Let's hyperlink today

Hi everyone

Are you all settled in yet for term 2? As Pariya told us, this term will be like the end of the year for us. Our course finishes at the end of the semester, so this is our last opportunity to really become independent learners. As Christine said, "We are going to hold your hands."

This course of study is better than just holding hands. Look, you now have the benefit of three teachers' ideas! What could be better?

As well as ideas from three teachers, you also have each other--your classmates--to learn from and be inspired by. That brings me to the topic of this week's post: hyperlinking.

You already use hyperlinks all the time. Whenever you use the Internet and click on a word to take you to another page, that is a hyperlink.

Today I am including all of our (first) names: three teachers and nine students (and maybe one or two guests). All of those names are going to be hyperlinks. When you click on a person's name, you will be directed to a 'Very Useful Page' that that person recommends. It may be the last useful page (about learning or using English) that you remember, a favorite site, or an address that you enjoyed visiting. All you need to do is tell me that address--verbally, on a bit of paper, or in an email [williamottelucas@gmail.com]. I shall do the rest.

Please enjoy hyper-travelling to these addresses and seeing what is there.

• William
  
• Pariya
  
• 'The Rock'
  
• Anna
• Leo
• Luna
• Praneel
• 'Marvellous'
• 'Lovely'
• 'Grumpy'
• Korn
• Bee

IELTS Sampler

A few days ago, I was asked by the Home Tutors Association if I would prepare a short IELTS test that their New Zealand tutors could try to see what the IELTS test is like. I completed it this morning, and gave it to them. I am also giving it to you.

At the front of the classroom there are two sheets. They are for you to keep. You have tried the listening already, and you have looked at one of the writing tasks (yesterday). But you could try the reading--together maybe. And you could also plan the writing task about the pie graphs.

That is what I would like you to busy yourselves with this afternoon between 1 and 3.

Breaking News English

Today I'd like to introduce you to a new site. That is, it is probably new to you. But I have used it in previous years. The work we did about Slum Dog Millionaire came from there.

The site is called Breaking News English. You may go there by following the link at the foot of this post, but only after you have read this post first!

The site has been operating for several years. You can search its archives by month and year. It makes English lessons based on current news stories (breaking news). You can practise many skills here. You can choose stories that you are actually interested in.

Very well, now that you have read what I have to say, do go on to . . .

BreakingNewsEnglish.com