420W Journal #5

Differences of studing English between in Canada and Korea

        Nowadays, speaking English is getting more important because most of developed counties are English-speaking countries such as the USA, Canada, England and so on, so many people in Korea go abroad in order to study English. Why do people study English in abroad instead of in their own country? Because there are several differences between English-speaking country and their own country especially, between in Canada and in korea. First of all, teacher's focus is different. In Korea, main focus is the grammer so Koreans study a lot of grammer from elementry school to university even though they do not know how to use that grammers. In addition, teachers are not proficient in speaking English like native people. In contrast, in Canada, the first priority is speaking English so they try to teach how to speak or how to use proper vocabularies related to situation. Secondly, In Korea, if people use difficult vocabulary or idiomatic expression, it means that person is really good at English even though that person can not easily use the expression which native speakers usally use. On the other hand, in Canada, teachers teach easy one first and then if students can use it fluently, they teach more difficult one. Finally, in Korea, when students have class, students sit in a row and see other people's back head. It is not good for communicating with other students and hard to practice speaking English. However, in Canada when students have class, they make a circle and eye contacts each other. It is useful to make conversation. Therefore, many Koreans are good at grammer and reading. However their English is not good because they do not know how to use their English which they have learned. Because of these differences, many Koreans go abroad to study English especially how to speak English.

420W Journal #4

Amazing Suspension Bridge

        Have you ever walked on a magnificent shaking bridge? There is one in Vancouver named Suspension Bridge. I went there with my homestay father by his car. Actually I was already excited when my homestay father asked me to go there together because I have never been to this kind of bridge. There were three special things which made me excited. First of all, most interesting thing was, of course, the shaking bridge. It was a very long bridge so it was shaking a lot while we crossed the bridge. I was really thrilled so I tried to shake it more and more, however, my homestay father asked me not to do that because he was so scared. In addition to, it was made from wood and some chains, which did not look safe, so it made us more scared. Secondly, views were very beautiful. It connected between two huge cliffs, and It was surrounded by many trees which had different colors each of them so I could see the elegant views. Moreover, there was a narrow long river between two cliffs. It made the views more beautiful. Finally, There are many small shaking bridges on the trees, and ancient village was built in there. It was so great because I felt like I was in ancient village which was in StarWars Episode 6. For those reasons, I had a great time in Suspention Bridge. I want go there one more time because in my country, we do not have such a enormous nature like Suspension Bridge. Suspension bride was amazing and spectacle to me so I will not forget it.

420W Journal #3

What is English writing for me

        For me, English writing is the hardest work even though I have studied English for along time. I think it is likely to climbing a high mountain because I can not accomplish fluent and correct English writing rapidly. Furthermore even I am not good at Korean writing, either. Rome was not bulit in a day so It takes long time. However, I want to be proficient in English writing so I have tried to do my best since I came to Canada this February, and I like it, although the result is not good. I do not want to be a pro writer or somthing like that. I just want to express my feelings and mood which could be good or bad because I like to write my feelings on my blog. When I write something, I feel better. For instance, when I was so angry or depressed about my future or relationship with my friend or family members, I write my feeling on blog. It is really good because I do not have to appear my anger. I am going to start to post my English diary on my blog. I think it is going to be efficient on my English writing.

420W Journal #2

Study English in the UBC ELI

        After finishing my military service, I study very hard in my university. One year later, I realized that it is not enough, I need something more. That was English. Hence, I thought I have to study English aboard. There are three reasons why I chose the UBC ELI program. Actually, at first, I planned to go Toronto because my uncle and cousin live there. I was supposed to go the U of T ESL program. However, my agent suggested me that going to private school is better, before going to the University ESL program. The reason is that the focus of university ESL program is not speaking. I didn't have any information about that, so I just trusted my agent because my purpose of going to Canada was speaking English fluently. In addition to, the private school tuition is much cheaper than the university ESL program. It was my mistake. I should have gone to the U of T ESL program even though tuition is expensive. When I regretted that I went the private school, I thought that my next plan was going to university ESL program. That is one of the reasons why I chose the UBC ELI program. Another reason is that my air plane is not a direct plane. When I go back to Korea, I have to transfer in Vancouver. Moreover, I want to go to many cities in Canada because I thought I would not have any chance to come to Canada again. Hence, I stopped over here for three months. I am satisfied with it. I have been to some nice places such as Capilano suspension bridge, Granville Island. Finally, I heard that UBC is one of the highest university in Canada, so I wanted to study English in there, and it was great decision. For these reasons, I am happy to study English in Here with my friends and teachers. This period time is going to be one of the most exciting experience in my life.

420W Journal #1

Watching movies

    Nowadays, as movies are popular between human society, many people often watch movies. Moreover, there are so many movie theatres and DVD rental shops so people watch movies according to their taste. There are several reasons between watching a movie in the theatre and at watching a DVD at home why people choose different ways to watch movies.

    The main advantage of watching a movie in a theatre is that there is special atmosphere so many people want to go the movies and spend their time in there. Especially, couples and close friends like to do it. Theatres offer better sound system as well as better display system so we can feel like we are in the movie. Besides, we can meet blockbusters earlier than DVD.

    On the other hand, certain aspects of watching movie in a theatre can be unpleasant. First of all, it is so expensive to watch movies in theatre. When we go to the movie, we spend a lot of money not only for it but also for lunch or dinner, popcorn and beverages, while watching a DVD needs only rental fee. Furthermore, it is hard to go to the movie alone whereas it is easy to watch DVD alone.

    Another point in favor of watching a DVD at home is that it is very comfortable when people watch it in their house. They do not have to be dressed up. They can be satisfied with movies without In addition to people can borrow any DVDs and even very old movies too.

    On balance, I would say that despite the advantages of watching a DVD at home. I would prefer to watch a movie in the theatre because I would like to somewhere with my friends and spend time with them. It is the most important thing in my life.

Welcome to my blog~^^*

Hi everyone~^^*

Thank you for your visiting. My name is Chang Wook, Lee. I am from Korea. At first, I am glad to study English writing with you. I am a student who really wants to write good essay. I am going to post my writtings during the Fall 2008 IEP session at the UBC ELI. Let's be crazy about writting~!! Here we go~!!