Is graffiti Vandalism or Art? [Senior]

Dear Students:

 Art has been claimed as a movement that expresses inner emotions and spread them through different means, such as music, poetry, literature or graffiti. Graffiti gives voice to silenced citizens through street art, furthermore it enlightens a city with colourful paintings and give joy to vulnerable communities as well (some people think that way though). Considering this, how does street art give a voice to people who feel silenced in other areas of their lives? Is Graffiti Vandalism or art? Would you do one? Why / Why not? Is Valparaiso favored or damaged by this?

 Please leave your comments below in at least 95-135 words.

Target language: Second conditional, Vocabulary related, connectors.

Deadline: May 21st

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

A campaing must be run [Junior]

Dear Students:

In the third and last entry of this semester, we'll discuss one of the most trending issues worlwide...water shortage. This essential element for living beings,  is a must in our dailiy life. Actually, we can only survive without it for three days or even less. This phenomenon is known as Drough and has been becoming a serious threat as time goes by. Considering this, what do you think would happen if there was no water around? What are some preventive measures you could take beforehand? What would you recommend to newer generations to assure water for the future? What would you do during a drough in Chile?.

Please leave your comments below in at least 85-120 words.

Target Language: Vocabulary related to Natural disasters (Unit 2), Conditional forms (First and Second).

Deadline: May 21st,

Kind Regards

Pablo Vasquez
English Teacher

Peaceful Means rather than Force [Sophomore]

Dear Students:

 We currently live in a society that is the result of a globalized world which, in our case, ended up being culturally merged with nearby cultures / countries such as Peruvians, Haitians, Colombians and the like. Hence, The role of discussing this issues has become crucial lately and debate may be one option to reach an agreement politely. Considering debate as a whole and the motions seen in class, do you think that debate is important? Why / why not? What topics do you consider important and should be debated? why?

 Please leave your comments below in 80-120 words.

Target language: Opinion-related vocabulary

Deadline: May 21st

Kind regards

Lucas Silva
English Teacher

The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) [Freshman]

Dear Students:

 For the third entry, we'll discuss about the movie "the pursuit of happiness' starred by Will Smith and his son (Jaden Smith). Its plot portraits a struggling salesman who takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career. Considering the plot and the activities covered in class: Do you think most people who live in poverty don't work hard and don't try to change their current situation? Has this movie changed your perception toward homeless people? If so, what are the changes you propose? If not, why not? What did you feel while watching the film?

 Please leave your comments below in at least 80-130 words.

Target Language: Simple Past, Question Tags, Would like.

Deadline: May 21st

Kind Regards,

Andres Muñoz
English Teacher

Do's and Don'ts before travelling [Eighth Grade]

Dear Students:

 For the third entry we'll discuss the importance of research about a place before visiting it. As you may know, the internet allows us to look for information, picture and adressess in a second. While some people claim that is well to be informed before visiting a place, others say that know about the place beforehand makes your travel less exciting.

 In your opinion, do you believe that being informed takes away all the fun from a trip? Why / Why not? Would you research a place before visiting? why / why not? where would you get information of a place? can you give examples?

 Please leave your comments in at least 65-85 words

Target Language: Would, vocabulary related to the unit.

Deadline: May 21st

Kind regards,

Lucas Silva
English teacher

Fashion and Music [Seventh Grade]

Dear Students:

 For the third entry, we'll discuss about music and fashion. As you may know, there's a strong link between music and clothing. According to the text on page 41, do you know any other style that is influenced by music? What do you know about it? What music do you like? How often do you wear clothes related to music?

 Please leave your comments below in at leas 60-80 words.

Target Language: Like + ing, vocabulary related to clothing, adverbs of frequency.

Deadline: May 21st

Kind Regards,

Andres Muñoz
English Teacher

Glorification of Violent and Criminal Lifestyle in lyrics [Senior]

Dear Students:

 Through the second entry, I'd like to propose a discussion regarding music, culture and stereotypes. Since long time ago, words such as "bi***, fu** or kill" have been largely used in lyrics in order to portrait a violent imagery. Censorship might be an option, nevertheless it's not allowed to ban the liberty of expression among people. In your opinion, Is it correct to defend artists right to free speech? Why? Do you think banning this lyrics would be a coherent solution and stop spreading sexist messages across the globe? Why/why not? Is it hip-hop the main problem? Why / why not?

 Leave your comments below in at least 90-130 words

Target Language: Vocabulary, opinion-related words, Modal verbs.

Deadline: May 2nd,

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Earthquakes and Natural Disasters [Junior]

Dear students:

 During Unit 2, will be discussing about instructions and priorities during natural disasters of any kind, such as earthquake, tsunamis, etc. Considering this, What preparation should you make before earthquakes hit? What kind of injuries are caused by earthquakes and how do you treat them? What do you think about chilean perception regarding the magnitude of earthquakes (considering that Mexican got shocked with a 6,0 earthquake and here we laugh out loud about it)? is it correct or are we overconfident about it? What frightens you the most from earthquakes? What would you recommend to children while and after earthquakes? do you think countries which suffer from natural disasters should receive help only from developed countries?

 Please leave your comments below in at least 85-120 words

Target Language First Conditional, Unless, Zero Conditional, Vocabulary related to unit 2.

Deadline: May 2nd

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Is it too late for climate change? [Sophomore]

Dear students:

 As you may know, climate change is a current threat that humanity has been facing for the last decades. Although experts have claimed there's nothing else we can do, there's a large percentage who still believes humanity can overcome this situation. In your opinion, are we too late on global climate change? why / why not? what would you do if you were leading a global government? which would be your proposal? how would you apply it?

 Please leave your comments below in at least 75-115 words.

Target Language: Opinion-related vocabulary, multi-word vocabulary.

Deadline: May 2nd

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

It is all about the attitude [Freshman]

Dear Students:

 Hope this message finds you well. As we have talked so far, I'd like to give you the opportunity to talk about the best jobs for you. If so, which would be the best job for you? Why/why no? is important the salary? What do you think about unusual jobs such as crisp inspector, island caretaker, pet food taster and the like? would you try one of those for a year despite if it's risky?

 Please leave your comments below in at least 70-110 words.

Target Language: Question tags, Vocabulary related, would like.

Deadline: May 2nd

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Traveling around the World [8th Grade]

Dear Students:

 For the second entry, we'll discuss means of transportations and landmarks covered in the second part of the unit. Based on the former premise: What means of transportation do you normally use everyday? How do you get to school? What means of transportation would you use to travel around the world? which landmarks would you visit? Why?

 Please leave your comments in at least 55-70 words.

Target Language: Would like, Vocabulary related to means of transportation.

Deadline: May 2nd

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Your Style! [7th Grade]

Dear Students:

 In the second entry, We'll discuss clothing styles and identity according the texts read on page 34-35. Considering this, What clothes do you like wearing? Which clothing styles are popular with young people in your country? Do you like wearing the school uniform? Why / Why not? Do you like shopping clothes? Where, Why / Why not?

 Please leave your comments below in 50-75 words.

Target Language: Like, Dislike + ing, vocabulary related to clothing, adverbs of frequency.

Deadline: May 2nd

Kind regards

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

First Impressions [Senior]

Dear senior students:

 I hope this message finds you well. As we talked in class, Stereotypes is seen as a construction of society and not as truths, and it includes a very shallow enough perspective. Considering the former definition, there's an interesting discussion regarding Americans, whether they have to be named that way. If you are FOR: Why should people from the USA be called Americans? Why shouldn't people be offended by the English word 'Americans'? If you are AGAINST: What's the origin of the people called 'Americans'? Why shouldn't people from the USA be called Americans? Who might be offended? What could the adjective and noun be changed to?

 Please leave your comments below in 80-120 words.

Target Language: Vocabulary related to stereotypes

Deadline: April 6th

Best,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Jokes at school [Junior]

Dear Students:

 I hope this post finds you well. I'm posting the first entry for you to comment below, regarding the topics we have discussed so far. Considering Lesson 1 and 2 from Unit 1: When is a joke funny and when is it not? when might turn into a bullying? What can you do if you or a friend are the victims of unpleasant jokes? Who can help if somebody is being bullied?

 Please leave your comments below in 70-110 words

Target Language: First conditional, vocabulary related to the topics

Deadline: April 6th

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Globalization [Sophomore]

Dear Students:

 I hope this post finds you well. As we have debated so far, globalization is, in few words, integrating and merging cultures, as well as getting benefits from each other (financially and culturally).  In your opinion: is globalization something good or bad? Can you mention any positive or negative effect of globalization? Which one? How can we see this in Chile nowadays? do you think Globalization is a controlling process from the United States or other big countries?

 Please leave your comment below in 65-100 words.

 Target Language: Vocabulary related to globalization

Deadline: April 6th

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Job Interviews [Freshman]

Dear Students:

 During classes we have been discussing the main points during a job interview, which are essential for applying successfully to a company. Regarding this, I'd like to know certain aspects you would considered in a possible job interview: How do you introduce yourself? What information do you usually offer? What qualities would you like your employer to know about? What characteristics would you prefer not to talk about? why?

 Please answer in at least 65 words (100 max)

Target Language: Vocabulary related to job interviews, Question tags and formal structures.

Deadline: April 6th

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Araucaria Park [8th Grade]

Dear students:

 Considering the topic discussed last weeks, you are going to provide your opiniones based on the Araucaria Park (which was very interesting and eco-friendly): What's the difference between a adventure vacation and a traditional vacation? which one do you prefer the most? How do travelers and tourists affect the environment today? What useful skills can you learn on this vacation? How does this vacation protect the environment? Would you like to go on vacation like this? Why or Why not?

Leave your comments below in 45-60 words.

Target Language: Vocabulary related to vacations (text on page 22 and 23)

Deadline: April 6th

Kind regards,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher

Active versus Sedentary Leisure Activities [7th Grade]

Dear Students:

 I hope this post finds you well. As we discussed in class, here you have your first written assignment.  Based on the text read on page 22 and 23, consider the following questions and publish your thoughts about it: What are your favorite free time activities? why? Do you prefer doing them indoors or outdoors? Do you think active hobbies are better than sedentary ones? why? Do you think young people spend their free time in a positive way? why?

Leave your comments below in 45-60 words

 Target Language: Like / Dislike expressions + ing verbs

Deadline: April 6th

Best,

Juan Guevara
English Teacher