Learn English with Teacher Joe

The next U.S. president wants to spend 1.5 billion dollars every year for ten years to help develop alternative energies such as wind, solar (energy from the sun) and ethanol (energy from food such as corn or sugar).  Some people think this is not realistic. It is too costly and will never provide enough energy for the large economies of today. These people prefer to search for more oil, even if we may harm nature in the process. They also think nuclear energy is more practical. Although nuclear energy is expensive, it can easily provide all the energy we will need in the future.

What do you think? Should we take a chance and try to develop alternative energies, although we may fail in the end? Or should we take the sure choice of pursuing more oil plus nuclear energy? Please write your choice in the comments section and give reasons for your choice. I’m looking forward to a lively discussion!

I think writing is the most difficult thing to learn, and teach, in another language. Even in our first language writing well can be a big challenge! The main thing in learning to write well is practice. Are you surprised? (Probably not!) Think about how often you speak every day. Most people speak every morning, and every afternoon, and every evening. What about writing? Some people go several days without writing a single word! To improve our writing, the first thing to do is to write more. You can either write emails, start a blog (right here on EnglishClub.com - this is not an advertisement, just a good suggestion!), or keep a private journal. It doesn’t matter what you do at first, as long as you do a little every day.

If you want more specific help, I’ve put some ideas together on one page (http://www.teacherjoe.us/Write.html) which includes paragraph writing and how to write strong introductions and conclusions. Perhaps the most useful page for advanced writers is a collection of sample compositions with my comments. These are real compositions written by real students. I hope they will be helpful to you. As usual, your comments are welcome!

Students can benefit greatly from listening to great speakers, such as Barack Obama. In many ways, I think Obama won the presidential election by speaking calmly on the issues. His speeches were not as strong as I had expected. However, after winning the election, he gave an acceptance speech that I think communicates not only his hope for the future, but also the responsibility that every American shares to solve our problems. He did not just use a lot of beautiful words and phrases. He clearly and powerfully communicated an important message. I believe it is a truly great speech. You can watch it, and read the full text, by clicking on this link:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20081105/pl_ynews/ynews_pl137_6

Students of English should make a serious effort to listen to the speech and read it if that helps you understand. Think about how Obama talks to his audience and reaches them effectively. If you have any questions (or comments) about the speech, leave them in the comments section below.

 The great Greek philosopher, Aristotle, once said:

“Man is by nature a political animal.”

I rarely think about politics, as I believe that most changes needed in the world will be brought about by ordinary people, not by politicians.  But, with a big election going on in the United States, an election that could have a big impact on the world, I have been starting to think about politics more and more. I am from the United States, so I may have more of an interest than my students. Still, some students might think that what happens in the U.S. can affect their own country in some way. I would like to hear from any and all students - what do you think about the election? Does it have any effect on you or your country? If so, what will the effect be depending on which candidate wins?

 I’m looking forward to reading your opinions in the Comments section!