Topic #3 - Differences Between Your Country and the U.S.

Welcome to Week 3!

Now that you have been in the U.S. for a few weeks or maybe for a few months, what are some differences that you have noticed between your country and the U.S.?  Don't write about the obvious, like the middle eastern countries are primarily Muslim in their religion, whereas the U.S. has many different religions.

Here are some of my observations from my experiences.  When I traveled to Taiwan, I noticed that to turn on a ceiling light, you flip the wall switch down.  To turn off, you flip the switch up.  In America, it is the opposite.  Up means on, and down means off.  In the toilets in Asia, they do not provide toilet paper.  You must carry your own toilet paper.  In America, every restroom stall provides a roll of toilet paper.  Finally, when I traveled to the Philippines, every time I entered a store, the salespeople would greet me with, "Yes, ma'am" instead of "Hello, how can I help you?" or simply "Good morning."  I thought their greeting of "Yes, ma'am" was very odd because I didn't ask them a question or issue any request.  I guess that is just what they say when greeting customers.

Anyway, what things have you noticed here that are very different from your country?

I am looking forward to reading your observations.....
Mrs. Tong

Topic #2 - Dream Job

Good Morning Class, Happy Monday!!  There are thousands of jobs people in this world have.  There are regular jobs such as teacher, banker, businessman, or car mechanic.  Then there are unusual jobs such as stunt man, make-up artist, entomologist (someone who studies insects), limousine driver, dog groomer, etc.  If money were no problem, what kind of job would you like to have for fun?

For me, I think it would be fun to be a restaurant critic.  These people visit different restaurants, try the food and write about their experience.   A critic would describe the service, the ambiance (the mood, feeling, and decorations), the quality of the food, the price, and the location of the restaurant.  Have you ever read restaurant reviews in newspapers or magazines?  Can you imagine being paid to visit restaurants??  I think that would definitely be a great job.

How about you?

Topic #1 - Getting to Know You

Hi Class,

Welcome to Intermediate Composition Section 4 Summer 2012!!  I am really excited to get to know each of you through our class blog and hope you will enjoy blogging and sharing your thoughts.  In our first blog I would like each of you to introduce yourself - where you came from, your family, your educational or work background, your major you would like to study, and anything else interesting about yourself.

As for myself, I have been teaching ESL for about 8 years and love working with international students.  I taught for many years, then took a break to raise my children, and now am back to teaching.  I am married and have three daughters ages 20, 17, and 13.  I am a Chinese-American; my parents came to America from China in the 1950's as foreign students.  Then my brother and I were born here, so we are considered 2nd generation Chinese-Americans. My children are also born here and are considered 3rd generation Chinese-Americans.   Besides the U.S., I have taught in Taiwan and China.  I have also traveled to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Canada, Mexico, and different parts of the U.S..

I think I am pretty adventurous in trying new things.  I am always the first in my family to try a new food, go to a new restaurant, meet new people, visit a new show or attraction, or go to a new museum.  I also enjoy doing things with my hands.  I like to paint, garden, cook, sew and make scrapbooks.

What about you?

:)  Mrs. Tong