Public Speaking

‘Public Speaking is over!!! ‘. Yeah! The only word to describe what I am feeling now! Relief! So relief! =D and the good news is we do not have final class test! (Ooh…that’s mean our ECS class has ended, going to miss some of my friends! Sad...) There are mixed feelings in myself right now...haha!

So let me share with you my experience. Public speaking or speaking in front of a group of people is always a trouble to me. Lacking of confidence and, nervousness are the obstacles in facing and overcoming the fear of this oral presentation. Anyway, I did it!

Before the public speaking started, some of them were rehearsing or practicing their speech to their friends, attempted to show the best performance during the public speaking, so do I! I could see a lot of effort and hard work being put in and, the seriousness and sincerity towards the task given to them. I hope our effort will pay off and get a good mark in this assessment! ^^

Miss Sheba divided us into two groups of seven people. I was in the first group and I was the third person to present. So NERVOUS! I was having butterflies in my stomach! Heart pumped faster and faster and level of adrenaline in my blood was sky high! My topic is about music. And the reason I choose it because most of us are familiar with songs and music, I think it should be easier for the audience to understand and ‘feel’ my speech. Anyhow, I finished my speech (with my legs trembled non stop) Honestly, I wasn’t so sure what’s the feedback from my teacher. I hope it is a good one. =)

This is a new experience to me and I learn from it although I don’t like public speaking. I have to brush up on my pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar during the time I was preparing my speech. I learned to speak clearer and tried to minimize my speech filter. Most importantly, my level of confidence has increased! I am more confident now…=D

Well, I guess that’s all. Going to take a nap!

One song for you guys! Have a nice day!

10 New Words ( Part 8)

Sanguine (adj.)

Definition: Cheerfully optimistic

Synonyms: Hopeful

Ludicrous (adj.)

Definition: So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing

Synonyms: ridiculous

Prerogative (noun)

Definition: A right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.

Synonyms: privilege

Tyrant (noun)

Definition: A cruel and oppressive ruler

Synonyms: Oppressor

Indomitable (adj.)

Definition: Impossible to subdue or defeat: "indomitable spirit".

Synonyms: tameless

Precocious (adj.)

Definition: (of a child) Having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual

Synonyms: premature

Diffident (adj.)

Definition: Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence

Synonyms: shy, timid

Salient (adj.)

Definition: Most noticeable or important: "the salient points of the case".

Synonyms: outstanding

Zenith (noun)

Definition: The highest point reached by a celestial or other object

Synonyms: acme

Chicanery (noun)

Definition: The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose

Synonyms: deceit

Quibbling (verb)

Definition: Argue or raise objections about a trivial matter

10 new words (part 7)

Mauled (verb)

Definition: 1.To injure by or as if by beating.

                    2. To handle roughly

Elusive (adj.)

Definition:  1. Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

                     2. Difficult to remember or recall.

Synonyms: evasive, elusory

Euthanasia (noun)

Definition: The painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma.

Binge (verb)

Definition: Indulge in an activity, esp. eating, to excess: "she cannot help binging on chocolate".

Intervene (verb)

Definition: Come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events.

Synonyms: interfere

 Pivotal (adj.)

Definition: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.

Synonyms: central, cardinal

Precipitancy (noun)

Definition: rashness or suddenness of action

Synonyms: haste, hurry

Figment (noun)

Definition: A thing that someone believes to be real but that exists only in their imagination.

Synonyms: fiction

Cynic (noun)

Definition: A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable or unselfish reasons.

Auspicious (adj.)

Definition: Conducive to success; favorable: "an auspicious moment to hold an election".

Synonyms: favorable

Enactment of Short Stories

This is the first time I bumped into something called Reader Theater! I guess this is a new challenge to me! Okay, let me tell you what Reader Theater is. In Reader's theatre, actors use vocal expression to help the audience understand the story rather than visual storytelling such as sets, costumes, and intricate blocking.

On Tuesday, we were just having brief readings on two scripts; the first script is Tape (by Jose Rivera). At first, I don’t really understand what the play was, the first thing came to mind was, it’s some sort of psycho experiment which is related to person whom did mistakes and was given punishment? Till I read this sentence’ to every lie you ever told while you WERE alive...then I realised, the person is dead...So, basically, this script is about the afterlife of a person and he is forced to recall his dark past by hearing every lie that he made in his life via a large reel-to-reel tape recorder!

The second script is The Incompatibles (by Horace Holley). I prefer this script than the Tape because this is more interesting and more on dramatic element (I love watching drama, especially HK series), haha! I will post the link of both scripts, so you guys can have a look on it when feel free!

Next, let’s talk about things happened today, our group presented (by voice) a play named The Legend of Slappy Hooper. It is an American Tall Tale told by Aaron Shepard. I played the role Michael (a servant to BOSS in the heaven), was sent to give a job to Slappy, which is painting rainbows, sunrise and sunset. Though our group did not get a good mark for our performance, we did enjoy the discussion and learned a lot of fresh things throughout the lesson. J

I guess, that’s all for today. I’m going to watch my favourite show. Bye guys! =)

*Oh ya! the link!

~Tape by Jose Rivera

~The Incompatibles by Horace Holley

~The Legend of Slappy Hooper by Aaron Shepard

Hope you guys enjoy it!

10 New words (part 6)

Aquadextrous (adj.)
Definition: Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub faucet on and off with your toes.

Florid (adj.)
Definition:   1. Having a red or flushed complexion: "a stout man with a florid face".
                   2. Elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated: "florid operatic-style music was out".
Synonyms:  ornate, flowery


Chalk and cheese (Idiom)
Definition: Things, or people, that are like chalk and cheese are very different and have nothing in common.


Cauldron (noun)
Definition: large metal pot (kettle) for cooking and/or boiling over an open fire, with a large mouth and frequently with an arc-shaped hanger.


Perambulate (verb)
Definition: Walk or travel through or around (a place or area), especially for pleasure and in a leisurely way.
Synonyms: walk, tour


Deficit (noun)
Definition: 1.the amount by which something, esp. a sum of money, is too small.
                2. An excess of expenditure or liabilities over income or assets in a given period.
Synonyms: deficiency


Jubilate (noun)
Definition: Psalm 100 (99 in the Vulgate), esp. as used as a canticle in the Anglican service of matins.

Apraxia (noun)
Definition: Inability to perform particular purposive actions, due to brain damage.

Convulsion (noun)
Definition: A sudden, violent, irregular movement of a limb or of the body, caused by involuntary contraction of muscles.


Unorthodox (adj.)
Definition: Contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted.

10 new words ( part 5 )

Word	Definition
Foible	A minor weakness or eccentricity in someone’s character
Parterre	A formal garden construction on a level surface consisting of planting beds, edged in stone
Relegate	Consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position
Conciliating	Stop ( someone) from being angry or discontented
Aperitif	A drink that stimulate the appetite
Factotum	An employee or assistant who serves in a wide range of capacities
Harebrained	Rash, ill-judged
Rudimentary	1.   Involving or limited to  basic principles 2.   Immature, undeveloped
Grotesque	A small cave or hollow
Sash	A cloth belt used to hold a robe together

Shape Poetry

The activity for this week is shape poetry. Honestly, before this ECS lesson, I do not have any knowledge in shape poetry and with very little interest in poems, because I think that poems are boring and I have to think deeper to understand the hidden meaning..

In the beginning, Miss Sheba briefly explained the meaning of poems and some techniques on creating shape poetry. She also showed us a few examples on shape poetry that had created by some of our seniors.

And because we were Too quiet and no response from us, So, Miss Sheba decided to have an ice-breaking activity, which is we were requested to form a circle by holding each other’s hands. Then she played a song (I’m alive, Celine Dion) and, we had to imitate the dance moves from our classmates, danced with the rhythms of the song! It was fun seeing different types of funny movements! Haha!

Ok, let’s switch back to shape poetry. I’ve collaborated with my friend, Fu Chi to create a poem with the theme of snow. We were trying to relate children and snow. Finally we came out a poem like this:

*Children are looking out from the windows,

The town is covered with snow.

Children want to play with the snow,

The mothers’ heads nod,

Excitement in children showed.

Children standing in a row,

And preparing a battle of snow! *

(I know our poem is bit simple, haha)

(We used the shape of snowman because most children like to build snowman during the winter time.)

Debate

I never know that debate could be so exciting and challenging. In the past, I always miss out the chances to watch or participate in a debate.Till last week, we were asked to prepare a debate on a topic' In war, every necessary and available tool must be employed, even children' and we were the proposing team for it. The most ironic thing is. the first thought that we have is, children shouldn't involve in war as war is brutal and cruel! But anyhow, we must support our view in order to win! Haha! We had a good spirit in that!


So, the next day, we held a meeting in the library. We chose our first,second and third speakers. After that, we started to discuss the points and the comebacks that the opposing team might present. We organised and elaborated our ideas. We even saerched through the internet to obtain more evidence and proves to substantiate our points.


On that day, there were total 3 debates being held. First debate was won by Group 2( the opposing team for topic 1 ). they really did a good job by providing all the information to support, as well as the proposing team. I was so attentive while listening both teams' debate.. Then, the next debate is our turn. After an arduous and grueling 'fight' between both teams, our team finally turned out to be the winner of the second debate!! And one of our group member, Marthinni was the best speaker...Congratz!!


Our effort paid off! So happy for it!


I learned a lot from this debate. I learned how the actual formal debate is, some rules and regulations in the debate, and the way the debaters expressing thwmselves..This debate gives me great experince and new knowledges. I feel so glad having this opportunity to go through it!

10 New Words ( Part 4 )

1.Word: Lopsided
   Definition: with one side lower
   Synonyms: one-sided


2. Word: Scythe
    Definition: a tool used for cutting crops
    Synonyms: Sickle


3. Word: Ecclesiastical
    Definition: Of or relating to the Christian Church
    Synonyms: Spiritual


4. Word: Bureaucracy
    Definition: A state or organization governed according to such system
    Synonyms: Officialdom


5. Word: Philistine
    Definition: A person who is hostile to culture and the arts
   

6. Word: Incumbent
    Definition: The holder of an office
    Synonyms: Official


7. Word: Sagging
    Definition: Subsiding gradually
    Synonyms: Sinking


8. Word: Enshrine
    Definition: Preserve in a form that ensures it will be protected or respected


9. Word: Jibing
    Definition: Be in accord; agree


10. Word: Belittle
      Definition: make( someone or something ) seem unimportant
     Synonyms: Depreciate

Ocean Soul

I came across those pictures when I was reading the National Geographic magazine. Wow! These are so fantastic,the photographer really did a great job by capturing all these spectacular and eye-catching images!! I know, I must share it out..

Blue Maomao

Kingman Reef
More pictures in Ocean Soul

10 New Words ( Part 3 )

Words	Definition
Rhetoric	Wordiness; long speech
Extricated	Get out of situation
Frigate	Boat
Speck	Tiny bit
Baccate	Berrylike
Unscathed	Unharmed
Conjure	To affect or influence by or as if by invocation or spell.
Immaculate	Free from spot or stain
Impetus	Impulse; stimulus
Jurisdiction	Area of authority

Film Review

     War and Children  

 Buddha Collapsed out of Shame is one of the famous movie productions from the Makhmalbaf Film House. This film is written by Marzieh Makhmalbaf and is directed by a young Iranian film-maker, Hana Makhmalbaf in 2007. The language used in the movie is Persian and the running time of the show is 81 minutes. It is the tragic first film from Hana. She uses the technique of docufiction (The cinematographic combination of documentary and fiction), which the characters in the movie are actually playing their own role in real life. She has successfully capture the real scenes of life of those children in Afghanistan which are the sexual prejudice and corruption of innocence, the harshness that those naïve children are facing after the American and Taliban war and the effects of the war in Afghanistan on the local children. It is an amazing film that provides a heart-to-heart portrait of the desperate life lived through by the children in today’s Afghanistan.

This story takes place in Bamian, a small historical town in Afghanistan. The movie starts off by showing the explosion of the statues of Buddha by the Talibans in 2001.Bakhtay (Nikbakht Noruz), the main character, a six-year-old little girl whose home is a scarcely settled cave, has to undertake an epic battle with all her efforts against all odds. She has to take care of her baby sibling when her mother is away. After she is being fascinated and inspired by her neighbor Abbas (Abbas Alijome)’s schoolbook, the only thought that she has is to go to school, to read and learn funny stories. By selling food, she finds the money to buy a notebook and take her mother’s lipstick as pencil, she begins her journey. During her way in search of schooling, she encounters many obstacles such as the poverty of the family, the lacking concern from her mother and the violent, brutal boys that force her to be the victim of the’ war game’. When she finally finds a girl’s school, she is being thrown out from classroom by a female teacher. At the end, she is taken hostage by a group of local boys, and she realizes that ‘dying’ is the only way to be free.

This film conveys an important message to us. It shows the aftermath of the war on the children. It also reminds us of the profound influence of war on our generation, for instance, when violence becomes an acceptable component in society and culture, starting from playground, moving onto sports and leisure activities, shifting into the family and neighbourhood, it seems violence is one of the best ways in solving problems and it slowly adapts itself among the children since they are young.

Heartbreaking feeling emerges in me when seeing Bakhtay harassed by the boys who were trying to mimic the horrible violence that they witnessed. The boys took her as the prisoner and tried to stone her when playing the ‘war game’. Besides, Bakhtay is a brave and determined little girl because she never gives up on her dream, which is enter a school and learn. These qualities are shown when she was kept searching for her notebook during her escape from the cruel boys with the risk of caught by the boys, because she knew that, with the notebook, she can go to school. Her action greatly provokes and inspires me. She shows me the value of’ When there’s a will, there’s a way’ .And as the result, she found the school.

I would strongly suggest that everyone should watch this film. Though the tempo of the movie is slow according to action standards, the images are beautiful and full of drama. For me, it is a 10 stars movie.

(621 words)

10 New Words ( Part 2)

Word	Definition
Auxiliary	Supplementary
Defunct	Extinct, not functioning
Beef up	Strengthen
Scintillating	Bright, stimulating
Connoisseur	Authority
Tawpie	A foolish or thoughtless young person
Wharf	A structure built on the shore of or projecting into a harbor, stream,etc.
Archaic	Marked by the characteristic of an earlier period. Example: An archaic manner
Hoary	Gray or white with age
Dissidence	Difference of opinion