriel, Joss Stone, and Tatsuya Ishii (石井竜也).
    Thanks to onedrop.org and the the Poetic Social Mission webcast I have learned many more things about water including:
    • 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water
    • Most of the water on earth is salt water, which we can't drink
    • We need fresh water (淡水). We get most of our fresh water from rivers and lakes.
    • Only .007% of the earth's water is contained in rivers and lakes
    • 60% of the human body is water
    • We have more rain because of global warming
    • Many girls in the world cannot go to school because they are busy collecting water
    Little by little, we are losing the water we need. You can make a difference! I have promised to drink less bottled water. Bottled water is wasteful (浪費的な). What will you do? You can make a promise on the onedrop.org website. Click here to make your promise: Get involved . Please post a comment telling me what you have promised to do to save water.

    Friday, October 09, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Travel English 2nd Semester Lesson 4


    Vacancy, originally uploaded by EricMagnuson.

    Today we are going to review changing money. Then we are going to learn how to make a hotel reservation.

    Click here to review last week's lesson: Travel English Unit 3

    Now let's review some vocabulary. Click here: TYG 応用英語 English Vocabulary List

    Now click here to start today's lesson: Unit 4

    Finally, please leave a comment. Have you stayed in a hotel before? What things does a good hotel have?

    Wednesday, October 07, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English Lesson 3

    Today we are going to continue talking about choosing a homestay. We often choose a place for a homestay because it is unique, or special. Let's look at a video made by Ronaldo Lima Jr. and his students in Brazil. Click this link: What makes Brazil a unique country?

    I made a video about my hometown. Watch the video. What's special about Toronto?


    Now let's do some review. Click the link:http://mrstoutsblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/toyo-gakuen-university-homestay-english.html

    Finally, please write a comment. Tell us where you'd like to do a homestay and what kind of homestay family you would like.

    英語総合1B Lesson 3 Blackboard Notes

    Here are the blackboard notes from our lesson yesterday.



     

     

     

     

     

    We learned some interesting things yesterday. We learned that most people in our class were most interested and surprised to learn that fish use no water. We learned that most people in our class think they use less water than the average person.  We learned that most people in our class think that bottled water is safer than tap water. We learned some new vocabulary too, including molecule (分子).
    Watch this video. How many people could correctly choose the bottled water.


    Tuesday, October 06, 2009

    Teppanyaki with new friends from the University of Windsor

    Last week-end I met some new friends from the University of Windsor. The University of Windsor is my alma mater (母校の大学). I met Dr. Alan Wildeman, the new president of the University of Windsor, and I met two alumni (卒業生), Naoya and Maya. We had teppanyaki in Ikebukuro. Below is a video I made. Enjoy!

    Friday, October 02, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Interest-based English: Fall 2009 Travel Lesson 3

    Today's lesson is about changing money.
    First, let's watch a funny video.



    Now click here to go to our lesson: Travel Lesson 3

    Now please log in to smart.fm. Add new words to our vocabulary list.
    Click here:TYG 応用英語英語 English Vocabulary List
    After the lesson please leave a comment.

    FE 2 - Reading Unit 7

    Today we are going to start Unit 7. In Unit 7 we read about celebrity couples. We also study adverbs and collocations.
    Let's start with a cool video about adverbs.



    So, what is an adverb?

    Thursday, October 01, 2009

    Introduction to Business English B Lesson 3

    Last lesson we talked about two famous people, Mercedes Erra and Bill Gates. Let's review.
    Make a list of 3 things you can remember about each person.
    Next, let's review some vocabulary and learn some new vocabulary too. Click the link: TYG Introduction to Business English List 2.
    Now look at the picture below. Do you know this man? Use your imagination. Write 3 words. Describe the man's personality.



    The man in the picture above is An Wang. Open the lecture folder. Double click the document called AnWang_CV.doc. Read An Wang's curriculum vitae. Write 3 questions about An Wang. For example: What is An Wang's address? Then give your questions to your partner. Your partner will answer your questions. Answer your partner's questions.
    Now scan An Wang's C.V. for words that you do not know. Add these words to our vocabulary list.
    Finally, open the lecture folder again. Double click the file called C.V. Template.doc . Fill in the document with your information. When you are finished you will have your own C.V. !
    Click this links for more great links about writing a c.v.
    Please write a comment about today's lesson.

    Wednesday, September 30, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Homestay English 2nd Semester Lesson 2

    Today let's start with a short quiz.



    Now let's review some vocabulary. Click the link: TYG Homestay English Vocabulary List.

    Now let's start Unit 1 in the textbook.
    After the lesson, please write a comment.

    Tuesday, September 29, 2009

    Shibaura Institute of Technology 英語総合1B (Global Issues 2) and Writing 1B



    Today we are going to start our first units of study in the 英語総合1B (Global Issues 2) and Writing 1B classes. Below are some useful links:

    英語齟齬1B Links:
    Tapestry Chapter 2 Quiz

    Please take a look at the work done by students in previous classes. You can do work this good too!

    Friday, September 25, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Interest-based English: Fall 2009 Travel Lesson 2



    Tokyo, originally uploaded by Stuck in Customs.

    Today we are going to continue learning useful English to use at immigration and customs.
    Let's review. Please click this link: Lesson 2
    Follow the directions (指示に従う). Do the tasks.
    After you finish, please return to this post and write a comment.

    Thursday, September 24, 2009

    Introduction to Business English B Lesson 2

    Today we are going to read about two successful people: Mercedes Erra and Bill Gates. Watch the video below. What language is Erra speaking?  Where do you think she lives? How many languages do you think she can speak?



    Below is a picture of Bill Gates. Work with a partner. Make a list of 6 things that you know about Bill Gates.

    Now, let's learn some new words. Click this link:
    Introduction to Business English Vocabulary List 2 . Click "Start"and select iKnow. Do the lesson.
    Finally, let's use the words we have learned. Write a comment. Describe Mercedes Erra and Bill Gates. Use at least 4 new words.


    .

    Friday, September 18, 2009

    Toyo Gakuen University Travel English 2nd Semester Lesson 1

    Welcome to Travel English. Today we will learn about the course.
    Let's watch some videos. These videos show images from my trips to the Philippines, Tahiti, Bangladesh and Canada.




    Now, let's look at the interesting links below.
    Passport Online
    旅に出よう!(出国&街を歩く)
    Travel Vocabulary I

    Where do you want to travel. Please leave a comment.

    Thursday, September 17, 2009

    FE2-Reading Semester 2 Lesson 1

    Welcome back! I hope you had a great summer holiday, and I hope you read a lot of great books. I think we are really going to enjoy reading together again this semester.

    What would you do if you had a million dollars? A million dollars is about one hundred million yen (一億円). Let's listen to a song and watch a video. Try to remember 5 things that the singer would buy if he had a million dollars.


    Find more videos like this on EFL CLASSROOM 2.0


    Today we are going to read about two rich people, Milton Petrie and Hetty Green. You can see a picture of Hetty Green below.

    This semester you are going to study at your own pace (マイペース).  Please open the lecture folder. Look for a file called "FE2U6IndepStudy.doc". Save the document to your folder, then do the tasks.

    Introduction to Business English B Lesson 1

    Welcome to Introduction to Business English B.
    Today we are going to learn about the course. We will read the course outline, and we will watch a video too. We will learn how to greet people in business situations, and we will look at the textbook.

    This lesson will be review for students who took Introduction to Business English A.

    OK, let's start.

    Please click this link: Exchanging business cards. Watch the video and do the quiz.

    Now let's learn some vocabulary. Please click this link: TYG Introduction to Business Vocabulary.
    Finally, please open the lecture folder and save the course outline to your own folder.
    That's all. Please leave a comment. See you next week.

    Wednesday, September 16, 2009

    Homestay Class Semester 2 Lesson 1

    Welcome to the Homestay class. This is a picture of a homestay family in India. Would you like to do a homestay in India? Where would you like to do a homestay?


    Let's start with a survey (アンケート). Please click the link below.



    Now let's learn some vocabulary. Click the link below.

    TYG Homestay English Vocabulary List.

    Click here to download your task sheet for this lesson: Homestay English Lesson 1 Tasks

    Write a comment. Introduce yourself and tell me where you would like to do a homestay.

    Below is the course plan.

    Home Stay English Orientation Handout

    Please buy the text book before our next lesson. The textbook is Homestay Adventures by Kevin Cleary and Dale Fuller. The textbook is published by MacMillan Language House.
    Finally, click the link to see information about this class, including information about the tests: Homestay English Study Guides and lesson materials.

    See you next week!