The Advice Column

An advice column is a short section in a newspaper or magazine to which people can write a letter explaining a problem that they have. Some advice columnists answer questions about household chores, gardening and cooking while others are called "AGONY AUNTIES." Agony aunties focus on problems that people have with their partners, friends, neighbors and family. Sometimes the problems are very serious, and sometimes they are silly. The columnist has to write advice for the people who write to him or her in a way that is clear and succinct.

Why don't you try it?

Here is an example of an advice column letter, originally sent to Ann Landers, one of the most famous advice columnists in the USA. Read it and give the writer some advice on her problem!

Dear Ann Landers: I am planning to marry the love of my life in June. "Phillip" is a terrific guy, except when it comes to my 12-year-old daughter, "Beth," who is very sweet but has attention-deficit disorder. Phillip does not understand that she needs to be reminded of things over and over. When he asks her to do a chore, he expects her to jump to it immediately. He doesn't realize that Beth is distracted easily and forgets. She isn't being deliberately disobedient.I think Phillip is being too hard on Beth when he says she needs more discipline. I agree that Beth may resent Phillip's presence in my life, but it doesn't help when he yells at her all the time. I love him dearly, but I'm having second thoughts about what marrying him might do to my daughter. Help me make the right choice. — Unsure in Baltimore

Prepare a response that gives advice to "UNSURE IN BALTIMORE" about her problem. What can she do about her situation? Be sure to use words like "should, could, might and may."

Remember to follow the paragraph structure we're been working on in class. Prepare your answer of 4-6 sentences in paragraph form, and publish it in the comments below!

Midterm Exam

Remember to study diligently for your midterm exam!

The test will cover units 1, 2 and 3 from American Headway 3a.

Remember to study the glossary at the back of the book, review the grammar tenses and prepare to write a response to a prompt.

See you there!

Week of February 23-27

This week there will be NO homework on the blog because you will be turning in your BIOGRAPHY writing assignment.

Please take the time that you would normally spend on blog homework and spend it on your writing assignment.

UP Life Montage

Watch the life montage from Pixar's UP. Pay attention to detail.

Use the past tense to RE-TELL the story of Carl and Ellie's life together.
Prepare the story in paragraph form - REMEMBER TO USE SHORT SENTENCES - and publish your response in the comment section below.

The Bad Eggs

Watch the animated film short, Bad Eggs, by Pixar.

Re-tell what happened in as much detail as you can. Remember to use the past tense of verbs in your description.

Post your re-telling the comment section below.

Happy Valentine's Day

There is only one homework assignment on the blog this week. Make sure to complete it!




Assignment: Watch the video found here.
Then, go to this page and read the article about Valentine's Day.

Prepare a paragraph of 4-6 sentences that explains ONE CAUSE (or impetus) that has led to (EFFECT) today's traditional celebration of St. Valentine's Day.
For example: St. Valentine is a priest who went against the King's order (for what? I don't know! Read the page!), his saint day is celebrated on February 14.

Publish your paragraph in the comments section below.

COMMENTS WERE CLOSED ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 at 1:15pm

One Week Job

One Week Job is a documentary about a guy named Sean who is trying to find his passion - his ideal job. He sets off for a year, trying a different job every week.

Assignment:
Watch the video and answer the following questions (in the comment section below).

1. Do you think that it is important to try different jobs to find one that you like? Why or why not?

2. Do you think that it is important to find a job that you are passionate about? How would "work" be different if you really loved your job?