Week+2

=Universidad Simón Bolívar=

=ID2126 (Parallel Course)=

=Week 2: Language Improvement=



//Do you have problems expressing yourself in English?//
Some learners have problems expressing their ideas in English, and most of the times they don't know why.
 * 1) **Vocabulary:** One of the most common answers is that they may have a very limited vocabulary. How would you be able to communicate your ideas if you do not know how to name things in English? Building up your vocabulary can help you become more fluent while speaking and also understand better while listening to other speakers. In short, mastering vocabulary is a PLUS when talking about Language Learning.
 * 2) **Pronunciation:** Knowing the words is not the only important thing, knowing how to pronounce them also plays an important role. The correct pronunciation of the words can guide you through efficient communication in the target language.
 * 3) **Grammar:** Another common problem is syntax. Do you find it correct when someone uses the grammar of your native tongue inappropriately? The same thing happens when you use the target language incorrectly. Sometimes listeners can't understand you because you are not using grammar in the right manner!

Week 2 Objectives:

 * The aim of this unit is to help you improve your use of English through:
 * Vocabulary building
 * Pronunciation Practice
 * Grammar Practice ||


 * ==Week 2 Lesson Plan: Language Improvement== ||

**Day 1: Vocabulary Building, Pronunciation, & a bit of Grammar**
1. First read all the instructions in this page, then click on this link to enter [|The English Vocabulary] official site. Select your native language and click on GO. Once inside you will find a list of different categories. You can try as many as you want, but in the Vocabulary lessons scheduled for today (listed below), you will find the ones your teachers suggest for Architecture and Urban Planning students.

Each category will lead you to:
 * vocabulary lists organized by topic
 * phonetic pronunciation
 * printable lessons and exercises that can help you memorize new words

Go over each list paying special attention to **words**, **pronunciation** of those words and their **meaning**. Contact your teacher in case you need some help. Check detailed information and printable exercises [|Buildings and Dwellings]
 * ==**Vocabulary Lesson 1**== || ==**Vocabulary Lesson 2**== || ==**Vocabulary Lesson 3**== || ==**Vocabulary Lesson 4**== ||
 * (The City):

[|City Parts] [|Shops & Stores] || (The House): [|Parts of the house] [|Baby room], [|Bathroom] [|Bedroom][| Dining room] [|Garden], [|Kitchen] [|Living room], [|Utility room] [|Workshop] || (The Things): [|Colors and Patterns] [|Shapes and Textures] || (Transportation): [|Means of transport] [|Airport & Planes] ||

2. Using the phonetic pronunciation provided in one of the columns of each list, practice the pronunciation of those words. If you are not sure about how to pronounce them, ask your teacher for help or consult the [|Merriam Webster On-Line Dictionary].

3. Make a list with the new vocabulary and those words you consider more difficult, and record them in Springdoo. Send the recording to your teacher by email.

4. Start adding __**new**__ words to our Class Glossary in Moodle!!! Add all of the ones that are new to you.Remember to add images as well!

If you want to continue practicing English, here are other interesting and useful sites concerning Vocabulary and Grammar: [|Two-Part Phrasal Verbs/Idioms] [|Adjective Clauses] [|Prepositions of Spatial Relationship][| Prepositions of Location], [|Prepositions of direction], [|Prepositions of time and place], [|Adjective or Adverb], [|The Use and Non-Use of Articles (a, an, the)] (highly recommended), [|Review of English Grammar] (excellent, quite complete), [|On-line Writing Report]
 * Note:**

Day 2: Pronunciation &Vocabulary building

 * Have you ever heard about phonetic symbols? Do you know the[| Phonetic Table?] Click on it and start discovering how vowels, consonants and diphthongs are pronounced in English.
 * Have you ever asked yourself what American English sounds like? Try [|Phonetics: The sound of American English] and you will quickly find out. Explore this site fully. It is of much help.
 * Have you ever used music to practice pronunciation and improve your fluency? Do you like singing in English? First, select your favorite [|song] to practice pronunciation. Second, listen to the song and watch the video. Third, open the English activity of your song in a different window and fill in the blank spaces while you practice vocabulary as you listen. Once the exercise has been completed, read the lyrics and sing along!!!!
 * After having done all the activities scheduled for Week 2, please go on to VOCABULARY AND PRONUNCIATION REVIEW.

**Day 2:** Writing 1(3 pts)
1. **Personal Wiki Creation:** Create a personal wiki for ID2126, if you haven't done so yet. Give it a nice Look and Feel, and design your "Home Page". For your **Personal Wiki "Home Page"**: It is recommended to say who you are, introduce a little of your profile and state what the wiki is going to be used for.... Do not miss a picture of yourself or an image that represents who you are, what you do, what you like or dislike doing.. 2. **Writing 1 (3 pts):** In your Personal Wiki, create a page named: **"My English Language Learning Experience**" and write about how, when, and where you have learned the English you now know. Add information about the different classes, courses, places, activities, and opportunities you have had to practice the language. Start from the very first day you started to practice this language until these days at the USB. 3. **Personal Wiki URL:** Add the URL of your Personal Wiki to the Contact List found in Moodle.


 * Note:** You can do this activity for Homework in case class time does not allow to complete it in the classroom. Remeber that it __MUST__ be ready before Monday next week!!!