Thursday 31 July 2008

The Introduction about media images

It is generally agreed that we receive a lot of information through the media. Television, newspapers and the Internet are available for the source of information. They are essential for our daily life as both an education and entertainment. We can access various kinds of information easily and quickly now and the media images have much effect on our life style because they provide visual, audio and printed information for us. People are influenced by the strong power to change our idea and behavior not only positively but negatively. Recent research has suggested that the media has possibilities to damage our mind as well as health. According to BBC NEWS (2006), "violent computer games may make people more likely to act aggressively". In addition, Groesz et al. (2002) says that "viewing slender models would increase a female's immediate sense of body dissatisfaction" and it could lead to eating disorders. In this essay, I would like to give a brief overview of the media image effects on our society, and then I will discuss how we should deal with the information through the media.

Wednesday 30 July 2008

Four sentences of the introduction

'We live in a world in which we are dangerously influenced by media images.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?

1 It is generally agreed that we receive a lot of information through the media.
2 The media has much effect on our lifestyle such as trends and behaviour.
3 Obviously, the media has a possibility to damage both your mind and health.
4 In this essay, I would like to review recent research into the media image concerning how television watching influence our life and then consider the negative effect of the media.

Tuesday 29 July 2008

Stating common beliefs on the subject

0. Some people consider that…killers should be carried out capital punishment.

1. It is generally agreed that…policemen are not doing enough to crack down on juvenile delinquency.

2. A common viewpoint is that…only well-balanced meals should be served in school cafeterias.

3. It is widely believed that…the government should support all university fees.

4. Recent research has suggested that…the government is not doing enough to deal with greenhouse gas reduction.

5. It is often argued that…female workers tend to have less opportunity to succeed than male workers.

6. Many people say that…the effect of the Internet has more disadvantages than advantages.

Monday 28 July 2008

Grammar Weakness

I have problems with verb+preposition, verb pattern and collocation. They are more important for speaking than writing to me. In writing I have time to consider, but I must create my idea quickly in speaking. One of my weak points is to express my opinion using proper words and structure. Peer teaching may be more practical that doing a lot of grammar exercises. When I chat with friends, we can correct mistakes each other.

-ing or to + infinitive
http://www.edict.com.hk/vlc/verbs/frames6.htm

Verbs followed by the -ing form
-You must practice speaking English as much as you can.
-He admitted breaking in to the house, but denied killing the occupant.
-They knew they risked being arrested.
-He recommended reading the book before seeing the movie.
-They permitted smoking in the room.
-I missed hitting the target.

Saturday 26 July 2008

Modelling English

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of The English Language

Summary
The English language has two models; the structure of English and the uses of English. The former is composed of text, sign, graphology, phonology, lexicon and grammar. Text is a coherent, self-contained unit of discourse. Sign is a visual language used chiefly by the deaf. Graphology is the writing system of a language, such as punctuation marks and layout. Phonology is the pronunciation system of a language including the various patterns of intonation and tone of voice. Lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, involving the sense relationships between words and the compilation of dictionaries. Grammar is the system of rules governing the construction of sentences; syntax and morphology.

The latter consists of social, personal, temporal and regional variation. A language is affected by social variation such as social classes, age and educational backgrounds. People affects a language in literature and humour too. The uniqueness of individuals arises out of differences in personality, social backgrounds and so on. Temporal variation has two aspects. In long term variation, language change is inevitable and continuing as seen in Old English and Middle English. English also changes in short term within the history of a single person. Children acquire their mother tongue and then develop their language as adult speakers. Regional variation has Intranational regional varieties, such as ‘London’ and ‘Scottish’, and International varieties including the pidgins and creoles.

My Idea
I read the first chapter of the book which Steve recommended me to read. The chapter was not long, but there were lot of useful linguistics terms I didn’t know. I have focused on studying only the structure of English. But I know that studying the use of English is also important. I will study sociolinguistics at the postgraduate course. It seems interesting. I will read chapters connected with sociolinguistics next time.

Example sentences of New Words
-These days the media are omnipresent.
-St. is the abbreviation for ‘Saint.’
-Grammatical study is divided into two main aspects; syntax, dealing with the structure and connection of sentences; and morphology, dealing with the structure and formation of words.
-A philologist is the person who studies philology. It is the scientific study of the development of language or a particular language.
-Lack of sleep impairs a driver’s decision-making ability.
-Pidgin English is a simple form of English that is used together with words from a local language.
-Creole is a language formed when a mixture of a European language with a local language, especially an African language spoken by slaves in the West Indies, is spoken as a first language.
-The district is under consideration for designation as a conservation area.
-She enjoyed outdoor pursuits.
-Brain-teaser is a problem that is difficult but fin to solve.
-Churchill was a great orator.
-She shows little appreciation of good music.
-The course teaches students to avoid ambiguity and obscurity of expression.
-You will see other facets of his character.
-He asserts that his words are true.
-The world is becoming increasingly interdependent.

Friday 25 July 2008

Writing excercises from Jim's blog

A good introduction should contain these five points.

1 background and importance of the topic
2 a problem, controversy or a gap
3 definition of terms
4 reason for writing the essay
5 structure of the writing

Verb tenses in the introduction
Establishing the importance of the topic: present tense
Establishing the importance of the topic (time frame given): present perfect
Highlighting a problem or controversy in the field of study: present/present perfect
Highlighting a knowledge gap in the field of study: present perfect
Focus and aim: future tense/present tense
Outline of structure: present/present perfect/future tense

Writing the introduction to your essay
http://www.englishforuniversity.com/search/label/Writing%20an%20introduction
1 The introduction is only one chance given to you to make a first impression.
2 You could write easier and save time if you prepare the points for the introduction.
3 There is no definition of terms and reason for writing the essay. But a problem, controversy or a gap might be the reason.
4 It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore immigration issue in the UK. The issue is always in news. In recent years, there has been an increasing immigrants from new European Union countries and other countries. Some of them have been refugees and asylum seekers. The issue of immigration has been controversial and difficult because there is still insufficient data and anecdotal evidence. The first section of this paper will examine the economic arguments surrounding the benefits to the UK of immigration. It will then go on to look at the social issues involved.

Thursday 24 July 2008

Child TV habit

Childhood TV habits linked to adult obesity risk
http://www.healthypages.co.uk/newsitem.php?news=5262

Information of the Article
There might be a connection between adult obesity and childhood TV habits. According to the current study, TV watching has opportunities that it replaces physical activities. In addition, children with TV habits tend to see more advertisements for unhealthy food and eat it while watching.

My Idea
I agree that TV watching is replaces time to be spent physically active. However, I disagree to the idea that eating habit while watching link to adult obesity risk. I think that eating habit is a matter of discipline. Parents can turn off TV when children eat. It is easy to avoid eating even if they watch for a long time.

Wednesday 23 July 2008

lecture

Steven Pinker: The stuff of thought
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/steven_pinker_on_language_and_thought.html

dative case
In inflecting languages, a form that typically express and indirect object relastionship eqivalent to English I gave the letter to the girl; cf. direct object.

inflection/inflexion
In grammar, an affix that signals a grammatical relationship, e.g. case, tense(girl's, walked).

affix
A meaningful form that is attached to another form, to make a more complex word(un-+kind+-ness); cf. infix; prefix; suffix

reciprocity n.(formal)
-The reciprocity relationship between the dishonest officer and the old man continued for a long time for bribery.

I listened to the lecture and tried to take notes. I think I need to listen at least 5 times to understand the content.

Monday 21 July 2008

Homework

Ideas about the development

a) young locals
From our point of view, the environment in the island may be changed for the development, but from an economic perspective, it will attract a lot of people in the world and they will spend a large amount of money.

a) old locals
Economically speaking, we can get opportunities for working and making money, but from a local viewpoint, our peaceful and quiet life will disappear and the rate of crime will increase.

b) developers
From an environmental standpoint, the ecological system in the island may possibly be changed, but from an economic perspective, this is a good opportunity to have a lot of facilities such as hospitals and transportation.

c) the government environmental agency
Environmentally speaking, we are worrying about the effect of the fishery, but looking at the economic side of the argument, it is an attractive plan because we do not have specific industries.

Sunday 20 July 2008

Rochester


I went to Rochester cathedral and castle with my family today. The catedral was approximately 900 years old. It had large and beautiful buildings. The solemn ring of a bell attracted me very much. The castle was remains of the 15th century. According to the guidebook, the Norman tower-keep is the tallest in England. The view from the top of the keep was fantastic!!

Sunday 13 July 2008

Rye

I went to Rye with my family today. It took about two hours by car from my flat. We left our car at a car park near Land Gate (see picture) and walked around. We needed only just over an hour for walking because it was a small town. It was an ancient and charming town as well. There were some lovely accomodation for tourists and cafe. Ypres Tower, Land Gate, St Mary's Church, Mermaid Street and Lamb House were the main sightseeing places. I was moved to know that author Henry James(1843-1916) lived in Lamb House. I have watched the film, "The Portlait of a Lady", which was from his original story.


I read the articles below about Rye
http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/buying_and_selling/article2737330.ece
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/court_and_social/article2341996.ece
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6970000/newsid_6971300/6971347.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&asb=1&news=1&bbcws=1

Saturday 12 July 2008

Reading

How to Study Linguistics: A Guide to Understanding Language / Geoffrey Finch
Chapter 1: Beginning Linguistics

New Words
-deviant adj. : different from what most people consider to be normal and acceptable
-blur v. : to become difficult to distinguish clearly
-encapsulate v. : to express the most important parts of sth in a few words
-descriptive adj. : saying how language is actually used
-prescriptive adj. : telling people how a language should be used
-immutable adj. : that cannot be changed; that will never change
-obstruction adj. : the fact of trying to prevent sth/sb from making progress
-glossary n. : a list of technical or special words
-none the less : despite this fact
-lexeme n. : a word or several words that have a meaning that is not expressed by any of its separate parts
-metalanguage n. : the words and phrases that people use to decribe language

Summary
The author's first advice to start studying linguistics is 'neware of all books on linguistics.' Language has both a linguistics and social sort of rules. Although the former is not likely to change, the latter is changing all the time. For example, the double negative will be attempted to prove that it is ungrammatical. However, it was a regular feature of English until the end of the Middle Ages. Language is human-made and the process of making up never stops.

The second advice is 'learn to think linguistically'. It means investigation of the differences between social and linguistic judgements about language use. The best starting point is to consider your own speech habits. You will find the problem of categorising in the terms 'correct/incorrect', 'well-formed/ill-formed' and 'acceptable/unacceptable'. You need to develop the right mental attitude towards linguistics because the rules which are actually used are not immutable.

Monday 7 July 2008

BBC Learning English - Words in the News

Compulsory cooking classes
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/witn/2008/01/080123_cooking.shtml

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7200949.stm

new word
subsidise v. : to give money to sb or an organization to help for sth
- The charge for a school lunch is subsidised for fatherless families by the government in Japan.

summary
Cooking lessons are to be compulsory for pupils aged 11 to 14 in England. The move is part of the strategy to tackle obesity and improve people's health. However, there is a shortage of specialist teachers and schools without kitchen need time and money to fix all of the utensils.

Saturday 5 July 2008

Good English website

-http://www.edict.com.hk/vlc/
The website has sound effect. You can enjoy studying General English through quizes and games. This is suitable for children as well.

-http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/index.shtml
You can get a lot of audio-visual aids such as video and listening materials with script and explanation of words and phrases.

-http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/
This website focuses on Academic English. You can learn effective phrases for writing and get information about other useful links.

Friday 4 July 2008

eating etiquette

There are a few eating etiquette in Japan, whereas they are allowed to do in some countries. Japanese think that both tapping chopsticks on the table before eating and resting their elbows on a table when eating are bad manners. However, they are acceptable in Thailand. In addition, it is common to speak in a loud voice during eating in China, but Japanese people regard it as an impolite manner. In contrast, it is natural to slurp noodles with a big noise in Japan, although it is uncommon in Thailand and China.

draft

Introduction
Recently, international students in the UK have increased gradually (BBC NEWS, 2008). Almost 7,000 overseas students studied in London Metropolitan University and they came from over 150 countries (The independent, 2007). Department of student services in London Metropolitan University has offered wide range of services for helping student life such as financial advice and immigration advice. The subjects are thought to be frequent or serious problems which overseas students tend to have. It is important to know their real problems and prepare the supports on demand.

However, very little research of such problems has been done between male and female. The purpose of the research is to find out if there is any difference between the sorts of problems female students have compared to male students.

Methods
The Sample
The sample size was 27. These respondents were of different ages and genders, and from different countries. They were all pre-sessional English course students of London Metropolitan University in 2008.

Data collection
This was carried out through the use of questionnaire. This was comprised of 8 questions about students problem. They had to classify one of the questions in order of importance.

Findings
Female students have two important problems; accommodation and finance. Exactly half of the students answers that accommodation is their most or quite important problem. Approximately 60 per cent of them think that finance is their important problem as well.

In contrast, the majority of male students think that they do not have important problems. More than 35 per cent of them answer that there is no problem about accommodation. Over 50 per cent of them answer that they do not have a problem about finance. Nobody has a problem about childcare. In addition, transportation and food are not their problems for nearly 60 per cent of the students.

Although male students do not think that they have serious problems, over a quarter of the students feel dissatisfaction with their life in London. On the other hand, none of the female students are dissatisfied with their life in London, though they think that they have important problems.

Academic verb exercise

1 indicated, 2 asserted, 3 stated, 4 estimates,
5 claimed, 6 reported, 7 described, 8 showed