Putting Words into Pictures

Sometimes I get my English blues when I can't describe the definition of a word.

Do you get that situation a lot too?

If yes, it must have been bugging you all day because you knew you know the word. You just can't explain it right? Or should I put it this way, the word is latently buried inside your brain but you just don't know how to extract the meanings and put it nicely into words right?

*Laughs at myself because of the stupid imagery

For me, personally, there are times when I know the meaning (more like... the concept of the word and how it functions) of the word given because I knew I've read it somewhere or learned about it years ago, but I just can't come up with dictionary meaning and explain it to people, especially students out there. Maybe you readers have been in my shoe before? 

Well, today's post is going to cheer you up! Even five scoops of ice-cream cannot top this. 

Scroll down.

Miserable - because things are not going your way ...

Irritated - Because you're driving me crazy!!

Exhausted - Because I just want to sleep like a baby..

Symptom - Because that is a sign of a nasty flu!

A-ha... so did you notice something?

I'm hoping you did! 

No? 

I know. Let's make this more interesting.  Let's see if you can find anything special or any patterns of any kind or any relation to something that probably strike your mind while reading this blog! The answer shall be revealed in the next post. 

Meanwhile, don't you think it's easier to explain meaning through pictures? 

Easy, right?

Ah, which strikes a light bulb in my head! Wouldn't it be easier if we have a picture defining every word in a dictionary so people (like me) don't have to sweat too much trying to explain the meaning of a word? Life will be much simpler and happier that way. 

*Grins

The idea of a picture dictionary for EVERY word makes me happy. 

What about you?

Do You Have A Resolution This Year?

Have you ever found yourself feeling miserable whenever you can’t spell that English word? 

Have you ever found yourself feeling irritated whenever you can’t find that right expressions, idioms or even the correct word? (but deep down you know you’ve learned about it somewhere…*assuring yourself)

Have you ever found yourself exhausted from thinking of how hard it is to speak in English even when you’ve given it a try?

These… my fellow readers, I can prescribed as some of the symptoms of the English Blues! 

But fret (worry) not! 

This blog is especially brought to you readers out there… yes, YOU! Because I know how it feels to be all sensitive and unhappy when English just won’t work out nicely like how you wanted it to be, and trust me, it’s not a good feeling!

And, I’ll be sharing lots and lots of FUN stuff in here so you won’t want to miss out on how to cope with those misery and hell that English has put you through! 

So, still don’t have a resolution? Make this blog a visit once a week! AT LEAST! It’ll keep that confidence in you and cheers up those blues.

Before I sign off, wishing all of you readers a good year ahead and all the best for 2012!

Ho Ho Ho! Happy Christmas!

Wishing readers out there a warm and wonderful Christmas! 

Christmas Greeting Card made personally for readers out there!

In conjunction with Christmas, I just have the right topic to assign you for a writing assignment. 

Tell me, in 250 words, what is currently on your wish list from Santa and why do you think you deserve the presents?

For this Christmas, I have my own wish list too! The number one item in my list is a......

TADA!

A multi-functional hair dryer!!!

Dear Santa, 
I would LOVE if Santa sends me a really good and everlasting hair dryer. Why do I need one? Well, first of all, I have a very long hair that requires a good care so that my hair shines and becomes healthier. I dislike going around with a wet hair because I can catch a flu easily. Also, with the help of a good hair dryer, I can style my hair in different hair styles. Due to my natural curls, sometimes, I have messy hair. So, a good hairdryer will help to tone down the curls and I can blow my hair straight and sleek. Having a hair dryer is also practical and brings convenience to my life. For one, I can easily pack my hair dryer if I go on a trip. I don't have to worry about a bad hair day as long as I have my hair dryer. Secondly, hair dryer is such an easy machine to operate. I don't have to waste about half an hour to dry my hair with a towel. With a hair dryer, I can have a beautifully blown hair style in just a few minutes. If I have a hair dryer, I promise I won't be selfish and use it for myself only. I am willing to lend it to friends and families who need to dry their hair too (of course, they have to handle it with care).  So Santa (or Mom and Dad), I think I have been a good girl throughout the year. I hope I get a hair dryer this year! Please don't let me down.

Sincerely,Hair Dryer Desperate

What do you think of my short and simple essay? Did I sound convincing enough? I hope so too. :)

So next is your turn. Email your short essay to me by Christmas Eve and we'll see if Santa gets your present!

Cheers!

What causes a flood?

Take a look at this video below:

Judging from the video above, there are many bad effects of a flood. Maybe if we know the causes of a flood we can avoid it from happening. What do you think are the causes of a flood? Have you ever thought that maybe we can prevent a flood from happening? 

Let's look at the causes of a flood:

There are so many causes of flood!

Flooding is not good because it affects a lot of lives.

Perhaps you would like to share your view on the causes and effects of flooding? Try and brainstorm some idea about the causes and effects of flooding. 

This LINK here will direct you to other ideas that can help you to gather more points!

After you have completed your main map, write an essay on what do you think are the causes and effects of flooding. Email it to me for your assessment!

A skeleton for your essay!

Not this skeleton!

Every writing pieces need a body. A framework. A skeleton.

Using the image of the skeleton above, think about your essay. To start off with, you need to have an introduction right? So the head of the skeleton is your introductory part. Next, the body of your essay needs important points and ideas right? So, similarly, the body part of the skeleton contains important organs to keep your body functioning! Thus, all your ideas and points go here. Lastly, you reach the end of your essay which is the end of your skeleton frame: the feet part!

So now you see why you need to have three main parts of your essay?

Source taken from HERE

So, next time when you start writing, don't forget to draft out the body of your essay. You will find it much easier to refer to your points and write smoothly with a guidance.

Proofreading Marks!

Dear students and readers, based on yesterday's exercise, I really like the idea of proofreading marks for editing. Maybe the image could be slightly blurry... so here you go!

The marks are very easy and its easier to represent a certain mistake, don't you think so?
Of course there are other marks too that you can use:

This one? Source taken from HERE

 Let me know what you think or if you have other suggestions, keep me posted!

Don't submit just yet!

When you have done with your essay writing, do you normally proofread? Do you spend at least a few minutes going through your writings again?
Well, if no, today I am going to some proofreading exercises with you!
Take at look at the text below and use the correct proofreading marks given on the left side highlight the mistakes found in the text!

To print this worksheet, simply click HERE to download the exercise! Submit to me next time in class and we'll discuss further!