The Fifth Argumentative Point

For the last issue to argue, we will still talk about writing courses, but this time we will move on to how to assess the ability and performance of the learners. Two ways I'd like you to look at and take your stand are having a conventional writing examination in the exam room and working on a writing assignment at home.

The first way of assessment is the one you're familiar with. It is going to the exam room and write for the whole 30 points or so. The idea is to see how well you can think and write within limited time. The second way is assigning the learners to work at home and turn it in on the due date.

Well, now which stand will you take? Don't forget to discuss one point only and support your stand well. The blog will be closed at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 24th, September, 2010.

Fourth Argumentative Point

This week I would like us to think about the point I am going to put up here. This blog will be closed at 8.00 a.m. on Friday 17th September, 2010.


The idea of 'putting the right person to the right job' always fascinates me in such a way of how we look at the rightness or appropriateness of situations. The particular status quo I would like us to look at is about teaching-learning (English) writing courses. There are two ideas concerning this: we should assign someone with a degree in teaching English to teach the courses or allow a writer to teach writing.

No matter which idea you agree with, remember only one strong or convincing reason is enough.

Third Argumetative Point

There's an issue in our community, Chiang Rai, for us to share our ideas today. It was reported that local residents and environmental activists are rallying to demand a ban on the transport of lignite from a mine in Burma through Chiang Rai (Bangkok Post, published 26 August, 2010).

Up to 5,000 tonnes of lignite mined by Saraburi Coal Co, an affiliate of Italthai Public Co, which holds a lignite mining concession in Burma, would be transported daily through tambon Mae Salong in Mae Fa Luang district and tambon Pa Sang in Mae Chan.

The discussion aired on Thai TV last week demonstrates that villagers and activists are concerned about the project since it will have an impact on their living and environment. One person mentioned that MFU would provide them with studies and information concerning the impact.

However, it is not yet concluded whether or not MFU will have any involvement with this controversial issue. Suppose MFU decided not to get involved saying that as an academic institution, we are not going to take part in anything concerning business.

What would you argue against the decision? Keep in mind that only one interesting/strong point or reason is enough for you to voice your concern.

Argumentative Point II

This week I'd like you to argue against my point of making you write an essay separately part by part that is an introductory part, a body part, and a conclusion part. I find this way of practice is good for you to learn step by step how to write a longer essay comparing to the previous essays you wrote last semester.

Something to Argue about

Hello everyone. What we are going to do from now on is that I will start a topic for us to debate or argue. In doing so, I will initiate the topic by presenting my stand. Your role is to argue against my point/stand on that topic. When you do that, just support your stand with one reason/point only. All I want to see is that your argument (with one reason/point) is reasonable, strong, and convincing.

I am convinced that a student uniform is not necessary because clothes or dressing does not help in improving students' ability in learning or thinking critically.

Effects

Talk about something (one thing) that affects someting else (causes some things to occur). What is that (one) thing and what are those some things and how/why?

I watched old clips on Youtube last night. It was a show interviewing a very young teen of twelve who is a star I have seen him on the show since he was a kid. The hosts asked him about his feeling towards P Aum Patchrapa and his interest to be one in her nursery. Remember he was only twelve. It is this kind of question that affects teenagers' attitudes and behaviors.

This is an example of the (one) thing--this kind of question--that resullts in other things. By the way, please elaborate on how/why as well.

Priority

Life is of course in a chaos from time to time, which can cause a strssful life. To keep going fine, one needs to prioritize assignments.

Talking about prioritizing, one looks at it from different angles. In another word, priority is different for each person. Like me, I prioritize my assignments according to their types and there are two main types. One is the work that involves or affects other people besides me, and two is the work that deals with me only and no one else.

I put things which involve other people as my prioity. Whatever concerns with only me can be dealt later because if anything goes wrong, I will be the one who is affected. That way I know what to do to detangle myself from troubles, which means things are in control. I do not want to cause people troubles as there is a chance I do not know how to handle the situation.

How do you prioritize your jobs?

Time to Improve

What we did, writing from yourself or your initiation, appears to be the right way to improve your writing skill as it allows me to see a flaw in many--most of, indeed--pieces. Thus, we will do the same thing this week, but please allow me to put forth some directions for you.

I would like you to learn from the links I have post on E-learning (two links) first.

After that, let's rewrite last week piece by:

1. Reading what you wrote on the blog,
2. Asking yourself what the topic and main idea is,
3. Then, rewriting the piece by specifying the main idea followed by supporting detail.

Please keep in mind that this week journal has to be a rewritten piece of last week's which means the same story as last week's. Also, write it in such a way that I can see cause/effect pattern in your journal.

Remarks: What you wrote last week is a story which is sort of supporting detail with no main idea.

Write What You Are

Due to the fact that writing should communicate to audience what the writer believes in or thinks about, I should not control your idea of what to think about and so to write about. Therefore, this week I would like to set free on what you want to write. The only direction that should be persisted is that you write anything that is about 'cause/effect'.

And since going to bed late caused dullness in me the morning after, from this week on, I will close the topic at 10.00 p.m. na kha.

I Am Happy Because ...

I am happy today. I felt good since I got out of bed. I was happy because I had had a pretty nice relaxation on weekends. Ditching the world by muting my cell phone, I felt I was in control; and therefore, I was happy. Resided inside me until weekdays was the effect of tranquility that was the good feeling of being in control.

My happiness is due to the know that I have this space of mine where I am not bothered by anyone.

What about you? What can bring you happiness? What is/are the thing (s) resulting in your good energy?