Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Snapshot



Which of these favors would bother you the most?
Which would bother you the least?
What are three other favors that you dislike being asked?
Imagine that a close friend asked you each of these favors. What would you say?

Conversation

In this section you will be asked to participate in a live chat with one of your teachers. During this chat you will be sent an audio file which will include a conversation. You will listen to the conversation, practice it and after that with your teacher you will practice the conversation.

The live chat will be held via Skype (you are required to create an account if you do not have one) on November 15th and 16th, and it will last for 10 minutes so you MUST be on time. You need to add the contact called: admonK.skype

The schedules are the following

November 15th

Juan Manuel 7:00 -7:10
Grecia 7:15 - 7:25
Lizeth Vanesa 7:30 - 7:40
Efrain 7:45: - 7:55
Enrique 8:00 - 8:10
Rafael 8:15 - 8:25
Rex 8:30 - 8:40
Favela 8:45 - 8:55


November 16th

Cristina 7:00 - 7:10
Abril 7:15 - 7:25
Rosario 7:30 - 7:40
Ammy 7:45 - 7:55
Alejandra 8:00 - 8:10
Raul 8:15 - 8:25
Tessifonte 8:30 - 8:40
Juan Miguel 8:45 - 8:55

VERY IMPORTANT: Late calls will not be answered

Grammar Focus

Requests



For doubts about it you can either leave a comment or use the chat provided on the right of this blog.

Poner Actividad Aquí

Listening

Watch the following video an answer the following information questions on a file apart. Then send that document to the e-mail for homeworks: edson260180@correoa.uson.mx



What kind of format must the list of calculations have?

How thoroughly must you write what the money will be used for?

What kind of collaterals are mentioned as example?

What should you offer once you reach an agreement?

What is it that you must not forget at the very end?

Writing

Write an email to a classmate asking for several favors. Explain why you need help.

PAIR WORK. Exchange emails. Write a reply accepting or declining the requests.

Examples:

Request

Reply
Choose a partner and exchange emails and send the requests and replies to edson260180@correoa.uson.mx

Word Power

Which verb is not usually paired with each noun? Copy the exercise in a word document, choose the correct answer and send it to edson260180@correoa.uson.mx

(owe/offer/do/accept) an apology
(do / return /make / receive) a phone call
(return /do / ask for / make) a favor
(receive / accept / turn down / offer) an invitation
(make / deny / offer / refuse) a request
(deny / receive / give / refuse) a gift
(receive / return / do / give) a compliment
Poner actividad aquí

Grammar Focus

Requesting using clauses





For doubts about it you can either leave a comment or use the chat provided on the right of this blog.

Pass it on



Task: Make a thread of indirect requests among yourselves. You will need to be attentive if your name is mentioned in this activity. Follow the example below.


EXAMPLE
Initiator
Teacher: students, would you mind bringing me your homework to school on Monday at 9am?

Thread
  • Ivan: oh yeah sure teacher! Jorge, could you tell Mario that we will change our meeting on Monday?
  • Jorge: it's OK. Martin, please ask Aracely whether she will be working by that time on Monday?
  • Martin. No problem. Edson, can you ask José when I should pick him up?
  • Edson: Alright. Ana, would you...

You have to avoid redundancy and repetition of words. Correct use of indirect requests will be graded too.

So, here you have the initiating comment:
  • Hello guys! would you please watch the documentary Galapagos Islands in order to make a discussion? thanks

NOTE: this instruction is fictitious.

Reading

How to Ask a Favor

By an eHow Contributor
Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/how_2073724_ask-favor.html

Asking for a favor is amazingly easy for some people, while others practically stammer to get their request out. We all need help at work, school or in our personal lives. Whether you need a small favor (a few free cookies for the kids) or a big favor (help with the mortgage payment), here's how to get your favor granted without losing friends or your pride.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions


1. Ask only for what you really need. Regardless of who you ask or how you ask, convincing someone to help you shouldn't be taken lightly. It's fine to ask for favors once in awhile, but don't make it a habit or crutch. Being self-sufficient is a sign of strength, so endeavor for that first.

2. Be confident, but don't assume the answer will be yes. A middle ground seems to work best for asking favors. Don't be arrogant and assume it's owed to you, but don't be weepy and apologetic either.

3. Choose the right person to help you with a favor. If you need to borrow money, ask someone who has money, not someone who's broke like you. If your requests are always being turned down and what you're asking for is reasonable, then maybe the person you're asking isn't the best person to choose. You'll probably always get no for an answer from that person, so choose another friend.

4. Back up your request with facts. Let the person you're asking know why you need the favor, and ask with logic. Even if you're in dire straits, try not to get too emotional.

5. Return the favor. Take the coworker who helped you with your report out for a coffee, or reward your best friend with concert tickets after they get that autographed CD for you. Remember, what comes around goes around.

Task: pick one of the instructions and mention and example of the situation in your own words. Insert your answer as a comment to this post.

Example:
Instruction 4 - A friend asks for a textbook to a classmate of his. He says he hasn't bought it yet because the library will have the books within two weeks.