EARLY BIRD CONVERSATION, April 2, 5,6

As I am typing this, I don't quite know what is the level of proficiency in English of students who registered for this class. Consequently, it is difficult for me to choose one book that will suit all of you. You are considered to be 'advanced learners' of English, but still I decided to 'play it by ear', or, in other words wait and see how the class goes.


The goal of my course is to generate English conversation while encouraging you, the advanced student, to speak more fluently, use better and longer sentences and, of course learn more vocabulary.

The success of your learning DOES NOT depend on me, BUT ON YOU! Some students expect a miracle teacher with miraculous methodology and magical learning materials. The bad news: this can't be. Of course, a good teacher should be able to encourage and motivate you; help you you improve your pronunication and point (gently! of course) at your mistakes.

Don't forget, however, that in this case: it's outside what counts - meaning what you do outside of the class. It is you and your effort that counts and makes you fluent in English. Work hard and you will improve much. By "work hard" I mean come to class rested and energetic, not after a night of drinking soju or pulling an all-nighter working on another assignment. If you are a 'night owl' you can't be an early bird! You will be tired and you won't be able to focus. It's a waste of your time, then. Also, everything that I teach in the class and that we practice in class MUST be reviewed and practiced outside of the class, or else you will forget as soon as you leave the classroom. In my long experience of workin with Korean students, I've found that the best students are always the ones who actively seek to 'be in English' either through movies, music, foreign friends, pen pals.

Don't be shy to approach me and ask questions.
You can visit me in my office, Professors' Building, Room 824, Thursdays 3-4 and 5-6. For any other time, call to schedule and appointment.
*********************************************************************************
HOMEWORK:

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PARTNER.

Work with a partner to create interview questions. The first two have been done for you.

1. Full name
(question) What is your name?
Partner’s answer:
2. Date of birth
(Question) When were you born?
Partner’s answer:
Now, do the same for the categories below: first, write down the questions, aiming for correct grammar and syntax. Then, interview your partner, and he or she will then interview you. Give full-sentence answers.
3.Place of birth
4.Place of residence
5.Family members
6.Hobby
7.Free-time activities on the weekend
8.Occupation
9.Reasons for taking this class and expectations
10.Favourite food
11.Favourite English language movie
12.Reasons for liking this movie
13.Favourite English-speaking actor/actress, singer
14.The best vacation
15. Ideal type of man/woman
HOMEWORK:

Following the categories above, you will write an introduction of yourself. E.g.

My name is Lee, Hyo-jin. I was born in 1980 in Nonsan. Now, I live in Seoul. There are four members in my family: my parents, my younger brother and me…..
Please, include a normal picture of yourself (not the one where you look like a model and I can’t recognize you).

Updated on April 5th, Thursday:

Your homework for tomorrow, Friday is to brainstorm:

a) 10 things that make you tired and drain your energy

b) 10 things that make you energized and revived

E.g. (example)

a) too much studying, working too many hours, etc.

b) deep breathing, a brisk walk, etc.

Be specific, please. Think hard and you will be able to come up with 10 things in both categories. Please, have the list ready for tomorrow.

QEUSTIONS FOR DISCUSSION ABOUT STRESS:

Recognizing Stress
What is stress?

What causes stress?

How do you recognize stress in your life?

Have you been under stress recently?

How does stress affect you?

Do you have a kind of red warning flag that indicates too much stress?

When you are stressed out, how do you feel physically? (tired, sleepless, have stomachache, nervous, irritated, etc.)

Is your stress caused by relationships with other people? (At work? At school? At home? With best friends? With partners? Can you think of some examples?)

Stressful Situations (meet someone for the first time? nervous if you have to make a speech? stress when you have too much work to do?)

Controlling Stress
How do you relieve stress? (do you like to relax or be active when stressful? can alcohol cure stress temporarily?)

Living Stress Free (think of at least 5 positive and 5 negative ways of dealing with stress)

How do you personally deal with stress?

What is the most stressful experience you have ever had?

What do you think is the greatest cause of stress for most people?

What is your greatest cause of stress right now?

What is the most stressful job you can think of?

What is the least stressful job you can think of?

Which would you choose: A stressful job with very high pay or a relaxing job with considerably low pay? Why?

Is being single less stressful than married life? What are the advantages & disadvantages of each?