Journal Question #14

How can you speak English more often?  Lots of you have said that, because there are so many Chinese students here, it's hard for you to improve your English - or to speak English outside of class.  So, here's your chance to brainstorm ideas for speaking more English.  Come up with ideas, even if they seem a little crazy, to help yourself and your friends find more opportunities to chat in English.  I'm listening!

Journal Question #13

End of Semester Question:  How has the first semester gone for you?  Write about your classes, dorm life, social life, sports, food, weather, activities - whatever comes to mind.  Has the first semester at TA been what you expected, or very different from what you thought when you first arrived?  How have you changed?  Do you think your English has improved?  Has your knowledge of the USA improved?  How about your self-knowledge?

Journal Question #12

What kind of music do you like?  Earlier, I asked you about your favorite visual art.  Now, write about the music you especially like.  Be specific: which artists and which songs do you listen to a lot?  Also, are there musical instruments you enjoy listening to more than others, such as the guitar, the piano, or the violin?  Perhaps the trumpet or saxophone?  Drums?  do you play an instrument, or would you like to learn to play one?

Journal Question #11

What's your New Year's Resolution?  At the new year, many people decide to change themselves in some way, big or small, so they make a resolution (a sort of promise to themselves) for the coming year.  For example, one person might tell herself she will eat fewer sweets and junk food, and have a healthier diet.  Another person might decide to quit smoking, or some other bad habit. A third person might make a more general resolution, such as being kinder to strangers, or helping around the house more (e.g., cleaning, cooking, doing laundry).  Is there some behavior or attitude of yours that you would like to change?  Tell me about it!