Pearson ALC English 12 Students: Introducing Ourselves: A Short Essay

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Introducing Ourselves: A Short Essay

Post your essay here before next Wednesday's class. Please also bring a copy on paper to class that day.

21 comments:

hyunni's place said...: this is my short essay, i hope u like it...
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I know how some people are still wondering why I am here, even though I graduated in Canada. I’ll tell you why I’m here, studying English 12 repeatedly, my goals for this course, and how will this course will help me in the future.

When I was in high school, I wasn’t very much interested in high school subjects so much that the principal in my high school decided to drop English 12 and made me to take Comm. 12, then made me graduated with it. Of course, I was glad to graduate without knowing the fact. Ever since that day, I’ve tried my best to graduate in other way. But no matter how hard I tried, I felt like the fate is against me. Until when, I decided to take ASL (American Sign Language) at VCC and I’m glad to say I graduated and got a certificate. After graduated from VCC, I was bold enough to enrol Douglas College with my high school transcript; of course, the college rejected me. And here I am, studying English 12 repeatedly. Now, I hear some people say, “You are so close to graduate” and I know that I am, but I’m too old to go to university or college. I know I know “You are never too old to get educated,” and right now, my mom is pushing me to learn Chinese as my fifth language.

Of course, I imagine everyone in our class has their dreams and ideas of passing English 12, graduate and I did too, but not anymore. During this course, I wish I could speak more and gain some confidence. Also, I hope I could write very well without making any silly mistakes, such as basic grammar problems. But most of all, I hope to overcome my shyness; in which means without uttering, fidgeting, and sweating while I make presentations or any sorts.

Now, I definitely can see why people say, “taking English 12 is extremely hard, but it’s worthwhile because it can and will change your life,” and I believe every word because when I leave this course, I’m hopefully ready to do my work without any procrastination, and do the work correctly. I also expect when some important letters came to my home, I expect I understand fully and to translate them without showing any difficulties. Also, when I try to learn another language or travelling, English will definitely help me.

I definitely hope everyone in my class will graduate, go to university, and get a job eventually. Also, I hope everyone can remember this moment forever.

Words: 499.; February 14, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Makassia said...: Learning English
English is a well-known language spoken around the world today. Even in different countries where different languages are spoken, English is still an important subject taught there. I have taken English for about four years now, but a part of me still yearns for more.

When I attended high school in 2004 at Cariboo Hill, I felt like I was in darkness. When the teacher gave instructions or spoke to me, the Canadian accent was too strong for me to understand at that time. When I saw a book, I felt like reading it. But I couldn’t because I did not know a word in the book. Little by little, my dark world began to lighten. I understood when spoken to and understood when spoke. I still feel glad I did not give up because I have now realized English is an important language to learn, especially in an English speaking country like Canada.

For this English 12 course, I expect anything as long it has to do with learning English, but my basic desires for this course are more reading, writing, responding to literature work, and speaking in class (if I have the guts to do that!) to improve my speaking. I also expect a little presentation in class to add my confident to speaking in public and practicing eye contact.

This English course will help me get a better job in the future, especially in nursing, which requires an English 12 course. In addition, it will also help me to interact with people in different countries and travel around the world without having to use sign language or point at something before people understand me.

Now almost everywhere around the world, English is spoken as a second language because of its importance. For about four years now, I have been learning English as a second language, and all the frustrations in its learning almost got me quitting. Though learning English is hard, I have decided to continue my struggle for English knowledge. I might groan and yawn as I wake up in the morning to attend class. But once I have achieved this language, my groan and yawn will be smile and self-satisfaction. I am still on my journey. Are you coming with me?

375 words; February 16, 2009 at 12:31 AM
Brad said...: Sherry`s Essay:

First essay
Journey to Learning English
My first English teacher was a radio. When I was little, my mum asked me to listen to English broadcast over the radio, though I didn’t know the 26 alphabets. I understood none of the words the lady on the radio talked about, but the rhythm and tone of the language fascinated me.

Then I had a real English teacher in my junior high school. The first sentence I learnt was a quotation from Chairman Mao: “Never Forget Class Struggle”. When I read aloud the sentence, I couldn’t help reading it in a serious voice, because it was a quotation from our highest leader and it was about class struggle, though I did not know which class I belonged to and which class I should struggle with.

After that, I learnt English step by step: new words, texts, grammar and exercises. English was my favorite course in high school and I always got high marks in exams. As the saying goes: when you have a strength, you must have a weakness too. My weakness was Physics and Math. I still remembered how easily I fell asleep whenever I opened math book and how many tears in my eyes when my dad, a Physics teacher, was mad at me for my slowness in Physics. Eventually, after graduation from high school, I chose English as my major for college study. At that time, because of the “close door policy” in our country, there were no teachers from English speaking countries. The English I learnt was a little Chinglish. With the “open door policy”, I began to watch English movies. To my surprise, what they talked about was a little different from what I have leant. I was at a loss and decided that I need to improve my English in an English speaking country.; February 16, 2009 at 8:45 AM
ally said...: Bittersweet English Study

Learning English, for me, is a long story. It's not a simple feeling that can be expressed through a few words.
"Bittersweet" is an appropriate word to describe my experience learning English. It started with my time at middle school through to graduation from university-a total of 10 years. During that time, I got countless good marks on the various English tests, and maybe that could be called the "sweet" part. The result only seems to be that my grammar is basically fine. However since moving to Canada, English has become more important in my life, so I decided to go back to school for it again-that was my experience in PALC from level 7 until now. I gained more knowledge there for use in my daily life. Besides study in the classroom, I have tried to practice listening to English by watching television comedy series, because I love them. For my character's sake, the opportunity to practice speaking is still rare, even though I work as a cashier in a market. It's a frustrating thing that I'm not eager to touch; that probably should be called the "bitter" part.
For this English 12 course, I hope that I can absorb more knowledge and improve my English skills in a wider area, and try to have more fun in this process. I know that vocabulary is particularly difficult for me. Although life is busy, I plan to keep my reading habit in this term to meet the challenge of grade 12 reading standard. There are also other challenges I need to overcome, including shedding my cocoon that hinders my ability to speak in English-my shyness. That will require a huge effort, and probably I will need to spend my whole life to conquer it. Overall, for this semester, my aim is to improve my enjoyment of English, no matter how tiny and in which way it is.
Undoubtedly, English is important in my future life. First of all, it is a necessary skill to have in an English speaking country. I'm eager to use English to communicate with people who speak English, especially my daughter's teachers, my own teachers and my classmates and so on. It is a problem that has been worrying me, and I hope that one day I will be able to talk about more profound things with them like I can in my native language. Secondly, I still nourish a hope to go to college and choose a major which I really like in Canada, not only because I enjoy study but also because I can give myself a chance to find a more suitable career. As an immigrant, the benefit of improving English is unlimited-to express selves, to get friends, and to create a happy life in this new "homeland"…
The path of English study in front of me is a long one, and I believe that I will learn to take more pleasure from it. I will enjoy the bitter and the sweet.

494 words; February 16, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Eve Yan said...: Just Learn It

I never really had a serious thought of my English learning experience, my expectation of learning English and how learning English can help me in the future. Ok, I will try my best to squeeze out an essay.

I started to learn English ever since elementary school. I still remember my first English test for ABC in alphabetical order, and I was the only one failed the test. I couldn’t tell the difference between letters “G” and “Q”. My teacher was so concerned and asked my father to go school to discuss about my academic future. But, at the end of my elementary school, I found English was quite an easy subject: surprisingly enough, I got grade A beyond all the other subjects.

Learning English is just a tool for communication. With this new kind of language, I am on new horizon to explore. I started to enjoy the film in its origin language; I found the meaning of the dialogue is so much different than the translated mandarin I used to known. I also started to enjoy having conversation with English speaking people. I actually expect nothing, but everyday, my life is full of surprise.

Learning English could help me find a job in Canada. After my stomach is filled, if I still have enough time, I love to entertain myself in English by all means, such as newspaper, novel, films, etc. I can also study laws in English, so that I know better of my rights and responsibilities. I will also able to read books and teach my daughter in English, so that I can take part in her future education. Learning English will definitely improve my quality of life.

I hope my three paragraphs essay totally make sense for my first English 12 assignment, and thanks for bearing with me for explaining out the points. I am looking forward to attending your courses and get continuously inspired by Brad – a teacher not just teaches English, but most importantly, opens up the eyes of students to explore a new understanding of life.

344 words; February 16, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Ashley said...: How English is Useful in the Future

English is probably the most important subject that we, as students, will learn in school. It is the most widely spoken language in the world. Especially if you’re living in Canada or the United States, it’s critical that you know how to read and write English. This is because we use English in our daily lives all the time. For example, when you go to the grocery store, reading street signs, watching the news, and just communicating with other people. I can only imagine how hard it must be to live in Canada, but to not speak any English. Even if you are born here and English is your first language, I still believe that it’s important to develop your English skills further. English is very important to your daily life and to be able to communicate in a society in which it is the main language used.

Unfortunately, I didn’t follow my advice when I was in grade 12 last year. I took English for granted. I never thought about how important it was until I realized that I needed to get an A or at least a high B in English 12 to get into the nursing program at Douglas College to do my RN. In high school I really slacked off because I didn’t grasp how important English was to my future. I ended up with a C, and now I realize that I have to redo this course to get a better mark when I could’ve just worked harder in high school.

In all, many college and universities require you to achieve a decent English mark in order to get into certain programs. Also, the fact that we use English in our every day life is a good enough reason alone for people to take English courses. Language affects every part of your day, and that’s why it’s crucial for a successful future to take English.; February 17, 2009 at 1:43 PM
mia said...: Joy In the Pain

It is an old saying that to recognize the country is to recognize its people. For me, an immigrant, arriving in this new country, everything is unfamiliar. How to live in there happily and how to get along with the people? According to my personal experience, speaking to them, reading what they read and learning about their culture. It is no easy; on the contrary, it is quite a big challenge.

Pronunciation is difficult for me during my study. As a Chinese, there is no “v” in our language, so when I meet the letter “v”, I always pronounce it “we”, although the word “very” is used very often in my daily life, I still can’t pronounce it very well. And some words’ pronunciation confuses me. Once I went into a grocery to buy some snacks. When I told the shop assistant I wanted some snakes, her smile froze. I immediately realized I must have been spoken wrong, which frightened her. As I pointed at the snacks I wanted, both of us laughed. Speaking English, for me, is hard, but I persist in speaking because I believe practice makes perfect.

Apart from pronunciation, reading is also my problem. Once I went to the library to borrow a sophisticated book, which was interesting. After reading the first of several pages, I quitted, for it was too hard for to follow. So I understood the key of reading was to find the materials which fit my level. Which books fit me thought? I decided to go to the Children’s department first. To my surprise, the books there were not as simple as I thought. Some of them were quite suitable for me. From that moment on, I often hover in the Children’s room with those preschoolers. Although I stay there with a little embarrassment, my English makes progress in that room.

In the process of study, I found the more English I grasped, the more culture I learnt. With the increase of knowledge, I learned how to address people, make requests and agree or disagree with others. In our class at PALC, for example, teachers always correct us “could you” or “might I” instead of “give me” when students ask for something. In daily life, people often say “good job, excellent, or well done”. They always encourage and praise others. For me, learning culture from language; improving language from culture.

Up till now, I still struggle with English, but I gain some pleasure from learning it as well. With more speech, more reading and more learnt culture, I recognize this country and its people gradually. Even though learning a language is an ordeal which is full of frustration, embarrassment and difficulties, I believe I can conquer it if only never give up.; February 17, 2009 at 4:10 PM
a crazy couple said...: English 12 – Brad Hyde
Introducing Ourselves: A Short Essay
By: Narges Sonya Govahi
Student # 47570

Learning English: Passing Barriers

I started learning English from my homeland, Iran, but being in an English speaking environment to learn real English was my whole life’s dream. I, always, thought by living in such place, I will learn English properly and without any grammatical errors. However, those expectations were all in vein. Still, I struggle with repeatable grammar mistakes that exasperate me and frustrate my teachers.
Out of the class, when I try to speak, I feel nobody hears me. Against my calm nature and culture, while speaking, I have to shout here, in Canada. In my native culture shouting during speaking is a rude and down class behaviour, but here, in Canada, if I don’t shout, people think I cannot speak English. I just become nervous and lose my self-esteem.
In the school, I feel secure and comfort. I have good communication with my teachers and classmates. They try to understand and help, then, my confident returns to me and my English getting better. In the school, I feel I am in the right track, and people are here to help me to overcome my English barriers not to make fun of me.
If anybody asks me what is your expectation from the English class? I will answer, I want to wake up a day and speak and write English fluently. But, I know any miracle will not happen in this case. I will not wake up in an English speaking environment and speak English like a canary singing. I have to live, read, and fight with the lack of vocabulary and grammar errors and new idioms. It is a belt breaking task, yet has to be done. Believe me. It is not easy as it seems from outside.
Therefore, if I want to be an eligible and suitable person here, in Canada, to my real knowledge and profession and personality, I have to learn English. This combat will not finish with passing English 12. There is a long road in my way to pass. I know Brad is not a Wizard with magical forces to help me in a minute pass all my barriers in English. I have to do my homework, reading books, speaking to native English speakers, and listen to different programs to extend my vocabulary and learn not to do repeatable mistakes.
Maybe, I have to challenge with English language until the end of my life. I am sure about this fact. English is completely a different language. The broadness and the professional aspects of that language is daily developing. I need to develop with it daily. I need to grow with it if I want to find my right place in this new society. I might face, many times, desperation, but this is my life. I will find my life here, in Canada, by taking English courses.
(491 words); February 17, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Grace said...: My Last Mission: Conquering English

Fate is weird. Studying English makes me comprehend this. I missed the best time in one’s life to study languages, which seems such unimportant at that time but such important right now.

When I was a young student, I hated English course and got a relatively poor mark on it while being very excellent in all other courses. I didn’t understand why I needed to study another language which was useless at all. And, at that time in China, almost every parent was just concerned to their children’s marks on mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Who cared your English grade? And, the English lessons were so boring that till today, I only remember we have been studying grammars one term after another. As a result, I did not want to touch the English textbook unless the test was coming. Of course, the mark of my English was always the worst one in all of my final test marks, but my mom seemed not to be very upset about that, and she always said, “It is ok. An 80 is enough for English, but you must get full mark in your math!” To be honest, she was a rigorous person.

But one day, I suddenly lost all the knowledge in my mind just because our family moved to Canada, an English-speaking country, and I don’t know how to use my knowledge in English. It is really a nightmare! Now, I am an unvalued people. The education I received for so many years seems disappearing in one day, and I have to restart my student life and strive to convert all my knowledge into English version. Every time when I thought of my English mark which I obtained through the last-day’s hurry-up review just before the test, I realized once again that there was no fluke in one’s life. Earlier or later, you have to pay more for the fluke. I hope to get back my knowledge and my confidence.

I am longing for one day when I have grasped English completely, I was able to enjoy the peaceful life in this beautiful country really, I was able to switch TV channels discretionarily (to watch all kinds of programs without any barrier), I was able to communicate with my daughter and her teacher smoothly, I was able to make lots of friends coming from different countries freely, and I was able to find a job I like confidently. That is my dream, very simple but not easy to be accomplished absolutely.

That is the reason I come here and have been ready to accept the challenge to conquer one language at middle age. That maybe actually a punishment to me because I should have fulfilled this work many and many years ago and made my student’s life perfect. It is a tough mission, no doubt, but also gives me much help and courage in my new immigrant life.

-- 485 words; February 17, 2009 at 8:23 PM
selena wang said...: Expectation for my English course

What I expect from the English course? I have asked myself many times. To be honest, I would like to get my English ready for the LPN course. But, that is not enough. I did expect more. I expect to learn English’s beauty even just begin to learn.

I began to recite Chinese classic poetry at 5 years old. My mother is my first teacher at that time. She worked in a library and she was exactly a literature fan. She loves not only Chinese literature, but also some foreign works, such as Pride and Prejudice and Mark Twain’s books. With time I began to learn the magic of language. Even a simple and short word, unbelievably, could contain a great amount of meaning, and it could describe a picture as much as you want. Once I open a book, I couldn’t put it down. Although what I read was Chinese version, it didn’t bother me to enjoy the fun from language.

When I moved to Canada, I suddenly realized that my world turned over totally. No matter how much I read before, I didn’t read them in English version. Then I involved in a very embarrassed situation. I couldn’t, of course I couldn’t speak English as good as I speak Chinese. It is frustrated to find I couldn’t express my mind exactly in English. For me, the order of the day was to improve English so I can communicate with people. Furthermore, English was the most important skill to find a job.

Now I have lived in Canada for four years. I went to school and got a job, but I am still working on English. In another words, for me, English is not only a language, but also a kind of art. I still remember the humor and wisdom when I read Pride and Prejudice. And I still remember the shock when I read The Thorn Bird. I didn’t expect I could create this beauty in English, but I did expect one day I could understand and enjoy the beauty in English.

I know it is not easy to gain my goal. This course I am taking is not the end for learning English. 10 years, 20 years, maybe my whole life I will keep going on English because I love its beauty so much.; February 17, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Faye said...: My Journey with English

I was born in Shanghai, China. Russian was the official second language for Chinese people at that time. After the Cultural Revolution, schools started to teach English when I was in grade three. I learned English up until college.

Learning the English Language was not easy for me because I found it difficult to retain the information I learned. Once, I spent a summer trying to learn some new words, but when school began, I had forgotten most of them. It was then that I admitted defeat.

There was no opportunity for us to practice our oral English. The Chinese call it “Dumb English”, which means that no matter how much you have learned, you still cannot communicate and interact with others in English. When I first moved to Princeton, New Jersey, all I could say was “Hello” “Bye” and “Good Morning”. Once I was chased by a dog, the owner apologised to me, but I did not know what to say. My hands were clammy with sweat from nerves, when I got my first job as a customer service representative. It was very stressful for me.

I have not attended an ESL program. I learned English by watching video tapes and reading books. The first English movie I watched was “Rain Man”. I watched it ten times and I memorized almost every line. I love psychology books and nutrition and homeopathy books as well.

I plan to go to college and study something involving the Medical field. The English requirement for any of these courses is high. I am taking English 12 course as the first step to achieving my goal.

Also, I wish to improve my English and I love to learn English literature since I have learned only a little. I lack the skill and vocabulary of detailed description. I find it challenging to express my feelings and thoughts sometimes, it can be frustrating. I am learning many more adjectives within English Literature and this is helping me to build and expand my vocabulary.

I am eager to improve my English not only for the purpose of going to college, but also to communicate better. I will be able to increase my interaction with my friends and will be able to share my feelings and thoughts with friends more easily My improved English will also bode well for my future employment, as I will be able to communicate effectively with my colleagues and supervisors.

Learning English also makes me a better parent. I teach my son Chinese at home. Since he was born here, sometimes I need to use both languages to teach him Chinese.
It also helps me communicate better with my son and his teachers. I volunteer in my son’s class every week. Improving English can help me become a better assistant to the teacher, and helps me feel more connected with his schooling.

My son is the only child in the family, so I like to make friends with other parents to set up play dates for him with his friends. Fluent English will help me to cement friendships with other parents and this in turn will expand mine and my son’s friendship circles.

I plan on working hard in this class and I feel confident that what I learn within this program will ensure that my English is taken to a higher level. Improving my English will help me to assimilate fully into the English speaking world and Canadian society as a whole.; February 17, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Eman said...: My Personal ideas of Learning English

English is an important subject and essential course for me. Since I live in Canada,I have to know how to speak,write and understand English. Without learning English,I can’t manage my life in an easy way. I consider it as a key for opening many doors.

The experiences that I have had while learning English is good enough, but not perfect. I have been studying English since when I was in elementary school. I had never fail in any class. We started with simple subjects,like basic grammar. Those subjects had expanded gradually whenever we passed to the higher level. After I graduated high school,my English degree was 76, therefore,I accepted to College of Education,English department because they usually accept students who have no less than 75,so I was lucky because such education was free. When I went there,I studied both English arts,as drama,novel,and poetry,as well as, I learned English language,like phonology,conversation,composition,grammar...etc. I was not bad on these subjects,I mean I passed them after I suffered a lot. So far,I have the same feelings,usually I’m worry and nerves, until I get pass with enough marks.

Of course,my expectations for this English course is positive. Since I try my best and have limited aim,which is success,so I will achieve it though I know it is uneasy course. I expect to improve myself more because I feel that I can give more if I have been helped and encouraged by others,and I think my teacher and mother are doing all their bests. Honestly, I would like to look to things in a positive way even if they seem hard or impossible. I want to do more effort,deep emphases,and prepare well for any homework, including writing in the blog. Because it’s English 12,it deserves to work a lot. Being proud of that success,requires us to sacrify a little bit.

English is considered as an international language,it’s one of the most important languages that is spoken by people,therefore,learning it is very useful for me. For instance,after I graduate high school,and understand how to write and speak in a nice way,I can apply to various jobs,not necessary in Canada,but out of country, too. As I know there are some Arabic countries offer perfect jobs only for those who have good English. As well as,I can work as a translator who translate between Arabic or Kurdish to English. In that case,I can work and serve others at the same time.

Briefly,I’m so proud to study English with all its difficulties. Learning English is valuable thing for me,and it deserves to appreciate it. Since my responsibilities are limited,so I will take benefits of my time,and keep learning and learning English until I feel satisfied at my knowledge. Why not?
(495 words); February 17, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Lauren said...: The Mistakes I Make

While writing an incident report for an arrest I had made I noticed how important English was. In my line of work English is extremely imperative and is utilized in all of its forms. I pass on information to and from the police, both verbally and written. If this information is improperly documented, it can lead to many different types of problems. There are many struggles I had while learning English and many more to come but I do believe that the outcome will be amazing.

Even though English is my first language, it was a struggle learning it. My communication skills are obviously much better than they were when I was at a elementary level but I have experienced different types of miscommunication throughout my life including in school and work. Speaking in public was always a problem for me and I have lost out on quite a few great opportunities because of it and taking English has since improved my speaking skills.

I have huge expectations for this English course. I hope to improve my written skills and most of all, my communication skills. I am looking forward to working together as a class, helping each other along as we grow in improving the English skills we are all obviously trying hard to obtain. Much like myself, we all struggle in different aspects of English and I feel we will be successful in helping each other along even when it is difficult for all of us.

In the future I plan to use my English in many different aspects. I am looking forward to taking my political science course at The University of British Columbia and require extremely good English to succeed. Communication, both orally and written are a major part of the day to day life in Canada and I am looking forward to improving these skills so I can thrive in my environment. Even though English is my first language, there is still a lot for me to learn.

I still make several mistakes when it comes to my written English but my skills are slowly improving. I try to learn something new everyday and use it in my day to day practice. I am able to get across what I am trying to say a lot quicker and people are easily understanding the point I am attempting to get across. Even though I know I still have a lot of mistakes to make, I am improving immensely.; February 18, 2009 at 12:36 AM
kenny said...: English is essential for living in Canada
Before immigration I expected that I can do English well if I live in Vancouver for several years. Now I have been here for six years but my English level is far behind than my expectation. Until now I can’t understand TV news or movie and there are many mistakes in my composition.

After my immigration in July, 2003, I tried to register at ELSA program but refused because my English is good enough. Without proper information about advanced English education, I registered at level 7 in Pearson Adult Learning School in February 2006. I felt it became difficult to follow up from Communication 12. Therefore I think it would be much better if I started with level 10 from the spring term in 2004.

My expectation is understanding of news and drama of TV, writing English letter fluently to anybody, and good communication by telephone to Canadian company to solve living problems. Also I want to discuss on my health problems to the home doctor or specialist with clear understanding. Without proper education and personal endeavor, English couldn’t improve to the second language immigrant. The reason is they have more chance to talk with their mother language than English in usual living.

If I finish English 12 successfully I think I can do English mentioned above. Then I can contribute to the community for helping other person. For example I can work as a volunteer in the hospital, community center or helping society for new immigrant. Now the length of life is 80 years average and there is tendency to increase due to the advancing medical science. I have to find out what I can do for this community because I have good health condition now.

Nevertheless it is hard works or not, I want to finish level 12 at least to have standard living in Canada. I want to live a qualified member in this society as a citizen of Canada. Nobody can do it for me. Also I want to show of my achievement and successful involvement to Canadian community to my sons. (354words); February 18, 2009 at 2:33 AM
Juliette said...: Exploring a New Culture by Learning English

“Language is the entry key to a culture; English is the most important tool leading to your future success.” I have heard plenty of sayings about English since I started learning it many years ago. I don’t understand what they mean by “success”, but I do reckon learning English as an effective way to explore a new culture.

Learning English in primary and high school was pretty boring because the only purpose was to succeed in exams. However, I’m grateful to those teachers strictly training us with endless practices and tests, that built me a basic foundation in grammar. During that period, we could hardly even tough the door opening to a new culture, as we had very limited materials consisting of tons of sentences not making sense. After entering the university, as a Foreign-Trade-major student, English was one of the most important courses for me. We had several American teachers since the second year, whose main task was focusing on our listening and speaking by their teaching way interesting and fresh to us. I experienced my first Valentine’s card, first Christmas Party, and first presentation in English then. They held English Hours in evenings at their dormitory, chatting with us, showing us how to make pop corns by shaking a flat pan, and introducing the differences between jazz, rock and pop music. Consequently, we learnt a lot not only about language but also about their culture. One of our classmates, influenced by those American teachers, has become one of the best Chinese rock artists. That was the first time I understood why a language is called the entry key to a culture.

My English learning had stopped for eighteen years until I came to Canada. I didn’t completely forget English because, as an employee in an export company, I’ve been using it in my daily work with limited vocabulary though. However, I found myself almost become an illiterate person in this English-speaking country. I dare not to ask for an interview with my son’s teacher because I am not confident with my speaking; I hate to read those notes sent by the school because the unknown vocabulary makes me frustrated. So, I decided to be a student again. Learning in PALC is generally full of fun except the sad part – doing homework. The most amazing thing is that I started reading, in English, novels. It was the first time that I totally enjoyed the beauty of English language when I read “Jane Eyre” and “Pride and Predjudice” last year, which inspired my passion in reading more. That was also the first time I felt fond of British literature and culture, which is the main reason that I would choose English twelve. Therefore, my expectation for this course is to explore and enjoy more by improving my ability in listening, speaking, and writing, which is a challenge for me though.

Obviously, I will benefit a lot from a better English ability, especially if I will become a Canadian citizen in the future. Actually, making myself accustomed to the new life is not any option I can choose but something I must do. Many new immigrants cannot enjoy living in the new country, and they don’t feel a sense of belonging because they can hardly penetrate into the so-called mainstream of social life. To overcome the feeling of being on the margins, a fluent English ability will be very helpful in many aspects; it will bring in more job opportunities, a wider social circle, and more options in entertainments. My ideal picture for the future life consists of having a stable job, joining or holding parties from time to time, and being able to comfortably enjoy one of Shakespeare’s plays etc…. all of which can be accomplished through working hard on various abilities including English.

The more I dig into a new culture, the more I can enjoy it. It seems my exploration has just started. I hope that I can handle this new challenging.

(671 words); February 18, 2009 at 4:49 AM
eric_is_here said...: Introducing Ourselves: A Short Essay

English has become one of the most widely used languages today. English is also one of the most complicated languages. Learning English can be a roller-coaster ride, with its ups and downs, twists and turns. I've had my own experiences with English and it has helped to shape who I am today.

I was born in Vancouver, B.C, Canada. It would be safe to assume the first words out of mouth were English ones. In fact, it wasn't at all. Being raised by Chinese parents, I first learned to speak Cantonese. Early on in my childhood I adopted English as a second language. Most of my exposure to English came through television and relatives. Unfortunately for myself, much of this education needed to be corrected by school teachers. I actually attended E.S.L up until grade 5. My English has vastly improved since that time. I credit a passion for reading and writing for changing my view towards language. What was once a frustration, became a joy.

I have a firmly rooted belief that learning never ends. That the thirst for knowledge is a life long endeavor. This English course is one way for me to fulfill that goal. I come to this course with an open mind. I hope to be a sponge, able to absorb what is given me. I really see this course as much more than a requirement. I see a chance for my thinking to grow; a chance for my creativity to branch out. I have always frowned upon people who think they “know it all”. I take pride in being teachable and having the humility to accept that I don't have all the answers.

Stepping into this course I realize that I have to change my habits in English. I will have to be able to adapt and correct my mistakes. I want to do well and excel in this class. I plan to take courses at B.C.I.T in computer programming. They require a high mark in English 12 in order to gain entry. I know an expert understanding of English will help me to be successful in the future. I want to come away from this course with a better understanding on language. I consider English one of the fine arts and I want to be able to appreciate it.

All of the experiences I have gained over the years have given me the English skills I have now. I know there is much more to learn, and this class is a key element. I am eager to see what waits ahead.; February 18, 2009 at 6:24 AM
sam said...: I think that learning English is a very important issue for me since I’m now living in Canada which is an English-speaking country. But I also think it’s really a hard task for me to learn English as a secondary language.

When I was a student of high school, I found that I was not good at language courses as I did on science courses. I felt boring to learn English, and, on the contrary I could get some fun from some science courses. For example, I knew that vocabulary was very important for learning English. But when I tried to remember some new words, it really made me sleepy. Then I would also felt frustrated when I didn’t know some words in reading. The other big problem for me is listening. Sometimes I found the speech was too fast for me. When I didn’t understand some words in the speech, I want to think about it. But the speech didn’t stop to wait for me. The result was that I couldn’t get the meaning of the whole speech. This made me depressed and lost my self-confidence in listening English. I know the best way to improve listening is to listen as more as possible, however, I felt difficult to concentrate on listening.

Up to the present, I don’t solve these problems in learning English. So I come to PALC and choose to take the English course. I think I will make progress in speaking and listening because I should listen what the teacher says and discuss with the classmates. I can also improve my reading and writing because the teacher will give us a lot of materials for reading and homework for writing. That’s what I can not do self-consciously.

I think I will benefit a lot from any progress of English in the future, because in Canada, we communicate in English. If your English level is low, you can’t do anything. It will totally influent your life. For instance, you can get a better job and higher pay if you can speak English fluently, or you can make more friends.

That’s why I’m here, because I need to do something on learning English though it’s not easy for me.

-371 words; February 18, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Kaycee said...: English is an Important Subject

I started to realize that English is an important subject when I first came to Canada. Learning English is very tough, and it makes it even harder for me because it is not my first language. However, I decided to go to school because I wanted to do better.

My speaking and writing skills change over the couple of years. In the beginning of school, I started ESL (English Secondary Language) and I felt intimidated to talk to teachers and other students. I was scared that one time, I ended up crying because mostly I don’t understand what were they saying, and I don’t know how to express my feelings. Then, I began to encourage myself to talk in English even at home, so that I can practice my speaking. After my ESL, I felt confident than before. It is overwhelming to study English, but I’m glad that I’m taking the chance.

I have many expectations for this English 12 course. I am looking forward for more paragraph/essay writings to help sharpened my ability. Doing presentation/group discussion to interact with others and to practice my speaking which will help gain my confident. Reading short story, novel, and poem to exercise my understanding and interpreting skills. Lastly, studying film which makes me excited. I know that I will struggle in this subject, but I will try my best to do everything I can.

Taking English will help me in the future. First of all, it will help me get to the nursing program because it’s one of the prerequisite. It is also important to have good communication especially to the career that I chose. English is the global language which everywhere in the world knows how to speak. Moreover, English will help me to overcome my fear in talking in front of many people.

Coming to Canada and start a new life is never easy. It takes a lot of effort and hard work, but I know that someday all my hardships will be gratifying.; February 19, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Ryan said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; February 25, 2009 at 7:33 AM
Ryan said...: Learning English over the last three years in Canada, I have gone through so many experiences that shaped me in lots of ways, which ultimately brought me to who I am right now. Taking this English course and at the same time recalling all the efforts that I put into in order to improve my English, I expect that my English would improve if I do the same in this English course. Therefore, as long as I do not give up in the middle and keep putting more and more efforts, I am confident that English will be the key that will allow me to approach and experience a better life in Canada as opposed to when I used to know little about English.

On the first day in a Canadian airport, I did not understand any English, so my sister and I were upset. As a result, we were stuck in the immigration office for more than four hours. From this irritating experience, I felt deep in my mind that I should starting learning English by listening to radio, watching television and movies, in order to at least understand what people are saying to me in English. To bring this determination into actual action, I didn't hesistate or be reluctant to speak in English no matter how much sense it made; I thought that I had to practice as often as I could to improve my speaking. I repeated this everyday and my speaking go better. However, I have one thing that I regret; I was careless and negligent of my writing skills. To overcome this, I am taking this English course as a supplement, and I expect that my English would improve as long as I keep faith in myself.

Learning English over the last three years, I realized how much impact English exerts on my life. I felt in my bones that I should improve my English writing in this class to overcome all the literary difficulties that I have carried so far in my life. It would be very difficult, but I know that it is possible as long as I keep the passion and faith for pursue of English knowledge that I had for the last three years in Canada. Sometimes, I simply did not like studying English, but now I have realized that I should change my way of thinking and try to devote and dedicate myself to purely learn English.

At the end of all these efforts toward English, I would be able to communicate with other people better and make more connections with the society. Also, if I become good at English, I would be able to express my opinions in more effective and logical ways to get my voice accepted by the society. Also, since I am Korean, I would be a bilingual person if I am also good at English, and I would be proud of myself. Most importantly, I would be able to communicate no matter what countries that I go to as long as I speak to a bilingual person because English is a global language.

In conclusion, recollecting everything that I have experienced over the last three years of English study, I have realized that English is essential and basic for whatever I pursue, exploit, and plan for my future.; February 25, 2009 at 7:36 AM
Ryan said...: Learning English over the last three years in Canada, I have gone through so many experiences that shaped me in lots of ways, which ultimately brought me to who I am right now. Taking this English course and at the same time recalling all the efforts that I put into in order to improve my English, I expect that my English would improve if I do the same in this English course. Therefore, as long as I do not give up in the middle and keep putting more and more efforts, I am confident that English will be the key that will allow me to approach and experience a better life in Canada as opposed to when I used to know little about English.

On the first day in a Canadian airport, I did not understand any English, so my sister and I were upset. As a result, we were stuck in the immigration office for more than four hours. From this irritating experience, I felt deep in my mind that I should starting learning English by listening to radio, watching television and movies, in order to at least understand what people are saying to me in English. To bring this determination into actual action, I didn't hesistate or be reluctant to speak in English no matter how much sense it made; I thought that I had to practice as often as I could to improve my speaking. I repeated this everyday and my speaking go better. However, I have one thing that I regret; I was careless and negligent of my writing skills. To overcome this, I am taking this English course as a supplement, and I expect that my English would improve as long as I keep faith in myself.

Learning English over the last three years, I realized how much impact English exerts on my life. I felt in my bones that I should improve my English writing in this class to overcome all the literary difficulties that I have carried so far in my life. It would be very difficult, but I know that it is possible as long as I keep the passion and faith for pursue of English knowledge that I had for the last three years in Canada. Sometimes, I simply did not like studying English, but now I have realized that I should change my way of thinking and try to devote and dedicate myself to purely learn English.

At the end of all these efforts toward English, I would be able to communicate with other people better and make more connections with the society. Also, if I become good at English, I would be able to express my opinions in more effective and logical ways to get my voice accepted by the society. Also, since I am Korean, I would be a bilingual person if I am also good at English, and I would be proud of myself. Most importantly, I would be able to communicate no matter what countries that I go to as long as I speak to a bilingual person because English is a global language.

In conclusion, recollecting everything that I have experienced over the last three years of English study, I have realized that English is essential and basic for whatever I pursue, exploit, and plan for my future.; February 25, 2009 at 7:36 AM

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Introducing Ourselves: A Short Essay

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