ENGLISH 189 BLOG

WELCOME

2010-07-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the English 189 Blog.

The goal of this Blog is to increase the communication between us and to provide you with an opportunity to communicate with each other. Along the way, you can earn bonus points towards your next assignment. If you post general questions about the assignments or the course we will answer them; if you have detailed questions, then it’s probably better to e-mail your tutor. Do let us know your Blog likes and dislikes.
IMPORTANT: This blog site is open to the public; do not post personal information that could identify you--your first name is the only personal information you should post.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BLOG HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED--THE NEW BLOG IS THE ENGLISH 177-189 BLOG.

COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

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Welcome: In July, we welcome the following students to the course: Shawna, Neil, and Christie. We hope you will enjoy the course and participate in the blog.

Previous Grammar Question

The twin’s were unusual amused, first they entertain there school’s friends’ by telling jokes, than they had chased after the neighboring dog and it was ended when they had imitated their friend’s.

1. Active or passive voice? If the twins were amused, then someone or something was amusing them. Given their actions, it makes more sense to use the active voice and use the past progressive tense--were amusing--as they were amusing the others. Similarly use the simple past “ended” in the active voice instead of the passive “was ended”.

2. Word form: unusual is an adjective; here the verb is being modified, so use the adverb --unusually.

3. Possessive or plural: “twins” should be plural not possessive--no apostrophe. Similarly, “school’s” modifies “friends”--as an adjective it cannot have a possessive, and it cannot be plural either; use “school”; also, “friends” is plural, not possessive--no apostrophe (both times).

4. Verb tense: This story is set in the past, so use either past progressive or simple past; instead of “entertain” use “entertained”. Also, use the simple past tense (chased) to be consistent--not the past perfect (had chased), and use the simple past “imitated” and not the past perfect “had imitated”..

5. Word confusion: the pronoun is “their”; “there” is an adverb of place.

6. Word confusion: “than” is used to compare two things; to indicate what happened next, use “then”.

7. Word confusion: “neighbouring” refers to a place; here use either the possessive “neighbour’s” or “neighbourhood”.

8. Punctuation: The first two clauses are independent ones; use a semicolon after “amusing”. Where “and” separates two independent clauses, use a comma (after dog).

Suggested solution: The twins were unusually amusing; first they entertained their school friends by telling jokes, then they chased after the neighbour’s dog, and it ended when they imitated their friends.

Next Blog: Friday, July 30th

NEW RESOURCE

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Here is a fun, but excellent resource to help with semicolon usage.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, July 21st, 2010

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Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Seeing that starbucks’ opens at safeway stores now and they had also opened at many book stores’; I wonder if it would now loose customer’s from their regular outlets.

PUZZLE, July 21st, 2010

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Previous puzzle: The previous puzzle was a difficult one. The suggested answers are

FEMUR, REMIND, ANEMIA, PHLOEM, CHEMIST

New Puzzle: Behead a word by removing the first letter of the first (longer) and still have a valid word. There are clues for the two words, the longer word is first.

Example: Begin/Sour, acidic = start and tart (behead start--remove the “s” and that leaves tart).
1. Pass by / Temporary failure
2. Picture / Wizard
3. Brave / Fortunate
4. Enthusiastic meetings / Partners
5. Attacked / Helped
6. Choose / Choose
7. Fragments / Dice game
8. Customary practice / Spiritual mentor

ALL CHANGE! July 21st, 2010

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Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make

My maternal grandparents built the house completely over the ruins below.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, July 21st, 2010

2010-07-21T07:35:00.001-06:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

… ... summer is the best time of the year in Canada ... …
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, July 21st, 2010

2010-07-21T07:30:00.000-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

equanimity (noun) + loquacious (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, July 21st, 2010

2010-07-21T07:20:00.000-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: There has been more rain than sunshine so far this summer.

Sentence 2: Summer is more than half way over by now.

Sentence 3: Many people take their holiday in the summer in the hope that the weather will be good.

LAUGH WITH ENGLISH

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In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods ....

On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

(the shoplifter special?)

ACROSTIC

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n an acrostic, you start with a theme word and use each letter of that word to start another word or phrase that describes the theme word. The acrostic below is based on the theme word SNOW.

……………S Slippery

……………N Numbing

……………O Obliterating

……………W Wintery

Write an acrostic based on one of the following “summer” themes: SUMMER, HOLIDAY, VACATION, SUNSHINE, RELAXATION, NATIONAL PARKS, BEACHES, FESTIVALS.

CINQUAIN POEM

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A cinquain poem is a five-line poem that is diamond-shaped. Start with a theme word (noun) and then use the pattern 1 noun, 2 adjectives, 3 gerunds, 1 full sentence, and finally a synonym for the first noun.
SNOW
.....................Snow.........................
..................Cold, white.....................
..........Falling, freezing, numbing..............
...........It chills fingers and toes.............
.....................Ice..........................

Write a cinquain poem based on one of the following “summer” themes: SUMMER, HOLIDAY, VACATION, SUNSHINE, RELAXATION, NATIONAL PARKS, BEACHES, FESTIVALS.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, July 6th, 2010

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Correct the errors in the following sentence:

PUZZLE, July 6th, 2010

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Previous puzzle: Suggested answers

MODEL, SYNOD, BODICE, PRODUCT, CATHODE

New Puzzle: Five words that contain EM as a letter-pair have had all of their other letters removed and placed into a pool. Put those letters back in their proper places. What are the words?

*EM**, *EM***, **EM**, ****EM, **EM***

Pool: A, A, C, D, F, H, H, I, I, I, L, N, N, O, P, R, R, S, T, U

Each asterisk represents one missing letter.

ALL CHANGE! July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:40:00.001-06:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make

My wonderful parents lovingly raised their son’s children.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:35:00.000-06:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

… I have many plans for the summer …
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:30:00.000-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

retort (noun) + supercilious (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, July 6th, 2010

2010-07-06T07:20:00.001-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.
Sentence 1: A $2,000 car has been introduced in India.
Sentence 2: It is more available and affordable for the masses.
Sentence 3: It will also cause a number of problems both in India and elsewhere.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:50:00.000-06:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

A visitor to

Vietnam

must to remember taking their anti-malaria medicine regular to be affective preventing them from sickness and it would spoil the trip.

(The "problems" will be discussed in the next edition of the blog.)

PUZZLE, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:45:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Ashlee for solving last week's puzzle.

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers
1. Rode - Can = rod/cane
2. Font - Farce = front/face
3. Tory - Stale = story/tale
4. Dire - Cash = die/crash
5. Self - Shill = shelf/sill

New Puzzle: Five words that contain OD as a letter-pair have had all of their other letters removed and placed into a pool. Put those letters back in their proper places. What are the words?

*OD**, ***OD, *OD***, **OD***, ****OD*

Pool: A, B, C, C, C, E, E, E, H, I, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, T, U, Y
Each asterisk represents one missing letter.

ALL CHANGE! June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:40:00.000-06:00

Caring parents skillfully nurture their children's talents.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:35:00.001-06:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence in each of the three ways indicated; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

…Canada Day is on Thursday this week …
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:30:00.000-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

irrevocably (adverb) + propensity (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

PLAIN ENGLISH, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:25:00.000-06:00

Writing clear, direct English is particularly important in a business context. Please rewrite the following item; there are many different but correct ways of doing this.

At the end of the day, we would be failing in our responsibility to those other subscribers who have faithfully kept their promise to support our very worthy cause, if we did not request that you similarly fulfill your obligation to us.

Hint: Check Chapter 9 of Barron's Business English, and avoid using the passive voice and other wordy construction!

SENTENCE COMBINATION, June 21st, 2010

2010-06-21T07:20:00.000-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1:

Canada

Day falls in the middle of the week this year.
Sentence 2: The fireworks display is also really good, but it happens very late because of the long daylight hours.
Sentence 3: The July 1st holiday is a great way to start the new month.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, June 9th, 2010

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Correct the errors in the following sentence:
Everyone of the runners who are in the race are here but we can't get started with the first ones until you line up on a starting line.

PUZZLE, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:45:00.000-06:00

Previous puzzle: Congratulations to Colin for solving the previous puzzle. Suggested answers
word pair              answer
1. Flat/Pump       =fat/plump
2. Feather/Crate =father/create
3. Bet/Stop    =best/top
4. Ear/Trip         =tear/rip
5. Lopes/Shills   =slopes/hills

New Puzzle: move a single letter from one word to the other, make a pair of synonyms, or near synonyms. For example: Boast - Hip, move the 's' from 'Boast' to 'Hip' creating two synonyms: Boat - Ship.

1. Rode - Can =
2. Font - Farce =
3. Tory - Stale =
4. Dire - Cash =
5. Self - Shill =

ALL CHANGE! June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:40:00.001-06:00

My younger brother happily lent his best friend his new bicycle.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:35:00.001-06:00

Use each (all three) type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

… I welcome the chance to celebrate Father’s Day…
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:30:00.000-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

autonomy (noun) + discredit (verb)
To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, June 9th, 2010

2010-06-09T07:20:00.000-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: Sita asked if Father’s Day was just another marketing gimmick.

Sentence 2: Cory replied that because his father was the best, he was happy to have an excuse to let him know that.

Sentence 3: Cory also said that it was possible to appreciate fathers without participating in the marketing hype.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:50:00.000-06:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

For instant; the way in which the correspondents course differ then classrooms , is that the equipments' costs are very expensive for students are ought to have computer, internet, and another modern up to date things.

PUZZLE, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:45:00.001-06:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers

1.    stop doing--that thing                           (quit/it)
2.    peculiar behaviour--annoy                      (quirk/irk)
3.    subatomic particle--large boat                 (quark/ark)
4.    small game bird--to be unwell                   (quail/ail)
5.    large feather pen--unwell;faulty               (quill/ill)
6.    nausea; uncomfortable--simple                   (queasy/easy)
7.    unit of liquid measure--product of creativity (quart/art)
8.    misgivings; scruples--donations to the poor    (qualms/alms)

New Puzzle: move a single letter from one word to the other, make a pair of synonyms, or near synonyms. For example: Boast - Hip, move the 's' from 'Boast' to 'Hip' creating two synonyms: Boat - Ship.
1. Flat / Pump ?
2. Feather / Crate ?
3. Bet / Stop ?
4. Ear / Trip ?
5. Lopes / Shills ?

ALL CHANGE! May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:40:00.000-06:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make

The simple answer generally hides the deeper complexity of an issue.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:35:00.000-06:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

… I find it harder to study in summer …
1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, May 28th, 2010

2010-05-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

circumlocution (noun) + either adverse (adjective) or adversely (adverb)
To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:50:00.000-06:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Every one: women, elders, and children were cried when we had arrived with the survivors who had terrifyingly been injured and burned in a crushable plain.

PUZZLE, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:45:00.000-06:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers

original word (a)	original word (b)	new word (a)	new word (b)
burn	bead	bun	bread
rid	tripe	ride	trip
grove	rout	groove	rut
charm	rush	harm	crush
cream	sweep	scream	weep

New Puzzle: Let’s “behead” a few more words;-)

Remove the first letter and still have a valid word. The clue for the longer of the two words is first (behead the first word).
Example: a. Begin b. Sour, acidic Answer: Start and Tart.

	Word A	Word B	Answer
1.	stop doing	that thing	?
2.	peculiar behaviour	annoy	?
3.	subatomic particle	large boat	?
4.	small game bird	to be unwell	?
5.	large feather pen	unwell; faulty	?
6.	nausea; uncomfortable	simple	?
7.	unit of liquid measure	product of creativity	?
8.	misgivings; scruples	donations to the poor	?

ALL CHANGE! May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:40:00.000-06:00

A small deer lazily nibbled the lush grass around the tall trees.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:35:00.000-06:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

... hockey season will soon be over ...

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:25:00.000-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

proclivity (noun) + obsessive (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T07:20:00.000-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: Victoria Day is celebrated only in

Canada

Sentence 2: It is always celebrated on the 3rd Monday of May.

Sentence 3: May 18th is the earliest date it can occur; the latest is May 25th.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:50:00.000-06:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

If you shouldn't mind me to ask where you are going when me and my sister’s seen you last week as you had been getting on bus on the Main street.

Remember that there is more than one possible correct answer.

PUZZLE, May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:45:00.001-06:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers

1. a. Outer layer                       b. Oxidized metal          Crust / Rust
2. a. Defraud; violate rules        b. Thermal energy in transit Cheat / Heat
3. a. Sensation of cold b. Local land elevation Chill / Hill
4. a. Go upward                       b. Jointed appendage; branch Climb / Limb
5. a. Strong metal rope             b. Having necessary skill Cable / Able
6. a. Confined; restrained          b. Old; grew older Caged / Aged
7. a. Stop; discontinue b. Freedom from hardship Cease / Ease
8. a. Lacking dirt                      b. Lacking fat 8. Clean / Lean

New Puzzle: Take the given words, and by moving a single letter from one word to the other, make a pair of synonyms, or near synonyms. For example, given: Boast - Hip, move the 's' from 'Boast' to 'Hip' creating two synonyms: Boat - Ship.

1. Burn - Bead
2. Rid - Tripe
3. Grove - Rout
4. Charm - Rush
5. Cream - Sweep

ALL CHANGE! May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:40:00.001-06:00

The hungry girl quickly ate the tasty food on her plate.

Changes: 1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun 4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

VOCABULARY, May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:30:00.000-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

Recidivist or recidevism (noun) + gratuitous (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:20:00.001-06:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

...Mother’s Day is a very special celebration...

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

SENTENCE COMBINATION, May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T07:20:00.000-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: In many countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated in early May.

Sentence 2: In some countries Mothering Sunday is a church celebration held in March.

Sentence 3: The date of the celebration is irrelevant as the significant thing is to honour the importance of our mothers in our lives.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:50:00.002-06:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:
Samirs always been borrowing his red stylish sporty-looking newer car to his brother who’s lending it while his old battered rust-spotted white vehicle is in the garage for repairing.
Remember that there is more than one possible correct answer.

PUZZLE, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:45:00.001-06:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers
1. a. Barrier b. Everything.....Wall/All
2. a. Full amount b. An opening.....Whole/Hole
3. a. Season b. Bury.....Winter/Inter
4. a. Roll around in mud b. Permit.....Wallow/Allow
5. a. Females b. Prophetic sign.....Women/Omen
6. a.Twist forcibly b. Circular band.....Wring/Ring
7. a.Being victorious b. Baseball game division.....Winning/Inning
8. a. One of the five W's b. Head covering.....What/Hat

New Puzzle: When beheading a word, remove the first letter and still have a valid word. The clue for, longer of the two words is first (behead the first word).

Example: a. Begin b. Sour, acidic Answer: Start and Tart.

1. a. Outer layer b. Oxidized metal
2. a. Defraud; violate rules b. Thermal energy in transit
3. a. Sensation of cold b. Local land elevation
4. a. Go upward b. Jointed appendage; branch
5. a. Strong metal rope b. Having necessary skill
6. a. Confined; restrained b. Old; grew older
7. a. Stop; discontinue b. Freedom from hardship
8. a. Lacking dirt b. Lacking fat

ALL CHANGE! Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:40:00.000-06:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

The young man enthusiastically took the sociology course at the local college.

Changes:
1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:35:00.000-06:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

... April is a month that can't seem to make up its mind ...

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:30:00.002-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

anachronism (noun) + either perverse (adjective) or perversely (adverb)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Apr. 23rd, 2010

2010-04-23T07:25:00.000-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: The Immigrant Access Fund provides loans for internationally trained immigrants.

Sentence 2: Many immigrant professionals find it hard to pursue their careers in Canada because of accreditation difficulties.

Sentence 3: The loans help pay the costs associated with accreditation, training, or upgrading.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:50:00.000-06:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

The blue foreign unusual car has been driving erratic when it'd went off the road and the driver Jack Lemay is injured serious.

Remember that there is more than one possible correct answer.

PUZZLE, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:45:00.000-06:00

Previous puzzle: Suggested answers
1. a. Mark left after healing b. Vehicle...............scar/car
2. a. To have hit b. Vehicle...............struck/truck
3. a. Intelligent b. Individual store......smart/mart
4. a. Tiny b. Large retail complex..small/mall
5. a. Take illegally b. Bluish green .........steal/teal
6. a. Clean the floor b. Cry...................sweep/weep
7. a. Expressed in words b. Give assistance ......said/aid
8. a. Talk b. Highest level.........summit speak/peak

New Puzzle: When beheading a word, remove the first letter and still have a valid word. The clue for, longer of the two words is first (behead the first word).
Example: a. Begin b. Sour, acidic Answer: Start and Tart.

1. a. Barrier b. Everything
2. a. Full amount b. An opening
3. a. Season b. Bury
4. a. Roll around in mud b. Permit
5. a. Females b. Prophetic sign
6. a.Twist forcibly b. Circular band
7. a.Being victorious b. Baseball game division
8. a. One of the five W's b. Head covering

ALL CHANGE! Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:40:00.000-06:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

The avid gardener waited for Easter before excitedly planting her flower beds.

Changes:
1. subject noun 2. direct object noun 3. indirect object noun
4. adjective(s) 5. adverb(s) 6. verb name 7. verb tense

SENTENCE COMPLETION, April 13th

2010-04-13T07:35:00.001-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

1. The celebration of Earth Day is associated with spring.

2. In many parts of Canada, spring doesn’t arrive until May.

3. Yesterday, when I woke up, there was fresh snow on the ground, and snow can occur through May.

COMPLETE THE SENTENCE, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:35:00.000-06:00

Use the type of clause, phrase, or grammar indicated to complete the following sentence; you can add the phrase or clause before or after (not both) to the clause below:

…This year I will celebrate Earth Day …

1. Use a phrase 2. Use a dependent clause 3. Use an independent clause

VOCABULARY, Apr. 13th, 2010

2010-04-13T07:30:00.000-06:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

incredulous (adjective) + antagonist (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

LAUGH WITH ENGLISH

2010-04-13T07:10:00.001-06:00

Some paradoxes:

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Mar. 30th, 2010

2010-03-19T07:20:00.002-06:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: Easter is a four-day weekend for most of us.
Sentence 2: Many people eat too much chocolate over this holiday period.
Sentence 3: Many of the symbols associated with Easter come from ancient spring-time celebrations.

INTERNET OPTION

2010-03-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

MARCH SIGN-UP SHEET
If you want to participate in the peer editing option for assignment 7 in April, please sign up by posting a response to this announcement by March 29th. We need at least three participants to open this option. You should plan to post your assignment within the first two weeks of the month so that the others in the group have an opportunity to provide feedback and revise their assignments.

Note: This option is now available through moodle.

ALL CHANGE, Oct. 29th, 2009

2009-10-29T07:40:00.000-06:00

CChange the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated.If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

We always give candy to the costumed kids on Halloween.

1. change the subject noun 2. change the direct object noun
3. change the indirect object noun 4. change the adjective
5. change the adverb 6. change the verb name
7. change the verb tense

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Mar. 30th, 2010

2009-03-30T07:50:00.000-06:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Please ask her where she is going over easter but don't tell her that I ask for the informations.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Mar. 8th, 2010

2009-03-08T07:50:00.000-06:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Studying on my own pace is a lot of benefit for me do to I am not needing to be worrying about no time for attend class.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Feb. 24th, 2010

2009-02-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

The commentator said its the most unique program was skated at the competition and they are skating unbelievable therefore it hasn't been surprised that the audience have given them the standing ovation.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE, Feb. 24 th, 2010

2009-02-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous Puzzle

1. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a...BALLOON
2. Body modification.TATTOO
3. A Group of people.COMMITTEE
4. Acuteness or acumen. KEENNESS

New Puzzle

Find a shorter word with the meaning given within the following words:

Example: "rapscallion" contains the word "rascal": RApSCALlion

See if you can find the shorter words in the words below that fir the definitions given:
1. prosecute
2. scoundrel
3. falsities
4. stockings
5. pantaloons
6. brackets

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

2009-02-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

There are lots of special events/holidays occurring within a very short time frame; learn more about some of these by following the links.
Valentine's Day

Celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th.We are all familiar with the current representation of this day, but find out about the history behind Valentine’s Day.

Gung Hay Fat Choy
February 14^th also marks the start of the Chinese New Year. This is the Year of the Tiger. There is a long history behind this festival. Besides eating special food (see the guest column below), one of the traditions is the Lion Dance. This one is a especially exciting and energetic!

Ash Wednesday
The first day of Lent in the Christian calendar is Ash Wednesday. The day before, is known as Shrove Tuesday in much of the English speaking world or as Mardi Gras in other places; there are many traditions associated with that day, too.

Winter Olympic Games

Today marks the opening of the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver; it’s a huge event both for Canada and for winter sports fans around the world. There is an Athabasca University interest in these games: Madeleine Williams who is competing in cross-country skiing, graduated from AU last summer. Also, her mother is an academic coordinator at AU. Here’s wishing Madeleine good luck!

Family Day

Monday, February 15th, Family Day, is a holiday for some of us; it's a day in which to spend time with family--hence its name.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Jan. 18th, 2010

2009-01-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Less people in Canada are planning travelling over this year because of the worse weather that happened in to many parts of the country recently and because it is expensive.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE, Jan. 18th, 2010

2009-01-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

Previous Puzzle
Possible answers:
1. a / at / art / tart / treat
2. a / as / sea / ales / false / flames
3. u / us / use / uses / users/ duress / undress

New Puzzle
Let’s try the same thing this week. Add one letter at a time to make a new word: example a to adios (a/as/sad/dais/adios)
1. u … super
2. e … hamper
3. o … erosion

ALL CHANGE, Jan. 18th, 2010

2009-01-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated.If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

Canadians often play winter sports in the cold weather.

1. change the subject noun 2. change the direct object noun
3. change the indirect object noun 4. change the adjective
5. change the adverb 6. change the verb name
7. change the verb tense

VOCABULARY, Jan. 18, 2010

2009-01-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

subserviently (adverb) + malicious (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Jan. 8th, 2010

2009-01-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

As the matter of fact, she was a person who hard being convinced for instant, she certainly would likes to thinks that his opinion are the corrected then any one else view.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

GRAMMAR QUESTION Dec. 21

2008-12-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

Coming down the hill, we seen the truck driving to fast and couldn't of stopped before hitting a car on the intersection: there were debris laying all over the road.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE Dec. 21

2008-12-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Puzzle

Here is the answer to last week’s puzzle.
1. blankout + beep = bleep
2. pain + sting = pang
3. haggle + tussle = hassle
4. dumb + confound = dumbfound
5. ditsy + dotty = ditty

New Puzzle
Can you identify the language of the following greetings--each one means “Merry Christmas”. Each student identify just one of the languages before allowing another student a chance--there are plenty of opportunities!

1. Gesëende Kersfees
2. Boas Festas
3. Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rock
4. Glaedelig Jul
5. Felice Navidad
6. Hyvää Joulua
7. Joyeux Noel
8. Froehliche Weihnachten
9. Kala Christouyenna
10. Mele Kalikimaka
11. Merry Christmas, Bada Din Mubarak
12. Nollaig Shona Dhuit
13. Bono Natale
14. Shinnen omedeto
15. Kuwa na Krismasi njema
16. Sung Tan Chuk Ha
17. Linksmu Kaledu
18. Feliz Navidad
19. Natale hilare
20. Maligayang Pasko
21. Wesolych Swiat Bozego
22. Narodzenia
23. Feliz Natal, Gajan Kristnaskon
24. Srozhdestovm Kristovim
25. Suksun Wan Christmas
26. Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
27. Nadolig Llawen

COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-12-11T07:55:00.001-07:00

NEW STUDENTS
Welcome to Kathleen, Kong, and Shu-Chao who are joining the course in December. We hope you will enjoy the course and that you will participate in the blog.

CONGRATULATIONS
Another student has successfully completed the course; congratulations to Jonathan: well done:-)

HAPPY HANUKKAH!
We would like to wish all of our Jewish students a Happy Hanukkah. F

LAST WEEK'S GRAMMAR QUESTION:

The team is real happy that they won the game so easy and now the players recover from the party they had thrown afterwards.

1. Subject-verb agreement: In this sentence, “team” is plural; notice the use of the plural pronoun “they” to refer to the team. Change the verb “is” to “are”.
2. Word form: use an adverb to modify an adjective--change “real” to “really”.
3. Word form: use an adverb to modify a verb; “easy” modifies “won”, so change it to “easily”.
4. Verb tense: for something that is occurring at the present time, use the present progressive tense: change “recover” to “are recovering”.
5. Verb tense: the past perfect tense refers to something that happened before another event in the past, but the party happened after the game. For this reason, use the simple past “threw”.
6. Punctuation: When two independent clauses are separated by a coordinating conjunction (and), use a comma before that conjunction.

Next blog: Monday, December 21st.

COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-12-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

GRAMMAR QUESTION Dec. 11

2008-12-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

An economic prof at Simon Fraser university describes Canada that it is an over weight country who needs going on the low-carb diet--low in carbons emissions--and loose some weight.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE, Dec. 11

2008-12-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here are the answers to last week's puzzle:

1. bold + rash = brash
2. chuckle + snort = chortle
3. internal + communication = intercom
4. blow + spurt = blurt
5. flutter + hurry = flurry

What are the blended words that have come from the following pairs of words:

1. blankout + beep
2. pain + sting
3. haggle + tussle
4. dumb + confound
5. ditsy + dotty

ALL CHANGE Dec. 11, 2009

2008-12-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated.If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

Susan is still eating candy from last Halloween.

1. change the subject noun 2. change the direct object noun
3. change the indirect object noun 4. change the adjective
5. change the adverb 6. change the verb name
7. change the verb tense

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Dec. 11,09

2008-12-11T07:25:00.001-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: The snowfall lay heavily on the ground.
Sentence 2: People were shovelling driveways and sidewalks and piling up snow into snow mountains.
Sentence 3: There was little traffic on the roads until the snow ploughs had cleared the major routes.

Check the archives for previous questions and answers.

VOCABULARY Dec. 11

2008-12-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

disproportionate (adjective) + antipathy (noun)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

PLAIN ENGLISH, Dec. 11, 09

2008-12-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

span style="font-style:italic;">Writing clear, direct English is particularly important in a business context. Please rewrite the following item; there are many different but correct ways of doing this.

During the whole of the time period, twenty-five long years, that he was employed by ABC Securities, our colleague, Mr. Sanchez, was solely responsible of the institution of numerous reforms that are being used in the company to this date; he is wished all the best as he begins his well-earned retirement.

Hint: Check Chapter 9 of Barron's Business English, and avoid using the passive voice and other wordy construction!

COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-12-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

NEW STUDENTS
Welcome to Kathleen, Kong, and Shu-Chao who are joining the course in December. We hope you will enjoy the course and that you will participate in the blog.

CONGRATULATIONS
Another student has successfully completed the course; congratulations to Jonathan: well done:-)

BLOGGER AWAY!
The blogger (Veronica) will be away between Dec. 5th and Jan. 4th. In her absence, Tamara Renkas (tamaraAT…) will coordinate the blog. Look forward to some holiday specials coming up and keep on participating!

LAST WEEK'S GRAMMAR QUESTION:

While I had arrived in Paris neither the bus or the trains was running, the following day the buses ran and trains had been started to move later at the afternoon.

1. Word confusion: “while” indicates that something else was happening at the same time; here you need “when”.
2. Verb tense: instead of the past perfect “had arrived” use the simple past “arrived”.
3. Paired conjunction: the paired negative conjunction is “neither … nor.”
4. Subject-verb agreement: With a paired conjunction, the nearest subject to the verb determines the number. Because “trains” is plural, change the singular verb “was” to “were.”
5. Verb tense: the buses ran all day, so use the past progressive “were running”.
6. Verb tense/voice: “had been started” is the passive voice of the past perfect; here the simple past of the active voice “started” is needed.
7. Preposition usage: While you should use “at” with a specific time, for a more general time such as “the afternoon”, use “in”.
8. Punctuation: There are two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, so separate them with a semicolon instead of a comma.

Next blog: Friday, December 11th.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, Dec. 1st, 2009

2008-12-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence:

The team is real happy that they won the game so easy and now the players recover from the party they had thrown afterwards.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.

PUZZLE, Dec. 1st, 2009

2008-12-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the answer to last week’s puzzle; congratulations to Dejo who almost solved it;-)
1. flap + drop= flop
2. emotion + icon= emoticon
3. gorilla + baboon = goon
4. marionette + puppet = muppet
5. slovenly + language = slang

THIS WEEK:
What are the blended words that have come from the following pairs of words:
1. bold + rash
2. chuckle + snort
3. internal + communication
4. blow + spurt
5. flutter + hurry

ALL CHANGE! Dec. 1st, 2009

2008-12-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated.If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

The excited children eagerly awaited Santa at the mall.

1. change the subject noun 2. change the direct object noun
3. change the indirect object noun 4. change the adjective
5. change the adverb 6. change the verb name
7. change the verb tense

SENTENCE COMBINATION, Dec. 1st, 2009

2008-12-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

Learning to combine ideas into more complex sentences is an important skill in writing. There are many ways to do this--many possible bonus points! Try to combine the following three sentences.

Sentence 1: The shopping malls are decorated for Christmas.
Sentence 2: Parents are taking their children to have photos taken with Santa.
Sentence 3: It is sometimes hard to remember that there are other religious festivals at this time of the year as well as Christmas.

Check the archives for previous questions and answers.

PLAIN ENGLISH, Dec, 1st 2009

2008-12-01T07:20:00.001-07:00

VOCABULARY, Dec. 1st, 2009

2008-12-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

Vocabulary building is important for both reading comprehension and writing. Use the following two words (note the part of speech) in one sentence.

posthumously (adverb) + colloquial (adjective)

To further improve your vocabulary, check Word of the Day every day! There are also word games and puzzles on this site.

MODULE 1 & ASSIGNMENT 1

2008-11-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Please post questions or comments about Module 1 and Assignment 1 here.

MODULE 2 & ASSIGNMENT 2

2008-11-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

Please post your questions or comments about Module 2 and Assignment 2 here.

MODULE 3 & ASSIGNMENT 3

2008-11-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

Please post questions or comments about Module 3 and Assignment 3 here.

MODULE 4 & ASSIGNMENT 4

2008-11-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

Please post questions or comments about Module 4 and Assignment 4 here.

MODULE 5 & ASSIGNMENT 5

2008-11-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Please post questions or comments about Module 5 and Assignment 5 here.

MODULE 6 & ASSIGNMENT 6

2008-11-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Please post your questions or comments about Module 6 and Assignment 6 here.

Try this game/quiz to understand your impact on the environment.
http://sustainabili ty.publicradio. org/consumercons equences/

Presented as a game, it is in fact a questionnaire that, on the basis of your answers, works out what impact your life style has on the environment and if it is sustainable.

MODULE 7 & ASSIGNMENT 7

2008-11-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Please post your questions or comments on Module 7 or Assignment 7 here.

For assignment 7, write the Case Analysis 4 sections identified:

background information
analysis
solutions
recommendation

Even though you have read about writing informal reports in this part of the course, you are not required, or expected, to write this assignment in an informal report format.

MODULE 8 & ASSIGNMENT 8

2008-11-21T07:45:00.001-07:00

Please post questions or comments about Module 8 and Assignment 8 here.

ARE APOSTROPHES IMPORTANT?
There has been a debate in the media about importance of apostrophes since Birmingham,large city in England, banned apostrophes! What do you think? Read about the issues.

GRAMMAR QUESTION, November 20, 2009

2008-11-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

Correct the errors in the following sentence

While I had arrived in Paris neither the bus or the trains was running, the following day the buses ran and trains had been started to move later at the afternoon.

Note: you can still see previous Grammar Questions; they are posted in the archive in the side bar and listed a year previous to their date of posting.