Wednesday, November 30, 2016

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF BELIEVING IT IS POSSIPLE TO ALTER OTHER PEOPLE’S BELIEFS?


By: Alex Fradera
Level of difficulty: **
WATCH AND LISTEN
·         The dangers of willful blindness https://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_the_dangers_of_willful_blindness
BEFORE YOU READ
Read the text carefully and indicate which paragraphs the following subtitles refer to:
·         The Introduction
·         Beliefs and Willingness to Advocate
·         Understanding the Contradiction
·         Conclusion
QUESTIONS
1.       We understand from the first paragraph of the text that the focus of the text is whether or not behavior can be manipulated / feelings can be flexible/ opinions can be changed / tendencies can be transformed.
2.       What conclusion can be drawn from paragraph two? Be precise
3.       Read the Omair Akhtar’s experiment carefully. Did the immediate outcome of the experiment prove or disprove the researchers’ original hypothesis? How do you know?
4.       Further examination of the data came up with a surprising and seemingly illogical result. Believing in the permanence of opinions not only……….. but also………………..
5.       Read the two paragraphs concerning the second online experiment. Why were those who believed that attitudes were fixed more willing to take on the death penalty opponents? There are two answers; find both.
6.       What conclusion can we draw from both experiments?
7.       Read the example of the run up to the US election. We understand from the paragraph that
·         The desire to be heard helps bring people together
·         The desire to be heard can lead to radicalization
·         The desire to be heard sways public opinion
·         The desire to be heard energizes the public
8.       It is implied in the same paragraph that the opinions thus shared become more pessimistic/  more entrenched / more stable/ more immutable/ more extreme
9.       We understand from the last paragraph that confrontation with single minded opponents can be avoided if
·         We accept that we have different mindsets
·         We agree to disagree
·         We are open to suggestion
·         We  try and reduce frustration
·         We agree to change our minds
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF BELIEVING IT IS POSSIPLE TO ALTER OTHER PEOPLE’S BELIEFS? KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES
This text is a straight forward, well-organized scientific reading passage and as such is very well suited for class work. Thanks to the subject matter, I have been able to write a wide variety of questions.
BEFORE YOU READ
Introduction: paragraphs one and two
Beliefs and willingness to advocate: paragraphs 3, 4 and 5
Understanding the contradiction: paragraphs 6, 7 and 8
Conclusion: paragraph 9
 KEY TO THE QUESTIONS
1.       Opinions can be changed
2.       Whether belief is fixed or malleable is a tricky topic to study (The first sentence of the paragraph is unacceptable)
3.       It proved it; “just as we suspected might happen”
4.       Not only tips us towards convincing others but also deters us from trying to convince them.
5.       Because they saw it as chance to stand up for their views; OR Because they were animated by the chance to be heard.
6.       Whether we are motivated to engage in advocacy depends on a combination of how we view the purpose of advocacy and our beliefs about human certainty.
7.       The first (The last sentence)
8.       More entrenched
9.       We are open to suggestion (The phrase means that it is possible that we may change our minds)

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

TELL THE STORY OF THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES


The Highland clearances constitute one of the darkest chapters in Scottish history. Do your research and find out why; when you are finished write an essay on the topic. Explain the background, the causes, what actually took place and the effects.
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
Podcast:
·         Highland clearances https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vma0gapMHks
Reading material to make notes on:
·         The Highland clearances and their causes, effects and results
·         The patterns of the Highland clearances http://www.scottishhistory.com/articles/highlands/clearances/clearance_page1.html
·         The cultural impact of the Highland clearances http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/scotland_clearances_01.shtml
Videos
·         Highland clearances Sutherland Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJUGPVjDPI4

·         The Sutherland Clearances Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmAaTZRrhCU   

Monday, November 28, 2016

MOVING HOUSE


The research based writing activity below was prepared to accompany the unit on moving house in Language Leader (program 1). It was prepared by MESUT UZELLİ, SERTAÇ GALİP GENÇ, HASAN HÜSEYİN ÇELİK .
Reading material:
·         “Problems with moving to a new house and how to handle them” http://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/problems-with-moving-to-new-home
·         “Moving house; making it less stressful for children” http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/movinghouse.htm
Videos
·         “Problems with moving house” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ud5Xj-obsA


WHY IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO SAVE MONEY?


The research based writing activity below was prepared to accompany the unit on money in Language Leader (program 1). It was prepared by MESUT UZELLİ, SERTAÇ GALİP GENÇ, HASAN HÜSEYİN ÇELİK .
Reading material:
·         “Why is saving so important?” http://www.incharge.org/money-101/how-to-save-money/why-is-saving-so-important
·         Learn the most important reasons to save money” http://moneyfor20s.about.com/od/reasonsandwaystosave/tp/Top-7-Reasons-to-Save-Money.htm
·         “10 Reasons why you should save” http://www.mymoneycoach.ca/why_save.html
Videos: watch them after you do the reading

·         “Money savers: why young people should start saving early” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXWN8NuMf3g

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL


Language Leader – Elementary / Unit 12
The following research related writing activity has been prepared to accompany unit 12 in Language Leader (Elementary). Do your research in the order suggested below and make notes. Then, write.
Starting out:
·         “International travel” https://prezi.com/eor4d5b4ucto/international-travel/ 
Video
·         “11 ways going abroad will change your life” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDWNzpnb7-Y
Reading:
·         “8 Benefits of traveling” http://www.askmen.com/fine_living/travel_archive_60/67_travel_tips.html
·         “The benefits of traveling” http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/06/the-benefits-of-traveling/
·         “17 Reasons why around the world travel is good for you”  http://www.airtreks.com/ready/17-reasons-why-travel-is-good-for-you/ 



AN IDEAL HOME


Program 1 / Language Leader Unit 11 Research related writing activity
Do your research and write about an ideal home
Familiarize yourself with the issue
Reading material: read and make short notes
·         “9 Elements of an ideal house” http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-improvement/ideal-house/#.
·         “Qualities of my ideal home” http://www.metagrrrl.com/metagrrrl/2003/03/qualities_of_my.html 
·         Characteristics and Features of an Ideal House http://emilgen2011.hubpages.com/hub/Characteristics-and-Features-of-an-Ideal-House
·         “Perfect house characteristics”  http://www.bubbleinfo.com/2011/11/03/perfect-house-characteristics/
Video: watch and select from
 http://gestson.com/pages/virtual-tour-gallery-140172

Sunday, November 27, 2016

INTRODUCTION TO READING SKILLS


These engaging cartoons can help introduce students to various reading skills. They were originally designed for children but I reckon those of us who never really grow up can benefit too. I think they are great.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

HOW TO IDENTIFY TOPICS, MAIN IDEAS AND SUPPORTING DETAILS


These three videos will provide you with basic information concerning identifying the topic, main idea and supporting details of a well written paragraph
·         Introduction to Reading Skills: Identify main idea and supporting details https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42SJTk2XSi4
·         Identifying Topics, Main Ideas, and Supporting Details
·         Main idea and supporting details (This presentation provides examples)
 http://www.slideshare.net/legendofsheena/main-idea-and-supporting-details-29650355

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

HOW TO PARAPHRASE


The following material is designed to help you to paraphrase correctly and avoid plagiarism
What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism, or stealing other people’s ideas and statements, is considered the 8th deadly sin in academic circles where it is penalized when revealed. No self respecting academic worth his salt would ever consider stooping so low as to just copy others' work but students may need to be enlightened as to where quoting stops and plagiarism begins. In order to ascertain the boundaries, watch the TED video provided below:
“The punishable perils of plagiarism”

By: Melissa Huseman D’Annunzio

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-punishable-perils-of-plagiarism-melissa-huseman-d-annunzio

How to avoid plagiarism: paraphrasing

Paraphrase: write it in your own words  https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/619/1/

How to paraphrase https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGoIePml2w4

Putting it all together
Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting: A Guide to Doing it Right! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoCdhJsS6Bw

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR READING COMPREHENSION


The following videos are designed to help you learn how to tackle a reading passage and the accompanying questions.
Tackling the Text:
·         ACT Reading: Strategies to Solve Reading Comprehension Questions
·         Reading skills that work - for tests and in class https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgqLyAfUsZE
·         4 Strategies to Master Reading Comprehension Skills https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_N2-366hL4
Tackling the Reading Questions
·         Types of questions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bECo6zmykHg
·         Types of questions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iex5JdyXBVo

·         Answering reading questions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjfgN6WCuls

HOW TO LEARN VOCABULARY


The following videos are designed to suggest the best strategies for learning vocabulary
·         How to increase your vocabulary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53SIKuCuHv0
·         How to Improve Vocabulary: The "two way" approach to learning English vocabulary words @doingenglish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O85y9GLA3o4
·         3 Tips for Improving English Vocabulary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LYfoVRq9Vc
·         How to learn vocabulary quickly, easily, and permanently https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1GAGSdAvxM
·         The Secret to Remembering Vocabulary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNYNcCZpa9M
 Learn 10 times more vocabulary by using Word Webs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_aA-Hc74Ag

PROTECTIONISM VERSUS INTERNATIONAL TRADE DEALS


Over the last three or four years, the EU has been trying to ratify a trade deal with the US; Canada has also negotiated a trade deal with the US; then there is the Asia-Pacific partnership. All these ventures were spear headed by the democrats under the leadership of President Obama. However, president elect Donald Trump wants to do away with these deals during his first 100 days in office. Is he right to do so or not? Do your research and write an essay in which you discuss what exactly is meant by protectionism and free trade and then explain which policy is better and why.
Warning: This task will take longer to prepare for and to write; it will also be a longer essay so allow yourself plenty of time
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  
Familiarize yourself with the issue:
·         What is free trade? Definition, pros and cons and examples http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-free-trade-definition-pros-cons-examples.html
·         Advantages and disadvantages of trade protectionism http://study.com/academy/lesson/avantages-and-disadvantages-of-trade-protectionism.html
·         Free trade agreement: types and examples https://www.thebalance.com/free-trade-agreement-types-and-examples-3305897
FREE TRADE DEALS
Reading material to make notes on:
·         Free trade agreements pros and cons https://www.thebalance.com/free-trade-agreement-pros-and-cons-3305845
·         Free trade agreements benefits http://smallbusiness.chron.com/trade-agreement-benefits-3832.html
·         Access the related articles via the links on the left of the screen, read and make notes: Related Articles [Free Trade] Negative Effects of Free Trade [Free Trade] The Benefits of Free Trade for Developing Countries [Free Trade] The Advantages of Free Trade in Developing Countries [Pros] Pros of Free Trade [Free Trade] Economic Benefits of Free Trade

TRADE PROTECTIONISM
Reading material to make notes on:
·         Protectionism http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/protectionism.asp (Continue reading the related links)
·         Trade protectionism: definition, advantages and disadvantages https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-trade-protectionism-3305896
VIDEOS: Free trade versus protectionism
·         Why do countries restrict trade? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2X3KPilAt0
·         Types of trade restriction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e2gQxN1OBg   
·         Milton Friedman Free Trade versus Protectionism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urSe86zpLI4
·         Milton Freedman debates a protectionist  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qqG6OurHaM


Monday, November 21, 2016

THE IMPACT OF FAKE NEWS


As sources of news have proliferated in the last century so has the amount of fake news which can mislead, confuse and misdirect people. Such news has the potential to sway public opinion, increase polarization and influence the outcome of elections. Do your research and write about how fake news comes about, what its effects are and what can be done about it. 
Refer to my second blog, The Essay Archive, for sample essays: https://theessayarchive.blogspot.com.tr/  

Familiarize yourself with the effect news can have:
·         How the news distorts our world view? https://www.ted.com/talks/alisa_miller_shares_the_news_about_the_news
Now move on to fake news:
·         A brief history of fake news https://www.corbettreport.com/psyops-101-a-brief-history-of-fake-news/ 
Reading material to make notes on:
·         The rise and rise of fake news http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-37846860
·         Assessing the negative effects of fake news http://www.idsnews.com/article/2016/11/assessing-the-negative-effects-of-fake-news
·         Facebook’s failure: did fake news and polarized politics get Trump elected? https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/nov/10/facebook-fake-news-election-conspiracy-theories
·         Fake news is a problem on Facebook but the echo chamber effects is more significant
·         Facebook won’t block fake news posts because it has no incentive 
Videos to take notes from:
·         Fake news’ impacts on politics http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/fake-news-impact-on-politics/
·         How do we chart a path forward among deluge of fake news http://www.cbsnews.com/news/jeff-jarvis-issues-call-for-cooperation-against-fake-news/ 
·         The impact of fake news on social media https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw7yrUh_NsA


Wednesday, November 9, 2016

IS FULL TIME WORK BAD FOR OUR BRAINS?


If you’re over 40, working more than 25 hours a week could be affecting your intelligence, new research suggests.
By: Georgina Kanyon
Level of difficulty: **
BEFORE YOU READ
·         Employers in Sweden introduce the 6 hour workday http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/sweden-introduces-six-hour-work-day-a6674646.html
·         Amazon tests 30 hour work week http://fortune.com/2016/08/28/amazon-tests-30-hour-work-week/ 
·         How many hour should you work each week  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdfPxX1WTrE
QUESTIONS
1.       Read the information concerning The Australian study. What was the underlying reason for their findings?
2.       Which of the conclusions below can we draw concerning the above study?
·         People should retire at the age of 40
·         40 Year-olds should work 25 hours a week
·         We shouldn’t test cognitive functioning in the evening
·         Awareness should be raised concerning optimum working hours.
·         All of the above
·         None of the above: please specify
3.       Do the findings of the Australian study come as a complete surprise? Why or Why not?
4.       What is surprising about the new findings concerning work and cognitive functioning?
5.       What does “That” refer to at the beginning of the last paragraph of the section and why is it significant?
6.       We understand from the section on sleep that sleeping 4 or 5 hours a night is nothing to be proud of if you want to be successful because…
7.       What is the implication of the findings concerning expert performers?
·         We need to hire more workers
·         We need to send people home early
·         We should shorten the working week
·         We should give people freedom at work
·         We should let people practice
8.       How does Salisbury support his contention that the research is exaggerated? By indicating that……..
9.       Why does Evans prefer a 4 day week although she says 3 days would work better for her? Because otherwise….
10.   We understand from the last section of the text that it is important for companies to allow for
·         Healthy work
·         Down time
·         Good work
·         Extra courses
WRITING TASK
Discuss the reasons why people may need to reduce their working hours in middle age.

IS FULL TIME WORK BAD FOR OUR BRAINS? KEY AND TEACHERS’ NOTES
This text has given me the opportunity to write questions requiring paraphrasing and questions concerning implications and conclusions.  As a result, though straightforward, the task is a cognitive challenge and cannot be completed by following context clues. It will be interesting to see what you think of the research; I, for example, completely disagree.
1.       Excessively long hours can cause fatigue and physical and/or psychological stress, which potentially damage cognitive functioning
2.       None of the above. If you are over 40 and working more than 25 hours a week could be impairing your intelligence OR work can be a double edged sword in that ….
3.       No they don’t because previous studies have shown that workers of various ages doing overtime can suffer chronic stress, cognitive impairment and also mental illness
4.       Health and cognitive issues can occur at a much lower threshold than previously thought.
5.       Having at least one person to look after, a child or an elderly adult, on top of working full time; It  creates a job on top of a job
6.       Restful sleep is critical to high levels of performance 
7.       We should shorten the working week
8.       He found that he dealt with demands on his time more easily as he gained experienceor just became older
9.       She wouldn’t be fully connected to her team
10.   Down time