Saturday, May 19, 2007

Review of The Book(TB2 Week5)

When I read the book ‘Sons and Lovers’, I was deeply moved by an impressive story, which happened in the early 20th century, and wanted to cry. It describes a miserable mother, Gertrude Morel. Her husband is a rough drunkard, spending lots of time in the pub. He doesn't care about his family. So Mrs Morel is disappointed with him and turns instead to her sons. William is the eldest son, who is unlucky, because he dies of erysipelas while he’s young. Mrs Morel feels very sad and turns all her love and attention to her second son, Paul. When Paul grows up, he falls in love with two young women, Miriam and Clara. Mrs Morel thinks that Paul will leave her in the future because of his lovers. She becomes older and gets worse gradually. In the end of the story, Mrs Morel dies and Paul feels that he loses the whole world.

The writer is David Herbert Lawrence. This book is one of his most famous novels and is based on his own family life. It is really worthy to be read.

My Country in the International Press(TB2 Week9)

These days, speculation is becoming more and more frenzied in China, so the Chinese economy is threatened by the market bubble.

Here is a link to an article, which comes from “The Telegraph UK”. I have chosen this article because I worry about the Chinese economy. Now, the Chinese stock index seems to be abnormal. For example, the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index is increasing sharply. So, Dr Frank Gong, head of China research and strategy, and chief economist at JPMorgan, thinks that there is art risk of an asset bubble in China. In fact, if the Chinese government does nothing, the Chinese economy will bring the inflation, and the CPI (Consumer Price Index) will be higher. Now, the government has tried to remove the bubble by allowing Chinese financial institutions to invest in overseas equities. It’s attractive to many Chinese commercial banks and also can transfer domestic investment pressure to international financial markets. I hope it will be a useful strategy.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

News Report(TB2 Week6)

I read this news in ‘New Zealand Herald’. It's about children who took part in different school holiday programmes. Some of them crowded into the West City Shopping Mall to enjoy the exciting Hi-5's performance. Some of them went to stadiums to play rugby. What a wonderful holiday they had!
Most of the verb forms which explain what happened are in the past simple form. Also, about nine verbs are in present form and only one is present continuous, which describes what is happening now. However, not any perfect verb forms and future forms.

My Break(TB2 Week7)

In the break, my husband and I went to Rotorua, which is a famous resort in New Zealand. When I arrived there, I found some pungent smell which was like smell of rotten-egg. However, I adapted to the new environment quickly.

There are many attractive places in Rotorua, such as the Agrodome, Whakarewarewa and the Polynesian Spa. The most interesting place I think is Wai-O-Tapu. Firstly, we watched the process of the geyser eruption. It was so high, over 10 meters. Then, we walked through Rainbow Mountain. I was very surprised about nature mother because it was full of colourful pools, craters and caves. Some of pools were green. Some of craters were red. They looked like artist’s palette. What an amazing phenomenon! Later, my husband told me that long long ago, the volcano in Wai-O-Tapu had erupted, so the view was created.

I like traveling because it can broaden my horizons and transfer new knowledge to me.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Lecture: First-aid(OS2 Week10)


This Lecture was very useful because it gave essential knowledge about first-aid to me. Before the lecture, first-aid is only giving the kiss of life in my mind. However, my mind was changed.

Firstly, you must stop and think whether you are safe. Then, you need a barrier which can be used between the patients' body and yours, such as gloves or plastic bags, to look after them. You should talk to patients softly, lift up their thins, look at their chests and listen to the notes which they gave to you carefully. After that, you press their hearts in the rhythm and give them the kiss of life which is called CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation). You must remember: two breaths and thirty presses. Finally, you should call 111. Sometimes people should use different CPR which depends on age to save patients' life. For example, you need to use only two fingers to push the baby's chest very softly.

People should help others who need help. However before you do it, you must make sure that you are safe.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Globalisation(TB2 Week4)

There are many benefits of globalisation on my life.

When I feel homesick, I can chat with my parents, even seeing their faces on the internet, although I'm living in New Zealand, which is far from to China. Also, there are many traditional Chinese restaurants in Auckland, so I can eat many delicious Chinese foods. It's quite wonderful. Everyday, I meet different people, who come from different countries and communicate with them. As a result, a variety of culture, such as Maori and Korean, transfers to me and I become more and more informed. These days, globalization enriches New Zealand's television programmes. For example, I can watch American comedy ‘Friends’ and Japanese games at night. In addition, I could find out what was happened all over the world. So I'm very interested in them.

I think that globalisation is good for my life because it brings a lot of fun to me. I really enjoy it.

Dip Trip (TB2 Week9)

Last year, my friends and I went to Ninety-Mile Beach.

When I came to the beach, I found the view was magnificent. The sea, which was huge, was peaceful, and lots of white seabirds were singing in the sky. We took many beautiful photos. Next, we looked for an exit. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the exit, which was shown on the map. Also, the gas almost ran out. We tried to use the mobile phone for help, but it didn’t work. One of my friends, Kitty, felt scared and cried. I said: “Don’t worry! Everything will be ok!” After that, we found a narrow road. Beside the road, there was a caution board which was written “Dangerous!” and a yellow desert was in front of us. Should we go? At last, we decided to enter. Our decision was right! This was a right exit!

This trip has been remained in my mind until now. I know from it, that people must stay strong and don’t give up in some of situations.

Monday, May 7, 2007

Picture Comparison2(OS2 Week9)

Both of these pictures are related to class. The first one is of a computer class and the second one is of a painting class. In the first picture, children who are divided into several groups are using computer to study carefully. I think that computers is a good resource for studying because children can surf the internet and use some computer processing to do homework. It's very convenient and also can make children become informed. In the second one, pupils are drawing beautiful pictures on the ground. This class can develop their abilities of imagination and improve the sense of art.

In my opinion, both of the styles in the classes suit different pupils who are at different levels. Pupils at level 3 should have computer classes and those at level 1 or 2 should have painting classes. I believe that children must enjoy these classes very much.

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Summary of News(TB2 Week8)

Here is a link to the article. Christchurch principals think that, they are facing truant growth, truancy officers are spread too thinly. Also, Linwood College Principal Rob Burrough said: “I believe, to the breakdown of social values and parental control combined with a lack of adequate resources to do the job effectively” Furthermore, the techniques used in other countries can give New Zealand good ideas. Finally, Christchurch District Truancy Services Charitable Trust Chairman Dr Christine Kokay thought that the government needed to think about the reason of truancy.

There is a large number of verbs in the active voice. Only 7 verbs are in the passive voice. 3 verbs are present simple passive. 1 verb is present perfect passive. 1 verb is simple past passive. The other 2 verbs are passive infinitive.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Domestic News Headlines(0S2 Week8)

There are 6 front page stories were mentioned: 2 from "The New Zealand Herald", 2 from "The Dominion Post", 1 from "The Press", 1 from "The Otago Daily Times". I'm interested in the fourth story. It told me that the government is looking for a way to tackle truancy numbers. It also said last year an average of 30,000 children a day escape classes. I identified 3 pronunciation features as follow:

1 consonant to vowel linking: government / i/is
2 sounds disappear: last/t / year ; thirty thousand/d /children
3 weak form-schwa: to/∂/ take ; looking for/∂/ a/∂/ way

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Review of Music(OS2 Week5)

I like pop music and my favorite singer is Zhang Shao Han, who is very popular in China. Her voice is very pure, like art angel's voice, so Angela is her English name. The pronunciation is similar. Also, she’s a lovely girl. Many teenagers, especially boys, like to listen to her albums very much. Although I’m not a teenager, I really enjoy her songs. The tune of her songs is so lyrical and soft. If you listen to them, you will feel that you come to magical nature and breathe fresh air. When I clean my house or read books, her songs give me peace and comfort. In addition, the words of her songs can encourage you to work hard overcome difficulties, like‘Flower of Dream’.

2004 was very important for Angela because she had published the first album "Over the Rainbow" and she had leapt from obscurity to being famous overnight. Now she’s already got 4 albums. I think she will have a wonderful time in the future.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Picture Comparison1(OS2 Week7) Draft1

Both of these pictures are related to market. The first one is of a supermarket and the second one is of a local market where people are enjoying shopping. I think the main advantage of shopping in a supermarket is that the environment is so excellent, such as tidy ground and the other one is that supermarkets are open everyday, even 24 hours which is very convenient for consumers. However there are a number of advantages about a local market. The first point is the price is lower than supermarket. The other one is the vegetables is rather fresh and nutrition is higher because they aren't put in the fridge everyday.

I like both shopping in supermarkets and local markets. Most weekends, I go to a local market which at Avondale racing ground. Although it is noisy I don't mind because I can choose the freshest vegetables. But if I haven't enough time I will go to a supermarket for shopping.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Lecture(OS2 Week6)

This lecture briefly described The Unitec Student Funding Centre. In the lecture, Ms Annette, who came from Student Funding/Student Services, gave us a great deal of information patiently. Firstly, she defined the Student Funding Centre, which could help people with anything to do with money, such as financial advice, tips to increase income and reduce expenses. Also she showed us how to visit The Unitec website and enter breakout database to find more details about scholarships. This is the main part of the lecture because scholarships are very important for students. There is lots of information about it, students can even search Australian scholarships. Finally, she introduced budgeting advice website, citizen’s advice bureau and so on. In short, I have got a lot of useful information from it and I really think it will help me.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

About Me(TB2 Week3)

o
Jennifer is my English name. I am from China. Before my husband and I came to New Zealand, I had been working at a famous primary school in my hometown for five years. Also I got a part time job---being an announcer in a TV station.

Now, I have been in New Zealand for one year. I found this is a striking country which is full of dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife, and living here is rather comfortable. I have studied at Unitec for one year. The teachers I meet are very friendly and my classmates are so kind because they give me good strategies for learning English. If I get a diploma in English, I will study Early Childhood Education. Actually, being a teacher is a exciting occupation for me although children are noisy most of time.

I have a very happy family. My husband is really nice. When I feel very bored, he will make jokes for me. Also, he works very hard because he wants to give me the best living and study conditions. In addition, I like doing exercises, such as swimming for my leisure. I really enjoy my life. I think my husband and I will have a wonderful time in the future.

Enjoy your life! Remember: Dream will become true!

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

My Hometown

I come from China. I was born in Nan Tong which is belong to Jiang Su Privince. This is a very attractive place.
Here is a photo of Nan Tong.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Newspapers

Newspapers are like magic worlds because people can gain lots of information from these worlds at home. One day, I was reading newspapers very carefully. My friend felt surprised and asked me:" You like reading newspapers, don't you?" I smiled:" I just like reading heading beause I can understand."