Tara Benwell's Posts

Tech Help vs. English Help

Posted by Tara Benwell on April 9, 2010

Just a quick reminder that ALL of your tech questions should be placed in the Technical HELP forum. Please do not place your question on a manager's wall. Please do not send tech questions to a manager's inbox. These will get lost. Click on the link for Technical HELP on the right side of your screen and add your question to the forum. Do NOT place questions about learning English in the Tech Help forum.

If you have a technical problem:

1) Review the list of questions in the forum. Make sure your question has not been answered before.

2) Check a second computer. Many tech problems are related to your computer.

2) State your problem clearly.

3) State your operating system.

4) State which browser you are using. (Try another browser to see if the problem is still there.)

5) State the country you are in. Keep in mind that some countries block you from seeing content such as videos or images. MyEC cannot fix this.

If you have a question about learning English:

1. Pose your question in a blog. More people will find it and try to help you.

2. Search for teachers on MyEC.

3. Go into the chat room and pose your question.

4. Ask your friends. MyEC is a place to learn from each other.

5. Please do not rely on managers, administrators, or moderators to answer your English questions. We get many questions every day and cannot answer all of them. We'll do our best!

Thank you!

Writing Challenge #18: Top Ten Lists

Posted by Tara Benwell on April 5, 2010

Did you know that the most popular blog posts often contain lists? Top ten lists are very popular. For some reason our eyes are attracted to headings and bold text. Numbered headings are easy to follow. Even if you don't have time to read the whole post, you can get the gist.

If you want people to read your blogs, it is a good idea to include lists. These can be bulleted or numbered lists. For this month's writing challenge you are going to create a Top Ten List on any topic! Within your list you can create useful links to related pages on the Internet that your readers might enjoy. (Read "How to add a link" if you don't know how to do this.)

get the gist=understand the main pointsYour Task1. Choose a topic that interests you (people, places, things, travel, movies, books, pets etc..)2. Create a Top Ten List in your own words. (Please do not copy a list from the Internet!) Name your list: Writing Challenge #18: Top Ten ... (your topic)3. Write at least one sentence beside each numbered entry. This sentence should describe the reason why this entry deserves to be in your list. Provide some fun links for your readers.4. Come back to this blog and share a link to your Top Ten List.5. Visit other Top Ten Lists on MyEC and leave comments for the bloggers!My ExampleTop Ten Things I want to Do before I Die1. Become a published novelist. I spent many years writing a novel. My agent is currently looking for a publisher. It is a difficult waiting game. In the meantime, I have to keep writing.2. Spoil my grandchildren. My kids are still young, but I am already thinking about how much fun it will be to be a Grandma!3. Go to a Writer's Retreat in New Mexico. I've heard New Mexico is a great place for writers to find inspiration.4. Live in a yellow house with a red door. My dream house is yellow and it has a large front south-facing deck. It's near a beautiful beach and it has a red door. Don't you love beautifully painted doors?5. Volunteer with children. I love reading to children. It scares me to think that my own kids won't always be into picture books. When they are grown up I hope to read to kids as a volunteer. I always thought I'd work in a library, but perhaps it won't be a job.6. Have a host student in my home. I enjoy the company of English learners so much. One day I hope to have a spare room in my home so that I can provide a homestay for English learners. Maybe it will be my yellow house with the red door.7. Record one of my favourite books. I love listening to audio books, don't you? Sometimes when I'm reading silently I get the overwhelming urge to start reading out loud! Right now I'm reading "A Recipe for Bees" and I would love to record it. I would also love to record "Kingfisher Days" by Susan Coyne. Perhaps this is an occupation in my future.8. Learn to salsa. When my kids were babies I would put them in my BabyBjorn (front carrier) and dance around to salsa music for exercise. I would love to learn how to salsa properly! This is my favourite song to salsa to.9. Take a holiday with my two best girl friends. We've talked about going to Italy for our 40th birthday year, but we may be wrapped up with children and careers when that number rolls along. Even if we have to wait until we're 100 it will be fun!10. Open a bookstore/writing studio/cafe. Well, I don't know if this will ever go beyond a dream, but I'd love to at least live near one of these even if I don't own it.It's your turn now! Go open a new blog and start your list.

Plagiarism Pledge

Posted by Tara Benwell on March 12, 2010

Raise your right hand and repeat after me:

I __________ (your name) promise not to copy and paste text from the Internet to place on MyEC. I will only post my own writing. I understand that I do not learn any English when I copy and paste. I will follow the rules when quoting another writer by using the directions on EnglishClub's page. I also promise not to upload photos that I do not have permission to use.Instead, I will provide a link to photos that interest me online. I understand that the most interesting photos to my friends are the ones I take myself. I will provide titles and descriptions for these photos when I upload them to MyEC. If I need a photo that I do not have, I will choose a photo from a clipart site or free image gallery and provide a source. Finally, I will not upload music or videos unless I have permission to share these. After I take this pledge I will take a moment to look through my page and groups and remove any copyright protected content that I added in the past.

Please write your name in the comments after you take the pledge. You can also record the pledge and add it to your music player. Thank you for respecting the work of writers, artists, and photographers! Remember, the best way to learn is to use your own words.

*Note. The images in my posts are from a clipart gallery that I subscribe to. You can also try Creative Commons sections of Flickr and Stock Xng. If you have not paid for permission to use photos, make sure you provide a link to the photographer. Please ask me if you need more details.

Writing Challenge #17: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down

Posted by Tara Benwell on March 9, 2010

As a writer, you must always be on the lookout for inspiration. This is why I always carry a notebook. Two things inspired me to create the topic "Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down" for Writing Challenge #17:

1. An excellent blog post on Sherlock Holmes by MyEC Member Franklin Fernandes.

2. Watching Daniel Emmerson's latest film from The Learning English Video Project "Insights from China"

This month we are going to write movie reviews together. Will your movie get a thumbs up or a thumbs down?

Your Task

1. Choose a movie to review. (An English movie would be best!)

2. Create a new blog post. Use the title "Writing Challenge #17: Thumbs Up (or Thumbs down) for "Your Movie Title".

3. Write a few paragraphs about the film in first person (I). Be sure to include:

a) An attention grabber: The first line of your review must attract the reader.

b) The genre (comedy, action, horror, romantic comedy, documentary) and main actors.

c) A quote from the movie

d) The basic plot: Don't tell the most important details (especially the ending)

e) Why you liked or didn't like the film

4. Provide a star rating at the end of your review. 5 stars is best.

5. Come back to this challenge and share a link to your film review. Don't forget to visit other writers' reviews and leave comments for them!

My Example:

Writing Challenge #17: Thumbs Up for "Insights from China"

Is visiting China on your bucket list? After watching Insights from China, it is now near the top of mine. Daniel Emmerson's objective in creating The Learning English Video project was to find out "how and why people are learning ESL across the globe." It was obvious that China would be part of the project from the get go. Hundreds of millions of people are learning English in China. Many of these people are business workers, such as those from Spring Airlines, a company that is featured in the film. "We must learn English" says Solomon Molchizdek, the IT manager at the airline company. You can see his passion for the language. He giggles when he says his language is very poor and admits that English is becoming "more and more important". This is something learners around the world can identify with.

Insights from China is a film that stands on its own. It is my favourite film in the documentary series so far. As a teacher who hears the sorrows and fears of learners every day, I think that all English learners should take 18 minutes to watch it. Why? It will motivate you. It will remind you that you are not alone in your journey. It will convince you that by learning English you will have more opportunities in life. As one of the interviewees says in the film, there is no way to avoid learning English. "It's a fact!"

I like this film because it shows the motivation, determination, and warm personalities of Chinese learners. Their smiles are infectious. It also shows the rich culture of cities like Shanghai. Most importantly, I appreciate Wang's point that English is just a language and that learners should follow in the footsteps of a baby! Why do I love this line? Taking baby steps is my motto in life. Watch the film to find out why Solomon's motto is "Never say die".

*****

bucket list: a list of things you want to do before you die

objective: main point or reason

from the get go: from the beginning

giggle: to laugh in a child-like manner

identify with: understand easily because you have similar experiences or feelings

stand on its own: strong enough without the other parts or members

infectious: causes you to have or do the same

If you like this challenge, I encourage you to write a second review as well! Write one "thumbs up" and one "thumbs down". Watch all of the films (and take the online quizzes) from The Learning English Video Project .

The Wall vs. The Group Message

Posted by Tara Benwell on March 4, 2010

Dear Friends,

I am writing a letter for all of you to see and read. I hope that you don't mind that I am addressing it to all of my friends. Please know that I will not do this often. I will only send a message to ALL of my friends if it is an important notification. I think letters should be personal. They should be written from one member to another member.

MyEC is a place to learn and share English. Private messages are not necessary unless they contain private information between two people. A better place to write comments and ideas for a group is to write a blog. You can also use members' walls. This way everyone can see the writing and benefit from it.

When you send a private message to 80+ friends, most of your friends probably do not even open the message. Most will not respond either. This is not because they don't like you. It's because time is precious. We save time for the things that matter most. A group message is sometimes considered SPAM. We don't have time to sort through all of it. Personally, I only read messages that are addressed to me.

In the past I sent my Writing Challenge notifications via a group message. I stopped doing that a few months ago. I realized that many of my friends are not interested in practising writing. Most friends probably didn't open my message because it was written to so many people. I realized my mistake. Now I only notify friends who have shown interest in my challenges. I write my message on their walls. Hopefully other friends who stop by their walls will see my invite too.

This is only my opinion. Do you agree with me? Please share your comments below.

Thank you to all of my friends who have taken the time to write a personal letter. Sometimes these notes get lost because my inbox is full of group messages. Unless you have a private concern or question, please consider writing your thoughts, introductions, or questions on my wall. I will do my best to write back on your wall or leave a comment on your blog.

Your friend,

Tara

Writing Challenge #16: Postcards for 2010 Olympic Athletes

Posted by Tara Benwell on February 2, 2010

The Olympic Games are coming to my hometown of Vancouver and I am on my way there! Though I currently live in Ontario, Canada I was born in Vancouver and spent a third of my life there. With the mountains and beaches and forests it is the most beautiful city I have ever seen. I am excited to have the privilege to be in Vancouver for part of the Games.

Though the Winter Games do not receive as much attention as the Summer Games, they are a very important event for athletes and fans around the world. This month I am going to challenge you to write postcards to Olympic athletes. You can write postcards to athletes in your country or to athletes you spot on TV (or online) during the Games.There is a large list of athletes to choose from below. Even if you don't know any athletes, please write a postcard to at least one athlete!Your Task1. Review this list of athletes (or choose an athlete you know or see while watching the events)2. Create a new blog post. Use the Title: Writing Challenge #16: A Postcard for (name of athlete).3. Write your message. Here are some possible things you can write:a. Introduce yourselfb. Wish the athlete luck or offer prayersb. Offer suggestions for success, motivation,c. Ask questions about their sportd. Discuss the topic of using English at a world evente. Provide an inspirational quote4. Add a picture of your hometown or country! (This is a postcard after all!) If possible, please use a photo that you took yourself (and provide a label). Make sure you have a right to use the photo and give proper credit to the photographer.5. Come back to this blog and add a link to your postcard in the comments. We all want to read it! (You could also search for the athlete's website and try to send a link to your post. I'm going to send one to Emily.)My Postcard Example:

Dear Emily Brydon,As an Olympic hopeful on Canada's Alpine Ski Team, you must be getting very excited about the Olympic Games. I just read your latest blog on your website. Your thoughts on preparing for the Games remind me a lot of our English learners, especially those who have to take difficult exams like TOEFL. They too work long and hard on "fine tuning" their skills and "gaining confidence". For you and for English learners, success is based on how hard you work and how much you believe in your goals.Emily, my Olympic wish for you is that you remind yourself of your own good advice as you take to the world stage. You have already done the hard work! The rest should be a breeze. (I just learned about some of your events while creating a page for EnglishClub about different types of skiing (like slalom and Super G). Wow!I'm actually on the way to the Olympic city myself. I'll be in Vancouver for a few days to celebrate my Grandmother's 100th birthday. Talk about an Olympic victory! If you're interested in doing an interview, please leave me a comment.Make Canada proud, Emily!Sincerely,Tara Benwell"All things are possible, except for skiing through a revolving door." ~Author Unknown(My Image: Lake Ontario)

How to Share your Time Zone

Posted by Tara Benwell on January 22, 2010

What time zone are you in? My current time zone is Eastern Standard Time (EST).

MyEC now has a direct link to find out the times around the world. Go to the MyEC main menu and click on Time Zones to find out whether or not your friends should be awake!Soon your "time zone" will probably be a profile question and a map or clock will be added to make it easier to know your friends' times. Until then, I will share my trick...1. Go to your Settings.2. Under your favourite Quotation (don't erase your quotation) add a note that says My Time: EST (add yours instead). Look at my Profile to see how it looks. I have added a hyperlink to the current EST page on timeanddate.com. You can too! Here's how to add a link.

You could also add a blog post, or place your time zone code beside your city in your profile. If you write a blog make sure to call it "My Time Zone" and "tag" your post with your time zone. This will make it easier for other members to search for you.What other ideas do you have for sharing time zones? If you add your time zone to your page share a link to it in the comments.Related:Telling the Time 10 questions with "When" (beginners)Prepositions of Time

How to Tweet your MyPage Updates

Posted by Tara Benwell on January 20, 2010

It's great to see so many of you answering the question "What's new?" when you log in.Did you know that your status updates show up on the main page of MyEC? Answering the question "What's new?" is a great way to attract new visitors.The question "What's new?" is similar to Twitter's question "What's happening?". Now you can set up your MyPage updates to go out as tweets. Join Twitter to connect these two accounts.Here's how to connect MyEC to Twitter:1. Put a checkmark in the box with a t where you answer the question "What's new?" on your MyPage.

2. You will see this pop up box. Click connect.

You will have to allow the app to access your MyPage.

3. Enter your Twitter information. If you don't have a Twitter account yet, create one! Here is an easy guide to Twitter for English learners.4. Write your Status update. If the t box is checked your update will show up on MyEC AND on your Twitter account. (That's called "killing two birds with one stone.") If you don't want it to go to Twitter, uncheck the box. If your update is too long, you will see a minus beside a number.

You can shorten your update if it includes a link. You will see a message that says Shorten URL. Click on it!)

You can also use MyEC to send tweets that link to your blog! Check the box "Share this post on Twitter" after you write your blog. This will bring many new people to your page!If you have any questions about Twitter or how to connect MyEC to Twitter, let me know!

Writing Challenge #15: Recipe for 2010

Posted by Tara Benwell on January 6, 2010

Happy New Year writers! Are you ready to get back to work? I can't wait for you all to take part in this month's delicious writing challenge!This month we are going to write recipes. These aren't recipes for food! These are recipes for "success" or "happiness" or "romance" or "health" or whatever you are an expert in. We are going to write recipes to inspire other members to have a fabulous 2010.A typical recipe includes:A) A photoB) An introduction (background or a preview)B) An ingredients listC) Step-by-step directionsYour Task:1. Decide what your recipe will be for. (Example "success")2. Open a new blog post on your profile page. Give it the title "Writing Challenge #15: My Recipe for a "(your choice) " 2010.3. Write out a preview/introduction/background paragraph (a sentence or two)3. Write out an ingredients list. (this is like an outline)4. Write out the step by directions/instructions.5. Come back to this blog and share a link to your blog post in the comments.My Example Recipe:Tara's Recipe for a "Balanced" 2010

In 2010, think of each day as a gift. When you open your gift each morning, know that you have exactly enough time to complete everything you want and need to do.Ingredients:

laughter
work that you love doing
friends
family
your passion
gratitude

Directions:First, carve out some time for yourself. You should have at least an hour a day to do the one thing in life that makes you tick. Second, save some time for the friends and family members who you truly love. Don't waste time with people you don't enjoy. Your social life should be filled with people who truly "get" you. Third, take your doctor's advice about laughter. It truly is the best medicine. Think about what makes you giggle like a child. Is it funny movies, YouTube videos, or talking to your best friend on the phone? Make sure to have one good belly laugh each day. Next, only work as much as you need to. When you are at work, make sure it is work you enjoy. If you don't enjoy your work, your day will seem long and tiresome. Last but not least, at the end of each day, take a moment to be grateful for your balanced life.Here is another sample for you: Expector's Recipe for a Healthy 2010

I'm playing Game #10: "Find Someone Who..." Are you?

Posted by Tara Benwell on December 29, 2009

PLEASE PLAY THIS GAME TOO!I'm playing Game #10: Find someone who... Eventually I hope to add members' names to this list! Now to find people to answer my questions...Here is a tip. Visit the chat room and ask your questions.1. Selma loves to drink apple juice.2. Nucha knows how to do a French braid. Her friend asks her to do it for her often. She says it is difficult to explain, but she shared a "How to French braid video"!3. Lilyana prefers hamburgers to steak.4. expectorsmith wants to visit New York City. (A very interesting member. You should befriend him.)5. ........knows how to sail.6. ........snores while he/she sleeps.7. ........has difficulty pronouncing the "r" sound.8. ........has a dream of being a movie star.9. Sara won many awards in high school including math an physics.10. Salim has 3 very strange pets (as I thought he might). They are three square shaped insects that smell as good as perfume. They live in a pot by his window and he sniffs them from time to time! How strange! I hope he'll post a photo of these pets.11. .......speaks more than four languages.12. .......is allergic to peanuts.13. .......wants to visit outer space.14. Zahra can't whistle. (It was tough adding Zahra to this list! I asked her many questions in the chat room.)15. .......still sends "snail mail" sometimes.16. .......bites his/her nails.17. Nadiyah wears glasses for reading and everything else too. She looks beautiful in her glasses, don't you think? She has been wearing them since secondary school (also called high school). My daughter told me she wishes she could wear glasses to school.18. DeBoy never eats breakfast. He only has tea in the mornings.19. Sethumenon talks to strangers regularly. "They are more reliable."20. .......plays on a sports' team.Visit Gamer's blog for instructions on how to play.

Writing Challenge #14: Adapt the Lyrics

Posted by Tara Benwell on December 4, 2009

Whether you are studying English in a foreign country, or on your own at home, listening to music is a great way to practice your skills! You can find English music stations online, or listen to English music on sites such as YouTube.

Many people (regardless of religion) sing holiday songs during the month of December. These songs are also known as carols. One fun way to practise writing is to adapt (change) the lyrics of a carol (or other popular song). When you adapt lyrics, you keep some of the original lyrics. The words that you change should still fit into the song with the original tune.This month we are going to practise adapting song lyrics. You don't have to choose a Christmas song if you don't want to. Choose a popular song that most people will know. You can do this challenge on your own or with a partner.Your Task1. Find a MyEC partner (or decide to do the challenge on your own).2. Choose a holiday song (or other popular song). Here is a large list of lyrics to holiday songs!3. Change some of the lyrics to the song to make it your own song! (Do one verse or the whole song.)4. Post the new lyrics on your own blog. Use the blog title: Writing Challenge #14: Your Song's Name5. If you can find a link to the original song (or lyrics) online add the link from your blog to help readers catch the tune (see my example).6. Come back and post a link to your adapted song in the comments here.My Example:I just posted my example on ESL Magazine. Check out my adaptation of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" here. (This is an easy one to adapt. You can use it too.)BONUS CHALLENGE: Do you have a microphone? Record your song and upload it to your audio player for all of us to hear! (Or record a video) Will anyone accept this audio challenge?TIP: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is a fun holiday song for practising English. Here is my daughter's favourite version.

How to Add a Link

Posted by Tara Benwell on November 23, 2009

Here are the steps to create a link in your blog (or in a comment). A link takes the reader to another Internet page. The link can take you to content on MyEC, on EnglishClub.com, or on another Internet site.

The advanced way:
1. Look for the URL (website address) of the page you want to link to. Each MyEC page has its own URL. Look at the address bar at the top of the page to find the exact URL.

2. Copy the URL.
3. Type text that you want readers to click on (Ex: "My other blog is here").
4. Highlight all or part of the text with your mouse (Ex: "here").

5. Click on the icon that looks like a link. A window will open.

6. Paste the URL. Click OK.

My other blog is here.

The easy way:
1. Copy the URL (website address) of the page you want to link to.
2. Paste the URL in your blog or in a comment. It will look like this: http://www.englishclub.com

A Note to Writing Challenge Members:
I encourage you to respond to the challenges on your own blogs. Use "Writing Challenge #..." in your title to help others find you. Then, come back to the writing challenge and leave a comment with a link to your blog post.

Writing Challenge #13: An Interview with a MyEC Member

Posted by Tara Benwell on November 12, 2009

For this writing challenge you will need a partner! You are going to interview your partner about a topic of your choice. You can choose any member of MyEC to be your partner.

Your task:1) Send a message to one of your friends requesting an interview.Example message: Hi Salim (my partner's name). Can I interview you for Writing Challenge #13? You will have to answer five questions. The interview will be published on my MyEC blog.2) Think of an interesting topic for your interview. You might want to look at your partner's page for inspiration. Write 5 interesting questions related to your topic. Send these interview questions to your MyEC friend. Make sure these questions are NOT simple yes/no or one word answer questions.Topic examples:The Swine FluLife as an English LearnerSeasons in SpainFamily TraditionsYour Favourite MusicYour educationYour JobQuestion examples:What do you do for a living?What made you decide to become a teacher?Where would you like to travel and why?What is it like living in Japan?3) Wait for your partner's response. When you receive a response, open a new blog page and copy and paste the questions and answers. You can even request a photo to go with the interview. If you fix any major mistakes, discuss the corrections with your partner. (If you do not receive a response to your questions in a few days, change your partner.)4) Publish the interview (questions and answers) on your blog. Use this title in your blog:
Writing Challenge #13: An Interview with _________ (member name) about _______ (topic)5) Come back to this page and add a link to your interview in the comments below! Please visit other interviews and leave comments for all of the writers who participate. Feel free to do more than one interview!----------SAMPLE INTERVIEW

Writing Challenge #13: An Interview with Salim about the Loss of his Cats.

Tara: I was very sorry to hear you lost some pets last month. Can you describe what happened?Salim: Well,cats are curious and that's what kills them.I used to have fourteen cats. A few weeks ago,one of them started to vomit and hid himself. Then,I found him dead the next day.The same happened with three other ones even if I took them to a vet he couldn't find the sickness.Tara: How are you feeling now?Salim: I'm so sad,because I raised them since their first days on earth.You feel as if you lost a part of yourself.Tara: Do you have any advice for cat owners?Salim: Yes,always look after them. Never let them get in some place where they can find unhealthy stuff.Tara: What was the most difficult part about this loss?Salim: They used to make a lot of sweet noise while playing,they used to enter from the balcony,the windows. But now,all these things are over.Tara: You must be an animal lover if you have that many kitties. Can you tell us about your other pets?Salim: I have a canary,a turtle,some pigeons,and so many goldfinches because they are so popular here.Thank you Salim for agreeing to take part in this interview. May your beloved kitties rest in peace.*Photo courtesy of Salim

Tara's Writing Challenge Member List

Posted by Tara Benwell on October 30, 2009

NEW: I will only be notifying those who are active members. You must participate in order to continue receiving notification. Anyone is welcome to participate even if you are not on the list!

Each month I post a new writing challenge for learners on my blog. Teachers are also welcome to join! Please add your name in the comment section here if you want to receive a notice of NEW writing challenges. You MUST add me as a friend to receive notification. Please add the other people in this group as friends as well. See the comments to add Writing Challenge members to the list.

*Note: You can participate in the challenges even if your name is not on this list. You will not receive an official notice of a new challenge.You MUST participate in the challenges in order to keep your name on the list.We are now working on Writing Challenge #12.*Thank you Hanane for the notification request.

How to Get the Most out of EC's Community

Posted by Tara Benwell on October 21, 2009

I received a great question today from a new MyEC member:
"How can I join this community?"

Community is so important in life. When you feel like you are part of something, you thrive. To thrive means to live well and grow. It is not enough to join a club such as MyEC. To become part of the community you must greet, meet, participate, and support one another. This is true for learners and teachers.

Here are 25 ways to become part of EnglishClub.com's growing community:

1. Welcome at least one new MyEC member every time you log in.
2. Add a new friend each day. (Please include a short note!)
3. Leave a comment on someone's blog every day! No blog should be left behind.:(
4. Join a group. Introduce yourself to group members.
5. Get to know about 5-10 members more closely. Consider these people your OBF's (online best friends). Find learning partners here!
6. Add a few photos and describe them.
7. Comment on one photo or video each day.
8. Write one blog post a week. Share it. (Don't know what to blog? Check here!)
9. Take the monthly writing challenges.
10. Play the monthly games.
11. Join chat for a few minutes each time you log in to MyEC. Or chat here on EC.
12. Read ESL Magazine and leave a comment.
13. Use EC's forums.
14. Discuss the Monthly News with other learners.
15. Follow EnglishClub on Twitter. Teachers can follow TEFL.net too.
16. Start a new group based on your interests or needs.
17.Record and upload an audio introduction to your music player.
18. Invite a few people you know in real life to join MyEC. (students, colleagues, family members)
19. Ask for advice from teachers or advanced learners.
20. Offer advice to beginners or those who ask.
21. Share links to your favourite EC resources, articles, tips with other learners.
22. Become a Facebook Fan of EnglishClub, MyEC, or TEFL.net
23. Meet the EnglishClub team.
24. Sign the guest book.
25. Share your comments and suggestions with EC's team.

BONUS tip: English Club is now on YouTube! Watch some videos and leave a comment. Bookmark this page: https://www.youtube.com/englishclub

Wordchecker:
get the most out of: have the best experience; benefit from greatly
thrive: to live well and to grow
community: a group that you belong to and participate in; a sense of belonging
left behind: forgotten about; ignored (also "left out")

Does EnglishClub.com help you feel like part of a community? Please share your stories and tips here!

Writing Challenge #12: My Dream English School

Posted by Tara Benwell on October 14, 2009

A few months ago we had fun building our dream clubhouse. The writers were so creative I thought it would be fun to build our dream English school.

Are you currently attending an English school? Have you attended one in the past? Think about what you liked and what you didn't like. What would you do differently if you owned the school? What would your English school look like if you had all of the money in the world? How would it operate? This school could open in the future, when technology and travel were even more advanced than they are today. Here are some things to think about:The teachersThe lessonsThe locationThe curriculumThe hoursThe extra curricular activitiesThe subject matterThe technologyThe class sizeThe class lengthThe foodThe rulesThe class demographicsThe feeThe appearanceYour task:1. Create a post on your own MyEC blog called "Writing Challenge #12: My Dream English School" (Thank you to last month's participants for starting this submission trend! It was a great idea to have the stories on your blogs instead of in the comments.). At the end of your post write this question for readers: "Would you go to my school? Why or why not?"2. Come back to this page and provide a link to your dream school post in the comment section. (Click on the icon that looks like a chain. Insert the url from your own blog post. Let me know if you have any problems.)3. Visit other "Dream School" posts by members and answer their question: Would you go to their school? Why or why not?My Example:My dream English school would be located in New Mexico. I have never been to New Mexico, but I hear it is an inspiring place for writers. There would be fresh coffee beans in each classroom (and a place to store chocolate). The teachers would be allowed to wear jeans to school. Each class would have a maximum of six students and we would all sit on bean bag chairs near a big window. Much of the classroom work would take place outside of the classroom, in local art galleries, cafes, and parks. School would start around ten in the morning and end around two. Students would take turns bringing in food from their native countries to share for lunch and snack time. Yum! We wouldn't use many textbooks, but we would do lots of reading, writing, and sharing together. Once a week we would Skype with another English class from a different part of the world.Would you come to my school? Why or why not?--Note: I will *Feature the most popular "My Dream School" post on MyEC at the end of the challenge. Write your hearts out!

How is Your Weather Today? Blog your own Daily Report.

Posted by Tara Benwell on September 21, 2009

How's the weather in your part of the world? Visit regularly and provide members with an update on the weather in your region in the comment section. (Or write your own "Today's Weather Report" in your own blog and provide a link in this comment section.) Be sure to include this information in your report:Location: (Region or country)Date:Time:Temperature:Weather conditions:My example:It's 10:30 am on September 21, 2009. I am in Ontario, Canada. The temperature is about 15 degrees Celsius. It's a bit windy, though I am near the lake. It's mainly cloudy, but I see a bit of sunshine trying to poke through. It's expected to warm up a bit this afternoon, and will be a nice day to take a walk on the boardwalk. The leaves are already starting to change to a bright orange.How's your weather today? (Write in the comments or write your own blog and provide a link in this comment section.)*This post serves as an example for #13 in "I don't know what to blog".Related:Weather vocabulary, expressions, and practice Does the World need more Seasons?

I Don't Know What to Blog: Blog Topic Ideas

Posted by Tara Benwell on September 21, 2009

The first thing I do when I log in to MyEC is check out the latest blog posts. What are the learners writing? What are the teachers sharing? Some days I find really interesting thoughts. Some days I find very funny stories. I love learning about holidays and cultural events. Occasionally I find material that is copied from the web. If this happens I remind learners of the rules.

Often I find a post by someone who doesn't know what to write. Today was one of those days. As a writer, this is hard for me to understand. My problem isn't what to write. For me, the problem is finding more time to write! However, I write in my own native language. Many of you are writing in your second, third or fourth language! This is amazing and you should be proud of taking this risk.I thought it might be helpful to make a list of blog post ideas. Many of these ideas are from members who have written blogs on these topics.Blog Topic Ideas:1. Write an introductory post (Answer who, what, where, when, why, how about yourself. Don't provide any information that is too personal, such as a telephone # or address)2. Write about your day3. Comment on a current event in the news (in your own writing)4. Share cultural information about your country5. Choose a writing challenge topic from my blog (such as #11). Make sure to link to your blog post from the comments in my blog. This will help more readers find your blog.6. Share and describe a photo. (use the camera icon to upload a photo and add it to your text)7. Describe a funny or embarrassing moment from your past.8. Write a review about a movie, book, album, or website.9. Write a post using EC's phrasal verb, slang, and idiom of the day.10. Choose your favourite quote and write a post about it.11. Pose a question to MyEC members and invite readers to comment.12. Invent a game.13. Provide a weather report for your town.14. Write a poem or song15. Write a letter to a famous person.I hope you will join me in adding to this list. Please use the comment section to add your blog topic ideas.*Please include a comment (with a link) if you have tried one of the topics above. I will add a link to some of my favourite examples.

Writing Challenge #11: A Day in the Life

Posted by Tara Benwell on September 11, 2009

Calling all writers! I think we're ready for some creative writing fun again. This month, let's use our imaginations to write a page out of someone (or something) else's diary. We're going to describe a day in the life of people, animals, or even inanimate objects. What is a typical day like for an ant, or a school bus, or a sky diving instructor? Flip open to a page of their diary. What would it say?

Your task:
Choose something from the list below and describe a day in the life of this person, animal or object. Write about your day in first person (I) using the comment section below.1. newborn baby2. fish in an aquarium3. book on a library shelf4. ant5. person lost at sea6. president of a country7. basketball8. butterfly9. tree on the beach10.spider web11. refrigerator12. peacock13. snail14. washing machine15. doormat16. pillow17. golf ball18. scissors19. pen20. window cleanerMy example: A Day in the Life of a Washing MachineI don't know how I got stuck with this family of ten. All I want is one day of rest. Is that too much to ask? My dream is to be left alone for a single day. Even when they don't turn me on, they leave a smelly sock or a dirty cloth inside me. Some days I do five loads back to back. Don't they know it's tiring being on spin cycle that much? It is nice to be needed, but a little appreciation wouldn't hurt. Do you ever hear anyone say, "I love my washing machine"? Maybe in those other houses with the fancy new front loading washers, but not in this house. Not with an old model like me. I do a good job. I only break down if they load me too full. I rarely leak. Would it hurt them to say thank you? A new brand of detergent would be a nice touch. Maybe something ecofriendly or non-scented. At least they didn't use bleach today. Today was a dark load day. Tomorrow is for whites.Note: If you want to add to the list, leave your suggestion in the comments. Or, feel free to come up with your own person, animal or object.How was your day?Image: JasonRogersFooDogGiraffeBee

The Perfect Resume: A fictional resume created by MyEC's Writing Group

Posted by Tara Benwell on September 9, 2009

Thank you to everyone who participated in Writing Challenge #10. Here is the Angel's resume. Would you hire him?Name: Angel Q. SmartypantsBirth Date:12/02/1976Gender:MaleNationality:BritishVisa Status:AvailableResidence Location:Yorkshire,EnglandMarital Status:SinglePhone number:(00574)47586924315E-mail:singlegentleman@englishclub.comObjective: To become a successful freelance Web DesignerEducation1997-2000 National Academy of Public Administration, Bachelor of General ManagementRelevant course work: Strategy and Plan Management Human Resource Management Public Administration Management Organization Operation and Management Project Management Psychology Laws Management Information Systems2000-2003 Bikini Bottom University Bikini Bottom* Advanced Diploma of Multimedia.Employment HistoryOct, 2008 – Feb, 2009: HR Consultant: TalentPool Vietnam, Hanoi Consulting and assisting the clients in HR management such as building staffingand training programs, recruiting and selecting the best appropriate candidates,especially for the famous firms Assisting the education programs of company such as supporting to build thelesson and translating the lesson from English into VietnameseNov, 2006 – Sep, 2008: CEO: Canvas Décor, Head Office, Hanoi Building long-term strategy and plans in detail for company; reorganizingcompany; maintaining good relationships with current clients and building thenew relations with potential clients Managing and supervising all facets of works in company Rescuing company from bankruptcy and tripling turnover and benefit successfulNov, 2005 – Oct, 2006: Chief of Planning and ADM - HR Dept: Mosaique Décor, Head Office, Hanoi Assisting BOD to build company’s long-term strategy, specific plans andcompany’s projects Building working process, regulation and policies of company, managing HR andADM operations in company and ensuring these acts understand thoroughly Supervising and co-operating with other department to deal with problems toensure the working and projects processOct, 2004 – Oct, 2005: Research Group Leader: NAPA, ASRI, HanoiProject: “Improving the quality of state management written text of Hanam Provincial People’s committee” Building project’s objectives, specific implementation plans and schedules Managing and supervising all facets of project such as HR, procurement, deadline,quality, and risks. Contacting the local government and experts Running professional meeting, finalizing the report and defendJun, 2004 – Oct, 2004: Project Assistant: Pacific Consultant International, Hanoi OfficeProject: “Road No. 01 Rehabilitation – section: Ha Nam – Nghe An” Supporting to build plans of the project Implementing the social monitoring plan and making reportEmployment HistoryOct, 2008 – Feb, 2009: HR Consultant: TalentPool Vietnam, Hanoi Consulting and assisting the clients in HR management such as building staffingand training programs, recruiting and selecting the best appropriate candidates,especially for the famous firms Assisting the education programs of company such as supporting to build thelesson and translating the lesson from English into VietnameseNov, 2006 – Sep, 2008: CEO: Canvas Décor, Head Office, Hanoi Building long-term strategy and plans in detail for company; reorganizingcompany; maintaining good relationships with current clients and building thenew relations with potential clients Managing and supervising all facets of works in company Rescuing company from bankruptcy and tripling turnover and benefit successful2006-present Trusty Labs Web Designer Collect his money. Develop and maintain Trusty Lab's website.2004-2005 Bikini RestaurantWaiter Serve a costumer well.-Volunteer Work:The Learning Source for Adults and Families455 South Pierce St.Lakewood, Colorado 80226Phone: 303.922.46832001 to present – Volunteer TutorTaught four two-hour classes every week alternating in all ESOL levels 0 to 6 (non-English speakers to advanced university students)2005 Autumn – Lead TeacherManaged tutors and local learning center including four classes every week for 3 months when lead teacher left.Centro San Juan Diego2830 Lawrence StDenver, CO 80205(303) 295-94702005 to present – Volunteer TeacherHelping to save the north pole Whales from vanishing with "Green peace" along two years.Attending the "Red cross" seminars about health and cares in wars.2007 -Volunteered in Indonesia after the Tsunami.2008-Taught summer courses for kids not attending schools in Nigeria.Taught five semesters of beginning English using some Spanish, two semesters of Intermediate English using mostly English, two semester of Advanced English English-only.Accomplishments:President of the professional fraternity of Delta Sigma PiG.P.A: 4.00 out of 4.00Internships: IT intern in Microsoft Windows, while being sophmore in Harvard University. Chief Marketing Analyist for JP Morgan Chase Bank, while a university juniorSpecial Skills  Microsoft Office PowerPoint MS ProjectSmart Draw SPSS, ISO 2000-9001, SA 8000Time management organizational skills communication skillsPersonal interests: star gazing studying personality types skiing black diamond trails note-taking politics sports(tennis, horseriding, football) TravellingReferences:Bill Gates Prince Charles Queen Elizabeth(Contact information available upon request)