Dear AiDear AiGood Advice for ESL Students. Do you have a question about learning English?
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What's a good way to improve my child's Engish??
2007-09-09 20:03:00 "Dear Ai, my children came her in grade 5. The school ESL doesn't give any homeworks and rarely bring any worksheet they did during class. There is no contact from ESL teacher unless parents specially ask for meeting, and even though, we are just told such as "It takes time. Don't pressure the children. Give them fun and mingle with English speaking friends. Join sports club."Well, my child cannot mingle with other English speaking children. Parents cannot set playdate at their age. They are no longer lower grade children. They have long time English speaking friends, so they never want to invite my child, and my child is too intimidate to ask.Also, my child is not good at sports, so he cannot get friends through sports activities.His speaking has improved little after more than a year.What a good way to improve his pronunciation, intonation, speaking besides joining team sports, music lessons, arts or play English speaking friends after school?My child has plenty time after scho... More About: Improve , Good , Improv , Prove
What we have here is a failure to communicate
2007-06-29 07:29:00 Vancouver Sun June 23, 2007 article, What we have here is a failure to communicatehttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc .php http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Failure , Communicate , Cate , Comm , Lure
What ESL books do you recommend?
2007-06-28 07:05:00 “Dear Ai, I am a new ESL tutor, looking for adult ESL books for my students. Do you have any recommendations? Paul – Vancouver“Hi Paul, thank you for your e-mail. Because we have many ESL students in town, you can find ESL sections in any bookstore! However, it is difficult to choose the best one. Before I go to a bookstore, I visit Kenneth’s website and esl-lounge to see what books they recommend. Kenneth’s “Top 5 Teaching Adults English Materials” (http://esl.about.com/od/esleflteachingte chnique/tp/teach_adults.htm) is an excellent place to start. Esl-lounge (http://www.esl-lounge.com/eslbooks.shtml ) divides ESL books to different categories and I am sure you can find books you need for your students.If you have time, visit unique local bookstores for ESL books.Sofia Books (http://www.sophiabooks.com/) specializes in language. You can find books from Japanese to German. They also have an excellent collection of adult ESL materials. Vancouver Comm unity College Booksto...
Should I open a dictionary for every word meaning that I don't know while I
2007-06-27 06:38:00 "Dear Ai,Right now I'm going to a college in a beginner English class with local American people. I have learned how to read and find the main idea. It was good, I have learned a lot. I wonder, what is the best way to read and understand the text. Should I open a dictionary for every word meaning that I don't know while I read? Or should I use the meaning in English or in my own language? Do you have any good suggestions? Thank you, Roy""Hi Roy, thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have learned a lot and enjoy studying English. It is very important for beginners to have some fun in order to continuing what they do. Readings usually takes time to improve.There are two different approaches for improving reading skills. For beginners, it is better to use a dictionary each time you come across unknown words. This is because beginner students do not have enough vocabulary to guess the context. If you do not understand what is written, then there is no reason for stud... More About: Word , Open , Meaning , Dictionary , While
Language to a new life
2007-06-26 07:13:00 Vancouver Sun June 21, 2007 article, Language to a new lifehttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.php http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Life , New Life
Kingston High School Closes
2007-06-24 07:35:00 Vancouver Sun June 20, 2007 article, Kingston High School Closeshttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.php http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: High School
How can I tell him that I’m not interested in a relationship without offe
2007-06-23 00:32:00 "Dear Ai,I go to an ESL school in Vancouver. I arrived two months ago. One of my Korean classmates seems to like me. He was very kind and I appreciate his help since I didn't have any friends when I got here. Other classmates think we are boyfriend and girlfriend. Because of this, many people in my class do not invite me to their parties. How can I tell him that I’m not interested in a relationship without offending him?" Masako – Japan"Hi, Masako. Thank you for your e-mail. Misunderstandings happen quite often in relationships, especially when you and your friend are from different cultures. Since he hasn’t told you what he thinks about you yet, you cannot really reject him. You cannot assume anything, but I know many women can detect romantic feelings instantly! At this point, it is a good idea to tell him by describing your relationship towards him. Make sure you thank him first for helping you when you didn’t know anybody in Vancouver. Then gently remind him that you ar... More About: Relationship , Ship , Relation , Tell , Este
I would like to read books written by Canadian authors...
2007-06-21 17:04:00 "Dear Ai, I'm studying for IELTS right now. My reading skill is quite bad and I want to improve the skills as quickly as possible. My teacher told me I should read more books. I read many books when I was in Korea, but I don't know which English books are worth reading. I also would like to read books written by Canadian authors. Do you have any recommendations?" Kenny – South Korea"Hi Kenny, thank you for your e-mail. I am happy to hear that you are interested in reading Canadian books! You need to be patient with yourself because reading skills do not improve dramatically. As your teacher said, I recommend you to read as many books as possible. Also read a variety of books (Science Fiction, Novels, Mystery…etc) and different reading materials (Newspaper, Magazine, Cooking books). You will be surprised to see how much vocabulary you can build. Have fun reading!!"Excellent Canadian Authors Atwood, Margaret – “The Edible Woman”Cohen, Leonard – “Beautiful Losers”, ... More About: Books , Read , Like
It is hard for me to read newspaper...
2007-06-21 00:00:00 "Dear Ai, I'm talking a current events class at my school in downtown Vancouver. I wonder why I could get into the class because my classmates are advanced. Our homework is usually to read newspaper everyday. It is hard for me to read newspaper because my reading skill is not really good. I also study at a library till eight o'clock every night, so no time of watching news on TV. Please give me some advice. Thank you." Som - Thailand"Hi Som. I go to the library quite often and I run into many ESL students studying very hard. I am proud of you. If you already known that your reading skill is not good, then try listening to radio and watching the news on TV. You can approach it in different ways to improve your English skills.If you miss the news, you can still tune in to Internet news. Many broadcast websites have video clips and a Podcast. You can select the news you want to hear and most importantly, you can repeat the news until you understand it completely!Global TV (http://w... More About: Read , Hard , Newspaper
What's the Internet situation in Vancouver like??
2007-06-20 05:38:00 "Dear Ai,I'm thinking of going to Vancouver this summer. It is only a two-week study trip. I'm thinking if I should bring my laptop. What’s the Intern et situation in Vancouver like? Is it possible to request Internet option to my Homestay Coordinator?" Takashi – Japan"Hi, Takashi. The Internet situation in Vancouver is pretty good. Many Homestay families and ESL schools have computers and Internet services to attract more international students. Some ESL schools even have wireless! It is not too strange to ask a Homestay Coordinator to request a Homestay family who has Internet access at home, so I recommend you to tell your Homestay Coordinator.If you're only staying in Vancouver for two weeks, then you might be okay using Internet at either your school or Homestay family. The Vancouver Public Library also has many computers for public use. Also if you don't mind paying little, you may visit a local Internet café."http://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.php http://rpc.technorati.j... More About: Like
Is there any company that you could buy coverage on a yearly basis??
2007-06-18 22:03:00 "Dear Ai, my wife and I like to travel and we travel a lot to Europe and Asia and we do a lot of cruises. Can you suggest or know of a good company that provides Health coverage while traveling out of the U.S ? Is there any company that you could buy coverage on a yearly basis? Thank you" James & JennyHello, James and Jenny. Thank you for your e-mail. I am glad that this question is connected to my last Dear Ai post. Most government health insurance plans will pay only a small portion of expenses if you are sick or injured while outside their country. I see many students cry when they have to pay thousands of dollars a day because they didn’t buy insurance in their country. Some students don't know that they can still buy insurance after they arrive in Canada. It is not too late to consider buying insurance if you stay in Canada or travel inside or outside of Canada.It seems like both of you have traveled a lot. I am not sure at this point if you are Canadian or American. I ... More About: Company , There , Compa , Year , Coverage
Education Minister targets improved literacy rate
2007-06-18 01:53:00 the Globe and Mail article, Education Minister targets improved literacy rate Education Minister targets improved literacy ratehttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.php http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Literacy , Ducati , Rove
Do you have a good travel option for me??
2007-06-16 19:05:00 “Dear Ai, I’d like to go to the Rocky Mountains with my friends this summer. Most of them have a driving license from their countries and they are talking about renting a car. But I’m worried about accidents. Also some of my friends don’t have any health insurance. Do you have good travel options for me?” Rose - Taiwan“Hi, Rose. Thank you for your question. I’m not surprised to hear that some students do not have any health insurance at all. Most of the time, an accident happens when you are not prepared for it. Driving to the Rocky Mountains is do-able, but on your way to the Rockies, there are narrow highways and sometimes animals jump into the road. Drivers probably need to take turns. If you and your friends are driving, then make sure you do not go beyond your limits. If you are tired of driving, ask them to take turns or rest for a while. You might need to book a B & B for a night to recuperate.If you would like to be free from worrying, then take a train. Yo... More About: Travel , Good , Opti
Do you think my English is good enough...
2007-06-16 00:05:00 “Dear Ai,I’ve lived in Canada for eight months and I just finished school. I’m thinking of going to England because I know a friend who lives there. But I am not sure if they understand my English there. Also, I’ve used up most of my savings during my stay in Canada, so I need to go back to my country to earn some money. Do you think my English is good enough to communicate with anybody in English? Thank you for your advice in advance.” Tomo – Japan“Hi Tomo, what a wonderful question! There are many English-speaking countries in the world. You had studied English in Canada for a fairly long time, so you won’t have many difficulties expressing yourself in English. Occasionally, you might run into challenges, because not all English-speaking people speak Canadian English. For Example, "pants" as far as us Brits (British people) are concerned are "underpants", not "trousers" at all. I love reading this website to find out different word meanings between American English... More About: Good
More than half of ESL students without specialist teachers
2007-06-14 19:39:00 the Globe and Mail article, More than half of ESL students without specialist teachers More than half of ESL students without specialist teachershttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.ph p http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Students , Teachers , Teac , Half , Cialis
Free ESL Podcast
2007-06-06 16:31:00 Hi "Dear Ai" readers!!I received an e-mail from Andrew and Addison who run an excellent free ESL podcast. They teach slangs and make studying English more fun! If you would like to listen to something relaxed and find out "the way English is really spoken", visit their website at http://www.china232.com.http://ping.weblo galot.com/rpc.php http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Free , Podcast
TOEFL and English Grammar Books
2007-03-11 18:45:00 "Dear Ai, I'm studying TOEFL to get into a university in Vancouver. I brought some English grammar textbooks from Japan. I finished studying all of them. Do you recommend any English grammar books that I can study? " Michiru - Japan"Hi Michiru, it is always good to hear of students trying harder. If you have been studying TOEFL for a long time, you probably need at least upper intermediate level books. I have listed both grammar books and TOEFL prep books, so you can study. Good luck!" Gram mar books-Understanding and Using English Grammar : Workbook by Betty Schrampfer Azar -Focus on Grammar by Jay Maurer-Advanced Grammar in Use With answers by Martin Hewings-Grammar Workbook for the Toefl Exam by Phyllis L. Lim, Mary Kurtin, Laurie WellmanTOEFL preparation books -Longman Preparation Course for the Toefl Test: Next Generation (Ibt) by Deborah Phillips-Power TOEFL Deluxe 5.0 CDROM: For the Computer Based TOEFL by George M. Rookshttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.php http://rpc.technorat... More About: Books
Cherry blossom festival in Vancouver
2007-03-09 07:43:00 "Dear Ai, I've heard there is a cherry blossom festival in Vancouver . If so, I would like to go. Do you know where and when it will be held??" Toshi - Japan"Hi Toshi! The Cherry Blossom Festival is held on March 22nd at the Burrard Skytrain Station (from 12:00-13:30). You can check out more information at http://www.vancouvercherryblossomfestival .com/ Most of the events are free.When you visit the website, please check Event>Neighborhood Map. Local cherry blossom blooming areas and types of cherry blossom are listed. If you are looking for interesting events this month, please check EPIC. (Ethical, Progressive, Intelligent Consumer) It is a sustainable living expo - where style meets sustainability and vision meets practice. You can find information about how you can live an environmentally-friendly life. More information: http://www.epicvancouver.com/main.cfmhttp ://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.php http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping
International students stir the economy
2007-03-06 07:57:00 Vancouver Sun November 14, 2006 article, Intern ational students stir the economyhttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.php http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Economy , Students , Econ
Where can I find unique books??
2007-03-05 03:53:00 "Dear Ai, I would like to read books that local Canadians find interesting. I check Amazon.ca and Chapters quite often, but I would like to find unique books. Do you know where I can find these books?" Stephanie from Taiwan "Hi Stephanie, thank you for an interesting question! Amazon.ca and Chapters have the bestseller categories you can check. If the book is a bestseller, which means many local Canadians find the book interesting. You can also visit my favourite local bookstores, like "Duthie Books " http://www.duthiebooks.com/ and "Banyen Books & Sound" http://www.banyen.com/ (spiritual books). Both stores are located on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver. They have excellent book choices and these bookstores have never disappointed me. When you go there make sure you check the "Staff Pick" shelf, where the store clerks pick their favourite or recommended books. Another way to find good books that I use is just asking people. I ask customers who have books with them. Questions like, "Is ... More About: Find , Unique , Ique , E Book
I would like to improve my English skills...
2007-03-04 06:10:00 "Dear Ai, Right now, I live in Vancouver with a working holiday visa. It is good for two more months. I would like to improve my English skills as much as I can while I am here. What should I do?" Makiko - Japan"Hi Makiko, thank you for your e-mail. I felt your idea to improve English skills is too general. It is hard to advise you because I don't know which skills are your weaknesses. Imagine, if you are dieting or getting rid of debt, I am sure you would scale or check your bank statement first to know where you are at right now. Then you can set your goals and start exercising, limit calorie intake or cut back expenses. Please send me more information about what skills you want to improve".http://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.p hp http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Improve , Skill , Skills , Kill
Children suffer when ESL education is treated as an afterthought
2007-03-02 16:26:00 Vancouver Sun article on February 19, 07 Children suffer when ESL education is treated as an afterthoughthttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rp c.php http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Education , After , Treat , Ducati
Am I stupid for not understanding articles??
2007-03-02 06:13:00 "Dear Ai, I'm taking a reading and writing class at an ESL school. I have problems reading my homework. My classmates can understand once they read an article, but for me it takes 2 or 3 times to understand half the material. I feel I am stupid in the class. Do you think this class is too difficult for me?" Yasuko - Japan "Hi Yasuko, thank you for your e-mail. Not long ago, one of my professors told me that he reads a textbook six times to understand it completely. He would read before the class, read after the class, when he had a problem during the homework, before quizes, before the mid-term and he would also read while studying for the final exam. This professor's first language is English and he is considered one of the smart people (to teach in school!). If it takes him six times of reading, you don't need to feel stupid. What you need is to read more. Practice, practice, practice!! I am taking driving lessons now. (I know some of my "Dear Ai" readers would be ... More About: Articles , Stupid , Understand , Standing , Under
Where do tourists go in Vancouver?
2007-02-20 07:28:00 "Dear Ai, I've lived in Vancouver for four months. Next month, my parents will visit me from Taiwan. I would like to take them to some sightseeing spots in Vancouver. Do you know any places where tourists must visit?" Rachel – Taiwan"Hi Rachel, this is a wonderful question to be asked. Many ESL students in Vancouver probably visit "Stanley Park," "Capilano Suspension Bridge" and "Granville Island." I came across an interesting article from Business in Vancouver. This newspaper has been publishing since 1989 and covers greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley business news. According to the Feb 13-19, 2007 issue, the number one tourist attraction in the Vancouver area is "Grouse Mountain." I am sure that many people would be surprised to hear this; however, Grouse Mountain is not only good for ski/snowboard, but also it is a famous hiking spot. "The Grouse Grind" is a hiking trail that every local Canadian knows. Here are the top 5 tourist destinations for you. If you are intereste... More About: Tourists , Where , Tourist
Where can I get some information about work permit...
2007-02-13 15:34:00 "Dear Ai, I am thinking to go to a college in Canada. I try to save as much as I can, but if my money runs out, I would like to work while I am studying. Where can I get some information about this? Hitoshi – Japan"Hi Hitoshi, thank you for your e-mail. I've been asked about students who want to work part-time often. When I was a student, the Canadian government limited international students’ work. They could only work on-campus, but now, the rule has changed and you should look into the Canadian government website for the latest information. As the website suggests, you should earn as much as possible while you are in Japan. It takes time to adjust to a new environment. If you do not have to worry about money, then you can focus on your study. But I also understand, some students want to have some experiences of work. Other students do not have choices to work. If you are looking for work while you are in school, taking general classes, then the "Work ing on campus" and "Worki... More About: Information , Form , Perm , Format
Current ESL News
2007-02-11 19:07:00 Hi! Dear Ai readers. I made a category on my site, "Current ESL News ", to share the latest ESL news with you!CBC.ca article on January 7, 07 B.C.'s private colleges, ESL programs to face closer scrutinyhttp://ping.weblogalot.com/rpc.ph p http://rpc.technorati.jp/rpc/ping More About: Rent
What is the secret to finding the best ESL school for me?
2007-02-11 06:31:00 "Dear Ai, I am looking for an ESL school to take a part-time class. One of my friends recommended me "the best" school. But the other day, other friends said they didn't learn anything from the same school. I am not sure who to believe. What is the secret to finding the best ESL school for me?" Hiro - Japan"Hi Hiro, thank you for your e-mail. Many students believe there is "the best" school which suits everybody. However, because individual needs and skills are different, it is normal to have different impressions about the same school. For example, a student who would like to improve his/her pronunciation would not be satisfied with taking an academic writing class. He/she might tell you it was a waste of time and money even though the class is excellent. To find the best school, you need to know what skills you want to improve. Most importantly, you need to know your current English level is. Improving English skills is like dieting or getting rid of debt. You need to know where ... More About: School , The Secret , Secret
Is it hard for me to blend with my classmates?
2006-05-18 16:58:00 “Dear Ai,I am 45 years old and I am planning to go to Canada to study for one month. I have heard that there are many students who are in their 20s. Is it hard for me to blend with my classmates? Do you think I can meet my own age people at school?” Maggie – Taiwan“Hi Maggie, thank you for your e-mail. I am very thrilled to talk with you! In a recent trend, there are more adults (over 40s) who come to Canada to study English, so I am not too surprised to meet a student like you. Some of them come to Canada with groups, with their children or by themselves.Most ESL schools do not divide their classes by age or nationality. Students are assigned in their class according to the English assessment test. You might be studying with a 18 year old student or the same nationality as you. One of the advantages is that you can improve your English skills efficiently and make friends beyond your age group or nationality.I know of one senior man who comes back to Vancouver every spring. ... More About: Hard , Class , Blend , Lend
Should I tell a lie that I stayed in Canada?
2006-01-16 16:33:00 Dear Ai,Ten months ago, I quit my company to come to Canada as a Working Holiday student. I went to several ESL schools for three months, but after that my money run out, so I worked as a waitress in a Japanese restaurant. My visa will be good for two more months and I am getting worried if I can get a good job when I go back to Japan. Friends told me that many Japanese companies have negative image towards Working Holiday since many Working Holiday students don’t really work or study. It is true that some of my friends come here not to study and have parties every week. But some come here to challenge themselves to change their career or search their identity like me. I am not ashamed working as a waitress, but don’t want to be viewed as “Lazy” Working Holiday student. Should I tell a lie that I stayed in Canada in job interviews? Yuriko – JapanHi Yuriko!I hear similar comments a lot from my students. It is sad to hear that you think your Canadian experience might be seen... More About: That , Stay , Tell
I am uncomfortable to give homestay money..
More articles from this author:2006-01-14 07:58:00 Dear Ai, I live with my homestay family for almost 3 months. Before I come to Canada, my school arranged this family for me. I like them very much and I would like to stay more. Yesterday, my homestay family asked me if I would like to extend my stay. They said I should pay to them directly. I couldn’t answer right away because I feel uncomfortable to give them money without my school. What should I do?” Eric – Taiwan“Hi Eric,I am glad to hear that your homestay family is nice. This will help you to improve your English skills quickly through living with them. From your comments, I can see that you feel uncomfortable dealing with money issues with the family. I suggest that you do not give money directly to them. Usually, homestay families are selected by schools or student agencies. They are not taking advantage of students; however, it is better to have a third party (in this case your school) who witnesses that your money has been handed to the family. Go to school and ta... More About: Money , Give , Table , Fort , Stay 1, 2 |
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