Journal Question #8 (2010-2011)

A week from today, Americans all over the country will vote.  These are called "midterm elections" because they come in the middle of the presidential term (in this case, the middle of Obama's first term as president).  National and state representatives, governors, and other offices are at stake for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.   In Maine, the biggest race is probably the one for governor, and there are three major candidates: Libby Mitchell (Democrat), a guy named LePage (Republican), and Eliot Cutler (Independent).  

You must have noticed all the signs, TV commercials, and other publicity surrounding the election.  What's your impression of American elections?  How are they similar or different from elections in your country?

Journal Question #7 (2010-2011)

This is a picture of the Philippines, where a powerful typhoon is causing a lot of damage and flooding.  In Vietnam, too, there has been terrible flooding in recent days, and many people have been injured or killed by the floods.  Have you - or members of your family -  ever been in a natural disaster (e.g., a typhoon, an earthquake, a tsunami, a hurricane, a tornado...)?  Write about one that you have either been in, or known about.  Can anything be done to avoid or minimize the effects of natural disasters? 

Journal Question #6 (2010-2011)

Do you know what this is a picture of?  The common cold germ.  Over the weekend, I caught a cold, and this made me think about how to avoid the cold.  Any ideas?  People say vitamin c is a cure for the cold - or it helps prevent colds, but I'm not so sure.  How do you stay healthy? Once you get a cold, how do you reduce its effects?  Do you get colds often, or do you stay healthy most of the time? 

Journal Question #5(2010-2011)

Okay, a quick quiz:  What's the best sport?  (See above picture for answer.)  Unfortunately, the season ended yesterday for the best team in the best sport, the Boston Red Sox.  No playoffs, no championship for the Red Sox this year.  That's okay, you can't always win.  Do you like the sport I'm talking about?  Or do you prefer another sport?  Why?  I like the best sport because it combines skill, psychology, and athleticism.  It's also the only major team sport that is not timed.  Over a season, you get to know the players on your team really well, and you expereince lots of ups and downs with them.  It's kind of like reading a really great story.  Anyway, tell me about your "best" sport, and why you enjoy it.