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Post by Erin on Mar 21, 2015 2:16:05 GMT 9
Hi!
Vocabulary: I've actually been lacking in learning new vocabulary. This week I didn't learn any new words, however, I did go over previous vocabulary from weeks ago just to try and remember them again. Even though I learned them I some times forget so I review them again, and that helps.
Reading: After reading the book 'The Sea of Tranquility' from last week,I'd say it was pretty good/ok(even though I already guessed what would happen between the two main characters). This book was interesting because normally it's the story that I'm most fascinated about, but this time is was the characters especially Nastya. The way she thinks or acts is peculiar, and I understands why she does the things does, like choosing not to speaking. Anyways, I don't want to spoil what happens in the end so I'll just leave it to that.
This week I started to read a biographical novel called 'This Star Won't Go Out.'It's a biography about and written by a girl who is battling cancer,Esther Earl.They're basically just journal entries and stories about her life. Sadly, Esther died, but her wish to be an author came to fruition with her biography. Normally I don't read biographies, but I heard that Esther's story empowered John Green to finish his book 'The Fault In Our Stars.' He's one of my favorite authors, I've read almost all his books! I haven't finished the biography because I had to return it to the library yesterday... Hopefully I'll get the chance to read it again sometime soon.
Right now, I actually want to read 'A Brief History of Time' by Stephen Hawking. Has anyone read Stephen Hawking's book? I recently watched 'The Theory of Everything.'It was such a brilliant and beautiful movie.
Listening: This week I listened to this TED Talk called 'Tiny Satellites Show us the Earth as it Changes in Near-Real-Time' by Will Marshall. Marshall explains that people can do better/ go faster by getting smaller. Satellites are large and expensive, Marshall has created one that's 10 by 10 by 30 centimeters. Even though the size of the satellite is small in comparison to most satellites in space, it can take higher quality images in real time. With his team, Marshall wants to answer the question to how to use satellites to help humanity. These satellites will be able to take images everyday around the world. Because of this, people can be up to date with information and the current state of the earth, as well as help scientists answer their questions about the planet.
I don't if this would count, but I've been listening to audio books. I like reading on my own, but I also like listening to audio books as well. I listen to them while doing chores so that I can be hands free.
Writing: This week I did 3 writes. I wrote about 340-390 words. Sometimes it's my mood or motivation to write that enables me to have a larger/bigger word count.
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Post by Esther on Mar 21, 2015 12:08:58 GMT 9
Hey there! My name is Esther and here I am with my week report.
This week I’ve started preparing my luggage. It is incredible how time is shortening lately! I barely have time to sleep and relax =P But I know it is for a good reason… Soon we will be reunited at Soka! Can’t wait to meet you guys!
Vocabulary: As I mentioned before, due to the lack of time, this week I’ve learned and practiced 24 words. Among all the words learned, ‘idyllic’ was the most beautiful one! This word means extremely beautiful and peaceful, and be extremely happy without problems. For instance, we can say: “that was definitely an idyllic scene”, or maybe: “our last trip to Hawaii was idyllic”. I personally believe that this is the sort of word that enhances our speaking and writing.
Reading: This week I read a very interesting news on BBC website and I would like to comment about it. It is called ‘Detroit Soup goes to Kathmandu’. At the first moment I thought it was something related to a volunteer job to help people in need. It turns out that it is a fantastic project which aims to help the community. How? Inspired by the event ‘Detroit Soup’, young people from Kathmandu decided to adhere to this idea which consist of reuniting people to gather ideas that can improve the community in any aspect, such as lifestyle, economics and etc. Nepal is one of poorest countries in the world and even circa 10 years after the civil war, people still think that the country will never reach better conditions. In this reality, young people from Kathmandu rose to build up a better community. At the beginning there were only few people interested, but it started to grow and involve more and more people until it turned into ‘Idea Fest’ where people can contribute with ideas and donation on the door of 100 nepalese rupees (national coin). 33 ideas were submitted and the winner was Economising the waste, which consists of paying the people of Kathmandu a small amount of money for their household rubbish and turn it into fertilizer - there's a big market for it in Nepal, where agriculture still dominates the economy. The winner has to take all the money collected and put your project in action.
Honestly, I found the project an amazing initiative to change the place where we find ourselves. It is a creative way to gather people to social concerns and start to really change an unpleasant reality.
Listening: The most gripping TED talk, among the five ones I watched this week, was ‘How autism freed me to be myself’ by Rosie King. She starts the talk telling the she and her brother are autistic. Then she develops the claim that stereotypes are wrong most of the times. One thing that she is proud of and happy for is that due to autism she has a very vivid imagination and she cannot fit herself in a tiny box. When she was at school she suffered bullying from colleagues that were afraid of her screaming (something that happens while something extremely exciting was on her mind), and that was the time that she could pick up her real friends. To conclude she input the thought in our minds that being normal is not exactly a good thing. As matter of fact, we should celebrate uniqueness and cheer every time someone unleashes their imagination.
I can’t explain why, but autism has always caught my attention. I guess I get impressed by how intelligent they are and how they interact with the world around them. And I felt the talk very constructive because it shows how an autistic person thinks and how many achievements they can get, depending of course, and the degree of this neural disturb.
Writing: This week I could keep the pace of 5 quick types! Great! And average of words is around 300 words to 350 words. The sort of questions makes this activity easier as they are topics related to our life.
Thank you!!!! Have a great weekend!
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Post by Esther on Mar 21, 2015 12:27:47 GMT 9
Hi Erin! I was reading your report and I would like to comment on your review about 'This star won't go out'. Generally, I don't like biographies as well, but you kind that convinced me to read this book! And I have also watched 'The theory of everything' recently... For me, it was interesting to see the Hawkings' ex-wife side. I have never searched for further details about Hawkings' life, all I knew were his theories about time and universe. However, after this movie I see Hawkings as a little selfish person who didn't care much about things of great value, such as family.... What do you think?
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Post by Erin on Mar 21, 2015 15:21:45 GMT 9
Hi Esther! I just realized that the biography of the girl in the book has the same name as your guest name on here. Awesome! I think your opinion is true to the fact that Hawking is a man who lives for his work, but I'd also have to disagree becuase I do believe that he cared for his family and espeically his then wife. I think he tested the boundaries of human capability with his illness and did the best he could. It would take a lot out of a person to deal with illness and I think they just grew apart. Thank you for your comment Esther!!! I was excited to here your opinion!
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Post by Tanya on Mar 21, 2015 23:51:05 GMT 9
Hi everyone, I'm so sorry that I couldn't post my weekly report so long time... My computer was broken, and I couldn't go to shop to fix this because I and my family were so busy This week is last week bout this program, so I do my best! I'm sorry that my post is so short, but I want you to know about my situation(/_;) I'm looking forward to meet all of you! Tanya
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Post by Kenneth on Mar 22, 2015 0:49:29 GMT 9
Hi!
I'm sorry I always delay posting my report. I have to be strict with me.
Vocabyrary: I learned 20 words this week. It's difficult for me to memorize idioms.
Reading: This week I mainly studied grammar by reading a book which is written about grammar to speak. The sentence I was impressed the most in this book is "Learning a foreign language requires not just hard work but courage as well." I believe this must be an important teaching for us not only after we enter the university but in our life as a cosmopolitan. so I try not to forget this necessary lesson.
Listening: I listened a TEd Talk called "What can save the rainforest? Your used cell phone." I watched it with English subtitles in a bath. I couldn't be consentrate on it so I couldn't understand so much. I'll watch again and after I can tell the contents, I'll post again.
Writing: I did two quick writes and wrote about 180 and 170 words! I should do more to enhance the ability of writing.
It's getting warm these days. Cherry blossoms are coming soon!!
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Post by Celeste on Mar 23, 2015 11:07:18 GMT 9
Hi,everyone!! This is my report of this week. I'm sorry
Vocabulary I learned 15words with sentences that these are used. I refer to Aurora's way!thank you Aurora:) I like to learn vocabulary by making a connection with something so this way is good for me!but it was so hard!!
Reading I read the sequel to"The Wizard of Oz". Dorothy,her dog Toto,scarecrow,tin woodman and lion now continue their journey. Something is changed.For example,when they couldn't go way because of a big ditch,Scarecraw hit on how to solve that situation unless he have no brains.And when they happened to meet Kalidahs,they are monstrous beasts with bodies like bears and heads like tigers,cowardly lion faced to that enemies unless he isn't brave!Therefore I thought they grew up little by little!Troubles made them strong! There are some members read"Charlie and a chocolate factory",so I also want to read this one because I like movie of this story!
Listening I listened to"Michell Obama to Publicize Need for Girls' education in Asia". She is acting for Girls can't study. I heard she is poor when she was a child. I thought she could became a wife of president due to her effort!She is so great!
Writing I did 4Quick Write. I wrote 158words the most and 126words the least. I noticed I couldn't write many when I write about difficult theme:( I will try to write more about all theme!!
My short diary The day before and Yesterday I ate out in that evening with my friends because I will go another place Tokyo. The day before some friends gave me present to encourage me! Yesterday I saw many friends I didn't meet for 3years,so I had a very good time:)
Thank you for reading!!
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Post by Angel on Mar 23, 2015 15:58:56 GMT 9
I'm sorry I'm so late.
Vocabulary: I learned 30 words and reviewed the words I learned. And also I made some sentences with these words.
Reading: This week, I read The New York Times: How to Manage Media in Families. Recently, many children have own cellphone. I have watched the news that students in China are put into facilities. Because they use cellphone all day and dependent on the net game. Also in Japan, many students use cellphone until late at night. That has many bad influences for them. They become sleep deprived, are late for school and focus on class.To decrease like them, parents and teacher should make many rules. The first thing we have to do is to be important time with family. We shouldn't use cellphone while we spend time with family.
Listening: I listened Ted talks entitled "How to butterflies self-medicate "by Jaap de Roode. His experiment was really interesting. I didn't know femal butterflies chose to lay their eggs on a specific kind of plant to avoid getting sick. They may tell us to find new medicine to cure human disease. Now, we can cure our disease by animals. In the future, we will be helped lots of medicines that found by animals. I hope that medicine are found to cure Ebola fever. His experiment is amazing opportunity worth pursuing.
Writing: I did three quick writing. This week, I wrote about 160 at most. I couldn't write more than last weeks.
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Post by Patti on Mar 24, 2015 12:20:49 GMT 9
Hello everyone!
Time flies as Esther mentioned! I am getting nervous and anxious! I had a farewell party two weeks ago prepared by my Family and friends and another dinner on the past weekend. There are no more tissues papers to use... hahahaha.
Here is my weekly report. Sorry for being late.
Vocabulary: I managed learning more 31 new words this week. I love learning words like "gut", which I can use a idiom to say "I feel in my gut that the Opening Ceremony will be one of best events that I will have participated!" I am so excited! Another good one is "outlet", which I found it particularly interesting because I thought that it was related only with the store that sells with big discounts and etc. However, I could find another meaning, such as "Dance is the perfect outlet to express my feelings!" Perfect!
Writing: This week I could feel how amazing it is to be a Soka student. The topics and events that I had participated just give me the feeling on how wonderful it will be to study at SUJ - FILA! You are going to understand, because 3 of 4 topics that I wrote was about Soka School of Brazil. - "How is your high school different from other high schools?" (225 words) It was really nice to write about this topic because I have always compared the difference between Soka and other kinds of education. Not comparing in a bad way, but as a member of the first group of graduated students from Soka School of Brazil, I have always thought about how different I could be to make my mark in the new school and represent how wonderful is to be a Soka Student. - "How have you changed from your junior high school days?" (280 words) After thinking how would I make my mark in the new school, I started reflecting about how much maturity I acquired from Junior high school, where I studied in Soka School, until now. Thank you for the opportunity! It has been really important! - "Write something you are proud of" (310 words) That was crazy to write about... hahaha. On this day that I wrote about it, I went to Soka School to visit and meet the students to encourage them to study hard and to talk about our mission of being the students pioneers in Brazil. So I wrote about how proud am I to had the opportunity to study in a school where the child is happy while studies. That is the mission of Soka School of Brazil, which I pride myself about having the opportunity! - "Write something you want to change" (302 words) Moment to reflect about my flaws and discuss how they could be different if I change them. Step by step!
Reading: - "Why ancient myths about volcanoes are often true?" Nice to read it! I could see how important is to take into account different points of views, even thought it seems totally opposite what you have believed. - "Support for gay marriage grows among young U.S Evangelicals." Time changes situations and circumstances. At this point, it is also changing points of views! It was really nice to read about it because I could feel that we can change little by little anything if it talks about the happiness of someone. - "Living in towns without light" I saw many different opinions of living in towns without light for many months, especially on the North area of the planet. I learned that any person is unique and has its own habits. Some have enjoyed the experience. On the other hand, some have been so sad to have depression. The text made me think what would I do if I have lived on these circumstances. I just can say that it would be hard.
Listening: I did not have so much time to listen to speaks but I have tried to listen to some news on the TV and also watching TV programs in English, such as "The Voice". I love international songs and it was perfect because I could enjoy and practice my English.
Thank you so much! See you in a few days!
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Post by Patti on Mar 24, 2015 12:26:09 GMT 9
Hahahaha! I forget to mention that I love the pic that Admin has posted! Hahahahaha! I love his expression!
Kristiane! I love your profile picture too! I love Ben Max and I saw the movie three times! Hahaha! Its also happens in Japan! Wonderful!
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Post by malcolm on Mar 25, 2015 1:38:49 GMT 9
Hello All, Thanks to those who have posted this week! I'm glad to see more interaction between you. It seems like we are missing several students this week. (And we found Tanya again.) I know you are busy getting ready to come to Hachioji, but please try to push yourselves to do some studying as well...just a few more words, a few more pages, a few more TEDTalks, and a few more Quick-types. Speaking of TEDTalks, I have a couple of webpages that have collected some that you may not have seen yet but are very good. 15 Inspiring TED Talks for Freshman Year mashable.com/2013/08/21/inspiring-ted-talks-freshman/and 15 TED Talks That Will Change Your Life mashable.com/2013/07/08/ted-talks-change-your-life/Please have a safe journey to Soka University campus and be ready for the journey that starts the rest of your life here with us at FILA> Malcolm
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Post by Admin on Mar 25, 2015 12:14:15 GMT 9
Hello Everyone! Thank you for posting your weekly reports. We have one more week left before we meet each other and get started on an amazing journey of discovery. We are really excited to see and finally meet all of you. I heard at our last faculty meeting that our group picture will not be taken after the enterance ceremony but on orientation day April 4th. Please be sure to get enough rest the day before so you can focus on what is presented during orientation. I'm looking forward to reading your final reports Friday March 27th, 2015. See you next week.
Sincerely,
Miyagi H
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Post by Admin on Mar 25, 2015 12:25:10 GMT 9
Hahahaha! I forget to mention that I love the pic that Admin has posted! Hahahahaha! I love his expression! Kristiane! I love your profile picture too! I love Ben Max and I saw the movie three times! Hahaha! Its also happens in Japan! Wonderful! Thanks Patti.
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