Party in the USA

Tell me about parties you enjoy.  What's the best food?  What do people do?

Promotion

I promote on whether I think you have a good chance of survival in the next level. I assess your level for reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  Three of these should be above our level for you to move up.  

This time is unusual. Usually my managers are very strict about a 217 or higher reading score. I really want you to use good grammar when you speak..  This class, they want me to be strict about listening comprehension, but not as strict about the reading score (still should be above 207.)  At the beginning of the level, 40% of this class was reading below our LI level.  Now you all are doing much better.

PLEASE PRACTICE A LOT THIS SUMMER.  No one in our class can do no English this summer and be okay in high intermediate in the fall.  If you don't have a 218 or higher on the reading test, read as much as you can.  I've seen people who read for one hour a day make big gains in one month.  Write a lot too.

Intense English classes are hard.  If you came to class, you won.  Your English is better, and you became stronger.  

Whether it rains or pours, I'm all yours....

 

Who's your favorite actor?  What's your favorite TV show?  What's your favorite movie?

Today, people in the class recommended Man in the Mirror, Prison Break, Breaking Bad, Titanic, Home Alone, The Color Purple, Mission Impossible, Game of Thrones and My Best Friend's Wedding.  Claribel recommended her son's favorite book series, "Awesome Alex."

You've got a friend

 

Describe a few of your friends.  When did you meet them?  What do they look like?  What do (did) you usually do together?  Who is the tallest?  The youngest?  the farthest away? The most reliable?

Challenge Listening: Thrift Store

 A thrift store is a place that sells used (secondhand) things.  Big ones near here are Salvation Army and Good Will.  The best selection of secondhand clothes in the area is probably at Unique.  The most expensive are probably consignment shops in Vienna.  The cheapest used clothes are from Facebook buy nothing groups or  at Yard Sales at random people's homes from 8 AM-12 PM on Saturday mornings.  

Yelp: Northern Virginia thrift stores

What's the best deal you ever found?  Was it new or used?

Shopping for a car!

 Whenever I shop for an appliance or a car, I look at Consumer Report's ratings.

Challenge Listening about cars:  (You probably should slow this one down in YouTube)

Maryann says that she checks Consumer Reports on the sofa at home through her library card!  

Here are her instructions:

Hi Laurie.

This is how I reached Consumer Reports online using my library account number and login:

1.  Logged into George Mason Regional Library with my library card number and password;

2. Go to “Research Center”In column on left side of screen

3.   Click “All Databases;” and 

4 .  Click on “C” in the alphabet list and Consumer Reports is the third or fourth entry.

Fairfax County Public Library cards are available free to residents of Fairfax County.  You can borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and artwork. 

Bookstore Shopping (from Randall's Listening Lab)

 

Easy World of English Dictionary: Classroom supplies

Do you need to buy school supplies? Make sure you get your list from the school, not from the store!