Sunday, December 28, 2014

TELL THE STORY OF THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914


Do your research and tell the story of this unprecedented and completely remarkable incident that took place at Christmas in 1914.
Reading material to annotate
·         “The Christmas Truce” http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/christmas-truce-of-1914
·         “The Christmas Truce; a general overview”  http://www.christmastruce.co.uk/article.html
·         “What really happened in the Christmas Truce of 1914” http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zxsfyrd
Documentaries to watch and make notes on
·         “World War I The Christmas Truce History channel documentary” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StL2F_Y91mk

·         “Peace in no man’s land – The Christmas truce – Amnesty” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WgPi_me1p4

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

FAVORITISM, CRONYISM AND NEPOTISM


Favoritism, cronyism and nepotism are deplored in politics and business but are very widespread nevertheless. They all involve supporting, promoting or favoring of certain people over others for reasons other than competence or suitability. Do your research and write an essay where you explain exactly what these practices involve and how to prevent them.
We owe the idea for this task to Füsun Savcı.
Familiarize yourself with the issue
·         “Nepotism presentation” https://prezi.com/wiy11uubdd2y/nepotism-presentation/
·         “Nepotism and ethics”   https://prezi.com/ld1jd02sy_7x/nepotism-and-ethics/
Reading material to annotate
·         “What is nepotism? Can you sue for it? http://blogs.findlaw.com/law_and_life/2013/04/what-is-nepotism-can-you-sue-for-it.html
·         “Favoritism and nepotism and how to deal with it” http://blog.eskill.com/favoritism-nepotism-workplace/
Videos to watch and make notes on
·         “Discrimination in the work place” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niyGPfwnnjM
·         “The danger of nepotism” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um5MULY2EOw
·         “Nepotism” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe-CvbRydKM
·         “How to avoid favoritism?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTGwOS7FtZ8

     Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

WHAT IS SYNESTHESIA?


Synesthesia is a rare phenomenon that some say provides a richer perceptual experience (Vladimir Nobokov)  but what exactly is it? Do your research and find out. Then write a definition essay.

Synesthesia is something that runs in my family and as such is a subject which is very close to my heart. This task is dedicated to all the other synesthetes out there.

Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         “Synesthesia” https://prezi.com/e2ralqnqei44/synesthesia/
·         “Synesthesia” https://prezi.com/vzud78r-yb0-/synesthesia-prezi/
Reading material to annotate
·         “Synesthesia” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synesthesia
·         “What is synesthesia?” https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/syne.html
·         “Synesthesia project”  http://www.bu.edu/synesthesia/faq/
·         “Rare but real people who feel, taste and hear color”  http://www.livescience.com/169-rare-real-people-feel-taste-hear-color.html
Videos to watch and make notes on
·         “Hearing colors seeing sounds” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEqmNX8uKlA

·         “Synesthesia” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIEiOrxhtNQ

      Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Thursday, December 11, 2014

HOW TO INCREASE MOTIVATION


The material provided below will provide you with information concerning types of motivation and how to increase motivation. Do your research, take the test and write an essay where you discuss various types of motivation and how to increase it. There are various ways an essay like this could be planned so think carefully
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the topic:
·         “How to improve motivation” http://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Motivation
·         “Essential factors to improve motivation” https://prezi.com/aqkbdu4yo_6w/essential-strategies-to-increase-motivation/  
Take the test:
·         “What truly motivates you?” http://psychologytoday.tests.psychtests.com/take_test.php?idRegTest=3257
Now watch:
·         “ Motivation: needs based and behavior based” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/motivation-theory-needs-based-behavior-based.html
More Videos to watch and make notes on: you can subscribe to the education portal for a 5 day free trial to watch the complete videos.
·         “Six hidden factors of motivation” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBG7dM75PC4
·         “Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in education: definition and examples” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/intrinsic-and-extrinsic-motivation-in-education-definition-examples.html
·         “Reward systems & employee behavior: intrinsic & extrinsic rewards” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/reward-systems-employee-behavior-intrinsic-extrinsic-rewards.html
·         “Equity theory of motivation: reward and effort” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/equity-theory-of-motivation-reward-effort.html
·         “Thorndike’s reinforcement theory: using consequences to motivate employees” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/thorndikes-reinforcement-theory-using-consequences-to-motivate-employees.html

·         “How to empower employees & improve employee performance” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/how-to-empower-employees-improve-employee-performance.html

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

DO ENHANCED INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES WORK?



The democrats have released an extensive report in the US concerning enhanced interrogation techniques employed by the CIA. Do your research and decide if these techniques work or not and whether they should be discontinued or not. Remember to support your opinions with specific facts.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         “CIA tactics: what is enhanced interrogation?” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-11723189
Reading material with videos: the BBC
·         “CIA interrogations report sparks prosecution calls” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30407950
·         “CIA interrogation report: an expert guide” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30407950
·         “CIA report: a tale of competing truths” http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-echochambers-30383601
·         “CIA report: who are the unlikely interrogators?” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30405918
·         “The CIA interrogation report: what are the 20 key findings?” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30401025
Reading material with videos: CNN
·         “Torture report: US faces harsh realities” http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/10/world/senate-report-lister/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Reading material with videos, the opposition: Republican senator John McCain

·         “This is how a prisoner of war feels about torture” http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/12/John-Mccain-Speech-Senate-Republican-CIA-Torture-Report/383589/

HOW STRICT IS TOO STRICT?


“The backlash against no excuses discipline in high school”
By: Sarah Carrnov
Level of Difficulty: ****
BEFORE YOU READ
Watch the following videos and discuss them. How strict should school administrators be?
·         Video: “How strict is too strict?”    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1e0P77f1BE 
·         Video: “Strictest school in the country” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpYMRez8DUM
QUESTIONS
1.       Why did Summer Daskin say “It felt like I was in elementary school”?
·         There were rules governing how Summer dressed
·         There were rules during break time
·         There were too many rules governing everything
·         Teachers praised students for following the rules
2.       What is the justification for this no excuses type of policy at schools?
3.       The writer says “Some go further”. Further than what?  Saying that ……………………………………….
4.       What additional undesirable consequence is harsh discipline claimed to have? It paves the way to………………………
5.       What important aspect of individual development was not emphasized in the schools in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina?
6.       What does “this theory” in the phrase “There was no better place to apply this theory” refer to?
7.       Looking back to the days before the charter schools in New Orleans, it can be said that the reformers have been successful because………………………………………………………………………………..
8.       The New Orleans Teachers and parents favored strict discipline because they believed it would get them ………………………...but parents wanted discipline for another reason too. It was the desire to ……………
9.       What conclusion can be reached upon reading the paragraph beginning “As adolescence arrives”?
10.   What similarity is there between charter schools and the job market in New Orleans?
11.   There seems to be disagreement concerning the effect of ……………………..on overall academic success according to the text.
12.   Racial bias seems to be a factor influencing suspension as…………………………………………The fact these students …………………………………………..proves that the decision to ban “discretionary discipline tactics” was right.
13.   How dependable are the suspension figures presented by charter schools in New Orleans? How do you know?
14.   The text states that “some have called the problem the progress trap” Why exactly is a “rigidly rule based mentality” a progress trap? Because it taught ……………………………….instead of …………………, ……………………..and …………………………………………….
15.   The top down management system popular in charter schools was relaxed at Cohen College when………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
16.   The administrators at Cohen College are trying to reach a compromise between…………………….
17.   KIPP Renaissance  has reached the conclusion that over use of the disciplinary practice of ……………………………………is counterproductive as a lot of students end up in trouble with the law rather than going on to college.
18.   The words on Summer’s wrist band imply the following……………………….(Use your own words)
19.   The fundamental reason for the disillusionment with the Charter schools is the fact that……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
WRITING TASK
Write an argumentative essay in which you discuss the extent of discipline that should be applied at schools and what punitive measures, if any, should be implemented. Remember to justify your position and refute counter arguments.

HOW STICT IS TOO STRICT KEY AND TEACHER’S NOTES
This highly topical text discusses the age old problem of how strict schools need to be, what constitutes misbehavior and how to penalize students. It does this in relation to the “Charter School” movement in the US which popularized draconian rules and stringent discipline. The text leads to a wonderful argumentative essay.
1.       C
2.       To send all their graduates, many of them first-generation college aspirants, on to higher education
3.       That the no excuses approach more effectively contributes to very different results: a flagrant form of two tiered education and a rise in racially skewed suspension and expulsion rates for low level misbehavior.
4.       To prison (rather than college)
5.       Individual expression
6.       The (controversial)broken window theory
7.       Academic performance has improved citywide (nearly two thirds of students…)
8.       To college; keep their children safe
9.       Strict enforcement gets harder but no less urgent in the eyes of many families in urban settings like New Orleans and for good reason.
10.   Employees who make even a small misstep can be speedily replaced with new hires who don’t show up late forget their uniform or talk back to customers
11.   Suspension
12.   Starting in preschool, black children are suspended and expelled at far higher rates than white students are despite little objective evidence that they behave any worse;  were nearly three times as likely to come into contact with the juvenile justice system the following year.
13.   Not very because several students complained that they were sometimes sent home “off the books” with nobody documenting the dismissal and minimal or no inquiry into the circumstances that led to misbehavior.
14.   Obedience for obedience’s sake; (increasing) self control, the ability to think critically, navigate course work independently
15.   The principal and other administrators held town hall meetings where they solicited students’ views on school rules, and hammered out compromises.
16.   Structure and flexibility
17.   Suspension
18.   The desire to express herself freely; individual expression
19.   School disciplinarians had failed to cultivate a shared sense of direction and the trust that goes with it.



Monday, December 8, 2014

THE QUALITIES OF AN IDEAL MANAGER; DEFINITION ESSAY


In the modern business world which is dominated by large corporations employing hundreds of people, good management has become vital.  All businesses have managers but what are the qualities of an ideal manager? Do your research and find out. You will find the main points introduced in the power point presentation which will also suggest a plan. You will find additional information in the videos.
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         “The ideal manager” https://prezi.com/5hex1xqnqxog/the-ideal-manager/
Videos to watch and make notes on:
·          “Smart managers read behavior  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ImA2yJBeXU
·         “Stop the drama and do the work”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J832kryICZI
·         “Get more done by understanding the task type”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J832kryICZI
·         “Encouraging excellent behavior” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_RL77ApgQY
·         “Rules for changing behavior” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klxr2kH3HzU
·         “5 Ways to develop your team” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlTPD5wAGjg
·         “Six hidden factors of motivation” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBG7dM75PC4
Reading material to make notes on
·         “ Ten traits that make an ideal manager” http://www.businessinsider.com/10-attributes-of-that-rare-ideal-manager-at-work-2013-1
·         “ Twelve characteristics of the ideal manager” http://www.strategies.com/blog/twelve-characteristics-of-the-ideal-manager/  

·         “Ten requirements of the ideal manager” http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-requirements-of-the-perfect-manager/  

Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
     

MAKING NOTES FROM A READING TEXT


The Cornell note taking system
Check “Summaries” on my blog, http://theproproom.blogspot.com for notes and summaries based on complete texts.
Power point presentation: introduction
·         “Cornell note taking method” https://prezi.com/_flocluqsfzu/cornell-note-taking-method/
Power point presentation: details and justification

·         “ Copy of Cornell method” https://prezi.com/o_3f6tzbvund/copy-of-cornell-method/   

Thursday, December 4, 2014

THE INFLUENCES OF DIFFERENT CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD

COLLEGE READING 2, CH 1, EX 10
Writing task: Discuss the influences of different cultures around the world
This research related writing activity has been designed to accompany College Reading, chapter 1, exercise 10 but can be done on its own as well. Do your research, make notes and write about the influence of culture around the world.
Introduction:
·         “Cultural blend in a global economy” https://prezi.com/xox1gf69krwc/cultural-blend-in-a-global-economy/ 
Research related writing task
·         “Culture shaping our perception” http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/7344
·         “How can cultural differences affect business communication?” http://smallbusiness.chron.com/can-cultural-differences-affect-business-communication-5093.html
·         “What cultural differences can reveal about the way we work” http://www.fastcompany.com/3029382/what-cultural-differences-can-reveal-about-the-way-we-work
Videos
·         “Understanding the impact of culture, socialization and culture shock on education” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/the-effect-of-culture-socialization-culture-shock-on-education.html
·         “Cultural survival: maintaining culture despite outside influence” http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/cultural-survival-maintaining-culture-despite-outside-influence.html



WHAT ARE THE POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES OF BEING A TWIN

COLLEGE READING 1, EX. 10
Writing task: What are the positives and negatives of being a twin?
This research related writing task has been designed to accompany College Reading chapter 1, ex 10 but can be done on its own as well. Do the research in the order suggested and write about the good sides and the bad sides of being a twin.
Warm up
·         “What’s it like being a twin?”
Introduction
·         “Pros and cons of being a twin” http://mylifejustified.blogspot.com.tr/2011/06/pros-and-cons-to-being-twin.html 
Videos:
·         “Pros and cons of being a twin” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VwwK-PvkTA
·         “Pros and cons of being twins” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPXdQUpz1vo
Reading material
·         “The secret life of twins” http://www.hellobee.com/2012/12/13/the-secret-life-of-twins/  
·         “The pains that come with being a twin” http://www.experienceproject.com/stories/Am-A-Twin/333698
The top ten things I learnt being a twin” http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Dunn187.html

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

WILL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SPELL THE END OF THE HUMAN RACE?


Listen to Professor Stephen Hawking’s views on artificial intelligence.
Think about to what extent you agree with this prediction. When you have decided, do your research and make notes. The reading material this time is composed of a series of relatively short texts. When your research is complete, write an argumentative essay.
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
Reading material to annotate
·         “Artificial intelligence could end the human race” http://www.livescience.com/48972-stephen-hawking-artificial-intelligence-threat.html
·         “Understanding artificial intelligence” https://sites.google.com/site/understandai/danger
·         “The men trying to save us from machines” http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/382555/the-men-trying-to-save-us-from-the-machines
·         “Elon Musk: I'm Worried About A 'Terminator'-Like Scenario Erupting From Artificial Intelligence” http://www.businessinsider.com/musk-on-artificial-intelligence-2014-6
·         “Is artificial intelligence a threat? http://chronicle.com/article/Is-Artificial-Intelligence-a/148763?cid=megamenu
·         “Is artificial intelligence a threat?” http://www.marcelgagne.com/content/artificial-intelligence-threat-0
·         “Why we should think about the threat of artificial intelligence” http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/why-we-should-think-about-the-threat-of-artificial-intelligence
·         “Up for debate: is artificial intelligence a threat to humanity?” https://cogito.cty.jhu.edu/40133/up-for-debate-is-artificial-intelligence-a-threat-to-humanity/
Videos to watch and make notes on
·         “Artificial intelligence: an existential threat”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReSc_ZlY_FU
“Artificial intelligence is mankind’s biggest threat” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NTb10Au-Ic

HOSTING MAJOR SPORTS EVENTS


Pre Intermediate Language Leader / Unit 10
This activity has been designed to accompany Pre Intermediate Language Leader / Unit 10 but it can be done on its own as well. Do your research in the order below, make notes and then write about the pros and cons of hosting major sports events.
Warm up:
·         “Pros and Cons” https://prezi.com/exoc9s_uwdvr/pros-and-cons/ 
Reading material
·         “Advantages of hosting a major event” http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/4909/economics/advantages-of-hosting-a-major-event/ 
·         “What are the advantages and disadvantages of hosting a major sports event?
Videos

·         “Euronews focus – the  benefits of hosting the Olympics” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4xeDtrLg5M

PRESERVING ANIMAL SPECIES FROM EXTINCTION


Pre intermediate Language Leader / Unit 5
This activity has been designed to accompany unit 5 in the Pre intermediate Language Leader but it can be done in isolation as well. Do your research and discuss endangered species and how we can save them.
Reading: endangered species
·         “What are endangered species? http://www.arkive.org/endangered-species/
·         “What we do to protect endangered species” http://www.nwf.org/what-we-do/protect-wildlife/endangered-species.aspx
·         “Protecting species” http://www.worldwildlife.org/species
Videos: endangered species
·         “15 rarest &critically endangered animal species” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DYwMVQJr4k  

·         “Remarkable people saving endangered species” http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/10472590/People-protecting-endangered-species-Weather-Channel-brink.html There are numerous videos; watch them all.

THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TELEVISION


Pre intermediate Language Leader / Unit 3
This activity has been designed to accompany unit 3 in pre intermediate Language Leader but it can be done on its own as well. Do your research, make notes and then write your essay.
Hint: you will be making notes on advantages and disadvantages. You will need to put them in different paragraphs.
Reading material
·         “Advantages and disadvantages of watching television” http://rumanasaiyed.hubpages.com/hub/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-watching-Television  
·         “The advantages and disadvantages of television” https://www.udemy.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-television/
Videos
·         “Is TV good or bad?”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPfASbKUfS0
·         “How television effects your brain chemistry” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw_7CJ5ozaM
·         “How television effects the brains of young children” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2SdEpHjrjw

·         “How to stop watching TV and why you should do it” (This video gives you a solution. Where would you use this information? ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISQlxGS6mjI

CLIMATE CHANGE


Pre intermediate Language Leader / Unit 11
This research related writing activity has been designed to accompany unit 11 in the Pre intermediate Language Leader but it can be done in isolation as well. Do your research, make notes and write an essay about climate change.
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
Reading material:
·         “Climate change” http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ 
This is a wonderful website which will tell you all you need to know about the subject. Go to the bottom of the page and click “Basic information and Student’s site” to read and make notes.
This is another wonderful website which will tell you a lot about the problem. Click the subtitles to the left of the screen to read.
Video
·         “Climate change – The scientific debate”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52KLGqDSAjo
There are a few vocabulary items you will to know so stop the video to check key words. This being said, you should understand the gist of the video by guessing some words and being prepared to ignore some. This is a very important skill. If you are able to do it, your English will improve fast.
·         “Climate change” https://prezi.com/cle2ecmzffdu/climate-change/ 


THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS


Pre intermediate Language Leader / Unit 12

This writing activity has been designed to accompany Pre- Intermediate Language Leader, unit 12 but can be done on its own as well. The activity starts out with two power point presentations which establish the framework and the main points to be discussed, the first video introduces these same points and provides some support, the short reading passages provide more support and the last video rounds everything off.
Familiarize yourself with the topic:
Video:
Reading material:
·         “What is the importance of sports in our lives?” http://www.livestrong.com/article/515163-the-importance-of-sports-in-our-lives/
·         “Importance of sports and physical activities for children” http://www.researchineurope.org/physical-activities.html
·         “Sports as social studies” http://www.researchineurope.org/physical-activities.html
·         “The importance of sports for children” https://www.childfund.org/The-Importance-of-Sports-for-Children/ 
Video:
·         “Why playing sports will help you get better grades” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxGDXFGMaFo



HOSTING MAJOR SPORTS EVENTS


Pre Intermediate Language Leader / Unit 10
This activity has been designed to accompany Pre Intermediate Language Leader / Unit 10 but it can be done on its own as well. Do your research in the order below, make notes and then write about the pros and cons of hosting major sports events.
Warm up:
·         “Pros and Cons” https://prezi.com/exoc9s_uwdvr/pros-and-cons/ 
Reading material
·         “Advantages of hosting a major event” http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/4909/economics/advantages-of-hosting-a-major-event/ 
·         “What are the advantages and disadvantages of hosting a major sports event?
Videos
“Euronews focus – the  benefits of hosting the Olympics” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4xeDtrLg5M

THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD MANAGER


Pre intermediate Language Leader / unit 9
This task has been prepared to go along with unit 9 of the Pre intermediate Language Leader but can be done on its own as well. Do your research, make notes and then write about the qualities of an ideal manager.
Introduction:
·         “Qualities of a good manager” https://prezi.com/elt-87t_76ji/qualities-of-a-good-manager/
How to plan your writing: this power point will show you how to organize your writing
·         “Qualities of a good manager”  https://prezi.com/elt-87t_76ji/qualities-of-a-good-manager/ 
Reading:
·         “Top 10 qualities of a good manager” https://www.udemy.com/blog/qualities-of-a-good-manager/
·         “Top 10 qualities of an excellent manager”  http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/top-10-qualities-of-an-excellent-manager.php
·         “Characteristics and attributes of a good manager” http://smallbusiness.chron.com/characteristics-attributes-good-manager-34592.html
·         “Five must have qualities of the modern manager” http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobmorgan/2013/07/23/5-must-have-qualities-of-the-modern-manager/ 
Video
·         “How to be a great manager” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPvd_i71SQg

·         “Learn how to manage people better and lead people” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWmhl6rzVpM