Ms. Avila's ESL Blogger: 2013

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Fun Grammar Help For ALL!

Have fun studying using these games and sites to help you get an A on your unit grammar test!

JUST CLICK AND YOUR ON YOUR WAY TO AN A!

Grammar Review Games

Subject-Verb-Agreement

Fun Game 1

Fun Game 2

Games, reviews, quizzes, and more! (scroll all the way down for the activities)

Correcting Sentence Fragments

Practice 1

Practice 2

Practice 3

Correcting Run-on Sentences

Games, reviews, quizzes, and more! 1 (scroll all the way down for the activities)

Games, reviews, quizzes, and more! 2 (scroll all the way down for the activities)

Improve Your SPELLING

Game 1

Game 2

Games, reviews, quizzes, and more! (scroll all the way down for the activities)

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Don’t Let Grammar Bring You Down!

Grammar is the foundation of reading and writing. Without a basic knowledge of English Grammar, completing the HSPA, PSAT and SAT will be a huge challenge. Check out these links to help you get prepared for any English Test and to improve your grammar skills:

Grammar Blast:

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/6_8/grammar/

Grammar Practice:

http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html

Grammar Games:

http://www.english-online.org.uk/games/gamezone2.htm

Friday, August 23, 2013

Ms. A's New Blog!

Hi Everyone,

As many of you already know, I will be teaching at a new school this September! I will miss you guys at WOHS! If you want to know what I am teaching in my new job...check out my new blog at:

http://msalit4all.blogspot.com/

This new blog is all about reading, writing, and doing your best in school. It is designed to help my new non-ESL students, but ESL students can also use all that is in the site to improve their grades! I wish you all the best this new school year and I hope you keep in touch!

Ms. A.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Get A Head Start on the SAT! PSAT PREP!

Don't kill me!! I know it's still summer vacation time, but the truth is that in early October most of you will either be taking the HSPA or the PSAT...if you want to do your best you need time to get ready. In reality you have about 6 weeks to prepare!!! I put together some info. on the PSAT that can help (this will also help those who are going to take the SAT). I highly recommend the links at the end for practice tests!! Hope this helps....Ms. A

PSAT / SAT HELP

Q: Why do I have to take the SAT at all?

A: Colleges make you. - If you want to go to college, you pretty much have to take the SAT (or the ACT).

Q: But why do colleges put you through this ordeal? Why do they require you to take the SAT? Two reasons:

• Colleges consider the SAT a standard by which they can evaluate students from high schools across the country.

• Colleges have considered SAT scores valuable in predicting how students will perform in the first semester of college.

PSAT Facts

• 5 sections

• 3 major topics: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing

• Two 25-minute critical reading sections
Two 25-minute math sections
One 30-minute writing skills section

Q: What is critical thinking?

A: Critical thinking is a way of deciding whether a claim is always true, sometimes true, partly true, or false.

Q: How can I use Critical Thinking?

A: Know how to use the W? words = who, what, where, when, why, how

Critical Thinking Key Words:

Recognize, Understand, Gather, Comprehend, Interpret,

Draw a conclusion, Reconstruct

**The key to the PSAT = Know how to use CRITICAL THINKING!

The Critical Reading Section

• Two 25-minute critical reading sections = 48 questions

• 13 Sentence completions

• 35 Critical reading questions

Hints for answering Sentence Completion questions:

• Read the entire sentence to yourself.

• Watch for introductory or connecting words and phrases like "but," "not," "because," etc.

• In sentences with two blanks, make sure the words for both blanks make sense in the sentence.

• Start by working with one blank at a time.

• Stay within the meaning of the sentence.

• Before you mark your answer, read the complete sentence with your choice filled in.

Hints for answering Passage-Based Reading questions:

• Don't skip introductions to passages

• Read each passage and any accompanying information carefully. Follow the author's reasoning and be aware of features such as assumptions, attitudes, and tone.

• You may find it helpful to mark the passages as you are reading, but don't spend too much time making notes.

• Read each question and all the answer choices carefully.

• When a question asks you to compare an aspect of a pair of passages, don't be misled by choices that are correct for only one of the two passages.

• Select the choice that best answers the question asked. Don't select a choice just because it is a true statement.

• You may find it helpful to read the questions first to get an idea of what to look for. Or, you may prefer to read the passage and try to answer the questions.

The Math Section

• Two 25-minute math sections = 38 questions

• 28 multiple-choice math questions

• 10 Student-produced responses or grid-ins

• Students are advised to bring a calculator with which they are comfortable. Students should have basic knowledge of 4 math categories:

• Numbers and Operation

• Algebra and Functions (but not 3rd year level math that may appear on the new SAT)

• Geometry and Measurement

• Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability

Hints for answering Regular Multiple Choice questions:

• Look at the answer choices before you begin to work on each question.

• Read each question carefully, even if it looks like a question you don't think you can answer. Don't let the form of the question keep you from trying to answer it.

• If your answer isn't among the choices, try writing it in a different form. You may have the same answer in a different mathematical format.

Hints for answering Student-Produced Response questions, also called Grid-Ins:

• Since answer choices aren't given, a calculator may be helpful in avoiding careless mistakes on these questions.

• It's suggested that you write your answer in the boxes above the grid to avoid errors in gridding.

• The grid can hold only four places and can accommodate only positive numbers and zero.

• Do not worry about which column to begin gridding the answer. As long as the answer is gridded completely, you will receive credit.

• Unless a problem indicates otherwise, an answer can be entered on the grid either as a decimal or as a fraction.

• You don't have to reduce fractions like 3/24 to their lowest terms.

• Convert all mixed numbers to improper fractions before gridding the answer.

• If the answer is a repeating decimal, you must grid the most accurate value the grid will accommodate.

• Some questions may have more than one right answer.

• You don't lose any points for a wrong answer.

• Know the gridding rules before taking the test.

Writing Skills

• One 30-minute writing section = 39 questions

• 14 Identifying sentence errors

• 20 Improving sentences

• 5 Improving paragraph questions

These multiple-choice questions on writing skills measure a student's ability to express ideas effectively in standard-written English, to recognize faults in usage and structure, and to use language with sensitivity to meaning.

Hints for Identifying Sentence Errors:

• Read the entire sentence carefully but quickly.

• Look at choices (A) through (D) to see whether anything needs to be changed to make the sentence correct.

• Don't waste time searching for errors. Mark (E) No error, on your answer sheet if you believe the sentence is correct as written.

• Move quickly through questions about Identifying Sentence Errors. The other kinds of questions (Improving Sentences and Improving Paragraphs) will probably take more time.

• Mark questions that seem hard for you and return to them later.

Hints for Improving Sentences:

• Read the entire sentence carefully but quickly. Note the underlined portion because that is the portion that may have to be revised.

• Remember that the portion with no underline stays the same.

• Mark choice (A) if the underlined portion seems correct. Check the other choices quickly to make sure that (A) is really the best choice.

• Think of how you would revise the underlined portion if it seems wrong. Look for your revision among the choices given.

• Replace the underlined portion of the sentence with choices (B) through (E) if you don't find your revision. Concentrate on the choices that seem clear and exact when you read them.

Hints for Improving Paragraphs:

• Read the entire essay quickly to determine its overall meaning. The essay is meant to be a draft, so don't be surprised if you notice errors. Don't linger over those errors.

• Make sure that your answer about a particular sentence or sentences makes sense in the context of the passage as a whole.

• Choose the best answer from among the choices given, even if you can imagine another correct response.

PSAT Scores

• PSAT scores are reported on a scale of 20 to 80 for each section

• In 2012 the average score for tenth graders was about 43 in Critical Reading, 44 in Mathematics, and 42 in Writing Skills.

• Also listed on your score report is the Selection Index, which is used to determine eligibility in National Merit Scholarship Corporation programs (NMSC)

• score reports include national percentiles, which allow you to compare your scores with other students in your grade level who have taken the PSAT

Resources used:

• http ://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/newsat/chapter1section1.html

• http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about/ontest.html

• SAT Study Resources: http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/newsat/

• SAT on-line Practice test: http://www.majortests.com/sat/

Friday, August 2, 2013

This is not GoodBye!

To all my wonderful students,

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! The most unexpected thing happened to me…my family went for an admission interview for my son’s new school and by the end of the interview, my son was accepted and they offered me a job! I was not expecting to be offered a job, nor was I looking for one, but the idea of working in the same school that my son will attend is an offer that was hard to refuse. After weeks of praying and thinking about what is best for my family, we decided that I should take the job. As a result, I will not be returning to teach at WOHS.

I have enjoyed teaching all of you. It has been both a rewarding and memorable experience. Also, I am forever thankful for all the lessons I learned from my students. It has always been my dream to travel the world, but I didn’t have to do so…you, my students, brought the world to my classroom. I enjoyed getting to know each of you and your cultures; an experience that will forever be in my heart.

Working at West Orange High School as an ESL and Freshman Seminar teacher, I have also learned much about myself. I realized that having worked with students such as you is a great blessing and I hope that all my students from WOHS continue to grow in positive directions.

With great dismay, I must say goodbye for now but not forever and with much respect, I have appreciated the opportunity that was given to me in being your teacher. I also want everyone one of you to know that I prayed for you daily and genuinely cared for you, even when you weren’t at your best. In my true Ms. Avila fashion, I wanted to leave you with a few words of wisdom:

1. You were put on this Earth with a purpose, whether you do things that are big or small, you are important.

2. Discipline yourself so others don’t have to do it for you.

3. Every choice that you make will have a consequence. Good choices lead to good consequences and bad choices lead to bad consequences…it is your choice.

4. Happiness is only real when shared.

Finally, these are the words that I feel are the most important:

5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Please keep in touch and let me know of all the great things you are doing…my new email is bavila4jc@gmail.com.

Sincerely,
Ms. Avila

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Don't Let Summer Slow You Down

Congratulations!! You survived another year of school!! I hope you enjoy your summer vacation and to help you not slow down with all that you have learned in ESL I have some suggestions:

1. Watch movies and T.V. shows in English with the English subtitles.

2. USE THIS BLOG!!! Play the games, check out the on-line classes, use the sources!

3. Read Ms. A’s Food Blog for new ideas: http://jicuisine.blogspot.com/

4. Grab an English language book at your local library or check out these on-line books (trust me, these are cool, not boring!!): http://www.orcabook.com/client/client_pages/tumble.cfm

5. Visit a national park or museum:

· In West Orange: Thomas Edison National Park (bring your student ID and ask for discounts) http://www.nps.gov/edis/index.htm

· In Newark – The Newark Museum (just a quick bus trip or train ride) http://www.newarkmuseum.org/

· Jersey City – The Liberty Science Center and Liberty State Park: http://lsc.org/

6. Keep a Journal and write in English! Write about your summer adventures!

7. Listen to music in English

8. Speak to your friends in English

9. Text to your friends in English

10. Use social media (facebook, twitter) in English

Have fun this summer! For those not traveling, don’t just stay home being bored…check out these ideas, be creative, try something new, stay safe, and hope to see you again in September!! Ms. A.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Ms. A's new Blog- Check It Out!!

Hi Everyone...I hope you are having fun getting ready for your finals..."Party for your brain!" LOL! I wanted to share with you my new blog, is all about the great food and cultures of New Jersey and having you as my students inspired the idea, so....THANKS! Check it out, but only after you are done studying!! Ms. A.

(Click on the green words! ) Jersey International Cuisine

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

ESL 2 Final Exam Review: Reading, Plotting, Skimming and Taking Notes, Revise and Edit, and Listening

Reading Test: You will read a new story that is realistic fiction. Realistic Fiction stories are not real, but have the possibility of being real. To do well on the test you need to practice your reading skills. Use the following links to help improve your reading:

Plotting: When you plot a story you are writing about the different parts of the story. A plot has SIX parts: Introduction (this includes the setting and characters), Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

· Learn the Parts of a Plot: http://quizlet.com/8460586/parts-of-the-plot-diagram-flash-cards/

Use the following links to help you learn and practice the concept of plotting a story:

· Easy: http://www.learner.org/interactives/story/cinderella.html

· Medium: http://www2.smarttutor.com/player/swf/RC_StoryStructure_L4_V1_T4a.swf

Skim and Take Notes: to skim and take notes means to read and find the details and main idea.

*On your final you will have a new reading and you will have to Skim and Take Notes to find the SUMMARY STATEMENT!

Main Idea / Summary Statement: the most important information
Details: words and phrases that give specific information

To get the main idea, you need to find the details
To get the details, answer the W? words
W? Words: who, when, what, where, why, how

How to Skim and Take Notes:

1^st: Read the Title
2^nd: Turn the Title Into A Question
3^rd: Use the w? words to find the details
4^th: Read and answer the w?
5^th: Use the information from the w? to write a Main Idea Sentence / This sentence will answer your Title Question

Revise and Edit: to Revise and Edit means to read something and find the grammar mistakes, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, then correct these mistakes. For the final, you will have to Revise and Edit a paragraph.

Revise and Edit Practice

http://www.quia.com/rr/393396.html
http://www.funbrain.com/spell/index.html
http://www.missmaggie.org/scholastic/editdan_eng_launcher.html
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/proofread/proof.htm
Go to the following site and click on CLICK HERE TO START YOUR ACTIVITY

http://www.iknowthat.com/com/App?File=Paintball.htm&Type=S&App=Paintball&Topic=Topic2

Listening: To test your English listening skills, you will receive a list of incorrect sentences. Then you will listening a reading about the sentences. After, you will use the information that you heard to correct the sentences. To prepare for the listening part of the final you will need to practice your English listening skills, use the following to help…