ECCE Listening Practice

Luis Likes the Weather Today

    Most people do not like the weather today, which is overcast and a little bit cold.  For example, many people do not go out of their homes and are sad when the weather is overcast.  Also, many fun activities depend on sunny weather, like playing soccer, playing tennis, going swimming, and going surfing.   However, in spite of the fact that people cannot have fun in this kind of weather, Luis is different and likes the weather when it is cold and overcast.

    The first reason why Luis likes cold and overcast weather is that he does not like hot weather.  For example, when it is hot he gets really sweaty and his girlfriend says he is stinky.  Also, in the heat, he gets really tired when he plays soccer.

    Secondly, the air is fresher when it is cold and overcast, and Luis likes it when the air is fresh.  For example, Luis can walk faster when the air is fresh.  This is because he will not sweat as much.  Also, when the air is fresh, it brings Luis a sensation of liberty and lightness.

    In conclusion, Luis likes the weather when it is cool and not too sunny for two important reasons.  First, he will not be as sweaty and stinky.  Second, he will have a sense of liberty and lightness while breathing the fresh air.

(Essay Practice with Advanced 4, 5:45)

Cebiche is Wonderful!

In general, the people of Trujillo like to eat 'cebiche,' which is the Spanish word for ceviche. The first reason why ceviche is so popular is that it is a very typical dish in Trujillo. For example, everybody eats it.  Also, when people go to the restaurant, people eat spicy ceviche because it is a good way to cure a hangover.  Second, it is very delicious. The taste is spicy and salty.  It has different ingredients to give it a good flavor, such as lettuce, sweet potatoes, lemon juice, milk, onions, corn, yucca, salt, and rocoto.   Finally, here fish is inexpensive.  Trujillo is on the coast and we do not have to pay taxes to transport the fish.  Especially in the summer, fish are really inexpensive because there are a lot of them in the sea and so they are easier to catch.  For these reasons, people in Trujillo choose to eat ceviche instead of fast foods and other choices. 

*Written by Advanced 4 (5:45), El Cultural

An Article about Japan and Tsunamis

I read this article about Japan and tsunamis this morning.  I thought you might enjoy reading it too. 

Reading Comprehension Practice with Questions

When it comes to choosing what foreign language to study, the most obvious question that comes to mind is:  What language is the most popularly used?  The answer to this question is Mandarin Chinese, which has more than 1 Billion speakers and is by far the most popularly spoken language in the world.  However, popularity of use is not the most significant factor that should be considered when choosing a foreign language.  In fact, it is clear that for a number of important reasons, English is the wisest choice for the foreign language learner of today.

First and foremost, an excellent command of English is mandatory for any student who wishes to obtain an advanced university degree.   For example, English is the language spoken and used at the most prestigious universities of the world, such as Harvard, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and Cambridge.  Therefore, if a student wishes to climb to highest pinnacle of educational achievement by attending one of these fine schools, then English is a definite requirement.  Furthermore, since most of the world’s best academic journals and university textbooks are written in English, many universities in non-English-speaking countries have begun to teach graduate-level courses solely in English.  As a result, universities throughout the world have begun to implement English language proficiency requirements, which prospective students must fulfill before being considered a worthy applicant.

Another reason why foreign language learners should choose English is because it can provide new opportunities for employment.   Many businesses, especially those that provide services to the public in airports, malls, and tourist attractions, need to have employees who speak English in order to communicate with travelers from other countries.  Since English is necessary in order for these businesses to succeed, they often require that their employees possess a working knowledge of the language.  Consider the fact that English is the most widely studied second language in the world and it is clear to see why more and more businesses are looking for employees who speak English.  For these reasons, adding the skill of English proficiency to a job seeker’s resume will certainly increase his or her chance of obtaining employment.

In summary, while English is not the most popularly spoken language in the world, it is perhaps the most widely spoken and useful second language in the world.  As described above, knowledge of English will not only increase one’s educational opportunities and enable one to gain admittance to graduate schools and some of the most prestigious universities in the world, but it can also increase one’s chances of obtaining a job.  Therefore it is quite obvious that when considering what language to study, one should view English as the best possible choice.

1.  What would be a good title for this essay?

A.     Why English is the Best Foreign Language to Study

B.     Education and Business in the Modern World

C.     English:  The Easiest Language to Learn

D.    Why English and Chinese are so Important

2.  According to the essay, why are many graduate schools teaching courses solely in English?

A.     Many schools require their students to speak English.

B.     Students of today prefer taking classes taught in English. 

C.     The world’s best academic texts are written in English.

D.    Most university professors come from English-speaking countries.

3.  According to the essay, if a student who does not speak English tries to apply to a graduate school with an English language proficiency requirement, then:

A.     The student will be required to study English after being admitted to the university.

B.     The student will not be admitted to the university.

C.     The student might be admitted, but he or she will not be a “worthy applicant.”

D.    The student will be charged double tuition for all of his or her classes.

4.  According to the essay, which organizations are looking for employees who can speak English?

A.     Those that include Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Cambridge.

B.     Those that are found overseas.

C.     Those that are the most successful.  

D.   Those that do business in airports, malls, and tourist attractions.

Music that Teenagers Think is Cool

    Teenagers like to do many things in their spare time.  One of the things they enjoy most is listening to music.  Of the many kinds of music they enjoy, there are three that are the most popular.  Those three categories of music are:  rock music, electronic music, and pop music.   
    Rock music is one of the most popular kinds of music listened to by teenagers.  Through the years, rock music has experienced many positive and negative changes.  Due to these changes, the number of fans of this kind of music has increased around the world.  Some of the most popular groups are U2, Nirvana, and AC/DC. 
    Electronic music is made by DJ's.  Most teenagers like to listen to this type of music because it usually has a catchy and frenetic rhythm.  In Peru, there are many DJ's that make electronic music.  The most famous are DJ Nico, DJ Tavo, and DJ Zero. 
    Pop music is a mix of many types of music like romantic music, alternative music, and Latin music.  Also it has an exhilarating tempo that makes teenagers feel the music inside their bodies.  Some of the most popular pop singers are: Madonna, Ana Carina, Christina Aguilera, and Brittany Spears (and don't forget Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jackson). 
    Although rock music, electronic music, and pop music have very different sounds, they do have one thing in common.  You can hear all these types of music on the radio, on the internet, and in clubs.  Also, they are all enjoyed by the teenagers of today.

*This essay was written together by the 2:15 Advanced 9 English Class, El Cultural (February 2011)