Well folks, this is it. The final blog entry.
Most of you have done a great job of responding to your weekly questions, and I've really enjoyed reading your responses.
For our final entry, I'd like you to discuss the class. (Despite the fact that grammar may not be your favorite subject!!), what do you think you can take away from our 15 weeks together? You might discuss something that has to with writing, or you could maybe talk about something having to do grammar. Maybe you feel that you are taking away something completely unrelated to both writing and grammar. If you don't think you can take away anything from the class, what do you wish you could have improved? Be honest, as this is simply a truthful reflection on our time together during the Winter-Spring semester of 2010.
Thanks for writing!
Josh
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Week 13 Question
Let me start off by saying I had a great time on our field trip last Wednesday. It's always fun to see Kate and her birds, and Kootanei Creek (in my opinion) has to be the most beautiful place around Missoula. I hope you all had a good time. By the way, here is Kate's website if you want to check it out:
http://raptorsoftherockies.blogspot.com/
For this week's question, I'd like you to discuss what you thought about the field trip. More specifically, tell us what you thought the best part of the trip was for you and why. Also, what did you find interesting/cool about our trip to Kate's house?
Try to be as specific as possible in your response. I look forward to reading about your experience.
Josh
http://raptorsoftherockies.blogspot.com/
For this week's question, I'd like you to discuss what you thought about the field trip. More specifically, tell us what you thought the best part of the trip was for you and why. Also, what did you find interesting/cool about our trip to Kate's house?
Try to be as specific as possible in your response. I look forward to reading about your experience.
Josh
Friday, April 9, 2010
Week 12 Question
It's amazing how fast the semester has gone by. We have only three more weeks of actual classes, and there is still so much to do.
I've enjoyed reading about your HS experiences. Please keep them coming.
I'd like to focus on our HS visit in one more way. For this week's blog, tell us what you learned from the HS students that was new, surprising, and/or really interesting.
For example, I just assumed that a lot of HS students smoked cigarettes but that only a few smoked marijuana. NOT THE CASE. According to the HS students, more high schoolers smoke pot than cigarettes! That's a surprising (and disturbing) fact.
What surprising facts did you learn from our high school visit?
I've enjoyed reading about your HS experiences. Please keep them coming.
I'd like to focus on our HS visit in one more way. For this week's blog, tell us what you learned from the HS students that was new, surprising, and/or really interesting.
For example, I just assumed that a lot of HS students smoked cigarettes but that only a few smoked marijuana. NOT THE CASE. According to the HS students, more high schoolers smoke pot than cigarettes! That's a surprising (and disturbing) fact.
What surprising facts did you learn from our high school visit?
Friday, March 26, 2010
Week 10 Question
Staying with the topic of high schools, I thought I'd introduce a question that is a little bit on the lighter side (not as serious):
Tell us about a funny story/experience that you remember from when you were in high school.
While the story I'm about to tell you may not be all that funny, I always get a kick out of it whenever I think about it. Here goes...
At some point during the first semester of my senior year, my parents left town for the weekend to visit some relatives. That left me and my twin brother, Jim, with the house all to ourselves. My idea was that I'd have a few friends over for a movie on Saturday night. What I didn't realize was that Jim had already considered a far different plan for that same night.
That Saturday night, my mom called to make sure everything was fine, and I told her that Brian, Nate, Tasha, Amy and I had rented a movie and were driving home to watch it. She was happy to hear that I was hanging out with "those nice girls Tasha and Amy" and asked me how Brian and Nate were doing. Shortly thereafter, I remember turning the corner on the street where we lived (it must have been around 10 pm) and thinking to myself, "Hmmm, it looks like one of the neighbors is having a party or something." I thought this somewhat strange given that most of our neighbors were old or had little children, but I never even thought of the possibility that all of these cars were leading up to our little grey house on the corner of Campfire Circle.
My doubts quickly changed once my friend Brian quipped, "Hey, isn't that Tom Mchugh standing in your mom's flower garden?" I looked over; sure enough, there was Tom standing in my mom's poinsettas. We quickly got out of the car discovered more surprises. It wasn't just Tom standing in the flowers: there were people everywhere outside! Some the people I knew (Jim's friends), some people I had seen (at school), and some I had never laid eyes on before!
We went inside; there were people everywhere: in my parents bedroom, in the kitchen, in the living room, on the patio, downstairs, upstairs, in my bedroom, and even on the roof. I saw my brother's friend Danny and asked him where Jim was. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away. My friends and I dispered through the house looking for Jim, but we couldn't find him anywhere. Finally, I went out back and there he was sitting in the grass with his head in his hands. I asked him what was going on and he replied, "It doesn't matter, Kelly broke up with me." I could tell he was pretty broken up over it, so I didn't bring up the fact that there were 60 or so people partying in our parent's house. Nope. All I could say was that I was sorry to hear it, and that he better have a plan for cleaning this all up before our parents returned the next day.
What did my friends and I do? What could we do? What would you have done? There was no way we were going to watch the movie, so we did the only thing we could do: we joined the party.
Needless to say, Jim didn't have a plan for cleaning up the mess before our parents got back; he was still pretty distraught over his breakup.
I'll never forget the look of astonishment on my mom's face the next day as we filled garbage bag after garbage bag full of trash. She kept saying to me, "Your brother is going to be grounded (can't leave the house) for quite some time." In fact, if I remember correctly, he went out the next weekend, and the weekend after that, and every weekend for the rest of our senior year.
Tell us about a funny story/experience that you remember from when you were in high school.
While the story I'm about to tell you may not be all that funny, I always get a kick out of it whenever I think about it. Here goes...
At some point during the first semester of my senior year, my parents left town for the weekend to visit some relatives. That left me and my twin brother, Jim, with the house all to ourselves. My idea was that I'd have a few friends over for a movie on Saturday night. What I didn't realize was that Jim had already considered a far different plan for that same night.
That Saturday night, my mom called to make sure everything was fine, and I told her that Brian, Nate, Tasha, Amy and I had rented a movie and were driving home to watch it. She was happy to hear that I was hanging out with "those nice girls Tasha and Amy" and asked me how Brian and Nate were doing. Shortly thereafter, I remember turning the corner on the street where we lived (it must have been around 10 pm) and thinking to myself, "Hmmm, it looks like one of the neighbors is having a party or something." I thought this somewhat strange given that most of our neighbors were old or had little children, but I never even thought of the possibility that all of these cars were leading up to our little grey house on the corner of Campfire Circle.
My doubts quickly changed once my friend Brian quipped, "Hey, isn't that Tom Mchugh standing in your mom's flower garden?" I looked over; sure enough, there was Tom standing in my mom's poinsettas. We quickly got out of the car discovered more surprises. It wasn't just Tom standing in the flowers: there were people everywhere outside! Some the people I knew (Jim's friends), some people I had seen (at school), and some I had never laid eyes on before!
We went inside; there were people everywhere: in my parents bedroom, in the kitchen, in the living room, on the patio, downstairs, upstairs, in my bedroom, and even on the roof. I saw my brother's friend Danny and asked him where Jim was. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away. My friends and I dispered through the house looking for Jim, but we couldn't find him anywhere. Finally, I went out back and there he was sitting in the grass with his head in his hands. I asked him what was going on and he replied, "It doesn't matter, Kelly broke up with me." I could tell he was pretty broken up over it, so I didn't bring up the fact that there were 60 or so people partying in our parent's house. Nope. All I could say was that I was sorry to hear it, and that he better have a plan for cleaning this all up before our parents returned the next day.
What did my friends and I do? What could we do? What would you have done? There was no way we were going to watch the movie, so we did the only thing we could do: we joined the party.
Needless to say, Jim didn't have a plan for cleaning up the mess before our parents got back; he was still pretty distraught over his breakup.
I'll never forget the look of astonishment on my mom's face the next day as we filled garbage bag after garbage bag full of trash. She kept saying to me, "Your brother is going to be grounded (can't leave the house) for quite some time." In fact, if I remember correctly, he went out the next weekend, and the weekend after that, and every weekend for the rest of our senior year.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Week 9 Question
Next week or perhaps the week after spring break, we will take a short field trip to a local high school. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk to American high school students. We will also use this visit as a way to generate ideas for our third essay, which will be a cause-effect essay about some issue related to American high school students.
As a prelude to this trip, I'd like for you to discuss your impressions of American high school students. More specifically, I'd like you to explain what stereotypes you have about high school students in the U.S. (your assumptions about what you think American high school students are like). These stereotypes can be based on movies, TV shows, pop music, hearsay (what you've heard other people say), or personal experience.
As a prelude to this trip, I'd like for you to discuss your impressions of American high school students. More specifically, I'd like you to explain what stereotypes you have about high school students in the U.S. (your assumptions about what you think American high school students are like). These stereotypes can be based on movies, TV shows, pop music, hearsay (what you've heard other people say), or personal experience.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Week 8 Question
Hello!
Thanks for writing such thoughtful responses to the week 7 question. I enjoyed reading all of your comments.
In some ways, we've come "full circle" here on our modest blog. That is, we started the blog by talking about Montana (Missoula to be exact), and now here we are talking about it again.
This week's focus is in some ways related to our two previous questions; indeed, you've shown that each and every one of your hometowns and countries offers something special in this world. This week, I'd like you give your opinion on what you think makes Montana unique compared to other places in the world. You can talk about Montana in general, or you can discuss only Missoula. It's up to you. Good luck!
Thanks for writing such thoughtful responses to the week 7 question. I enjoyed reading all of your comments.
In some ways, we've come "full circle" here on our modest blog. That is, we started the blog by talking about Montana (Missoula to be exact), and now here we are talking about it again.
This week's focus is in some ways related to our two previous questions; indeed, you've shown that each and every one of your hometowns and countries offers something special in this world. This week, I'd like you give your opinion on what you think makes Montana unique compared to other places in the world. You can talk about Montana in general, or you can discuss only Missoula. It's up to you. Good luck!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Week 7 Question
Hello! I'm still waiting for some responses to the week 6 question. Keep them coming.....
I have to admit, this week's question may be the most difficult we've had yet--you will really have to think before answering. Even before giving you my example response, I will have to think about it.
On to the question: What is one thing you think you can contribute (give for a common purpose) to your country when you go back? That is, in what way do you believe your experience, knowledge, skills, etc. will benefit your country in the future?
As I said before, this question isn't an easy one, but I digress. Before answering, I must say that my response is all "modesty aside." I think that in some ways, I am a "cultural liaison" here in the U.S. In other words, I provide a link between people from other countries (who come here for various reasons) and Americans. This link is various in its functions and incarnations: I (try to) help international students better function in the U.S. by encouraging the development of their language skills; by helping these students to develop their language skills, I indirectly assist them in more confidently/appropriately/accurately interacting with Americans in various situations. If they are better able to express themselves in whatever situation they may confront, then my contribution as "cultural liaison" has served its purpose in that both the students and the Americans they interact with benefit. That said, I realize there are numerous ways I could improve the ways in which I attempt to make my contribution, but perhaps we'll save that topic for another week.
I have to admit, this week's question may be the most difficult we've had yet--you will really have to think before answering. Even before giving you my example response, I will have to think about it.
On to the question: What is one thing you think you can contribute (give for a common purpose) to your country when you go back? That is, in what way do you believe your experience, knowledge, skills, etc. will benefit your country in the future?
As I said before, this question isn't an easy one, but I digress. Before answering, I must say that my response is all "modesty aside." I think that in some ways, I am a "cultural liaison" here in the U.S. In other words, I provide a link between people from other countries (who come here for various reasons) and Americans. This link is various in its functions and incarnations: I (try to) help international students better function in the U.S. by encouraging the development of their language skills; by helping these students to develop their language skills, I indirectly assist them in more confidently/appropriately/accurately interacting with Americans in various situations. If they are better able to express themselves in whatever situation they may confront, then my contribution as "cultural liaison" has served its purpose in that both the students and the Americans they interact with benefit. That said, I realize there are numerous ways I could improve the ways in which I attempt to make my contribution, but perhaps we'll save that topic for another week.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Week 6 Question
Hi!
I've enjoyed reading the entries posted so far from week 5. Keep them coming!
This week's question is a continuation of the topic presented in week 5 with one slight modification: this week, instead of discussing your hometown, you will discuss your country.
To be exact, tell us about what makes your country different from every other country in the world. Is it the way the people are, the scenery, the food, the music, the history, etc.
If I were asked this question, I would say that what makes the United States different from every other country is the diversity of world cultures found here (when I say "here," I mean the country as a whole, not just Missoula!). I truly believe the U.S. is the only country in the world in which all the world's countries are represented in some way. If you go to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or San Francisco, choose a country, and you will find a neighborhood or area where people from that place have restaurants, markets, and shops. You want to practice your Swahili (East African language)? No problem. There are Swahili speakers all over the country. Even in my hometown (Lincoln, NE), when I need Thai ingredients, I go to the Thai market; when I need Korean ingredients, I go to the Korean market, and so on. Though some Americans may not welcome such cultural diversity, I encourage it and embrace it.
I've enjoyed reading the entries posted so far from week 5. Keep them coming!
This week's question is a continuation of the topic presented in week 5 with one slight modification: this week, instead of discussing your hometown, you will discuss your country.
To be exact, tell us about what makes your country different from every other country in the world. Is it the way the people are, the scenery, the food, the music, the history, etc.
If I were asked this question, I would say that what makes the United States different from every other country is the diversity of world cultures found here (when I say "here," I mean the country as a whole, not just Missoula!). I truly believe the U.S. is the only country in the world in which all the world's countries are represented in some way. If you go to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or San Francisco, choose a country, and you will find a neighborhood or area where people from that place have restaurants, markets, and shops. You want to practice your Swahili (East African language)? No problem. There are Swahili speakers all over the country. Even in my hometown (Lincoln, NE), when I need Thai ingredients, I go to the Thai market; when I need Korean ingredients, I go to the Korean market, and so on. Though some Americans may not welcome such cultural diversity, I encourage it and embrace it.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Week 5 Question
For this week's question, I'd like to introduce a topic that we have not really explored much so far this semester: your country/culture/home. More specifically, this week you're going to write about your hometown.
What I'd like you to discuss is what you think makes your hometown unique. To be exact, describe one thing that you think everyone should know about your hometown.
To give you an example, I'll tell you something about my hometown. I'm originally from Lincoln, Nebraska (not Missoula, as some of you may already know!). The one thing I always miss about Lincoln when I'm away is the sunsets. It doesn't matter if it's spring, summer, fall, or winter: the sunsets around Lincoln are simply spectacular. Because Lincoln is located smack dab in the middle of the "great plains," an area that is as flat as a table (there are no mountains, no hills), the sky never seems to end. The result of this is that the sun paints the sky with an artist's brush of colors every evening. Imagine looking west into an endless sky of purple, blue, orange, red, and pink. These colors fill every void on the horizon and then spread upwards until they touch the farthest corners of the sky. Watching the colors of a Nebraska sunset slowly fade into the purple darkness of the coming night is one thing that everyone should experience.
What I'd like you to discuss is what you think makes your hometown unique. To be exact, describe one thing that you think everyone should know about your hometown.
To give you an example, I'll tell you something about my hometown. I'm originally from Lincoln, Nebraska (not Missoula, as some of you may already know!). The one thing I always miss about Lincoln when I'm away is the sunsets. It doesn't matter if it's spring, summer, fall, or winter: the sunsets around Lincoln are simply spectacular. Because Lincoln is located smack dab in the middle of the "great plains," an area that is as flat as a table (there are no mountains, no hills), the sky never seems to end. The result of this is that the sun paints the sky with an artist's brush of colors every evening. Imagine looking west into an endless sky of purple, blue, orange, red, and pink. These colors fill every void on the horizon and then spread upwards until they touch the farthest corners of the sky. Watching the colors of a Nebraska sunset slowly fade into the purple darkness of the coming night is one thing that everyone should experience.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Week 4 Question
Hi!
Thanks to all who have posted responses to last week's questions.
Since we've been talking about your experiences here in the U.S., I thought I'd continue the theme for one more week.
Whenever I go to another country, there are always things that I can't come to understand. In other words, there are cultural practices, traditions, and/or generally held beliefs that, even after months and months in a new country, I just never get used to.
What cultural practices, traditions, or general beliefs (held by Americans) here in the U.S. do you still have difficulty understanding? Why do you think it is so hard for you to come to understand this aspect of American culture?
When you answer this week's question, please be honest. The more honest you are, the more interesting our discussion will be!
I hope you have/had a good break!
Thanks to all who have posted responses to last week's questions.
Since we've been talking about your experiences here in the U.S., I thought I'd continue the theme for one more week.
Whenever I go to another country, there are always things that I can't come to understand. In other words, there are cultural practices, traditions, and/or generally held beliefs that, even after months and months in a new country, I just never get used to.
What cultural practices, traditions, or general beliefs (held by Americans) here in the U.S. do you still have difficulty understanding? Why do you think it is so hard for you to come to understand this aspect of American culture?
When you answer this week's question, please be honest. The more honest you are, the more interesting our discussion will be!
I hope you have/had a good break!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Week 3 Question
Hi!
I think snowboarding, snow-watching, exercising, and reading a good book are all great things to do during these cold winter days. But fear not: spring is peeking through the clouds and will soon be upon us!
For this week's question, I'd like to go back to the topic of being an international student here in the U.S. All of you have now been here in Missoula for at least a few weeks. Some of you have been here for months or even years!
Imagine that one of your friends (from your home country) wants to come to Missoula. Given your position of being someone who is familiar with the city, the culture, etc., you want to give your friend/relative important information to help them quickly adjust to life in Missoula.
What advice would you give your friend/family member? Be specific in your answer and explain why you think this advice would be useful.
I think snowboarding, snow-watching, exercising, and reading a good book are all great things to do during these cold winter days. But fear not: spring is peeking through the clouds and will soon be upon us!
For this week's question, I'd like to go back to the topic of being an international student here in the U.S. All of you have now been here in Missoula for at least a few weeks. Some of you have been here for months or even years!
Imagine that one of your friends (from your home country) wants to come to Missoula. Given your position of being someone who is familiar with the city, the culture, etc., you want to give your friend/relative important information to help them quickly adjust to life in Missoula.
What advice would you give your friend/family member? Be specific in your answer and explain why you think this advice would be useful.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Week 2 Question
Hi!
Your responses from week 1 were interesting and insightful. Thanks for doing such a nice job.
For this week's blog, I'd like to talk about something that affects all of the us--the winter weather. To be exact, I'd like to find out what you do to deal with the cold and snow. Some people ski, some people watch movies all day, and some people even fish (like me). What about you?
What activities (indoor or outdoor) do you do to cope with the cold in the dark days of winter here in Missoula?
I look forward to reading your responses.
Your responses from week 1 were interesting and insightful. Thanks for doing such a nice job.
For this week's blog, I'd like to talk about something that affects all of the us--the winter weather. To be exact, I'd like to find out what you do to deal with the cold and snow. Some people ski, some people watch movies all day, and some people even fish (like me). What about you?
What activities (indoor or outdoor) do you do to cope with the cold in the dark days of winter here in Missoula?
I look forward to reading your responses.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Week 1 Introduction/Question
Hi! Welcome to the Writing and Grammar 5 Spring 2010 blog.
Each week you will read, reflect on, and write about a variety of topics on our class blog. It is my hope that each of you will not only gain valuable practice writing about your opinions and personal experiences but also enjoy writing your entries and reading other students' contributions.
As a warm-up question, I'd like to start off by discussing your expectations and goals for this class. More specifically, what are 3 goals you have for yourself in this class? For each goal, explain why this goal is important and what you plan to do in order to accomplish it.
Each week you will read, reflect on, and write about a variety of topics on our class blog. It is my hope that each of you will not only gain valuable practice writing about your opinions and personal experiences but also enjoy writing your entries and reading other students' contributions.
As a warm-up question, I'd like to start off by discussing your expectations and goals for this class. More specifically, what are 3 goals you have for yourself in this class? For each goal, explain why this goal is important and what you plan to do in order to accomplish it.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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