Storytellers

Reflection: I really enjoyed the group discussion and cooperation. I sincerely appreciate my group members' contributions. The layout is beautiful,and I am quite satisfied with our E-zine. However, there are many parts need to be modified. I hope we can improve a lot next time. This is a precious opportunity to learn making our own publication. Link: http://issuu.com/467020/docs/storyteller__1__1_

10 things about learning English that make me happy

listen to ‘10 things about learning English that make me happy’ on Audioboo

1.Learning English helps me understand the meaning of my favorite songs.
2.I don't have to rely on subtitles so much when I watch movies.
3.It becomes more easy to read English novels, newspapers, magazines, and so forth.
4.I have confidence to talk to foreigners.
5.I can make use of English to communicate when I travel abroad.
6.I can write articles in English.
7.I can share my feelings with foreign friends.
8.I can enjoy the topic in English radio.
9.I can learn more foreign cultures.
10.It's helpful to job interviews in the future.

Magazine Coverline

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4. Hottest new diet! Lose ten kilos in two months

5. Exercising: fit you to quit nocotine, then smoking

6. Coolest car of the year

7. Greatest guitar songs ever

A New Start

On the day of New Year's Eve 2011, my family to had decided to go to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County.

When we got there, the place was too crowded. Therefore, we decided to take the shuttle bus, yet there was a long line at the station. We waited for about an hour to get in a bus. It was tiresome, but we quite enjoyed chatting with each other. Then we finally reached our destination, and we bought something to eat afterward. We walked along the lake under the beautiful moonlight. Again we had an enjoyable conversation. Soon it was about to the end of the day. We watched the amazing firework display and countdown together. I felt so impressed and excited. To keep the feeling we stayed up overnight and waited for the sunrise. At break of day, however, the weather was unstable. It was a cloudy and gloomy winter day so that we were not capable of seeing the first light of day. Some of my family got disappointed, while I thought there was another totally different atmosphere. The fresh air refreshed me and I could sense that I was full of energy. As I saw the gorgeous scenery, it brushed my tiredness away. Thence, I picked up my camera and captured the amazing view. Although it was cold, I felt warm and peaceful as I saw the attractive scenery.

In the following years I was able to find the tranquility in this picture every time I was upset or depressed. More than that, it represents an unforgettable experience to get along with family in my life. It was a brand-new year, a new beginning and I was sure that there must be many new challenges for me.

In-Class Exercise

1. When was this photo taken? The first year at writer’s university
2. Who took the photo? Lori Smith
3. Where was this photo taken? The photo was taken round the corner from Lori’s halls of residence.
4. Why was this photo taken? It left him with a bit of a rose-tinted view of the life of a gay person He found it very inspiring-something really makes he think.
5. Why is this photo meaningful for the writer? It left him with a bit of a rose-tinted view of the life of a gay person.
6. What is the story behind this photo? The place he lived was a mere stone’s throw from the gay village. It was wonderful for him to discover the unthreatening atmosphere.
7. Who are the characters in the story? Lori and his gay friends
8. Where is the setting? Manchester
9. What are the series of Events? Get into college/moved away far from home/found the city where he studied marvelous / affected by gay people/ took a picture of the quote on the wall
10. What is the 'tension' generated in the story? There are some people who aren’t as accepting and make life hell for people whose only crime is being different.
11. What is the climax in the story? He didn’t realize how bad it could be until he chatted with some of his friends.  
12. What is the resolution? He found a quote on the wall and captured a picture of it.
13. What is the message behind the story? At least there are a few who are trying to change attitudes toward gays, even if it is just by using a spray can and a blank wall.

Thief targets nursery’s money

One day nearly midnight in Ipswich, Suffolk, a private nursery's safe was stolen. This safe was put in the trash can and it contains 1,200 pounds inside. The thief destroyed the wall of kindergarten with tools. The victim of this misfortune expressed their astonishment about being a object because they are not a big company but just a nursery. In addition, the police guaranteed to make efforts to seize the burglar.