Week #4 - Xreading; also ESL Online Presentations

Good afternoon, everyone! I hope you are ready to present ESL Online sites. I also hope you are checking ESL on TikTok and Instagram to prepare for next week.

I would like to suggest in your writing that you explain the meaning of one word that you learned (in English and Japanese). See the April 20 blog post below (How to write about vocabulary) for examples.

Today's topic is Xreading. Kevin will talk about it in class. Like the other topics so far, you will find something to read, write a paragraph and present it in class - May 19 (Thurs); May 24 (Tues).

Xreading is an ESL way to read online books. Graded reader have levels, so you can find the level that suits you best. Ideally, you want to choose a book where most of the words are known, but some words are new to you so you can learn new vocabulary. There are many books, so it should be easy to find a book that is interesting and at your level.

Read one or more graded readers on your cell phone, tablet or PC. Use your Xreading account. The service is provided by Tsurumi University. It's free to you now. After you graduate, if you want to continue to use it, it costs 2000 yen per year.

Last year, students had trouble writing about Xreading. You need to write about the features of Xreading.

What are the features?

• online books
• various levels
• search functions (search by genre, title, level, publisher)
• audio
• ability to change text size
• ability to change audio speed
• automatic bookmarking
• student reviews of books
• quizzes to check understanding
• can use on smart phone, tablet or PC
• keeps a record of your reading

When you write about Xreading, you need to mention some or all of these features. If you can't do that, then you are not doing the assignment.

Your first blog post is due May 26 (Thursday classes) May 31 (Tuesday classes).

Grammar Practice
Conditional Sentences I - statements

To review, Tuesday class, you have 3 things to write (3 assignments):

1. ESL on TikTok & Instagram paragraph; send to Kevin by email two days before your class! - before May 12 (Thurs); May 17 (Tues)
2. Xreading paragraph; send to Kevin by email (before May 19 (Thurs); May 24 (Tues)
3. Blog post #1 - May 26 (Thurs); May 31 Tues)

There is no class on Tuesday, May 3;  or Thursday, May 5 - Golden Week!