Disagreements in Your Country

Hi Class,

What are people disagreeing about in your country? Tell us about one topic.

In the US, people disagree about how people should be taxed. In fact, this is a huge point of disagreement that has been influencing the presidential election. Some people think that the rich people should be taxed a much higher percentage than others. They think these people can afford it better than middle-class people. So, a millionaire would pay 30-40% of his/her income, while a middle-class person would pay 10-15%. They think this is needed to improve the economy. Other people think this will hurt the economy because rich people are often the people who create jobs and fund charities. It's a big debate between Obama and Romney, and whoever can persuade the most people will probably win the election!

Texting While Walking??

Hi Class!

New Jersey recently made it illegal to text while walking!

Click on the link to watch this video:

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1633260081001/texting-while-walking-banned-in-new-jersey

Who do you agree with more? Why?

• The Police?
• The Pedestrians?

Cause/Effect Essay

Hi Class!

What is your topic for the Cause/Effect Essay? Why did you choose it?

Plagiarism Discussion

Hi class! This week we will discuss plagiarism and how to avoid it. After completing the PASS Workshop "Cheating and Its Consequences," write about this question:

What are the academic integrity policies (in other words "no cheating rules") in your country? Do people talk about plagiarism or copying? What is acceptable, and what is unacceptable in terms of using another person's ideas or words?

Plagiarism is a very important topic in the USA. To Americans, ideas and words are seen as property. I cannot use an author's word or idea without citing the original work. People in America have to learn how to use sources in a way that shows that they are not copying. This is a very long, complicated process that takes a while to master. In fact, there are whole books devoted to citation styles and techniques. Students need to be very, very careful when using others ideas. While this isn't the case in all countries, in the USA and in the global academic community, it is expected.

What is an important thing you've learned?

Hello, class! Answer this question: What is an important thing you've learned how to do, and how did you learn to do it?

Then, comment on 2 classmates' posts by hitting 'reply' and writing them a message.

When I was young, I learned how to play the oboe. Here's how I learned how to do it. Before learning, I had played the saxophone and the piano, so I already knew how to read music. When I was in Junior High School, my band teacher asked me to try a new instrument, the oboe, and I loved it! First, I met with a private teacher. She showed me where to put my fingers and how to breathe. Then, I practiced almost every day for several hours. As I improved, I played more difficult levels of music. In the end, I have played for over 10 years in high school and college bands and orchestras. Learning oboe helped me learn how to set and achieve goals, which has been an important skill that I have used my whole life.

Definition Paragraph

Hi class! Write your definition paragraph below.

Friendship is accepting another person as they are.  Even if they have differences, true friends always see these as positive things. For example, if my friend has a different view on politics, it would be easy to get angry or be shocked and pull away. But as a true friend, I view that difference as something I can learn from. Her different opinion shows me something new and allows me to consider a topic in a new way. Sometimes people think different ways of living and thinking are scary, but a true friend does not want their friend to change.

This is me and my friend Erin! :)

Welcome / Summer Adventures

Hello, students! Welcome to our 50D Written Communication blog. This is a space where we will practice writing weekly by responding to prompts and commenting on each other's posts. Each time, I will post a question and you should respond, just like in the example below.

What did you do this summer?

In May, I went on the trip of a lifetime! I went to three cities in Europe: Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. In Paris, I went to the contemporary art museum and saw an exhibition of works by Matisse. Matisse always made drafts of his paintings (similar to how we draft an essay) and it was very interesting to see his creative process. In Rome, I visited the underground portion of the Colosseum. This is where the gladiators and slaves prepared for each show. In Barcelona, I watched FC Barcelona's last regional soccer game against Bilbao. It was so fun to experience Spain's soccer culture. In all, I had a great time and want to go back soon!

Now, share a story of what you did this summer. Then, comment on two classmates' posts.