LANGUAGE TUTORING

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Every language in the world comprises four basic principles. It does not matter what sort of language it is, where it is from and how it is structured – they are all made up of reading, writing, speaking and listening. These four principles are intrinsically linked but also very different. They must all be mastered to become fluent in a language but they all have their own unique traits. People can be good at one and poor at another.

But at the same time, there is little chance of learning a language well if the person learning does not master all four. They are linked and knowledge of each discipline in one language aids understanding and proficiency in another.

Reading

Reading may well be the first discipline that a new student of a language comes into contact with. Seeing the words of a language on paper will often be the first place people see the language, at least knowingly. It is here, in this discipline, that learners will begin to see how the language is out together and how the sentences are formed and words come together to make sense.Reading is all about und

erstanding the written word and therefore it is only natural that once you have been reading for a while you will want to progress to writing.

Writing

Writing is where the language learner starts to actually create language themselves. It may be writing a letter or a shirt anecdote from their teacher but when the student puts pen to paper they begin to use the language for themselves as well as understand it as they do in reading. Writing has the big advantage that when something has been written down, it can be revised and worked at until correct, thus helping the learner to eradicate their mistakes – something which cannot be done when the learner starts speaking.

Speaking

Speaking is the most used aspect of language for most people. Unfortunately, it is also pretty tricky to master. A person who speaks a foreign language has no time to correct themselves – once the words have been spoken, they are out there, right or wrong. Speaking to other people who are fluent in the language is the only way to get better and practice in this field really does make perfect. But in all truth, the only way to perfect speaking skills to hold conversations and to do that one must be able to listen as well.

Listening

Listening is probably the hardest discipline to master for new speakers of a language. It is an interpreting discipline like reading but unlike reading, there is no time to re read the words and look them up. It is a verbal discipline like speaking, but you are not in control and must understand what is being said. But until you can listen to, and follow, a conversation in the language you are learning, you will never be truly fluent.

There is no middle ground with languages. A person who can understand the spoken word should be able to understand the written word. And likewise, if someone can write the language, they should be able to speak it as well. The four all go hand in hand and are inextricable linked. A fluent speaker can perform all four disciplines – some may be harder than others – but to converse with native speakers, they must all be mastered eventually.

SHAKIRA SPEECH

POST FIVE COMMENTS USING REPORTED SPEECH ABOUT THE SHAKIRA VIDEO.

FOX INTERVIEW

Write five sentences using ''reported speech'' about the Fox interview.

MADONNA VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuRIG8obM0g

MADONA ON BULLYNG

Post five comments about the video using ''reported speech''

5 Ways to Beat Summer Weight Gain

When we think summer, most of us think outdoor fun. So it seems like we should naturally lose weight over the summer — not gain it.
In reality, though, summer isn't all beach volleyball and water sports. Lots of summer activities can work against our efforts to stay at a healthy weight (campfire s'mores and backyard barbecues, anyone?). The good news is it's easy to avoid problems if we know what to look out for.
Here are 5 ways to beat summer weight gain:

1. Get going with goals. When we don't have a plan, it's easy to spend summer moving from couch to computer, with regular stops at the fridge. Avoid this by aiming for a specific goal, like volunteering, mastering a new skill, or working at a job. Just be sure to plan for some downtime so you can relax a little!
2. Stick to a schedule. With school out, we lose our daily routines. If you don't have a specific job or activity to get up for, it's easy to sleep late, watch too much TV, and snack more than usual. Make sure your summer days have some structure — like getting up at the same time each day and eating meals at set times. Plan activities for specific times, like exercising before breakfast, for example. If you have time on your hands, offer to make dinner a couple of nights a week so your family can enjoy a sit-down meal together.
3. Stay busy. When we're bored, it's easy to fall into a trap of doing nothing and then feeling low on energy. In addition to helping you avoid the cookie jar, filling your days with stuff to do can give you a sense of accomplishment. That's especially true if a dream summer job or planned activity fell through. Limit your screen time — including IM and video games — to no more than 2 hours a day (write it in that schedule you put together!).
4. Beat the heat. Don't let summer heat put your exercise plans on hold. Move your workout indoors. If a gym isn't your scene, try bowling or an indoor climbing wall. If you love being outdoors, try joining a local pool or move a regular run or soccer game to early morning or evening.

5. Think about what (and how) you eat. Summer means picnics and barbecues — activities that revolve around an unlimited spread of food. Pace yourself. Don't overload your plate. Avoid going back for seconds and thirds. Choose seasonal, healthy foods like fresh fruit instead of high-sugar, high-fat desserts. Make catching up with family and friends your focus, not the food. Another good tip for summer eating is to limit frozen treats like ice cream to no more than once a week.

5 Ways to Fight Depression

If you feel depressed, it's best to do something about it — depression doesn't just go away on its own. In addition to getting help from a doctor or therapist, here are 5 things you can do to feel better.

1. Exercise. Take a 15- to 30-minute brisk walk every day — or dance, jog, or bike if you prefer. People who are depressed may not feel much like being active. But make yourself do it anyway (ask a friend to exercise with you if you need to be motivated). Once you get in the exercise habit, it won't take long to notice a difference in your mood.
   
   In addition to getting aerobic exercise, some yoga poses can help relieve feelings of depression. Try downward-facing dog or legs-up-the-wall pose (you can find these poses on yoga websites). Two other aspects of yoga — breathing exercises and meditation — can also help people with depression feel better.
2. Nurture yourself with good nutrition. Depression can affect appetite. One person may not feel like eating at all, but another might overeat. If depression has affected your eating, you'll need to be extra mindful of getting the right nourishment. Proper nutrition can influence a person's mood and energy. So eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and get regular meals (even if you don't feel hungry, try to eat something light, like a piece of fruit, to keep you going).
3. Identify troubles, but don't dwell on them. Try to identify any situations that have contributed to your depression. When you know what's got you feeling blue and why, talk about it with a caring friend. Talking is a way to release the feelings and to receive some understanding. If there's no one to tell, pouring your heart out to a journal works just as well.
   
   Once you air out these thoughts and feelings, turn your attention to something positive. Take action to solve problems. Ask for help if you need it. Feeling connected to friends and family can help relieve depression. (It may also help them feel there's something they can do instead of just watching you hurt.)
4. Express yourself. With depression, a person's creativity and sense of fun may seem blocked. Exercise your imagination (painting, drawing, doodling, sewing, writing, dancing, composing music, etc.) and you not only get those creative juices flowing, you also loosen up some positive emotions. Take time to play with a friend or a pet, or do something fun for yourself. Find something to laugh about — a funny movie, perhaps. Laughter helps lighten your mood.

5. Look on the bright side. Depression affects a person's thoughts, making everything seem dismal, negative, and hopeless. If depression has you noticing only the negative, make an effort to notice the good things in life. Try to notice one thing, then try to think of one more. Consider your strengths, gifts, or blessings. Most of all, don't forget to be patient with yourself. Depression takes time to heal.