Day 7
Thurs. Jan. 28
English lesson: Context and collocation cont’d
Share poem titles
Abstract and concrete poem writing exercise
Read and share observations on object descriptions
Homework
➤ Keep recording words and phrases
Try to make this become a habit — every day, try to notice and record one word or phrase that you think you would like to be able to use in the future. Make notes about its context — the situation it appeared in, and what it was describing — and about its collocation, i.e. the words that “went with it.”
➤ Think about what topics you’d like to be able to communicate better about
Ask yourself: What would I like to be able to talk about, or write about, with a more precise and richer English vocabulary? (You could also ask yourself, in what situations do you want to be able to communicate with a richer and more precise English vocabulary?) Come ready to share your answers.
➤ Finish abstract/concrete poem exercise
Continue the poem exercise we began in class. Alternate sentences that are entirely abstract and sentences that are entirely concrete. Try to build tension in your poem. Try to make it at least 8 lines long.
If you’re at a loss for what to write, try picking concrete details from the printout of three-line poems, or by underlining abstract words and phrases from a random page in our course reader.
➤ Keep writing your Object essay
Write at least two more substantial paragraphs. If possible, write more! Come ready to read out loud what you’ve written. I’ve postponed the deadline for this essay; it is now due Thursday of next week.
