Welcome! This semester we will be using this blog as a way to integrate technology skills with our Ventures book.

In Unit 1 we will be reading about different ways we are smart. To get us started, click on the picture below. It will take you to a site called Edutopia. Take the quiz to find out your type of intelligence. Then, in the comments share your results and whether or not you agree with them or not.    

In Unit 2: School, we discuss using the passive voice.  The passive voice is used when the person or object doing the action isn't the most important part of the sentence. In the passive we use this pattern:
Subject + is/was or are/were + past participle

Homework:  
1.  Watch this video on the passive voice.  It will take about 10 minutes.
2.  In the comments, write one passive sentence about anything that interests you. 

In Unit 3 we discuss how each generation is different from one another. In the comments, share which generation you belong to and something about your generation that is unique. For example: history, music, clothing, etc,   

In Unit 4 we discuss the effects of stress and ways to reduce it. Listen to this short podcast and then in the comments share one of the tips you think would help you the most and why. To get to the podcast, click on the picture below to take you to the site. Once you are there, click on the arrow to hear the podcast.

Volunteering can be any act that helps other people. Watch this video on simple everyday ways we can help each other. Then, in the comments, share your impressions of the video.   

Units 1-5 midterm is this week! I know you "can't wait"!  (Ha! Ha! Ha!) In the comments, share a study tip that helps you. Here's mine. When I am studying for a test, I feel less anxiety when I am prepared. I go through each page several days before the test and then the night before, I rest.   

On Tuesday we will do the writing exam. Student book pages 40-41 are good ones to study. You will use need to use the transition words learned on these pages. 

On Thursday, we will take the multiple choice section of the test. It will include:
Listening - Lesson A of each unit. Listening to your CD's in the student book and workbook will help with listening skills.
Vocabulary - Lesson A of each unit. Plus, I have given you definitions for each unit and a worksheet to practice the words.
Grammar - Lessons B and C of each unit.
Reading - Lesson D. Remember, the more you read, the more vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension (understanding) you will have.

If you want to practice the definitions for the vocabulary, you can visit Quizlet.com   
1. Go to quizlet.com
2. Click on "Search". Type kramercathy.  Click on "enter" or "search".
3. You will be taken to my page. Ignore everything labeled "ABE".  Focus on ESL.
4. Click on ESL: Ventures 4 Unit 1 Personal Information.
5. Choose a category and begin studying.
6. Enjoy! 

Are you addicted to technology?  Sometimes I think I am.  Take this quick and fun quiz.  In the comments, share what percent you received  and if you agree with the percentage or not.
http://www.gotoquiz.com/are_you_addicted_to_your_technology

If interested, watch this TED video on time saving technology tips.

Watch the video The High Price of Materialism.  In the comments, share your thoughts about the video.  Do you agree or disagree that Americans are too focused on materialism?  What ideas do you have for reducing materialism? 

Choosing a career that fits your personality makes going to work every day that much more enjoyable. Click on the picture. It will take you to mynextmove.org. Then go to "tell us what you like to do" and find out what careers match your personality.  In the comments, share one or two jobs that came up for you and what you think about those jobs as a possibility.

Living in the Chicagoland area, we have lots of things available for us to do in our free time.  Check out this site for things to do in Chicago. 
​In the comments, share something fun you have already done or something new you would like to do this winter. Include a link.