Dear Students,

I hope this finds you well. Here is a brief recap of our class today, June 10th

We began with a review of vocabulary related to the academic and student world (https://test-english.com/explanation/b1-vocabulary-explanations/education-b1-english-vocabulary/). Following that, we analyzed two charts summarizing the educational systems of the United Kingdom and the United States. After interpreting both charts together, we moved on to defining our Chilean educational system based on the information from both charts. Before comparing and contrasting the three educational systems, we reviewed the forms for making comparisons and talking about superlatives, focusing on A2+ level structures and including phrases and expressions related to a more academic register (https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/grammar/comparisons) . We then conducted an individual comparison of the three exposed systems.

After a break, we continued with an online quiz to consolidate our understanding of comparatives and superlatives. We followed this with an interactive, gamified listening comprehension activity related to Finland’s Educational System, working together on various exercises. We concluded with an extended listening comprehension task (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=332584320845234 ) related to the problems of Contemporary Education, ending with a discussion to develop our communication skills further.

Please stay tuned for any news regarding the strike.

Best regards,

Prof. Masías O.

Dear Students,

In our last session on Monday, 03-06, we began with a conversation about the current strike. Following that, we used images to conduct an integrative activity that combined discussion and writing. This served as an introductory review of vocabulary related to discrimination, gender roles, race, ecology, and other relevant topics.

Afterward, we worked in groups on a vocabulary activity and reviewed writing, focusing on the different paragraph construction models we have analyzed in our recent sessions.

During the second part of the class, we conducted a practice activity to fine-tune the details for the presentations that will take place once we resume in-person classes. Additionally, we addressed issues related to the correction of the homework that was pending review.

Please stay alert for any updates regarding the strike and the occupation of the campus.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Prof. Masías O. 

Dear Students,

I am writing to recap what we covered in our recent sessions and to provide some important updates.

First, a reminder that Week 10th corresponded to a holiday, so the class was suspended. In our class on May 27th, during the first session, we reviewed the Burger Model as a general approach to the structuring, organization, and composition of paragraphs in English. We explored different ways to understand this model through various examples and virtual exercises to reinforce our understanding. Additionally, we discussed how using connectors,  and transitional phrases can help us expand the length of our paragraphs. All the materials are available on U-Cursos for your review.

In the second part of the class, we conducted a brief webquest in small groups on two formulaic paragraph writing models: the MEAL Plan from Duke University and the RARE Response Model. After our mini research, we shared our findings in a plenary session, where more examples of all the models we have covered were provided. You were asked to produce mini-texts exemplifying these approaches and collaboratively analyzed different paragraphs to recognize the characteristics and scope of these formulaic structures. We also assigned a task to reinforce these skills and to prepare you for the upcoming writing test, which will be scheduled once we resume in-person classes after the strike.

Please remember that we also have the round of talks pending, so ensure you are prepared for our return to classes next week (tentatively), at which time we should proceed with the presentations of your topics. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me as soon as possible.

Regarding this week's class, please note that due to the sit-in at the campus, our class will be held virtually. I would like to emphasize that this is dynamic information, and we are still awaiting instructions from the English Program coordination. Any updates will be communicated promptly, so please stay tuned.

Best regards,

Professor Masías O.

Dear English 3 Students,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to provide a brief summary of our recent class session.

During the first part of our class this week, we focused on reviewing details of word order, collocations, and vocabulary related to Cohesive Devices. We engaged in various activities aimed at integrating these concepts into paragraph construction and textual composition.

As our first round of tests is scheduled for next Monday, I have uploaded a written homework assignment related to Word Order and a listening activity practice task in the "Tareas" section of the platform. Both of these activities will help you better prepare for the upcoming written and listening assessments. We will briefly review both assignments at the beginning of our next session.

As for the written homework assignment, you will find clarifications regarding the instructions in the "Novedades" section of U-Cursos (o/598217).

Additionally, I want to remind you that the material for our next session is also available in the "Material Docente" and "Enlaces" sections of the U-Cursos platform.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to seeing you in our next class.

Best regards,

Professor Jordán Masías O.