Kompetenzerweiterung I, Study Pack for Both Groups

*** Please be advised that our institute holds classes on Jan. 6th!***

For both groups: Please review the verb patterns on pp. 186-187 over the break. In addition, you might find this study pack for the exam useful for practice during the holidays. (The following constitutes a list of exercises which can help you train for the exam.)

Future and present forms

https://www.ef.com/english-resources/english-grammar/future/

http://oefeningenengels.classy.be/futuremixed3.html

http://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/tenses/t059-homes-of-the-future.htm

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/will_going_to_future.htm

https://www.englishpractice.com/quiz/simple-present-future-tense/

Mixed tense

http://www.academia.edu/4349276/10_texts_to_revise_mixed_tenses_with_key

https://elt.oup.com/student/solutions/upperint/grammar/grammar_06_012e?cc=de&selLanguage=de

http://www.englishlessonsbrighton.co.uk/the-christmas-mess-mixed-tenses-reading-exercise/

Gerund and infinitive

http://www.spraz-ila.de/grammar/gerinf1.htm

http://www.spraz-ila.de/grammar/gerinf3.htm

https://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/gerunds_infinitives_5.htm

http://a4esl.org/q/f/z/zz97mkm.htm

https://languageavenue.com/advanced-english/advanced-grammar-exercises/gerunds-and-infinitives-1-advanced#take-the-quiz

Word formation

https://www.examenglish.com/FCE/fce_use_of_english_part3_test2.htm

http://www.dcielts.com/word-formation-exercises/

http://www.focus.olsztyn.pl/en-english-word-formation-exercises.html

https://www.grammarbank.com/word-formation.html

https://quizlet.com/103833447/word-formation-exercises-verbs-nouns-adjectives-flash-cards/

Cloze tests

http://www.englishdaily626.com/cloze_passages.php?001

(you will find at the bottom of this page a list of hyperlinked numbers; all of these are CLOZE exercises you can use for practice)

Register rewrite

http://www.ltn.lv/~markir/essaywriting/inform.htm

https://www.engvid.com/english-resource/formal-informal-english/

Relative pronoun gap fill

https://www.englishgrammar101.com/module-2/pronouns/lesson-7/relative-pronouns

http://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g14-relative-pronoun-gap-fill-exercise.php

http://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g61-relative-pronouns-gap-fill.php

http://www3.lernplattform.schule.at/anglisten/pluginfile.php/6813/mod_resource/content/4/Gap_filling_1.htm

Relative clauses rewrite

https://www.englishgrammar.org/joining-sentences-relative-pronoun/

http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/relative-clause-exercises.html

Error correction

http://www.businessenglishresources.com/common-english-mistakes-english-error-correction-3a-advanced/

http://www.businessenglishresources.com/common-mistakes-in-emails/

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_55.htm

Active to passive voice

https://www.englishgrammar.org/active-passive-voice-exercise-8/

http://www.englishexercises.net/yypassive2.html

http://suz.digitaleschulebayern.de/english/grammar/passive6.htm

http://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/passive-voice/pa006-active-passive.htm

Do/take/make/have:

http://www.tinyteflteacher.co.uk/learning-english/FCE/practice-make-do.html

https://learningapps.org/192576

http://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/general-vocabulary/gv002-make-and-do.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv2.shtml

 

 

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for January 8th

Over the break, I recommend:

- finalizing your prepared debate question. This includes reading and listening to articles and videos on your question and pertaining to your topic area.

- practicing random debate questions. Use web searches to help and consult video playlists on previous blog posts.

- practicing presenting the graphs distributed in class and new ones you find on the web (web searches for infographics can help).

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for January 7th

Over the break, I recommend:

- finalizing your prepared debate question. This includes reading and listening to articles and videos on your question and pertaining to your topic area.

- practicing random debate questions. Use web searches to help and consult video playlists on previous blog posts.

- practicing presenting the graphs distributed in class and new ones you find on the web (web searches for infographics can help).

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for December 19th

For homework, please:

- review unit 7 on passives and causatives and the topic vocab and word formation words for unit 8 (including all exercises; the unit 7-8 review as well) and bring in any questions you might have to class

 

- complete the rest of the "Why I'm opting out of Christmas" exercise

 - have a look at the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-7UV8Vmxuw and complete the following:
a) answer the question: are hydrogen cars (part of) the future?
b) identify as many collocations as you can (e.g. "vast majority", "cutting-edge technology")

- complete the following exercises:
https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g20-passive-active-exercise.php
https://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/passive-voice/pa002-incident-in-the-sky.htm
https://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/passive-voice/pa006-active-passive.htm
https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-23159.php
https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/structures/gerund_infinitive.htm
https://school-english.de/english/uebungen/gerundium/remember.htm

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for January 6th, 2020

*** Please be advised that our institute holds classes on Jan. 6th!***

For homework, please have a look at the objects listed on this page. In your opinion, which objects definitely belong in the collection and which ones are questionable? Are there any missing that you would include? https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/101-objects-that-made-america-2254692/

Bear in mind that the collection was inspired by this project: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00nrtd2/episodes/Downloads

To my Erasmus students / exam re-takers taking the exam in Jan (please note that some review will be included in our last two sessions in Jan.; I encourage you to bring in questions):

Concerning review for the exam, please review all of the posts from the blog (can be easily accessed by typing "Kulturraumstudien" into the search engine at the top lefthand corner of the blog webpage) and your notes from homework and class. You should be familiar with the following terms and able to use them naturally in analysis: culture, text, discourse, collective consciousness, prototype, consensus, frames, scripts, localization, canon, democracy, capitalism, metonymy, conceptual metaphor, orientational metaphor, cultural memes, signs, symbols, indexes/indices, icons. You should be familiar with how the electoral college works, the Bill of Rights, the context for the "space race", the Civil Rights Movement, the effects of the Civil War on modern-day race relations, the notion of Reconstruction, how the US does (and doesn't) talk about class, ways of dividing up the US.  Remember: I am predominantly interested in how this background knowledge feeds into your analysis of cultural artifacts on the exam. (Why are we seeing/hearing what we're seeing/hearing and how is it a product of its time and cultural context?)

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for December 18th

For homework, please:

- review unit 7 on passives and causatives and the topic vocab and word formation words for unit 8 (including all exercises; the unit 7-8 review as well) and bring in any questions you might have to class

- have a look at the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-7UV8Vmxuw and complete the following:
a) answer the question: are hydrogen cars (part of) the future?
b) identify as many collocations as you can (e.g. "vast majority", "cutting-edge technology")

- complete the following exercises:
https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g20-passive-active-exercise.php
https://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/passive-voice/pa002-incident-in-the-sky.htm
https://www.english-grammar.at/online_exercises/passive-voice/pa006-active-passive.htm
https://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-23159.php
https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/structures/gerund_infinitive.htm
https://school-english.de/english/uebungen/gerundium/remember.htm

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for December 17th

For homework, please:

- review Units 5 and 6 and bring in any questions you have regarding expressing the future in English and topic vocab and the word formation words from unit 6.

- have a look at this video on what Google expects from applicant resumes (most of the points they mention are relevant for all jobs) and 1) write down five tips from the video and 2) write down as many colloquial expressions/idioms that the speakers use as you can (e.g. "walk you through", "a safe bet"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYUy1yvjHxE

- complete the handouts on the continuous and "exam practice 7" distributed in class.

- using exercise 2 on "exam practice 7" as a guide, write a couple sentences about one of your favorite travel destinations in a similar fashion (i.e. employing participle clauses, adverbs modifying adjectives, etc.)

 - complete the following exercises:

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-simple-future-simple-exercise-1.html
https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/4g9-future-continuous-perfect.php
https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g58-future-errors.php
https://speakspeak.com/english-grammar-exercises/intermediate/future-simple-will-versus-going-to-future

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for December 16th

For homework, please:

- review Units 5 and 6 and bring in any questions you have regarding expressing the future in English and topic vocab and the word formation words from unit 6.

- have a look at this video on what Google expects from applicant resumes (most of the points they mention are relevant for all jobs) and 1) write down five tips from the video and 2) write down as many colloquial expressions/idioms that the speakers use as you can (e.g. "walk you through", "a safe bet"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYUy1yvjHxE

- complete the handout on the continuous distributed in class.

- complete the following exercises:

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-simple-future-simple-exercise-1.html
https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/4g9-future-continuous-perfect.php
https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/3g58-future-errors.php
https://speakspeak.com/english-grammar-exercises/intermediate/future-simple-will-versus-going-to-future

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for December 18th

***Attention: There is a team scheduled for Monday, January 27th at 15:30. Can anyone switch their time with them? Please let me know as soon as possible via email.***

For homework, please:

- continue preparing for your prepared debate question.

- read the "Tampons to Be Taxed as Essential, Not Luxury Items in Germany" article (aloud!) and look into the taxing of other items in Germany (this article might help: https://www.n-tv.de/ratgeber/Die-kruden-Regeln-der-Mehrwertsteuer-article21191910.html ). Select a few items and come to class ready to debate whether those items should move from the 7% to 19% sales tax category, drop from 19% to 7%, maintain their current percent, or be made entirely sales tax free.

- have a look at this video on whether we should do away with chocolate Advent calendars, write down the best arguments the speakers in the video present and be ready to debate the question next week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cYUFf5tHII

- complete exercises 17.1 and 17.2 from the handout "17: stress in compound adjectives and in abbreviations"

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for December 17th

***Attention: There is a team scheduled for Monday, January 27th at 15:30. Can anyone switch their time with them? Please let me know as soon as possible via email.***

For homework, please:

- continue preparing for your prepared debate question.

- read the "Tampons to Be Taxed as Essential, Not Luxury Items in Germany" article (aloud!) and look into the taxing of other items in Germany (this article might help: https://www.n-tv.de/ratgeber/Die-kruden-Regeln-der-Mehrwertsteuer-article21191910.html ). Select a few items and come to class ready to debate whether those items should move from the 7% to 19% sales tax category, drop from 19% to 7%, maintain their current percent, or be made entirely sales tax free.

- have a look at this video on whether we should do away with chocolate Advent calendars, write down the best arguments the speakers in the video present and be ready to debate the question next week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cYUFf5tHII

- complete exercises 17.1 and 17.2 from the handout "17: stress in compound adjectives and in abbreviations"

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for December 12th

For homework, please:

- review Units 3 and 4 and bring in any questions you have concerning past time and the topic vocab and word formation words for Unit 4

- watch one of the "5 Levels" Videos and bring in a concept that you are prepared to explain on five different Levels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLibNZv5Zd0dyCoQ6f4pdXUFnpAIlKgm3N

- complete the rest of the error correction handout distributed in class

- complete the following exercises:

https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/4g4-past-tenses-exercise.php
https://speakspeak.com/english-grammar-exercises/upper-intermediate/past-simple-v-past-perfect
https://www.english-4u.de/en/tenses-exercises/tenses.htm
https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/past_perfect_simple_past.htm
https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/past-perfect-exercise-3.html

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for December 16th

For homework, please:

- as discussed in class, look up a conflict that the US was involved in (e.g. the Civil War, WWII, Vietnam, Iraq, etc.) and compare the English Wikipedia page with the German one (or one from another language). What are the notable similarities and differences in terms of content, organization, and layout on the page? What is included on one and absent from the other?

- watch this video on Reconstruction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjetWrsQb-E

- have a look at this video concerning how the electoral college works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9H3gvnN468

- this letter might interest you, from a free man in 1864 to the man who formerly enslaved him: http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/01/to-my-old-master.html

- here is a link to the entire "What We Learn from the Big Bad Wolf" article by Lippi-Green: https://freerangeresearch.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/ic-lippi-green-1997-teaching-children-how-to-discriminate.pdf

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for December 11th

For homework, please:

- review Units 3 and 4 and bring in any questions you have concerning past time and the topic vocab and word formation words for Unit 4

- watch one of the "5 Levels" Videos and bring in a concept that you are prepared to explain on five different Levels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLibNZv5Zd0dyCoQ6f4pdXUFnpAIlKgm3N

- complete the rest of the error correction and "exam practice 7" handouts distributed in class

- complete the following exercises:

https://www.esl-lounge.com/student/grammar/4g4-past-tenses-exercise.php
https://speakspeak.com/english-grammar-exercises/upper-intermediate/past-simple-v-past-perfect
https://www.english-4u.de/en/tenses-exercises/tenses.htm
https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises/tenses/past_perfect_simple_past.htm
https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/past-perfect-exercise-3.html

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for December 10th

***Make sure you're registered for the exam on PSSO!!!***

For homework, please:

- complete exercises G-K on pp. 126-127 of the textbook.

- complete exercises A, B, and E on pp. 136-137 of the textbook.

- watch this TED talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFjD3NMv6Kw and do the following:
a) identify the seven principles the speaker outlines and provide an example of each
b) write down 10 pieces of vocabulary specific to the field of urban planning/design
c) answer the question: Do you agree with all of the principles the speaker covers in his talk? Are there any principles you can think of that the speaker has neglected or failed to adequately address?
d) What are the speaker's concerns about autonomous vehicles?

- read the two remaining humorous/satirical texts from our set from class and do the following:
a) in the cafe article, identify the thesis and the ways the author uses humor in his examples
b) in the German article, identify five words/phrases that you've given some thought to on how to translate.

- review Unit 1 of your book, Unit 2's topic vocab and word formation words, all exercises completed and the exercises completed for the Unit 1-2 review. Bring in any questions you have or points you would like reviewed in advance of the exam.

- complete the following exercises (these pages feature exercises in a lot of areas of grammar, so I encourage you to bookmark the pages you like best and to use them for other areas of grammar you need practice in):
https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/present-continuous-or-present-simple-pre-intermediate
https://www.english-4u.de/en/tenses-exercises/perfect-past-simple.htm
https://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs8.htm
http://usefulenglish.ru/grammar/tenses-exercise-two

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for December 9th

***Make sure you're registered for the exam on PSSO!!!***

For homework, please:

- complete exercises G-K on pp. 126-127 of the textbook.

- complete exercises A, B, and E on pp. 136-137 of the textbook.

- watch this TED talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFjD3NMv6Kw and do the following:
a) identify the seven principles the speaker outlines and provide an example of each
b) write down 10 pieces of vocabulary specific to the field of urban planning/design
c) answer the question: Do you agree with all of the principles the speaker covers in his talk? Are there any principles you can think of that the speaker has neglected or failed to adequately address?
d) What are the speaker's concerns about autonomous vehicles?

- review Unit 1 of your book, Unit 2's topic vocab and word formation words, all exercises completed and the exercises completed for the Unit 1-2 review. Bring in any questions you have or points you would like reviewed in advance of the exam.

- complete the following exercises (these pages feature exercises in a lot of areas of grammar, so I encourage you to bookmark the pages you like best and to use them for other areas of grammar you need practice in):
https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/present-continuous-or-present-simple-pre-intermediate
https://www.english-4u.de/en/tenses-exercises/perfect-past-simple.htm
https://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs8.htm
http://usefulenglish.ru/grammar/tenses-exercise-two

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for December 10th

*** Make sure you are registered on PSSO!!! ***

For homework, please:

- prioritize doing the research necessary for your prepared debate. This should involve reading at least 10 articles/watching 10 videos in English on the subject, collecting examples, arguments and relevant vocabulary.

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for December 9th

*** Make sure that you have registered on PSSO!!! ***

For homework, please:

- prioritize doing the research necessary for your prepared debate. This should involve reading at least 10 articles/watching 10 videos in English on the subject, collecting examples, arguments and relevant vocabulary.

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for December 5th

***Make sure that you've registered for the exam on PSSO!!!***

For homework, please:

- read through the grammar notes on pp. 122-123 of the textbook and complete exercises A-F on pp. 124-125.

- study the topic vocabulary for materials and the built environment on pg. 128 and the word formation words on pg. 129 and complete exercises A-D on pp. 130-131 and exercises L-O on pp. 134-135.

- complete exercises D and E on pg. 185.

- complete exercises A, C, and E on pp. 265-266.

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for December 9th

For homework, please:

- read this article on the effects of the Civil War on US society: https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2010/spring/newnation.html

- watch this Video on the Year of Return in Ghana (I encourage you to pay attention to music used in the background and to be critical of it): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqoqhruujN4

You might be interested in this NPR broadcast on the history of pardoning turkeys: https://www.npr.org/2019/11/26/782716688/i-beg-your-pardon-the-strange-history-presidents-sparing-Turkeys

This Crash Course channel might interest some of you history buffs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtMwmepBjTSG593eG7ObzO7s

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for December 4th

***Make sure that you've registered for the exam on PSSO!!!***

For homework, please:

- read through the grammar notes on pp. 122-123 of the textbook and complete exercises A-F on pp. 124-125.

- study the topic vocabulary for materials and the built environment on pg. 128 and the word formation words on pg. 129 and complete exercises A-D on pp. 130-131 and exercises L-O on pp. 134-135.

- complete exercises D and E on pg. 185.

- complete exercises A, C, and E on pp. 265-266.

- read the two remaining humorous/satirical texts from our set from class and do the following:
a) in the cafe article, identify the thesis and the ways the author uses humor in his examples
b) in the German article, identify five words/phrases that you've given some thought to on how to translate.

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for December 3rd

For homework, please:

- complete exercises E-I on pp. 174-175 of the textbook.

- complete the exercises on the handout "using the or no article" distributed in class.

- continue proofreading and editing the subscription box copy distributed in class.

- study the word formation box on pg. 177 and complete exercises K-M on pp. 182-183 and learn the words in "topic vocab: quality" and "topic vocab: the arts" on pg. 176 and do exercises A-D on pp. 178-179.

- have a look at this video, write down good vocabulary used in it, and be ready discuss the question, "Is there a difference between financial loss and cultural loss?" on Monday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HFyVS9dH40&t=212s

- on Monday we're going to discuss satirical writing. Find a piece of satirical writing in English on the web that you find is successfully done and bring it with you to class (either printed out or in digital form).

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for December 2nd

For homework, please:

- complete exercises E-I on pp. 174-175 of the textbook.

- complete the exercises on the handout "using the or no article" distributed in class.

- continue proofreading and editing the subscription box copy distributed in class.

- study the word formation box on pg. 177 and complete exercises K-M on pp. 182-183 and learn the words in "topic vocab: quality" and "topic vocab: the arts" on pg. 176 and do exercises A-D on pp. 178-179.

- have a look at this video, write down good vocabulary used in it, and be ready discuss the question, "Is there a difference between financial loss and cultural loss?" on Monday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HFyVS9dH40&t=212s

- on Monday we're going to discuss satirical writing. Find a piece of satirical writing in English on the web that you find is successfully done and bring it with you to class (either printed out or in digital form).

self-check for the exercises on the sheet "exam practice 3":
exercise 1: 1. will, 2. chances/odd, 3. may (or will), 4. well (likely), 5. tempted/inclined/obliged/driven/compelled, 6. certain/sure/bound, 7. distinct/definite, 8. may/will, 9. has/needs/ought, 10. doubt/question, 11. do/can, 12. needn't/won't/doesn't, 13. obligation, 14. probability, 15. may/might
exercise 2: unacceptable, unpardonable, unlawful, irrationally, unreasonable, permissable, unethical, immoral, illegal, disqualified

self-check for "verbs we commonly use in the passive"
front of the page, exercise 1: a) was deemed, b) be jailed, c) been strewn, d) was baffled, e) been earmarked
front of the page, exercise 2: a) i, b) iii, c) iv, d) ii

back of the page, exercise 1: 1. were baffled, 2. was/is/has been deemed, 3. was dubbed, 4. were/had been strewn, 5. was overcome, 6. is shrouded, 7. have been inundated, 8. is/was dwarfed, 9. is scheduled, 10. have been/not have been shortlisted
back of the page exercise 2: 1. dogged, 3. buffeted, 3. haunted, 4. Locked, 5. hounded, 6. handicapped, 7. doomed, 8. blessed, 9. touched, 10. earmarked, 11. destined, 12. possessed
exercise 3: 1. d, 2. f, 3. i, 4. a, 5. h, 6. e, 7. g, 8. c, 9. j, 10. b
exercise 4: 1. we've been swamped with/by, 2. was completely taken aback by, 3. was disconcerted by, 4. is handed down from generation, 5. was scaled down following, 6. being talked down, 7. was couched in extremely formal

- if you're interested, here is Monty Python's Ministry of Silly Walks sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCLp7zodUiI

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for December 4th

Registration for the exam has now started on PSSO. Please make sure that you register to take the exam with me. You must be registered electronically in order to take the exam in January.

For homework, please:

- read the article "Where you sit and where you stand" distributed in class (out loud!) and do the following:
a) look up all of the words you don't know
b) identify all of the arguments/points made by the author
c) be prepared to debate the question "Does architecture have a significant effect on our environment?" in class next week

- watch the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuGj5n_vYz4 and:
a) outline the points made by Lovelock in your own words
b) what proposals/assumptions do you find sensible and which ones do you not?
c) be prepared to answer the question "How can we save humankind?"

- complete the exercises on the discussions  and the pronunciation exercise handouts

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for December 3rd

Registration for the exam has now started on PSSO. Please make sure that you register to take the exam with me. You must be registered electronically in order to take the exam in January.

For homework, please:

- read the article "Where you sit and where you stand" distributed in class (out loud!) and do the following:
a) look up all of the words you don't know
b) identify all of the arguments/points made by the author
c) be prepared to debate the question "Does architecture have a significant effect on our environment?" in class next week

- watch the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuGj5n_vYz4 and:
a) outline the points made by Lovelock in your own words
b) what proposals/assumptions do you find sensible and which ones do you not?
c) be prepared to answer the question "How can we save humankind?"

- complete the exercises on the discussions  and the pronunciation exercise handouts

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for November 28th

Registration for the exam has now started on PSSO. Please make sure that you register to take the exam with me. You must be registered electronically in order to take the exam in January.

For homework, please:

- complete exercises A-D on pp. 62-64 of the textbook.

- watch a video from one of the BBC Sport playlists and write down useful verbs featured in the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW6-BQWFA70Dyyc7ZpZ9Xlg/playlists?disable_polymer=1. Are any of them synonyms from pg. 60's topic vocab?

- there are very specific verbs in English for action and movement (e.g. sneer, scoot, twitch). Make a list of 10 highly specific verbs.

- read through the grammar descriptions on pp. 170-171 and complete exercises A-D on pp. 172-173.

- complete all of the exercises on the worksheet "verbs we commonly use in the passive" distributed in class.

- complete the top two execises on the worksheet "exam practice 3" distributed in class.

Self-check your answers to the "nominal relative clauses" sheet here:
check: 1. yes, 2. adverbial clause, 3. yes, 4. normal relative clause, 5. yes
exercise 1: 1. where, 2. whatever, 3. whoever, 4. how, 5. Whichever, 6. who, 7. what, 8. which
exercise 2: 1. what, 2. that/which, 3. what, 4. which, 5. which, 6. What, 7. what, 8. what, 9. what, 10. which/what
exercise 3: 1. a,d 2. a,d 3. c,d 4. a,b,c 5. a,b,d 6. a 7. b,c,d 8. b,d 9. c 10. d
exercise 4: 1. she said was extremely, 2. (best) to break the news to 3. party wins the election, nothing will 4. little knowledge I have about computers could be 5. is exactly how I imagined Paris would 6. we were talking about

- answers to exercises 1 and 4 from "verbs followed by the infinitive":
exercise 1: 1. inspired...to take up, 2. encouraged...to enrol(l) / apply /sign up, 3. decided to go, 4. proved to be, 5. claimed to have worked, 6. longed to act, 7. hoped (or: was hoping) to attract / gain / come to, 8. dare (to) tell / warn / inform
exercise 4: 1. induce me to be photographed / to have myself photographed / to let myself be photographed, 2. his honesty to be taken into, 3. to have been a (total / complete) breakdown in communication, 4. to keep an eye on the house in, 5. thought by many to have few equals among, 6. (to be) a total waste of, 7. you know such hostility towards every

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for December 2nd

For homework, please:

- watch these videos and answer the questions that follow (some might require some research outside of watching the video alone): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHPzADnAV5w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyLRfuq7e2E
1) What is impeachment?
2) Which US presidents have been impeached and for what reasons?
3) What effect do you believe Trump's impeachment hearings will have?
4) What is partisanship?

- read the first three articles of the US Constitution (this is where impeachment is featured) and try to figure out the organization (i.e. structure) of these three articles: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript#toc-article-iv

A note about test registration: if you taking Kulturraumstudien as a year-long course, please be advised that your exam is in July, not this January. DO NOT register for the exam for this January. Only students who are taking the course as a single-semester course (i.e. Erasmus students) should register for a January exam. Students retaking the course can also register for the January exam date.

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for November 27th

Registration for the exam has now started on PSSO. Please make sure that you register to take the exam with me. You must be registered electronically in order to take the exam in January.

For homework, please:

- complete exercises A-D on pp. 62-64 of the textbook.

- watch a video from one of the BBC Sport playlists and write down useful verbs featured in the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW6-BQWFA70Dyyc7ZpZ9Xlg/playlists?disable_polymer=1. Are any of them synonyms from pg. 60's topic vocab?

- there are very specific verbs in English for action and movement (e.g. sneer, scoot, twitch). Make a list of 10 highly specific verbs.

- read through the grammar descriptions on pp. 170-171 and complete exercises A-D on pp. 172-173.

- complete all of the exercises on the worksheet "verbs we commonly use in the passive" distributed in class.

- complete the top two execises on the worksheet "exam practice 3" distributed in class.

Self-check your answers to the "nominal relative clauses" sheet here:
check: 1. yes, 2. adverbial clause, 3. yes, 4. normal relative clause, 5. yes
exercise 1: 1. where, 2. whatever, 3. whoever, 4. how, 5. Whichever, 6. who, 7. what, 8. which
exercise 2: 1. what, 2. that/which, 3. what, 4. which, 5. which, 6. What, 7. what, 8. what, 9. what, 10. which/what
exercise 3: 1. a,d 2. a,d 3. c,d 4. a,b,c 5. a,b,d 6. a 7. b,c,d 8. b,d 9. c 10. d
exercise 4: 1. she said was extremely, 2. (best) to break the news to 3. party wins the election, nothing will 4. little knowledge I have about computers could be 5. is exactly how I imagined Paris would 6. we were talking about

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, November 26th

For homework, please:

- learn the vocab words in the "movement" and "transport" boxes on pg. 60 and complete exercises A-D on pp. 62-64.

- complete the rest of the "verbs followed by the infinitive" worksheet sheet distributed in class.

- complete exercises G-J on pp. 58-59 of the textbook.

- complete the unit 7-8 review on pp. 68-69 (all exercises).

- complete the "nominal relative clauses" worksheet distributed in class.

- answers to exercise 4 on "words used with relative pronouns": 1. majority of whom, 2. the purpose of which is, 3. at which point, 4. which up to five books can be taken, 5. witnessed the robbery were / was able

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Groupm, Homework for November 25th

For homework, please:

- learn the vocab words in the "movement" and "transport" boxes on pg. 60 and complete exercises A-D on pp. 62-64.

- complete  exercises M-O on pp. 67

- complete exercises G-J on pp. 58-59 of the textbook.

- complete the unit 7-8 review on pp. 68-69 (all exercises).

- complete the "nominal relative clauses" worksheet distributed in class.

- answers to exercise 4 on "words used with relative pronouns": 1. majority of whom, 2. the purpose of which is, 3. at which point, 4. which up to five books can be taken, 5. witnessed the robbery were / was able

- answers to exercises 1 and 4 from "verbs followed by the infinitive":
exercise 1: 1. inspired...to take up, 2. encouraged...to enrol(l) / apply /sign up, 3. decided to go, 4. proved to be, 5. claimed to have worked, 6. longed to act, 7. hoped (or: was hoping) to attract / gain / come to, 8. dare (to) tell / warn / inform
exercise 4: 1. induce me to be photographed / to have myself photographed / to let myself be photographed, 2. his honesty to be taken into, 3. to have been a (total / complete) breakdown in communication, 4. to keep an eye on the house in, 5. thought by many to have few equals among, 6. (to be) a total waste of, 7. you know such hostility towards every

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for November 27th

For homework, please:

- have a look at the graphs distributed in class today and sketch 1) an outline for a presentation for each and 2) write down five ways of describing the data in each graph.

- read the transcript on the "discussions" handout distributed in class aloud.

- complete exercises 54.1 and 54.2 on the handout distributed featuring the acupuncture patient. Complete the exercises by testing the sentences out loud.

- read (aloud!) the pro/con debate distributed in class (the question is: Should alcohol be banned on airplanes?) and highlight all of the points you find valid.

- watch this video on alcohol on airplanes and at airports and jot down all of the points that are made as the speakers talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyA-uj3XOOM

- answers to 13.12 from "Trends, Graphs, and Figures"
1 i,k,p  2 c,e,f  3 a,l  4 m  5 j  6 b,d,g,h,n,o

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for November 26th

For homework, please:

- have a look at the graphs distributed in class today and sketch 1) an outline for a presentation for each and 2) write down five ways of describing the data in each graph.

- read the transcript on the "discussions" handout distributed in class aloud.

- complete exercises 54.1 and 54.2 on the handout distributed featuring the acupuncture patient. Complete the exercises by testing the sentences out loud.

- read (aloud!) the pro/con debate distributed in class (the question is: Should alcohol be banned on airplanes?) and highlight all of the points you find valid.

- watch this video on alcohol on airplanes and at airports and jot down all of the points that are made as the speakers talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyA-uj3XOOM

- answers to 13.12 from "Trends, Graphs, and Figures"
1 i,k,p  2 c,e,f  3 a,l  4 m  5 j  6 b,d,g,h,n,o

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for November 14th

For homework, please:

- complete the worksheet on relative clauses distributed in class.

- read the article on transformational travel distributed in class.

- read pp. 54-55 and complete exercises A-F on pp. 56-57.

- study the word formation table on pg. 61 and complete exercise L on pg. 67.

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for November 25th

For homework, please:

- watch this short documentary from the NY Times on Black Panthers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGZpDt6OYnI

- read the article "Wakanda and the Black Imagination" and look up all of the references (e.g. Adowa, Nanny and Cudjoe, etc.) you don't already know:  https://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2015/12/visions-of-a-wakandan-future/420768/

- you might also find this short video with Ta-Nehisi Coates on comic book writing interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSTuUs-HVE8


For those attending the excursion this Friday, please be at the Bundeskunsthalle at 10:15 am at the latest as the tour will be starting at 10:30 sharp. Please make sure you go to the Bundeskunsthallee and NOT the Kunstmuseum in Bonn (these are two different museums!). Please watch the following short videos before our tour on Friday:

History of San Francisco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVkSO9tJ5L0
Rebuilding Chinatown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNG0rMHQ474
Haight-Ashbury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ZExRNT0GU
Harvey Milk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr3kUfW2fM0

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for November 13th

For homework, please:

- complete the worksheet on relative clauses distributed in class.

- complete the worksheet on infinitives distributed in class.

- read pp. 54-55 and complete exercises A-F on pp. 56-57.

- study the word Formation table on pg. 61 and complete exercise L on pg. 67.

Some more info on "dare": https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/dare

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for November 12th

For homework, please:

- finish reading the Martin Scorsese article.

- complete the rest of the restrictive/non-restrictive relative clause exercise on the back of the Martin Scorsese article.

- complete the rest of the sheet on English word choice (from the business English pages) check your asnwers from the business English sheet here:
exericse 5. a) interest is, b) saving, amounts, c) studies, d) damages, e) people, f) customs
exercise 6. a) approved, b) policy, c) prices, d) write off, e) earn, f) stop, g) plants, h) employ, i) achievement, j) politics

- complete the exercises on the sheet "verbs followed by -ing or infinitive".

- complete exercises A and E on pp. 52-53,  exercises A-E on pg. 140 and exercises H-J on pp. 190-191 in the textbook

- watch this clip and determine its thesis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2qZ2_tp-jY

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for November 11th

For homework, please:

- finish reading the Martin Scorsese article.

- complete the rest of the restrictive/non-restrictive relative clause exercise on the back of the Martin Scorsese article.

- check your asnwers from the business English sheet here:
exericse 5. a) interest is, b) saving, amounts, c) studies, d) damages, e) people, f) customs
exercise 6. a) approved, b) policy, c) prices, d) write off, e) earn, f) stop, g) plants, h) employ, i) achievement, j) politics

- complete the exercises on the sheet "verbs followed by -ing or infinitive".

- complete exercises A and E on pp. 52-53,  exercises A-E on pg. 140 and exercises H-J on pp. 190-191 in the textbook

- watch this clip and determine its thesis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2qZ2_tp-jY

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for November 13th

For homework, please:

- complete the rest of the exercises on the worksheet concerning graphs.

- read the responses to "Should there be a meat tax?" and 1) look up all of the words you don't know, 2) identify all of the words that are specific to this topic, and 3) identify the strongest argument(s) on both sides.

- start to formulate a specific question for your prepared debate with your partner.

- watch this video from CityNews Toronto and answer the question, "In your opinion, has anyone in this situation crossed the line?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3dJLEO5NZc

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for November 12th

For homework, please:

- complete the rest of the exercises on the worksheet concerning graphs.

- read the responses to "Should there be a meat tax?" and 1) look up all of the words you don't know, 2) identify all of the words that are specific to this topic, and 3) identify the strongest argument(s) on both sides.

- start to formulate a specific question for your prepared debate with your partner.

- watch this video from CityNews Toronto and answer the question, "In your opinion, has anyone in this situation crossed the line?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3dJLEO5NZc

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for November 7th

For homework, please:

- do exercises A, B, and E on pp. 36-37 of the textbook.

- start memorizing the verbs and their valencies on pp. 186-187 and complete exercises B-F on pp. 188-189.

- complete the exercises on the stative verbs worksheet distributed in class.

- study the word formations on pg. 45 and do exercises N and O on pg. 51.

- watch one of the "Forbes explains" videos from this playlist and write down all of the business vocab that you hear: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpndQ-APwbNXET1k6coIPQAM3F5nWPop0

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for November 11th

For homework, please:

- bring your notes from the film The Rider with you to next week's class. Make sure that you've got something written down for each question/category.

- read the following article and answer the questions below: https://hbr.org/2016/11/what-so-many-people-dont-get-about-the-u-s-working-class

1) Do you agree with Joan Williams' choice to define a white working class? Why or why not? (For some context: Williams' account was widely cited after the election as analysts sought to explain how Trump was elected.) If you do agree with this choice, do you agree with how she's defined it? Explain your answer.
2) Can Williams' analysis be used to interpret the themes of The Rider? If so, which and in what way? If not, why not?

Don't forget; free money!!! https://www.th-koeln.de/hochschule/stiftungstag-an-der-th-koeln_59623.php

A note to the excursion participants: please meet me in the lobby of the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn on Friday, November 15th at 10:15 a.m. at the latest. Thank you!

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for November 6th

For homework, please:

- do exercises A, B and E on pp. 36-37 of the textbook.

- start memorizing the verbs and their valencies on pp. 186-187 and complete exercises B-E on pp. 188-189.

- complete the exercises on the worksheet distributed in class.

- study the word formations on pg. 45 and do exercises N and O on pg. 51.

- watch one of the "Forbes explains" videos from this playlist and write down all of the business vocab that you hear: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpndQ-APwbNXET1k6coIPQAM3F5nWPop0

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for November 5th

For homework, please:

- complete exercises G-K on pp. 42-43 of the textbook.

- complete the rest of the UK/US English exercises from the handout.

- read the interview with Graham Norton and complete the backside of the paper with your responses.

- watch two videos from the Lonely Planet playlist featured here and write down the colloquial exercises you hear:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp8n0ijllfi5RdS8mD4LTC4jpDVlWPMNH

- if you're interested, here's Graham Norton's talk show channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialGrahamNorton

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for November 4th

For homework, please:

- complete exercises G-K on pp. 42-43 of the textbook.

- complete the rest of the UK/US English exercises from the handout.

- complete all of the exercises on the "stative verbs" sheet

- read the interview with Graham Norton and complete the backside of the paper with your responses.

- watch two videos from the Lonely Planet playlist featured here and write down the colloquial exercises you hear:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp8n0ijllfi5RdS8mD4LTC4jpDVlWPMNH

- if you're interested, here's Graham Norton's talk show channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialGrahamNorton

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for November 6th

For homework, please:

- read (aloud!) the handout on "trends, graphs, and figures" and draw 10 graphs/figures in your notes that represent 10 pieces of vocabulary (e.g. sudden jump, bottom out, show an upward trend, etc.)

- read (aloud!) the article "why open-plan offices get a bad rap" and a) look up all of the words you don't know, b) highlight all of the good vocab for describing data and c) write three sentences about the data (possibly using vocab from the "trends, graphs, and figures" handout) .

- read (aloud!) the article on dress codes and work and a) identify three different arguments and b) develop three counterarguments to these.

- watch this video and identify the three ways to discuss better according to the speaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOTC6hCc-hM

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for November 5th

For homework, please:

- read (aloud!) the handout on "trends, graphs, and figures" and draw 10 graphs/figures in your notes that represent 10 pieces of vocabulary (e.g. sudden jump, bottom out, show an upward trend, etc.)

- read (aloud!) the article "why open-plan offices get a bad rap" and a) look up all of the words you don't know, b) highlight all of the good vocab for describing data and c) write three sentences about the data (possibly using vocab from the "trends, graphs, and figures" handout) .

- read (aloud!) the article on dress codes and work and a) identify three different arguments and b) develop three counterarguments to these.

- watch this video and identify the three ways to discuss better according to the speaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOTC6hCc-hM

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for October 31st

For homework, please:

- read through the grammar notes on future time on pp. 38-39 of the textbook and complete exercises B-F on pp.40-42. 

- come up with 10 more have/do/take/make collocations and write 10 sentences using them.

 

- write five new sentences employing the subjunctive.

 - have a look at the two of the videos from the Monocle Films channel and write down five interesting verbs you glean from them: https://www.youtube.com/user/monoclemagazine/playlists?disable_polymer=1

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for November 4th

For homework, please:

To prepare for our screening of The Rider next week, please read through these film analysis terms: https://filmanalysis.yale.edu/mise-en-scene/

Have a look at this fifteen-minute MoMA video on the history of westerns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOeMHxBgShs

Watch this interview with director Chloe Zhao: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7jWNMOKQlk

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for October 30th

For homework, please:

- read through the grammar notes on future time on pp. 38-39 of the textbook and complete exercises B-F on pp.40-42.

- read (aloud!) the article distributed in "Can a Transformation Journey Change Your Life? Our Writer Had Her Doubts" and 1) define all of the words you don't know, 2) identify all of the vocabulary AND examples the author uses to convey scepticism towards "transformation travel" and 3) define for yourself what constitutes truly transformational travel (if anything!).

- have a look at the two of the videos from the Monocle Films channel and write down five interesting verbs you glean from them: https://www.youtube.com/user/monoclemagazine/playlists?disable_polymer=1

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for October 29th

For homework, please:

- do exercises F-J on pp. 26-27 in the textbook

- do exercises B, C and E on pp. 30-31 and exercise N on pg. 35

- read the grammar description and complete all of the exercises on the "other perfect forms" sheet distributed in class

- watch two of the opinion docs from this playlist from the NY Times and write down 10 words/expressions used in the video that you would like to add to your active vocabulary: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CGYNsoW2iCb4uQUNgWK6TJJgNVp-MpP

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for October 28th

For homework, please:

- do exercises F-J on pp. 26-27 in the textbook

- do exercises B, C and E on pp. 30-31 and exercise N on pg. 35

- read the grammar description and complete all of the exercises on the "other perfect forms" sheet distributed in class

- watch two of the opinion docs from this playlist from the NY Times and write down 10 words/expressions used in the video that you would like to add to your active vocabulary: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4CGYNsoW2iCb4uQUNgWK6TJJgNVp-MpP

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for October 29th

For homework, please:

- read the article "Out with the old, in with the young" distributed in class and do the following:
a) read the article out loud
b) identify all of the language in the article that would be useful when describing graphs and trends
c) look up all of the words you don't know
d) pick 20 words to commit to your active vocabulary (they shouldn't all come from the set from task b))
e) identify the claims and ideas in the article that you agree with and those that you don't

- watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhA6p67YHDs and answer the question, "As a young person, how satifisfied are you with the answers provided by the panel members to the audience member's question?

 

Definition of "clucky": https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/clucky

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for October 29th

For homework, please:

- read the article "Out with the old, in with the young" distributed in class and do the following:
a) read the article out loud
b) identify all of the language in the article that would be useful when describing graphs and trends
c) look up all of the words you don't know
d) pick 20 words to commit to your active vocabulary (they shouldn't all come from the set from task b))
e) identify the claims and ideas in the article that you agree with and those that you don't

- watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhA6p67YHDs and answer the question, "As a young person, how satifisfied are you with the answers provided by the panel members to the audience member's question?

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for October 24th

For homework, please:

- do exercises A-E on pp. 24-25 of the textbook.

- revisit this list, but this time focus on the irregular simple past forms:  https://www.dummies.com/education/language-arts/grammar/past-and-past-participles-of-common-irregular-english-verbs/

 - pick a video from this playlist to watch and bring in 10 pieces of vocabulary (e.g. individual words, expressions, phrases) from the video with you to class: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLibNZv5Zd0dzhh9XCT8Wnbi72U9nDW30B

- self-check your answers to the following: exercise 3: A-3, B-1, C-4, D-5, E2; exercise 6: A red-letter, B flat out, C snag, D scratch, E thinking cap, F motion, G wraps

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for October 28th

Please read the following article for homework and take notes as you read: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/11/battle-for-the-american-west-bears-ears-national-monument/. Be ready to answer the question, "What and where is the US or American West?" in Monday's session.


Competition:
Occasionally, I'll be posting trivia questions for prizes. This week's question is the following:
In front of the university building at Claudiusstr. 1 there are names carved into the stone entryway. Who among the names was from the States? Why does his/her name appear there or why was it included in the group? (Make sure your answer to this second question is thorough.)
The first five students to send me an email with the correct answers will win a prize in class. (The catch: you must be in class to collect it next week, otherwise it goes to a runner-up :).)

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for October 23rd

For homework, please:

- do exercises B-E on pp. 24-25 of the textbook.

- revisit this list, but this time focus on the irregular simple past forms:  https://www.dummies.com/education/language-arts/grammar/past-and-past-participles-of-common-irregular-english-verbs/

- study the vocab on change and technology on pg. 28 and the word formation vocab on pg. 29 and do exercises A and D on pp. 30-31 and exercise M on pg. 35.

- pick a video from this playlist to watch and bring in 10 pieces of vocabulary (e.g. individual words, expressions, phrases) from the video with you to class: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLibNZv5Zd0dzhh9XCT8Wnbi72U9nDW30B

- self-check your answers to the following: exercise 3: A-3, B-1, C-4, D-5, E2; exercise 6: A red-letter, B flat out, C snag, D scratch, E thinking cap, F motion, G wraps

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for October 22nd

For homework, please:

- complete exercises L and N from pp. 18-19 from the textbook.

- complete exercises A-E on pp. 20-21 of the textbook.

- consult the "idioms database" on pp. 257-260 of your textbook and write 10 sentences about yourself using 10 different idioms.

- complete the three worksheets on idioms distributed in class.

- watch this video and name the reasons (using vocabulary from Unit 2 of the book) Malcolm Gladwell gives in defending his stance to talk to strangers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp6S3NgzxTE
Malcolm Gladwell and interviewer Anne McElvoy are US and British speakers, respectively (see what I did there? ;-) ). Name five key differences in their pronunciation.

In case you're interested: here's a video on Porto's (sorry, not Lisbon's) revival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLlI2Id0Ue8

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for October 21st

For homework, please:

- complete exercises L and N from pp. 18-19 from the textbook.

- complete exercises A-E on pp. 20-21 of the textbook.

- consult the "idioms database" on pp. 257-260 of your textbook and write 10 sentences about yourself using 10 different idioms.

- complete the three worksheets on idioms distributed in class.

- watch this video and name the reasons (using vocabulary from Unit 2 of the book) Malcolm Gladwell gives in defending his stance to talk to strangers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp6S3NgzxTE
Malcolm Gladwell and interviewer Anne McElvoy are US and British speakers, respectively (see what I did there? ;-) ). Name five key differences in their pronunciation.

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for October 23rd

For homework, please:

- answer the following question with ONE quality: When hiring a new employee, what is the most important quality for a candidate to have?

- consult this page https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate and scroll down until you see the category "discussion topics" on the right-hand side of the page. Select one topic area that you would consider pursuing for your prepared debate question and select an area that you would NOT consider pursuing for your prepared debate question. Within those two topic areas, select a question and read at least two responses to it featured on the respective sites. (This equals the following: 4 responses TOTAL because you are reading two responses to each question.) Write down good language from each of the four responses. Also, make sure to read the responses out loud.

- select one of the debates from the following playlist and listen to two of the speakers. Evaluate the quality of the each of the speakers: https://www.youtube.com/user/OxfordUnion/playlists?view=50&flow=grid&shelf_id=18

Contretemps (used as a noun): https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contretemps

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for October 17th

 For homework, please:

- read the article distributed in class ("AirBnB, Uber, chalk and cheese"), look up all of the words you don't know, make a list of the similarities and differences between Uber and Airbnb, and make sure to read the article out loud

- complete exercises A-D on pp. 14-15 in the Destination textbook

- watch this video and make a list of ways of how Airbnb is impacting the UK housing market: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP3MK_C93zE

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for October 22nd

For homework, please:

- answer the following question with ONE quality: When hiring a new employee, what is the most important quality for a candidate to have?

- consult this page https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate and scroll down until you see the category "discussion topics" on the right-hand side of the page. Select one topic area that you would consider pursuing for your prepared debate question and select an area that you would NOT consider pursuing for your prepared debate question. Within those two topic areas, select a question and read at least two responses to it featured on the respective sites. (This equals the following: 4 responses TOTAL because you are reading two responses to each question.) Write down good language from each of the four responses. Also, make sure to read the responses out loud.

- select one of the debates from the following playlist and listen to two of the speakers. Evaluate the quality of the each of the speakers: https://www.youtube.com/user/OxfordUnion/playlists?view=50&flow=grid&shelf_id=18

Kulturraumstudien USA, Homework for October 21st

For homework, please:

- listen to John F. Kennedy's "We Choose to Go to the Moon" speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouRbkBAOGEw&t=863s and follow along with the transcript distributed in class. Identify as many metaphors as possible.

- find three advertisements from the US and identify the metaphors represented within them.

Excursion:

I have booked a guided tour (in English) for the exhibition "California Dreams" at the Bundeskunsthalle (located in Bonn) for Friday, November 15th at 10:30 am. On the same day, we will also have the opportunity to visit the "Very British" exhibition at the Haus der Geschichte, located directly across the street from the Bundeskunsthalle. I have 15 spots available and will provide more information (including the sign-up sheet) in class on Monday. More information on the exhibitions can be found here: https://www.bundeskunsthalle.de/ausstellungen/california-dreams.html
https://www.hdg.de/haus-der-geschichte/ausstellungen/very-british-ein-deutscher-blick/

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for October 16th

For homework, please:

- read the article distributed in class ("AirBnB, Uber, chalk and cheese"), look up all of the words you don't know, make a list of the similarities and differences between Uber and Airbnb, and make sure to read the article out loud

- complete exercises A-D on pp. 14-15 in the Destination textbook

- watch this video and make a list of ways of how Airbnb is impacting the UK housing market: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP3MK_C93zE

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for October 15th

For homework, please:

- read the other three responses to "What's the best sense?" and look up all of the words you don't know and read all four articles out loud for pronunciation practice. Also consider how you would personally respond to the question.

- complete the rest of the exercises for Unit 1 (either in your book or from the photocopies from class).

- read and learn the vocabulary from Unit 2 (pp. 12-13 in the book or from the photocopies from class) in the following sections: "topic vocabulary: thinking", "topic vocabulary: learning", "word formation". Make sure you know how to use the words in sentences.

- complete the exercise sheet on participle clauses.

- review this list of irregular past participles: https://www.dummies.com/education/language-arts/grammar/past-and-past-participles-of-common-irregular-english-verbs/

- check out the videos on the CNBC channel on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/cnbc/featured?disable_polymer=1, watch two clips, take notes as you're watching and bring these notes with you to class

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Monday/Wednesday Group, Homework for October 14th

For homework, please:

- make sure to bring the "best sense" articles with you to class on Monday as we will discuss the homework from that then.

- complete the rest of the exercises for Unit 1 (either in your book or from the photocopies from class).

- read and learn the vocabulary from Unit 2 (pp. 12-13 in the book or from the photocopies from class) in the following sections: "topic vocabulary: thinking", "topic vocabulary: learning", "word formation". Make sure you know how to use the words in sentences.

- complete the exercise sheet on participle clauses.

- review this list of irregular past participles: https://www.dummies.com/education/language-arts/grammar/past-and-past-participles-of-common-irregular-english-verbs/

- check out the videos on the CNBC channel on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/cnbc/featured?disable_polymer=1, watch two clips, take notes as you're watching and bring these notes with you to class

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Wednesday Group, Homework for October 16th

For homework, please read the article distributed in class and do the following:
1) read the article out loud and bring any questions you might have regarding pronunciation to class.
2) look up the meanings of all unknown words.
3) make a list in your own words of the arguments both in favor of and against the use of smartphones in theaters.
4) be prepared to debate the question "Should smartphones be banned from theaters and cinemas?" for our next session.

Watch two of the 5-minute debates on this site https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/series/five-minute-debates and be prepared to debate one of the questions with your partner in class.

Prepare responses to the following debate questions:
1) Is the Nobel Prize still relevant?
2) Should regular citizens vote for who should receive the Nobel Prize?
3) (depending on when you read this) Should Greta Thunberg win/have won the Nobel Peace Prize?

Kompetenzerweiterung I, Tuesday/Thursday Group, Homework for October 10th

Welcome to the course!

Purchase the textbook (Destination C1 & C2, ISBN 978-0230035409) and bring it with you to each class session as soon as you get it.

Please complete the exercises distributed in class and read through the grammar details for Unit 1.

Watch this video on how dictionaries are made and write down the three criteria necessary for a word to enter the dictionary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLgn3geod9Q&t=36s

Message to Ariane: I received your email, but when I tried to respond, I got my email sent back to me. Please use another email address.

Kompetenzerweiterung III, Tuesday Group, Homework for October 15th

For homework, please read the article distributed in class and do the following:
1) read the article out loud and bring any questions you might have regarding pronunciation to class.
2) look up the meanings of all unknown words.
3) make a list in your own words of the arguments both in favor of and against the use of smartphones in theaters.
4) be prepared to debate the question "Should smartphones be banned from theaters and cinemas?" for our next session.

Watch two of the 5-minute debates on this site https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/series/five-minute-debates and be prepared to debate one of the questions with your partner in class.

Prepare responses to the following debate questions:
1) Is the Nobel Prize still relevant?
2) Should regular citizens vote for who should receive the Nobel Prize?
3) (depending on when you read this) Should Greta Thunberg win/have won the Nobel Peace Prize?