New Year Resolutions

What plans or goals do you have for the coming year? Share your ideas.
Randall

Christmas Around the World

Christmas is almost here! For our family, it is a time of giving and receiving. Try this fun listening activity about this special day:

- http://esl-lab.com/santa/santard1.htm
 
In our family, we often make a tradition food called a cheese ball and then take these to neighbors and friends as a way of expressing our gratitude for their friendship throughout the year. Sometimes, we get together with family and celebrate Christmas eve by eating, exchanging gifts, and even playing some traditional games.
 
Please share what you and your family/friends to celebrate this day or any other year-end holiday or celebration.
 
Merry Christmas to all!
 
Randall

Randall's Web Site Survey

Hi everyone,

I invite you to take my short online survey to help me collect comments and suggestions about my Web Site(s), including Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab (www.esl-lab.com/). Your help is greatly appreciated:

>>> Go to Web Site Survey

Thanks for your help.

Randall

Religion: What it Means to People

For many people, their personal belief in a higher power or God is very important in their daily lives. Thus, becoming acquainted with the faiths of others can be one means of understanding people better. I've created a listening and discussion activity on this topic here. Give it a try:

- http://www.dailyesl.com/church.htm

I feel that is often difficult to fully understand other people without understand their value systems which, in many cases, is influenced by their personal beliefs. Personally, I believe that people should feel free to share their beliefs under the right circumstances.

What do you think?

Randall

Funerals: Customs and Ceremonies

One of the hardest things to deal with in life is the death of someone close to you. Furthermore, it is very helpful to understand how different people feel about death from a cultural and religious perspective. I've created a listening and discussion activity on this topic here:

- http://www.dailyesl.com/cemetery.htm

So, what our funerals or memorial services like in your country? What special actvities, meetings, or food can one expect? Is there anything a person new to culture should be aware of when attending a funeral? Share your ideas.

Randall

Online Shopping

With the expansion of the Internet over the past decade, more and more people are turning to doing their shopping online. In fact, I walked into a shopping mall for the first time in a very long time . . . and didn't buy a thing because I can usually buy things cheaper online and have them delivered right to my house.

So, what about you? What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping in traditional stores and buying things online? Share your experiences.

Randall

End-of-Year Celebrations

Listen to this recording and share your ideas on this topic.



Then, practice your language skills with this activity:

- http://www.esl-lab.com/tradition/traditionrd1.htm

Randall