| |
Web assignments
ASSIGNMENT 1
Reading
Scanning
Writing
Discussion
60 minutes
Explore the world!
The world is growing smaller every day. In other words, it is becoming much easier to travel around the globe and experience different cultures, climates and languages. The article about the Mosuo people of China describes how their once remote village is now a popular tourist destination.
Part 1:
The purpose of this assignment is one of discovery. Think about a country that you find interesting would really like to visit one day. Make a few notes about the reasons for your interest in the country.
Now, go to http://www.lonelyplanet.com/. You can click on 'Search' or 'World Guide' to find your country. There is quite a lot of information about each country so start off by reading the 'Introduction' and 'Facts for the Traveler'. If you come across unfamiliar vocabulary you can use an on-line dictionary such as the Merriam-Webster at http://www.m-w.com/.
Write down at least five facts about the country that you didn't already know. Write down some of the health risks associated with travelling in the country and also the best time of year to go. Read through the 'Attractions'; jot down those you would like to visit.
Click on 'History' and scan through each paragraph. In note form, make a summary of the history of your chosen country.
Look back over the notes you made before you read the Lonely Planet guide: do you still want to visit your country of choice?
For those completing the assignment in class:
If you do still want to visit your country of choice, try to convince the person sitting next to you why they definitely should visit this country. If not, try to convince the person next to you why they definitely should not visit the country.
For those completing the assignment outside class:
If you do still want to visit your country of choice, write a short piece (75-100 words) in which you try to convince your teacher why he or she definitely should visit the country. If not, write a short piece in which you explain why he or she definitely should not visit the country.
Part 2:
It is often very interesting to read about your own country and culture through the eyes of a visitor. The Mosuo people, for example, might be highly amused at the attention given to their lifestyle by outsiders.
Read through the Lonely Planet description of your own country. Make a note of the attractions of your country according to the Lonely Planet guide.
Imagine you have been asked to contribute to the guide. As an expert on your country you should be able to write a description of at least one attraction that has not been mentioned in the guide. You can be serious or humorous. Use at least 120 words. If you're really proud of your work you can try having it published on the website by sending it in (talk2us@lonelyplanet.com.au).
ASSIGNMENT 2
Reading
Scanning
Note taking
Writing
60 minutes
The current outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease has occupied a large proportion of the media in Britain since the first case was detected in February 2001. News of the spread of the virus fills the front pages of British newspapers: is the rest of the world interested in Foot and Mouth?
For this assignment you will find out what is 'news' in three English speaking countries from three different continents: England, the U.S.A and Australia.
Visit the following three websites:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/ (an English newspaper: click on 'U.K. latest')
http://www.nytimes.com/ (from the U.S.A.: look under 'News' and click on 'National')
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/ (an Australian newspaper: look at 'Today's main headlines' and then under 'National').
Browse through the local headlines. Choose two that sound interesting to you. Click on these headlines and scan through each article. Answer the following questions (in note form):
- What has happened/what is happening?
- Who is involved?
- Who has been/might be effected?
- Is it of international interest?
Select one article and read it in more detail. Write a short summary of the article (50-100 words, depending on the length of the article) using full sentences.
ASSIGNMENT 3
Reading
Note taking
Creative Writing
120 minutes
An issue that has received a great deal of attention from the international media in recent years is that of human cloning. The article 'Playing God' includes some of the arguments for and against human cloning but does not go into great detail.
Visit: http://www.worldbook.com/fun/bth/cloning/html/ethics.html. This site contains arguments both for and against human cloning. Read through the four short articles ('Ethical concerns', 'Other ethical questions', 'In favor of human cloning' and 'Would human clones be less human?'). Use an online dictionary to help with any unfamiliar vocabulary (http://www.m-w.com/). As you read, make a note of the arguments for and against human cloning that you agree with, or believe to be true. You will need your notes for the assignment.
Based on what you have read, imagine the earth 100 years from now. Has cloning been legalised? Have humans created a new species of human superior to 'normal' humans? Have children been cloned generation after generation and are now revolting against the system? Perhaps you were cloned and the re-cloned you is wondering about life before human cloning?
Go absolutely wild with your imagination. Write a story about the consequences of:
100 years of cloning
Anything is possible. Use at least 150 words.