Tara Benwell's Posts

Writing Challenge #10: The Perfect Resume

Posted by Tara Benwell on August 5, 2009

In response to this global recession, let's write a resume (also called CV) together. Uh-oh. I can hear your groans already! Don't worry. This is going to be a fun resume. We're going to write a resume for the perfect person!This person has the best skills, education, and experience you could ever imagine. Any business or company would be crazy not to hire this person. Let's call our perfect person "Angel Q. Smartypants".When we are done writing I will package your contributions and present the resume for all to see. We *may also write a cover letter.Your challenge:1) Choose one of the categories below.
2) Provide fictional information about Angel in the comment section. This can be in point form or in short sentences. Look at sample resumes for formatting and wording (links below).
3) Come back often to provide more information for Angel's perfect resume in a different category.

Categories to pick from:

Objective: What is Angel's career goal?
Personal information: Fictional address (think perfect), website, email
Skills:
Personal attributes:
Education: majors, minors, graduation, GPA etc.
Accomplishments: published work, awards, etc.
Volunteer Work:
Internships:
Work experience: (All jobs Angel has had over the years.)
Technical expertise:
Licenses and certifications:
Personal Interests:
References: (ex. famous people or companies Angles has worked with)

Here are some helpful links:Example Resume 7 Resume Tips Resumes, CV's, and Covering letters*Note: More than one writer can contribute to each section.I'll pick the best ones for the final copy.Image: Flikr user buyalex

An Obituary for Michael Jackson: Written by English Language Learners Worldwide

Posted by Tara Benwell on July 30, 2009

Thank you to all of the MyEC members who joined in Writing Challenge #9. I have compiled your contributions and organized them into a Group Obituary for MJ.The King of Pop is Dead. What is worthy to be said?We at MyEC are very very sad to announce the passing of the 'King of Pop'. He probably died of heart attack, even though it is impossible to know the exact cause of his death until the coming out of the result of the investigation. He is the most popular music superstar in the world. The world is in shock.As an artist, Michael Jackson tried to express himself. Although no one knows the reasons for his "white plastic surgery", he gave a lot to world from it. He showed to the world that black and white are just two colors and, are nothing to do with capability of humans and black soul also can replanted in a white body. He went beyond the all boundaries which separated people unreasonably.Michael Joseph Jackson began when he was born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine children in his family. He started to be the musical career when he was 5 years old with Jackson 5.In 1978 his first album “Off The Wall” was a big success around the world such as Rock With You , Don’t Stop ,Till You Get Enough and She’s Out of My Life and also got four of top- chart singles in US.In 1987 he had had a huge success with “Bad” album which is also regarded as a landmark in pop history, the “King of pop”. In 1993 he was accused of sexual abuse by 13 year old boy and settled out of court with the matter for $22 million.In 1994 Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley only lasted for 19 months then they divorced.Final time of his life was preparing for a phenomenal 50- date comeback residency at London’s 02 arena- dubbed “ This is it”. He died after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009. He was 50 years old.MJ is a pop icon, a man full of mystery , addicted to plastic surgery, talented, sometimes controversial. In his songs, pop king Michael Jackson was raising the following issues, such as racial problems faced by minorities, world peace, and reaching out to those in need (“From the Bottom of My Heart”). In 1998, Michael Jackson along with Luciano Pavarotti and Elizabeth Taylor performed a benefit concert for starving North Korean children on the demilitarized zone which separates North and South Korea.There's actually a lot to reveal about this man. He had a huge farm house named 'Neverland'. He had to spend a lot of money to continue its maintenance. Latest news says that Michael Jackson was a very lavish person. He wanted to lead a very wealthy life which he indeed had. He didn't even care if that expensive life cost him to borrow from others. Lately he wanted to build a permanent residence for himself in Ireland. His shocking death has indeed disappointed many of his fans following his business partners who are facing immense loss financially. The comeback concert that the organizers were planning for him are terribly caught now with confusion for the tickets worth 8 million dollars that they have sold out. Reports also claim that Michael Jackson sometimes used to borrow money worth 40-50 million dollars to proceed with lavish lifestyle.Michael Jackson ,a phenomenal singer and dancer was arguably the world's best entertainer on stage. His music genres were Pop, R&B, Rock, Funk. He won 197 major awards including 22 American Music Awards and 56 RIAA Awards.MJ 's birth name was Michael Joseph Jackson but different nick names were given to him as well like The Gloved One,Wacko Jacko ,King Of Pop,MJ.His height was 5' 10" (1.78 m).Jackson claims to have a skin disease called vitiligo. His brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson.He was father of Prince Michael Jackson I, Prince Michael Jackson II, and Paris Jackson.Michael Jackson's creative and yet amazing dance moves have mesmerized audiences all around the globe."The Moonwalk was a factor in what set Michael apart and clearly in a league of his own in the realm of superstardom.Michael did not invent the move, but perfected it and made it his own." His trade marks are the Moonwalk,single sequined white glove,he always wears white socks with black shoes,says "Hee Hee" in many of his songs,high-pitched voice.Your place in the world pop will be empty.Michael had impressed the entire world by his being himself,his manners of dance,his being Magician while playing in concerts such and such.His music have been listened throughout even those who didnt understand what he was singing.In Africa,children on the roads imitated his dances and songs although they dont even know who was Michael and sometimes when they played you could hear their voices saying"i am Michael Jackson"Michael is a Christian name. It is very common and ordinary name among Christians. He is named after the archangel St. Michael. (It was not a screen name).There are a lot of Michaels, even before him.In MJ's Neverland Ranch there was also a private zoo were once an elephant,a lion,crocodiles,giraffes n other exotic animals were held.MJ had a chimp,the Bubbles,which he rescued in 1985 from a cancer research clinic in Texas.Bubbles escorted MJ in many award ceremonies n it also learned how to moonwalk n dance.MJ also famously loved spiders.He had rare kinds of spiders in elaborate enclosures.When he was a young boy he had rats,dogs n other reptiles as his pet.His song Ben was a tribute to his pet rat.Animals were really liked infact loved by MJ.They were his friends whom MJ gave his love,care n affection.In his memorial at the Staples Centre in LA, Brooke Shields said Michael Jackson was more like a prince than a king. She compared him to "The Little Prince" and spoke of his favourite song, "Smile". She said that their friendship was never "strange" as the media liked to call it. Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris, said her "daddy" was the best father in the world.The Michael's kids, along with a third child, Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, whose mother is unknown, are in the temporary court-ordered care of Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson, 79, whom the singer named as guardian in his 2002 will. (Diana Ross was also named, in the event that Katherine was no longer living.) But,Debbie Rowe, the mother of Prince, 12, and Paris, 11, said that she plans to fight for them in court, and the Jackson family signaling they will fight right back.Rowe also said she'd be willing to take custody of Blanket to keep the three children together, and she may seek a restraining order to keep her former father-in-law, Joe Jackson, away from her children.Latoya Jackson is now questioning her brother's death. She thinks he may have been drugged and a police investigation to MJ's death is underway. Latoya is the 5th child of the Jackson family. She is a singer, a TV personality, an author, and an actress. She was born in May 29, 1956.MJ passed away before his comeback programme in London MJ. His music will live forever.-------------Note: I edited a few words here and there, but there are some language errors remaining. As part of the challenge, feel free to correct sentences in the comment section. Some of you also included your personal thoughts and memories, which have been edited out for the purpose of this exercise. I hope this challenge has helped MJ fans deal with any grief or sadness. I have done my best to make sure that none of this has been copied from the web.

Facebook Vs MyEC (Become a Fan!)

Posted by Tara Benwell on July 10, 2009

MyEC is now on Facebook! Click here if you want to be one of the first 100 fans!EnglishClub.com is on Facebook too. Are you a Fan? If yes, please answer some of my questions:1. Is Facebook popular in your country?2. Why did you join Facebook?3. How is Facebook different than MyEC?4. How often do you log onto Facebook?5. Do you use Facebook in English or in a different language?BONUS: What kind of updates would be useful for YOU on EnglishClub.com's Facebook page?a) links to EC's best lessonsb) links to EC's new pagesc) word or idiom of the dayd) correction of the daye) other (describe)I am the 6th Fan of EnglishClub.com. I am the #2 Fan of MyEC. What # are you?Fan=a person who likes something a lotTake my Facebook quiz for ESL learners.

Writing Challenge #9: An Obituary for Michael Jackson

Posted by Tara Benwell on June 26, 2009

Some people loved Michael Jackson; some people loathed him. Hands up if you have danced to his music?

In memory of "The King of Pop" let's write a group obituary. An obituary is a notice of a person's death that contains details about his or her life. In this challenge, each member can write a few sentences about Michael Jackson. Try to include new information each time. (Keep in mind that an obituary is not a place to write personal opinions.)

*Don't worry about the order of the information. When all of the writing is submitted I will reorder and present it for the club to read in "obituary form".

Information to include in an obituary:

background info (his family, birthplace, childhood)
cause of death
accomplishments
main life events
who he is survived by (his children)

You can use the Internet for research, but please do NOT copy text.Here is my contribution:Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop", died on June 25, 2009. He was 50 years old.What can you add to the obituary?"loathed"=hatedImage: www.8notes.com

Writing Challenge #8: English Mania (NEW quiz and challenge)

Posted by Tara Benwell on June 4, 2009

NEW: Take the English Mania Quiz.
Update: I have now added an advanced challenge in the comment section. Find it on page 5 of the comments. (Don't look ahead until you try it. Answers on page 6.)

On Twitter today I came across a link to a speech titled "English Mania". In his speech, Jay Walker poses this question:

"Is English a tsunami washing away other languages?"This month, let's practise expressing our opinion. Since you are all learners or teachers of English I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on the question above. If you have time, please watch the video below first.In your response try to:1) State your opinion2) Give reasons and examples for your opinion3) Conclude or summarize your opinion*Please come back often to read and comment on the opinions.Stating your opinion:In my opinionIf you ask meTo be honestTo start...I agree thatI disagree thatFrom my perspectiveIn my country/culture/familyI firmly believeStating reasonsThe reason whyMy beliefMy feeling is thatFirst of allGiving more reasons and examplesFurthermore...In addition...Another reason...Likewise...Second of allConclude or summarize your opinion:In conclusionAs a resultAs mentionedAs I said (suitable for speaking)In the endAll in allOther useful expressions when expressing opinion:to be honestwithout a doubtmerelyin some casesit's conceivable thaton the other handcontrary to

Image Source: Creative Commons Flikr user watch4u

Writing Challenge #7: Building Our Dream House

Posted by Tara Benwell on May 5, 2009

This month, let's build the house of our dreams. Since we are all part of an English Club, we'll make it a clubhouse. We will describe it together in the comment section.

For this challenge I need writers to do the building, landscaping, painting, home decorating, and even renovating. Each time you visit the blog, imagine that you have just spent time at the clubhouse. Answer this question: What did you do at the building site today?

Here are some things you can do:

build a new room
plant a garden
add lighting
bring in furniture
add appliances
decorate and paint
put in new floors
add accessories

Here is some useful "house vocabulary" for the challenge:Rooms in a house Furniture and decor AppliancesOkay, I'll begin...---------------------------------------------------------Today, I built the framework for the clubhouse. It has a basement, a main floor, and an upstairs. There are many staircases, but I'm not sure how many rooms there will be. The house is on a mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There is a large open field behind the house. I have ordered 20 large bookcases, which will arrive tomorrow.----------------------------------------------------------What did you do at the building site today?

Writing Challenge #6-Read the Complete Letters

Posted by Tara Benwell on April 29, 2009

Here are the two letters we wrote together in April for Writing Challenge#6. Great work with transitional phrases everyone! See how well the letters flow?-------------Dear Grandma,I have been very busy this month; nevertheless, I haven't forgotten about you. In fact, I have something important to tell you.You keep always saying that you long to see my wedding. Therefore , recently I have found my Mr.right.consequetly,I'm no longer lonesome,and i'm excited to the idea of founding a family.At first, I was not sure about his true feelings, but now, after I have received this very beautiful bunch of roses with a card, I know he is the right one for me. Actually, it was his card that made me realize I can give my heart to him. Although he is not very perfect, I love him because he is honest and reliable.In other words,he is very outspoken,open-minded,outgoing and clear-sighted person.Particularly,he is long-suffering and you know it's not easy with me.I first met him through online chatting. We were just friend at the beginning but finally we find that we have many things in common. I believe you will like him as much as I do; therefore, we would like to visit you in this summer time. I,ve previouslytold him about you, and he is so excited to see you; on the other hand his grandma passed away about two years ago. As you can imagine, it will be difficult for him to meet you. He gets emotional every time he sees an elderly woman; however, he wants to meet you before the wedding. Besides, we want to consult you about our wedding plan. In fact, you have a lot of experience in this matter.Having said all of this, there is something I need to tell you about my new man. Before you read on, you may want to get yourself a drink.due to the fact that he lost his grandmother,he wants you to come to live with us after the wedding.Therefore, we really need to find a new apartment.But it isn't easy. As a result, all day; I'm with this in mind. In the meantime, we found a nice apartement but it's very expensive; above all, it's too big for us. As a result, we put advert at the local newspaper.At first, we thought we would rent the apartment and try to share it with another couple. However, when we couldn't find another couple we thought of you, Grandma.Above all, you are in my heart, Grandma. I will search to find new apartment with 4 rooms one to me & spouse, 2 to my kids and one to you. Eventually, you will live with us.Hope that i will find one soon. Therefore, you can come here. Actually, I miss you very much and look forward to seeing you. Although I was desperate to find the house, I finally found one in a good location. First of all,it's a really comfortable house.Besides,out-of-doors it has a really nice garden with flowers.Before I get too ahead of myself, we need to find out how you feel about this proposal. Most importantly, we want to make sure you are healthy enough to move.We are going to visit you next week. Meanwhile mom will stay with you for the next two weeks.Therefore, we hope that you are in your best condition when we come up for the next week. Besides, you also have prepared your lovely puppy to take with you to our house.In the mean time, we have planned to take you to the interesting places in town and hope you will like it. For example, we would like to take you to the marina where my fiance has a boat. Afterwards, we will treat you to fish and chips for dinner at our favourite restaurant. Furthermore, we will ask you to join the beach party where you'll meet many friends of us. Besides, you can enjoy your favourite dance 'tango', 'till you feel tired.After the party, we'd take you back to our apartment. Then we can enjoy the wedding (engagement) photos David and I took a couple of days ago.Above all, I just want you to get to know my sweetheart before I marry him. As you know, your approval means everything to me (I'm certain you are going to adore him).i wish to come and visit you nex month, above all i wisht to spend my holiday with you.Moreover, I want to bring my camera to take photos as much as I can. Consequently, whenever I look at them, I remember best moments of my life with you. Although David's starting to feel a little nervous about seeing you for the first time, we both can't wait to go and see you, my dear Grandma. In fact, we're planning to set off tomorrow.Grandma....it sounds very funny...To get a good impression from you,David has prepared everything perfectly as he's going to face an exam...For example, he used to woke up late,but now..he doesn't,he wake up earlier than me. He used to be very lazy to clean up the house, but now..he's a 'clean boy'...consequently,he's getting very talkative if i forgot to throw my tissue into the bin... You see...What a wonderful Grandma!Besides having heard that you like reading detective stories he started to read them at nights. As a result he falls asleep when he sits on the sofa.Meanwhile, we are very busy preparing and sending our wedding invitations. On our visit there, we will personally give a special invitation for you.I am sorry, I can't come this weekend because I'm having a bad flue; therefore, I have to stay at home for some days. In fact, I bought you a new scarf on your birthday;however, I will send it to you with my brother untill I get well. Besides , I want to consult you about my new arrangements for holiday.In any case, your eyes must be getting tired of reading this letter Grandma.When you find the time, please write back and tell me what you think of all this.Your beloved granddaughter,Julie---------------------------------Dear Julie,It was great to finally hear from you. Above all, I am happy to hear that you are engaged to the man of your dreams. Meanwhile,i have to see him before i can judge him.But i think that i can't judge him easily. At first, i'll ask him to take me walking around the city, enjoying some great places and also spending the day in the Theatre. Furthermore, i'll ask him to tell me a story about Detective regulary before i go to bed.In fact,I have some important questions to ask you. At first, are you both ready for this marriage? You know, you are young; finally,the economic crisis still in the world.Anyway, David really sounds like a good boyfriend. I'm so happy you eventually found your special someone. And I admit that you have talked me into coming and witnessing your sweet moment, the wedding ceremony. In fact , I can hardly wait to come and see you two.Julie, my cute granddaughter: you know, you are the apple of my eye. I'm so happy you have found a boyfriend like David. You really deserve such a sweetheart--you're so beautiful and have so good an English. And I heard of your blog is at the top of the blog list. God bless you!!!In the past, I have told my friends that my picky granddaughter would probably stay single forever. Consequently, many of my friends have felt sorry for me and have invited me to their own grandchildren's weddings. Now at last, I will finally see my granddaughter at the altar. Then, I expect to see my great-grandchildren afterwards.Sweety... Last night i played your chilhood videos. Then, i started to feel as if i was still there. You looked so active, clever,cute and chubby. I could not sweep my tears and i didn't realize that someone was sitting beside me for However, I want to ask you once again if David is the One for you. Due to my rich experience in the past, I am really willing to meet him for a conversation in private - for your sake.After all these years, I am going to see your wedding. So, today, I am going to clean the house and prepare myself for your arrival. At first,I'm going to clean the basement and I hope to find some photos from your childhood there.After,I will clean and prepare the bedroom for you.So,I have a lot of things to do before your arrival.Above all, in my deepest heart, i always say" Is it real? my chubby granddaughter is going to be a bride? My dear...you know, the first thing i'm going to do in your arrival is, i'll give my warm hugh and kiss to the great man who's completed my happiness by loving and taking care of you. Thankful God.Moreover, I can't stop thinking about my grand granddaughter even though I am too old. Likewise, I'm sure you are very excited to start your family and give birth to the daughter you have always dreamed of. Of course, if you have a son I will love him equally (but I have already started a hope chest for your future daughter which is full of frilly dresses and dolls).Nobody love me, therefore died is better for me. At least that is how I felt before receiving your wonderful letter (it is not easy being old and I sometimes feel depressed). Nevertheless, now I have a reason to live!Therefore, I'm feeling more responsibility for my health. Furthermore,I decided,finally, to work out.As a result, I am getting stronger and I have more energy to enjoy life. Perhaps I'll meet a special someone too (You're never too old for love, right?).In fact, an old man my age nearly made a proposal to me. But I'm not so sure if it's a good idea for me (so old a woman) to get engaged again after so long a period of time being alone. Does it sound crazy/silly, my granddaughter?At any rate, I must sign off now and get on with my day. I'm in a lawn bowling competition this afternoon and I want to look my best.See you soon!Love Grandma--------------------------------------------------------------------------One of our participants has asked for additional help on letter writing! Here are two free lessons on letter writing. Bookmark them! You may want to refer to them next time you write a letter in English.How to Format a Letter in English Writing Business Letters--------------------------------------------------------------------------Why not join the MyEC Group "Find a Learning Partner". You can start a discussion: "I want to practise writing letters in English."

Writing Challenge #6: Dear Grandma (Transitional Words and Phrases)

Posted by Tara Benwell on April 2, 2009

*NOTE TO ALL WRITERS-We are now WRITING BACK from Grandma! Please read the whole letter in the comment section before you add to Grandma's response to her granddaughter, Julie. Don't forget to use transitional phrases. Have fun!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This month I am going to challenge you to use "transitional words and phrases". These are words (or groups of words) that help your writing flow. (We also use them in speaking.) Just like we did in the chain story challenge, we will write together as a group. This time we will write a "Letter to Grandma" together.Rules:Each time you visit the blog you may write two sentences of the letter in the comment section. At least one of your sentences must contain a transitional phrase. You can use words from the list below, or choose others you know. To help each other learn, place the transitional word or phrase in bold tags (highlight the word and click on the B). Make sure to read what has been written before you in the comment section (in the proper order) before you add your sentences.flow=to have continuous movement (like a river)Here are some common transitional phrases:To show contrast or similarity:neverthelesslikewiseon the other handsimilarlyTo provide additional information:meanwhileafterwardseventuallyas a resultTo show time:in the meantimefinallyat firstpreviouslyTo provide emphasis:above allin factbesidesfurthermoreTo provide an example:For examplefor instancein other wordsin particularTo show result:consequentlyas a resultthereforedue toNote on punctuation:When a transitional phrase occurs at the beginning of a sentence we usually use a comma after it: "As a result, I lost all of my money."If a transitional word or phrase separates two complete thoughts, use a semicolon before the phrase and a comma after it: "It is very hot; consequently, many elderly people are in the hospital."-----------------Let's begin:Dear Grandma,I have been very busy this month; nevertheless, I haven't forgotten about you. In fact, I have something important to tell you.---------------See note above. As of April 14th, we are now writing a letter back from "Grandma" to "Julie". Read the first letter in the comment section before you write your part. :)

Vote for your Favourite Window

Posted by Tara Benwell on March 31, 2009

Thank you to everyone who joined Writing Challenge #5. Before we move on to the next challenge, please stop by and choose your favourite window in the comment section. If you haven't shared your own window, it's not too late!

Writing Challenge #5: Windows of the World

Posted by Tara Benwell on March 12, 2009

For Writing Challenge #5 let's learn more about each other by looking out our windows. Choose the closest window to your computer and describe what you see in 100-150 words.

My WindowI'm looking through my dining room window, which is on the main floor of the house. My backyard is scattered with plastic sand toys that we forgot to store away before winter. The shovels and pails and balls have been buried under the snow for months and they've lost their colourful shine. There are at least ten new branches poking out of a peeling tree stump. We used to call the tree "Twigee" but then it grew so large we had to cut it down because the roots were creeping up to the house. If I stare long enough, I know I will see two black squirrels chasing each other playfully up and down my neighbour's fence. I am happy to see so many signs of spring.Now it's your turn. What's outside your window?*Come back as often as you'd like and describe a scene outside a different window! When the challenge is over I'll invite you to visit again and tell us which window you liked best."If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade." Tom Peters

Writing Challenge #4: "What Am I?"

Posted by Tara Benwell on February 24, 2009

In this writing challenge you will write a puzzle. The puzzle question is "What am I?" or "Who am I?".Instructions:1. In the comment section guess the answer to my puzzle or another writer's puzzle. (Make sure to put the name of the writer in your guess. Example: Tara-Is it a potato?)2. Write your own puzzle in the comment section. Each puzzle must have 5 sentences. Each sentence is a hint. Make it as "tricky" as possible.3. When the challenge is over I will invite everyone to come back and provide the correct answers. Throughout the challenge I will note a few writing corrections here.Writing CorrectionsHere are some writing corrections from the comment sections. Keep in mind that communication (not perfection) is the most important thing. Some mistakes are probably typos, but other readers can also learn from them. (My corrections come second in the line.):I am not longer what I am=I am nolonger what I amTell if I'm right=Tell me if I'm right.Is that a faith=Is that faith?I'm just busy for something=I'm just busy working on something. OR I'm just busy with something. OR I'm just working on something.I try to guess your puzzle again that's a "succes" =I tried to guess your puzzle correctly this time.And now I am headache it , you said so easy ,but not for me .=And now I'm getting a headache from it...I don't want give up=I don't want to give up.I'm exeptional ,because I'm contain gold.=I'm exceptional because I contain gold.I give you a hint.=I'll give you a hint.It's an exeptional fruit and very testy!!!=It's an exceptional fruit and very tasty. (Does anyone know what testy means? This typo made me laugh.)I must wait to your right answer=I must wait for the correct answer.--Have fun! (Here are some examples to help.)Tara's puzzle:1. I have many siblings.2. I am very colourful and beautiful.3. People like to compare me to an onion.4. I am Russian, but some say I came from Japan.5. Open me up and have some fun.What am I?

Writing Challenge #3: A Love Story-Fact or Fiction

Posted by Tara Benwell on February 13, 2009

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. It must be time for Writing Challenge #3. Here are two questions for you. Choose one and write a paragraph in the comment section.1) How did you meet your current romantic partner?OR2) How did your parents meet?Now for the "twist". Your paragraph does not have to be true. You can write the true story or a fictional story. Readers can guess whether your paragraph is true or not (use the comment section). When the challenge ends(wait until the end so that everyone can guess), please come back and tell us if the story was fact or fiction!Here's my answer to number 1.

My girlfriend and I used to go to a bar every Monday night to watch WWF wrestling. The bartender gave us a free drink once in a while because he thought it was funny that two grown women watched wrestling. When he finished his shift he would always join "the wrestling girls" for a beer. We became good friends and after a few years of hanging out we started dating. I never watch wrestling anymore, but my husband and I have been together for ten years. We thank "The Rock" for getting us together. --Fact or Fiction?Take a guess. Then, write your own story.--Here are some phrases you can use in the comment section to say whether or not you believe a writer's story:"Tara, that can't be true.""I don't believe that, Josef.""That sounds like a true story, Lynne.""I doubt that.""You're pulling my leg, Lisa."--"twist"= a slight change; added fun or mystery"The Rock"=a famous wrestler and actor"hanging out"=spending time together casually

Share the Wealth: Invite Your Friends to Join MyEC

Posted by Tara Benwell on February 11, 2009

When you find something you like you should "share the wealth" or "let others in on your little secret". These are two idiomatic phrases native speakers often use. We say this if we find a great restaurant, product, or even a reliable babysitter!Many of you have left comments to say that you appreciate the learning opportunities on MyEC. Have you shared the wealth with your friends and family? To invite others to join this community, simply click on Invite at the top of your page.Some members have concerns about using the addressbook option. This is the first option in the Invite section (see picture).

You can go down further to the second option.

To invite more than one person, place a comma in between email addresses:Send to:friend123d@yahoo.com, sallypal@gmail.com, auntiejoan@hotmail.comMessage:What message will you type? Leave a comment if you have a good idea for an invitation message. Let's help each other!

Writing Challenge #2: A Chain Story

Posted by Tara Benwell on February 10, 2009

Thank you to everyone who took the first writing challenge! Your mini introductions were great. I hope that many of you will add introductions to your own "My Page".Here is another writing activity we can do together. This is something I used to do with my writing students. They loved it! It's called "Chain Stories". I'll write the first line. Whoever reads this blog first can write the second line in the comment section. The next person can write the third line...The story will continue in the comment section until I write THE END.WARNING: These stories are often filled with nonsense. That's okay. We just want to laugh and practise our writing skills. Please keep it clean. If the story gets lost I may write a sentence to get it back on track.Rules:Write only one sentence in your comment. You can come back later and write a second sentence. Contribute to the chain story as often as you want. To read the story as it develops you'll have to read the comments in reverse order.Teacher Corrections:The writing was excellent. It's amazing that learners from so many different levels wrote this story! Here are a few corrections and notes. Some small errors may actually be "typos" but other learners can still learn from the corrections. The correction is in italics:1) he didn't know how he can to start it.he didn't know how to begin OR he didn't know how to get started2) So,the hippopotamus to learn english online.So, the hippopotamus decided to learn online.3) ,so we should get the chance to learning by Englishclub.com.so we should get the chance to learn at EnglishClub.com4) learning a language is no that easy.learning a language is not that easy5)therefore he turned on his computer and search in internet.therefore he turned on his computer and searched the Internet.6)in the middle of junglein the middle of the jungleIt may be helpful to review the rules about articles (a, the, an) and infinitives (to+ base verb) vs "ing".Here is the first line of the story. Now it's your turn.Once upon a time there was a hippopotamus that wanted to learn English.(This story is now complete. Please join us in the next Writing Challenge soon.)

Take the Time to say Hello

Posted by Tara Benwell on February 5, 2009

My EC is growing quickly. It was only a short time ago that we were a very small group. We introduced ourselves and began making friends easily. As this club grows, let's all remember to make new members feel welcome. In other words, take the time to say hello.

Each time you log in click on MyEC to see if there are any new members. You can introduce yourself in a variety of ways:

1) Leave a welcome message on a member's wall
2) Add the new member as your friend with a personal message
3) Leave a comment on a member's blog
4) Make a comment about another member's photo
5) Send a message to an online member with an invitation to the chatroom

Here are a few English expressions you can use:
Hello!
Hey there!
How are you?
Welcome to the network!
What's up?
I'm glad you've joined MyEC.
Let's practise together.
Tell me something about yourself.
Your page looks great.
I like your blog.

EnglishClub.com also has a new audio lesson on Greetings.

BTW-How do you say hello in your language?

Your Avatar (profile picture)

Posted by Tara Benwell on January 19, 2009

When you look for friends on MyEC or in other social networks do you check out the grey heads? I don't. I usually skip over people who haven't uploaded an avatar. Making friends in a virtual world is already a bit strange. We can't shake hands or look into each other's eyes. However, when I can see your picture I feel like I know you a little better. I can put a face to a name. Even if you choose a setting or a caricature I will look at your MyPage. It will also make it more fun to chat.

If you change your picture from time to time, that's great too. I will get to know you even better. Your avatar can tell a story. Today, I'll change mine to show what season it is in Canada. Unfortunately, it is no longer the season of the photo to the right.**A slight "change of heart". On Facebook and other social networks it is very common to change avatars often. We love to see new pictures of our friends and family. However, on MyEC many of us do not know each other personally. If you want to make a lot of friends here it may be helpful to stick to one, recognizable profile picture. I need to find one that works well for me!"change of heart"=to think differently after time has passed

Basic Greetings in English

Posted by Tara Benwell on January 14, 2009

We've added a new English Club page covering basic greetings in English. For a preview of the audio component you can go through my music player. If you like what you hear, add the audio to your music player. Simply click on +Add to my music.Why not try adding your voice to your MyPage? How about an audio introduction?

Uh Oh What Happened? Describe that Blooper in English! (Writing Challenge #1)

Posted by Tara Benwell on December 19, 2008

Watch this funny video. Can you describe each blooper in English?

Note: a blooper is an accident or mistake that is caught on film.

Language Challenge

Describe one of the funny clips in our comment section. Here are some words to help.

knocked down
spinning
knocked over
distracted
dizzy
exercising
stair climber
sprayed
balanced
clapped
walked into
bored
poured
pushed over
escape
playpen
bonked
pom pom
folded
simultaneously

ESL Writing Help

Posted by Tara Benwell on November 22, 2008

Do you want to improve your English writing skills?

I am here to help! My name is Tara and I am a writer and editor. I help create materials and lessons for EnglishClub.com and TEFL.net. In my spare time I love to play with my kids, read novels, and write stories.

The best way to improve your writing skills is to write. So, let's get started. Here's today's writing challenge:
Describe yourself in three sentences. (Use the comments section to write your introduction.)

EnglishClub.com Tip

Another great way to practise your writing is with dictations. EnglishClub has a NEW listening section with three levels of dictations.