3rd Blog

Watch this video about the Happiness Index

Answer the questions:

• Is it possible to measure happiness? 
• Are those happiness points truly important? Why or why not?
• Is it true what is said about happiness in the world?
• Why do you think is Costa Rica the happiest country in the planet?

Watch this second video about Investment in Costa Rica:

Answer the questions:

• About the second video, are all of those facts true or just a result of marketing?
• Do you agree with it? Why or why not?
• What other examples can you provide that show how good Costa Rica is?

INSTRUCTIONS TO WRITE YOUR THIRD BLOG

Answer all the questions as if you were writing the blog. DO NOT ANSWER THEM AS QUESTIONS. The questions are meant to help you talk about the videos, not to be answered as merely questions. Write a reflection paper on these two videos and think about the following questions:

If all of this information shown in the two videos is true, how will you explain the documentary “Shark Water” and the article “The truth finally told…” that we analyzed in the previous blogs? 

After writing the blog, you need to write two more comments about your classmates ideas. The comments will follow the same format as your first post.

FORMAT

• In order to show your opinion, write three or more supporting ideas and/or examples
• Explain your ideas and give examples or facts.
• Do not use offensive vocabulary or it will be immediately removed from the blog. No points will be given.
• Use two “quotes” from either video that you agree or disagree with and mention why. 
• Use 1 idiom at least.
• Use the first and second conditional.
• Use vocabulary about history.
• Use reported speech.
• No points will be given for late work.
• Check your spelling and punctuation.
• Organize your ideas into paragraphs

DUE DATES:

• Nov 6th posts
• Nov 18th comments

2nd Writing

What's your opinion about Costa Rica? How would you describe your country? Is there any culture shock other people may suffer when coming to Costa Rica?

When travelling and meeting people from other cultures, they would you ask different questions related to customs, culture, life-quality, etc. However, when they finally visit it and experience the culture themselves, they may suffer "culture shock". Due to this situation, they could have a good and bad opinion about being, living or visiting Costa Rica.

As part of the blog process, you will read about this person opinion: (click on the link)

Moving To and Living In Costa Rica. The Dangers and Pitfalls.The Truth finally Told

What do you think about it? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Remember to support your ideas.

After reading that, watch this video:

Now that you have read and watch this information, you can start writing what you think about them. The main questions are:  What's your opinion about Costa Rica? How would you describe your country? Is there any culture shock other people may suffer when coming to Costa Rica? If so, what recommendations would you give to people coming here?

To sump up:

1. Read the blog about "Moving to and Living in Costa Rica"
2. Watch the video.
3. Write your opinion on culture shock in Costa Rica. Do you agree or disagree with them.
4. Organize your ideas into three paragraphs
5. Use punctuation and good spelling. Support your ideas. In order to show your opinion, write three supporting ideas per each paragraph. Explain your ideas and give examples or facts.
6. Use two “quotes” from either the video or the article that you agree or disagree with and mention why. 
7. Use idioms from means of transportation or nationalities.
8. Use noun phrases and infinitives of purpose.
9. Use gerund phrases and adverbs.
10. Use different conjunctions.
11. No points will be given for late work.
12. Check your spelling and punctuation.
13. Remember to read two of your classmates post and make comments on them.

Due date:
Post Sep 25th
Comments Oct 7th

Let's write!

Welcome to your first writing!

This blog is a space for you to practice what you learn in class by posting your opinions on different subjects.
For two weeks, you write an entry about a given topic and write your opinions about it.

In order to evaluate your writing, different aspects will be taken into account. Check the picture below as a  reference:

Let's begin!

1. Watch the documentary about shark finning in which Costa Rica plays a role. You can rent it at any video store or you can watch it for free on the following link: http://watchdocumentary.org/watch/sharkwater-video_9dc3ae371.html    another video option is this link: http://vimeo.com/88724551
2. Write three paragraphs in the blog saying what you think about that environmental problem. You MUST write at least three paragraphs (introduction, body, conclusion).
3. Use passive voice (simple present, simple past, present continuous, present perfect, modals).
4. Use vocabulary about the environment.
5. Give support to each idea by giving examples or facts. 
6. Express your ideas clearly and organized. You're free to say what you want but support your ideas
7. No offensive vocabulary is allowed. (Don’t write swear words. Don’t make any racist comments. Don’t give names to any group)
8. Use quotes or phrases from the video to support your point of view.
9. Check your spelling and punctuation
10. For posting your writing, just click on the comments bottom below   
11. After writing, you must read and reply two of your classmates' entries. 
12. Respect deadlines. 

Dateline:
Your writing has to be posted by August 28th
Your two comments should be done by September 9th.

The key questions is: Based on the documentary "Shark Water", what's your opinion about the role of Costa Rica in this issue? What should be done by the government and / or Costa Ricans? 

Welcome to English II

Hi guys, 

You finally made it to the last course. Congrats! This means that you have acquired enough vocabulary and grammar to keep on a conversation. Therefore, we finally have a blog for the class to discuss on different topics. The objective is to write your opinions on specific given topics. You're free to show your point of view! You need to support your ideas. You will also read your classmates' opinions and write two replies. Let's write and learn :)

Remember the rules for writing in English. Organize your ideas and be clear. 

You can watch the video below as a reference: