ESL Conversation Questions: Unions

1. What is a union? 

2. Are unions important? Why or Why not? 

3. What are the negatives of unions? 

4. Why do you think companies like Amazon and Uber do not want employees to unionize? 

5. "Labor unions are the worst thing that ever struck the earth because they take away a man's independence." - Henry Ford. Do you agree with this quote? 

6. Do you think joining a union would be beneficial in your industry? 

. 

ESL Grammar: Communication

 

Instructions: Answer the question and create sentence with the given verb tense that relates to the picture or topic in anyway. 

1. How has communication changed for the better? 

2. Conjunctive Adverb 

1. What are the dangers of digitized communication? 

2. Gerund 

1. In what way will communication change in the future? 

2. Future Perfect 

ESL Vocabulary: Communication

1. Transparency - noun - operating in a way that is easy for others to see what actions are performed 

2. Dissatisfaction - noun - lack of satisfaction 

3. Assumption - noun - a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof 

4. Speculate - verb - form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence 

5. Entrenched - adjective - firmly established and difficult or unlikely to change; ingrained 

6. Eradicate - verb - destroy completely; put to an end. 

ESL Conversation Questions: Communication

1. What is communication? 

2. What are common barriers to effective communication 

3. How can someone improve their communication skills? 

4. Do you have to be a great communicator in order to be a great leader? 

5. "The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said." What does this quote mean to you? 

6. Why do you want to learn how to communicate in English? 

Idiom of the Day: To Be In The Back Pocket

Idiom of the Day: 

to be in the back pocket 

Example: Jessica wasn't worried about if her crush asked her out to the dance because she knew that Billy was always in her back pocket. 

Definition: Available to use as a resource for one's advantage whenever needed; in reserve 

011: How I learnt Spanish

Journal Entry Date: May 31, 2021 

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA 

Entry#: 21 

My Spanish speaking journey... I really don't know where to start. Soon after I was born, my mother took me to the Dominican Republic. So maybe it started then. 

In the U.S. you can choose to study either French or Spanish. I don't know why I chose the latter. Maybe my mother decided for me. She was a Spanish teacher so that would make sense. But I didn't learn a lot of Spanish through school to be honest. I never took it seriously, but also the reason to learn was never very strong either. 

I remember being a high school sophomore in an advanced Spanish class. Why I was in an advanced Spanish class, I really don't know. Probably because my freshmen Spanish teacher knew my mother spoke Spanish. But I struggled in that advanced class. One time I came into class to get extra practice. Instead of reading the book or doing homework I took a celeb magazine and began reading it and trying to figure out what it was saying about celebs. For me getting good grades was not enough of a reason to try and learn Spanish. 

Without a strong reason it's very difficult to learn a language. I found my strong personal reason to learn Spanish in 2013 when I moved to the Dominican Republic. I had to learn Spanish there because if I wanted to eat fast food, take a taxi or get my haircut I needed to explain myself in Spanish. So my language acquisition skyrocketed during that time. 

But the biggest reason I know as much Spanish as I do today is because of my ex girlfriend Mixi. I was with her for two years and spoke to her almost everyday while we were together. That repetition really solidified a lot of vocabulary and phrases to the point that I won't forget. 

So, my Spanish isn't perfect and I'm probably at a high beginner / low intermediate level. But I've gotten to this point because I found my reason to learn and I would suggest you soul search to find yours before  starting to learn any foreign language.    

009: Why I am Moving to the Dominican Republic

Journal Entry Date: June 15, 2021 

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA 

Entry # : 26 

Very soon I should be graduating Miami Dade College. Like many graduates the looming questions of what will I do after uni is upon me. Because I'm 26 and have a little experience living in different countries and circumstances I feel that Dominican Republic is the best place for me to being my post academic life. 

In life, somethings are unpredictable and spontaneous, but many aspects of life on earth are patterned. Every time I've gone to the Dominican Republic (DR) I have had a good experience whether that be when I was a baby, teenager or young adult. I don't think it's a coincidence that my experiences have been positive. A part of that has to do with the culture. 

Even though I am not very talkative or overly friendly which is common to see in the Dominican culture, I am very relaxed and easy going as it relates to the process of things and to work. I will fair much better in an environment that's not so workaholic. 

Obviously, while I'm in the DR I am going to be working, but because of my savings, the USD to DR peso currency exchange  and the overall cost of living I should be able to pay all my bills and expenses in a calm and cool manner. This lack of stress financially I believe will help me socially. 

One of the hardest parts of my time in Miami until the last few months was dealing with stress. I allowed stress from different sources to prevent me from really being in relationship with other people. I strongly believe I will be able to live fully in the present instead of quietly and desperately waiting for the future.