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The Language Works ~ Journal Entries ~ TLW 1 |
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~ TLW ~ Short Essays ~ Group One |
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S1~2: Popcorn in America
Maybe we don’t know for sure, but popcorn was said to be a snack (or food) over 7600 years ago:
"It was cultivated and enjoyed by indigenous peoples, including the Aztecs and the Iroquois,
who used it for food, religious ceremonies, and even as decoration… Early European explorers
encountered popcorn in the Americas and introduced it to Europe where it gradually gained popularity".
1) Do you ever eat or have you ever eaten popcorn? When, where, who with?
2) Describe a traditional snack in your country/culture. How is it made? Is it still popular?
3) What was your first or best popcorn experience? Tell. What do you (or others) snack on while watching a movie?
4) What kinds of snacks can people buy or make in your country/culture? Is it possible to make it from scratch?
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Contents ~ Journal 1:
1) How to Make a Journal Entry
2) Popcorn in America
3) A Freediving Friendship
( Click purple underlined words for links
to vocabulary or websites for further information )
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S1~1: How to Make a Journal Entry
Writing a journal for English study, in my opinion, is essential. You can see it as a reflection of your inner speech.
This connection in turn informs conversation and communication. Each person has his or her own style: clothing, food,
personality, friends, life choices, everything…. So journal writing is a way to develop your style of communicating
in English. Brainstorm and jot down ideas and words. Don’t think about grammar or punctuation nor spelling nor format.
Make a paragraph or two about anything. Use AI if you like. Many people enjoy writing as a form of relaxation (see this).
1) Does writing (in your own language) come easy to you? Do you have any qualms about writing? (see this)
2) What subjects are you interested in? What do you want to learn about? Explain.
3) Is there anyone in your family or perhaps a friend that has a "knack" for writing? Explain.
4) Do you have any favorite writers, poets, essayists, playwrights, or directors? Tell.
5) Can you name a play written by Shakespeare? What is it about? Tell.
6) How do you think television dramas are written? Do you think writers collaborate or create them themselves?
7) Do you think it’s possible for an AI (Artificial Intelligence) program to write a best-selling novel or interesting poetry? |
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S1~3: A Freediving Friendship
In 2009, famous Italian free diver Enzo Maiorca was diving with his daughter Rossana near the coast of Syracuse
when something truly special happened. As he was going deeper into the water, Enzo suddenly felt a soft tap on his
back. When he turned around, he saw a dolphin—not there to play, but clearly asking for help.
The dolphin swam down, and Enzo followed. About 15 meters below the surface, they found another dolphin stuck in
an old fishing net. Without wasting a moment, Enzo called to Rossana for a knife then cut the net to free the dolphin.
As soon as it was free, the dolphin made a sound Enzo later described as “almost like a human cry.”
When they all reached the surface, Enzo and Rossana saw that the dolphin was a pregnant female—and just moments
later, she gave birth right there in the open sea. The male dolphin circled around them, then gently came up to Enzo,
touched his cheek with its nose—like a soft kiss—and then swam away with his new family.
Later, Enzo shared his thoughts: “Until people learn to respect and communicate with the natural world, they’ll never
truly understand their place on this planet.”
1) How effectively do you think animals (birds, monkeys, whales, etc.) can communicate with each other? Describe.
2) Do you swim? If not, why not? If so, How often and where do you swim? Who with?
3) Why do you think people free dive? Do you consider it competitive? Do you enjoy competitive sports? Explain
4) There is a quote with this story, “… nature has a voice—if we’re willing to listen”. What do you think this means?
5) Are you interested in the “animal kingdom”? Tell. Do you enjoy zoos or programs about animals? Explain.
6) What kind of exotic pets do people own? Why do you think they want to own them?
7) Do you own or have you ever owned a pet? What was your experience? Have you ever suffered the loss of a pet? Tell. |
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© COPYRIGHT The Language Works and its licensors 2006 ~ 2026. All rights reserved. |
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~ Featured ~ Enzo Maiorca ~ Dolphin Rescue |
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~ Featured ~ Journaling ~ Telling Stories ~ |
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~ Featured ~ History of Popcorn Corn ~ |
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~ Special Feature ~ Yes ~ I’ve seen All Good People |
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