Journal Question #13 (2010-2011)

This painting is called, "New England December Sunset."  At this time of year in New England, we don't see a lot of sunlight, and this bothers some people.  Do you feel the lack of sunlight these days?  Does it bother you that the sun goes down around 4 in the afternoon?  Until the winter solstice (December 21st or 22nd), the days will continue to get shorter and shorter, the nights longer and longer.  What can you do to stay cheerful when it's so dark?

Journal Question #12 (2010-2011)

Do you know who these people are?  If you have seen any of the "Harry Potter" movies, you do. They are, of course, Harry Potter and his friend Hermione, and this is a scene from the new Harry Potter movie, "The Deathly Hallows."  A lot of people - including yours truly - will see this movie over Thanksgiving break.  How about you?  Are you a fan of Harry Potter?  Have you read any of J.K. Rowling's books?  Tell me what you know or think of Harry Potter. 

Journal Question #11 (2010-2011)

Thanksgiving is 10 days away - November 25th - and Americans everywhere will be sitting down to eat Turkey (which won't look like the bird pictured above any longer).  They'll also eat stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, squash, pies, and on and on.  What do you think of this American holiday?  Do you like Turkey?  What do you plan to do on this day?

Journal Question #10 (2010-2011)

In ELL 2, we have been talking about the importance of Beauty in, it seems, every culture, including American culture.  This is a picture of ballerinas in Berlin, Germany - an image of beauty for many.  What about you?  In your opinion, what makes a person - or a place or an object - beautiful?  Is beauty important to you?  Do you think different cultures have different ideas of beauty?

Journal Question #9 (2010-2011)

Halloween happened yesterday (October 31st).  This is a pair of costumed people from Portsmouth - they were part of the annual Halloween parade.  How about you?  Did you get dressed up for Halloween?  If so, what were you dressed as?  If this was your first Halloween, what were your impressions?  Did you go trick-or-treating?  A costume party?  Let me know what you think of this holiday.