Viewpoints MVLA ADULT SCHOOL ESL STUDENT MAGAZINE SPRING 2019 Artwork by Efren, a student in the Intermediate High class in the morning.
Acknowledgments First, to the students who have shared their work in this magazine: We celebrate YOU, your hard work and your progress in learning English. Second, we would like to shine a spotlight on ALL of the hard-working adult students who come to our school to improve their English language skills. Next, THANK YOU to the ESL instructors in our program for their dedication to our students and their help in gathering these writing samples: Florence BeGole, Helen Choy, Patricia Pottorff Croghan, Sandy Cutshall, Sarah Dwight-Gilroy, Luiza Gazizova, Aysen Gokcen, Lesley Haag, Nicole Higley, Carrie Hultgren, Liz Keshawarz, Sarah Krajewski, Anila Mittal, Sarah Ribbers, Daniel Robins, Dilia Salazar, and Marie Thuillier. Finally, a special thanks goes to MVLA Adult School Director Brenda Harris and Assistant Director Julie Vo for your support for the ESL program—its goals and objectives, our staff members, and especially our students.
Introduction This magazine features writing samples from students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program at Mountain View Los Altos (MVLA) Adult School and the Mountain View Senior Center in Mountain View, California. All of the levels we teach are represented: Beginning Literacy, Beginning Low and High; Intermediate Low and High; and Advanced. ESL teachers in our program submitted representative samples of students’ writing loosely related to the theme of “My Life in California.” Some compositions seen here are in-class assignments; some examples are out-of-class projects or essays. You will see items that have been through a significant revision process while others are less polished examples of class work and general writing practice. While not every minor error is corrected, overall, these compositions demonstrate the writing progress of the English learners in our program. We hope you enjoy it!
The Wonderful Scent of El Salvador in California We have a bite of El Salvador in our home, being that I always celebrate the birthdays of each of my three boys with a traditional Salvadorian dinner. The meaning of each celebration is to give thanks to God for another year of life. Living away from our country has become the perfect excuse for me to cook our favorite Salvadorian meal: pupusas!! A pupusa is essentially a thick tortilla made from corn masa flour and stuffed with either pork, cheese, or beans or even all three of these options. Pupusas are cooked on a “comal” or hotplate and served with “curtido”- a cabbage slaw and tomato salsa. The preparation for this special meal actually begins days before. One week before, I prepare “the curtido”with salt and spices and I allow it to ferment. The preparation of the pork and beans is done one day before using a very slow cooking process so as not to lose any of the flavors. On the day of the celebration, we decorate the house with balloons and a big photograph of the “Birthday Boy” and on the table, the salsa and curtido are in place. In the kitchen, I have the corn masa ready along with the ingredients for the stuffing, and the comal is heated to the perfect temperature. Then I begin the “palmar” activity which refers to the palming process of making and shaping the pupusas by hand. The “palmar” activity adds a musical rhythm to the kitchen. The pupusas begin to release their scent once they are placed on the comal. Everyone begins to gather near the comal waiting for their first of many pupusas that will be thoroughly devoured, while still leaving room for the grand finale. We then sing “Las Mañanitas”, a Latin birthday song, and then the candles on the cake are blown out. The cake is served with a non-Salvadorian tradition which are American chocolate chip cookies. They have been adopted as a dessert on our celebration table in honor of the welcome that the United States has given us. Without caring how much work it takes me to make the elaborate pupusa meal, it’s so wonderful for me to smell the irresistible scent of El Salvador in California. Amalia is a student in the Intermediate High/ Advanced Low class in the afternoon.
QiChun is a student in the Beginning High class in the morning.
A group of students from China worked together to select pictures to represent life in their home country. They used Google Images to find the pictures, glued them onto poster board, and wrote captions in English of all the pictures. They were students in the Beginning Literacy class in the morning. Tulia is a student in the Intermediate Low class in the morning.
Nina is a student in the Advanced class in the evening.
Leman is a student in the Intermediate Low class in the morning. Child Abuse Every country pays more and more attention to children. Different countries have different laws for protecting our children. My country of China seems very different from the U.S., although there are some similarities. Both China and the U.S. hope to protect children from abuse. Also, in both countries, child abuse will make you get fines or penalties, even the government will take the custody from the parents. Similarly, in both countries, sexual harassment of children is felony. The differences in child protection laws are very striking. In contrast, the U.S. doesn't allow children under 6 years old stay alone in car. But there is no prohibition like that in China. In the U.S., if parents neglect children, they may get big fine up to $2000, and go to jail up to one year. However, in China, parents only get some warnings. In the U.S., if people who suspect children are abused and don't tell police, they might get $1000 fine and go to jail up to 6 months. But in China, there isn't such kind of laws to make people pay more attention to child abuse. To protect children is our responsibility, I think China should amend the children protection laws strictly so that people can pay more attention to children like the U.S. —Holly Holly is a student in the Advanced class in the morning.
Irina is a student in the Beginning High class in the morning. She created this portfolio to showcase her flower arranging skills.
Yunbo is a student in the Intermediate class at the MV Senior Center. Veridiana is a student in the Beginning High class in the evening.
Sevim is a student in the Beginning High class in the morning.
Ling is a student in the Beginning Literacy/Low class at the MV Senior Center. Traffic Laws in Russia and the US Now more and more people use cars. To drive a car people need to learn traffic laws. Russia and the US have some similarities and differences in traffic laws. In both countries you drive on the right. Also, Russia and the US have a system of fines. Similarly, in both countries, to get a license you need to pass written and driving tests. The differences in the traffic laws are very significant. In the US people can turn right on a red light. But in Russia they can not. People must turn only on a green light or on a special sign. In Russia drivers don’t pull over when they see a police car, an ambulance or a firetruck. They just give the right of way. In contrast, in the US the drivers must pull over. In the US the speed limits are defined in mph, however, in Russia—in kmph. As we see, the traffic laws in the US and in Russia have both similarities and differences. In my opinion, you need to learn traffic laws before going to a new country to avoid fines. —M.A. M.A. is a student in the Advanced class in the morning.
Bei Fang is a Beginning Literacy student in the morning. This group paragraph was written by students in the Intermediate Low class in the evening.
Natalia S. Halloween - an Unusual Celebration October 31 is an unusual event for America, Great Britain and some other countries. It has a Celtic origin and is called Halloween. According to the ancient calendar, winter began on that day. First, this day was called All Saints Day, but today it is known as Halloween. This holiday is celebrated in the USA and Europe. The traditional colors of the holiday are black and orange. Black is the color of long winter nights, and orange is the color of the autumn harvest. Thanks to their mysterious power, black cats have become symbols of Halloween. Shops offer their customers a rich assortment of Halloween costumes - anyone can dress up in a simple devil or skeleton or costume of a favorite character. Americans decorate not only themselves but also their homes. They are filled with all sorts of mystical symbols like witches, black cats and jack-o-lanterns. People carve out these "lanterns" and place them on windowsills and in gardens to scare away evil spirits. Adults and children wear scary costumes and masks of witches, ghosts, skeletons and vampires. Costume parades occur in kindergarten classes and parks. Many companies organize fun parties for their employees and their children. Children are given a lot of toys and sweets. In Russian schools, English teachers also organize a Halloween holiday party for children. Another Halloween tradition beloved by all children and teenagers is called “trickor-treating”. They dress in costumes, roam the streets and visit their neighbors. My granddaughters are happy to visit their neighbors these days and bring back with them a lot of sweets and small toys. I like this holiday! It is very funny, bright and unusual! Natalia is a student in the Intermediate High/ Advanced Low class in the afternoon.
Huili is a student in the Intermediate class at the MV Senior Center. Sumethi is a student in the Beginning High class in the morning.
My Life in California My life in California is good but I miss my country. I like California because it has a big diversity the cultures from other countries. It is a great opportunity for know a new culture. I never imagined and I can study and practice English. this is a good reason for I like this city. one thing I loved so much is the culture of being part of everything to your dogs; it’s something that Mexico should imitate. But I miss my city. For me it has been a challenge coming to California, First left my family friends and traditions. Second the language is a big reason comin, all is new: streets, the job, everything but my husband has been a great partner and always support me when I need. For now, I like live here but in the future my wish is return to Mexico. —S. Adriana is a student in the Beginning Low class in the evening. S. is a student in the Intermediate High class in the evening.
Elisberto is a student in the Beginning Literacy class in the morning.
This group paragraph was written by students in the Intermediate Low class in the evening. Pranee is a student in the Beginning High class in the morning.
Irina is a student in the Intermediate High/Advanced Low class in the afternoon.
My life in California My life in California is better than my life in my country. I am glad that I moved to California because California has bring me many opportunities than my country. For example, first my health care is better now than when I was live in my country. Second I have opportunity to help my family financially. Also in California the company where I work bring me some benefits and the same time I have opportunity to came to the school to learned and meet new friends and practice my English. I am happier with my life in California and I love everything in this country. —M.B. M.B. is a student in the Intermediate High class in the evening. Zeinab is a student in the Intermediate High class in the morning.
Liming is a student in the Beginning High class in the morning.
Alice is a student in the Intermediate High class in the morning.
Lucy H Many people drive cars in their daily lives. Different countries have different traffic laws. Some people may be like the US traffic laws, but others maybe feel the Japan’s traffic law system is better. In both countries, pedestrians have the right of way. The car must stop and let the walker pass first. Also, the car must stop completely for 2~3 seconds before a “STOP” sign. Similarly, in both countries, every passenger must wear the seat belt while the car is running. The differences in both countries are very striking. In Japan, the car can do smaller turn (like the right turn in the US) when the traffic light is green only, but in the US the car can turn right although the traffic light is red. Bicycles in the US can turn left with the same road line with cars. In contrast, bicycles in Japan must use the cross walk and obey the same traffic light with the pedestrian. In the US, any cars must stop when a school bus is stopping on the road with the emergency light, however, in Japan, the school bus is just like a common public bus or car, and other cars do not need to stop when the school bus is stopping with the emergency light. Lucy is a student in the Advanced class in the morning. Natalia is a student in the Beginning Literacy/Low class at the MV Senior Center.
Yanet is a student in the Beginning Low class in the morning. MY LIFE IN CALIFORNIA My life in California is good. Because is better than my life in my country, here I have a better job, in this country my family in more united, we have a very good economic and emotional stability, I have also met new friends, I’m very happy to live here because I know news places and cultures, I have traveled to very beautiful places, being honest the only thing that I still do not like is the food as it a very spicy and in Colombia it is more delicious. I’m going step by step is an Adventure because everything is new to me, it’s really exciting to know what the future holds. I’m not in hurry and I hope that God guides my steps in this new and happier life. A.P. is a student in the Intermediate High class in the evening.
Lorenzo is a student in the Beginning Low class in the evening. Nelly is a student in the Beginning Literacy class in the morning.
Fuying is a student in the Beginning Literacy/Low class at the MV Senior Center. Jian Hua is a student in the Beginning Literacy/Low class at the MV Senior Center.
Tuncer is a student in the Advanced class in the evening.
This group paragraph was written by students in the Intermediate Low class in the evening. Form and Content of the Judicial Systems Almost everyone at least once in a lifetime needs help in a court. Belarus and the U.S. have alike a form of court, but they work absolutely different. Both countries have several local court levels such us: federal, regional and city. The same both of them have judge and twelve members of jury. Similarly, they have different courts for civil and criminal cases. The difference here is n making decisions. For example, in Belarus verdict determined by only the judge, on the contrary, in the U.S. the jury determines the verdict. In contrast, in the U.S. jury is chosen from a random sample of registered voters, but in Belarus each single person in the jury is from the government. So, the jury in Belarus has only formal character. Also, in the U.S. relatives can pay Bail for imprisonments to get for them a freedom before a court, but in Belarus Bail does not exist. Overall, despite the similar structure, inside all the rules of both courts are different. My opinion, the U.S. court works like democratic system, but Belarus court is too strongly controlled by the government. —Irina Irina is a student in the Advanced class in the morning.
This poster was a group project for students in the Beginning Literacy class in the evening.
Diep is a student in the Beginning Literacy class in the morning. Julie is a student in the Intermediate Low class in the morning.
Yu is a student in the Intermediate High/Advanced Low class in the afternoon.
Voting Contrast in California vs Mexico Claudia F Voting is important to make changes. But, how easy is to vote in these two places? Some people think that the voting process is too long and complicated in Mexico, while in California it is easier, even though voting is a right for the people. Starting with the age, in both places the legal age for voting is 18 years old. Also, the government of both places establishes many polling places, which can be schools, libraries, churches or garages. Another similarity is voting as a right and in order to this, every employer must allow their employees the opportunity to go to a polling place during working hours. Talking about differences, in California people are able to vote by mail. But in Mexico, people need to go in person to a polling place. In California having an identification is not required for voting, on the contrary in Mexico people must to have a special identification for voting. Another contrast is in California the voting day is held on Tuesdays but in Mexico it is on Sundays. Even when there are differences on the voting process in California and Mexico, the system is able for people express their preferences. In my opinion, voting is a right and little by little is going to be more accessible for everyone. Also, if people want a change, they need to be involved in the voting process. Claudia is a student in the Advanced class in the morning. Nabat is a student in the Beginning Low class in the morning.
Efren is a student in the Intermediate High class in the morning.
Ipek is a student in the Beginning Low class in the morning.
Rodrigo is a student in the Beginning Literacy class in the evening.
Eddie is a student in the Beginning Low class in the evening. Ahmed My Life in California My life in California is easier than my life in country I am glad that I moved to California I hope to get a good job in California I feel that I’m happy to live in this state the weather in California is very good not cold and not hot We can see in California the Pacific Ocean and nice parks. So, I like California and I am happy to live in it. I like this state so much. Ahmed is a student in the Intermediate High class in the evening.
This poster was a group project for students in the Beginning Literacy class in the evening.
Margarita is a student in the Intermediate High class in the morning. Su is a student in the Beginning Literacy/Low class at the MV Senior Center
Gina is a student in the Intermediate High class in the morning. This group paragraph was written by students in the Intermediate Low class in the evening.
Esra is a student in the Intermediate Low class in the morning. Masseeh is a student in the Beginning Low class in the morning.
My Unforgettable Celebration ─ A Family Concert Guanglin Chinese New Year is at the beginning of spring, so we also call it Spring Festival, which is the most important annual feast for Chinese. On the eve of the Spring Festival in 2017, I invited my classmate X, her husband and a friend, Mr. Y and his family to my home in Mountain View. After we enjoyed the New Year Eve’s dinner together, all our three families held a family concert to celebrate the Spring Festival. First, Mr. Y played the legendary Chinese music, “Butterfly Love" with the violin. He is really a good violinist, and his violin brought us to the scene of the fairy tale. Then Mr. Y (violin), X (violin) and my husband (huqin) performed a string trio of Bach's “Canon” (Fig.1). It is unbelievable that the Chinese instrument huqin can also play western music and can be in good harmony with the violin. No wonder the huqin is also called “the Chinese violin”. To continue the concert, X and her husband sang the Chinese song, “Hulun Buir Grassland”, and I sang a Russian folk song. Finally, all of us - the three families - contributed to the concert a rousing chorus of the Chinese folk song, “Half a Moon Climbs Up” (Fig.2). We were extremely happy enjoying our concert, and satisfied with our unique blend of celebration. I will keep this wonderful memory of our special celebration of 2017 Spring Festival forever. Guanglin is a student in the Intermediate High/ Advanced Low class in the afternoon.
My life in California My life in California is easier than my life in my country. My life is easier in California because I have more opportunities: Because I can to go to school and to learn English, and I could graduate in the University in Mexico. And sometimes I work in something else of my career. I can buy things that I need easier, for example: I can to go to the store and to buy shoes, t-shirts, jeans, perfumes, and a lot of things more, because is easier to have money. I can send money to my mom, for that she can to buy that she needs. I like my life in California, but I miss my family, friends, and my boyfriend. I get out with them, to go to the cinemark, to the park, and I go to dance or something else; but I am happy, because I can to do a lot of things here in California. A.V. is a student in the Intermediate High class in the evening. Marina is a student in the Beginning High class in the evening.
Xiu Gu is a student in the Intermediate class at the MV Senior Center.
Marili is a student in the Intermediate Low class in the morning. Saiying is a student in the Intermediate class at the MV Senior Center.
Pengyue is a student in the Intermediate High/Advanced Low class in the afternoon. Pengyue Happy Chinese New Year One of the most favorite holidays for me is Chinese New Year which is also called Spring Festival. It is celebrated especially in the Bay Area of California. Spring Festival means the beginning of the new year and when all things recover as well as when new life returns to earth again. It also symbolizes happiness, luck, hope and peace on earth. There would be a week of holiday during Spring Festival beginning on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar if we were in China. Before the Spring Festival comes, we have to buy new clothes for children and gifts for all members of the family and friends, and we have to buy an abundance of food, for example fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, snacks and so on. We also have to prepare red envelopes and put money inside them for the children (see picture 1). There are a lot of parties and annual events for celebrating Spring Festival in advance (see picture 2). On New Year’s Eve, most people go back home to enjoy a hearty dinner with parents and children together, and then give the children red envelopes and gifts to each other. During Spring Festival, we go to visit our teachers, relatives and the elderly to send them New Year’s greetings and gifts. Of course, we sometimes travel with the whole family to relax if possible. The reason why we are willing to celebrate the Spring Festival is because we can say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new year, and we all can sit together and have a good time, exchange compliments and send best wishes to each other for a bright future.
Mountain View Los Altos Adult School 333 Moffett Boulevard Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 940-1333 www.mvla.net/AS/ESL
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