Hello Group B,

Last week, I distributed instructions for your final presentations which were as follows:

"Once you have chosen your topic, think of a PROBLEM within that topic that you can conduct a presentation on. Ideally, you should choose to explain a current problem within a project that you are working on".

This week's task asks you to write a short outline (in paragraph form) for each of the following sections below. Please limit your responses to 1 paragraph for EACH question below. The information you post in your response will be used in your PowerPoint slides for the presentation.

1) What is the Problem or issue? (1-2 sentences only) E.g. How can the Edmonton Oilers be the best team in the NHL?

2) Describe the Current situation- E.g. a) Edmonton is the defending Western Conference Champions, b) The Oilers beat Calgary in Nov 2006, and c) Our defense needs help.

3) Describe the Pros or Advantages of the current situation. - E.g. a)Edmonton was at the top of the NHL standings in early 2006, b) every home game is sold out, and c) we have the best ice in the NHL .

4) Describe the Cons or Disadvantages of the current situation. - E.g. a) Calgary fans think that their team is better than Edmonton’s, b) Edmonton fans are too rowdy, and c) our arena is old.

5) Briefly propose a Solution or solutions to this problem. - E.g. a) Build a new state of the art arena by 2012, b) ban Calgary fans from coming to Oiler's home games, and c) keep beating Calgary!

6) Explain and predict the Future Outlook based on your analysis of the problem and solutions. - E.g. Based on the above, Edmonton will continue to beat Calgary and will surely win the Stanley Cup in 2008.

I look forward to your responses!

Vinay

Hello Group A,

Last week, I distributed instructions for your final presentations which were as follows:

"Once you have chosen your topic, think of a PROBLEM within that topic that you can conduct a presentation on. Ideally, you should choose to explain a current problem within a project that you are working on".

This week's task asks you to write a short outline (in paragraph form) for each of the following sections below. Please limit your responses to 1 paragraph for EACH question below. The information you post in your response will be used in your PowerPoint slides for the presentation.

1) What is the Problem or issue? (1-2 sentences only) E.g. How can the Edmonton Oilers be the best team in the NHL?

2) Describe the Current situation- E.g. a) Edmonton is the defending Western Conference Champions, b) The Oilers beat Calgary in Nov 2006, and c) Our defense needs help.

3) Describe the Pros or Advantages of the current situation. - E.g. a)Edmonton was at the top of the NHL standings in early 2006, b) every home game is sold out, and c) we have the best ice in the NHL .

4) Describe the Cons or Disadvantages of the current situation. - E.g. a) Calgary fans think that their team is better than Edmonton’s, b) Edmonton fans are too rowdy, and c) our arena is old.

5) Briefly propose a Solution or solutions to this problem. - E.g. a) Build a new state of the art arena by 2012, b) ban Calgary fans from coming to Oiler's home games, and c) keep beating Calgary!

6) Explain and predict the Future Outlook based on your analysis of the problem and solutions. - E.g. Based on the above, Edmonton will continue to beat Calgary and will surely win the Stanley Cup in 2008.

I look forward to your responses!

Vinay

Last week we covered the topic of initiating "small-talk", or short conversations with your co-workers. Your task this week is to initiate a conversation with another worker at who is:

b) Someone you do not know

Write two paragraphs describing how this experience went for you.

1) Follow the, "How to Make Small Talk" process flow diagram

2) Pick a question to ask a co-worker from the, "Getting to Know You Interview Form".
3) After they have answered, use open-ended questions (What, When, Where, Why, Who) to make the conversation LONGER
4) Politely interrupt the speaker when you hear something that you might have in common (i.e. Oh really? Me too!)

Some of you may find this task to be difficult; however, if you mention to your co-worker that your teacher has asked to you complete this task as part of the ESL program, they will be MORE than willing to help you.

 

You may print this week's question to show your co-worker what your requirements are if this helps you.

Good luck and I look forward to your responses.

 

Vinay

Hello Group B,

 

Last week we covered the very important topic of using correct language when emailing. For this week's posting, you are required to write an email that INFORMS a client about the details of a project that you are currently working on. Remember that most emails can include more than one purpose, which means you might inform, request, and propose all in the same email. Use bullet points to organize ideas for your client.

You are required to send your email directly to joel@esl4work.com

 

 

Be sure to include the following in your email:

1) Subject line- which is accurate, informative, uses CAPITAL LETTERS (except for articles/prepositions), and adjectives.
2) Greeting- which is formal and has correct punctuation (i.e. use a comma)
3) Introduction- which states the OVERALL problem without using too much detail.
4) Body paragraph(s) - include detail and background data. You may wish to use bullet points here. For example, "The following are highlights of the Saudi Project:

 Production Costs - Costs have exceeded the initial estimate by 200mm.

Food - The food that we are receiving is terrible; please bring fresh food directly to Vinay."

5) Concluding Sentence(s) - Summarizes your action and gives polite closing (e.g. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns).
6) Closing (e.g. Sincerely, Respectfully,)
7) Use at LEAST 2 TRANSITIONS at the beginning of a sentence (e.g. Furthermore, Moreover, etc.) and 2 TRANSITIONS in the middle of a sentence. (e.g. The well was drilled effectively; however, Vinay has not received any cash).
8) SELF- EDIT!!!!!- use the checklist provided last week.

I'm really looking forward to your emails this week.

Best of luck.

Vinay