English Grammar Tune Up

The exams are coming up soon, and we could all use a little brushing up!

So the grade 12 team figured you all could use a little grammatical assistance!

It's not compulsory, but it will help you brush up on your English language mechanics.

Consequences of Cheating

Gentlemen,

Sharing with you an important information on the consequences of cheating sent by Ms. Margaret.
Please read through the article very carefully and be informed.

University cracks whip on cheating

34 Abu Dhabi University students expelled following complaints

• By Rania Moussly, Staff Reporter
• Published: 00:00 December 27, 2010 - GULF NEWS
• 

• The decision to expel the students was taken as a final measure amidst nearly 510 investigations of reported violations of ADUs academic code of ethics, within a student community of more than 4,000. This picture is for illustrative purposes only.
• Image Credit: Gulf News

Dubai: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has expelled 34 students for cheating as a result of stricter academic integrity policies, the university's Office of Academic Integrity (OAI) announced yesterday.

The decision to expel the students was taken as a final measure amidst nearly 510 investigations of reported violations of ADUs academic code of ethics, within a student community of more than 4,000.

"These expulsions are clear cases of cheating without a shadow of a doubt," said Jehan Zitawi, acting head of the OAI. "We didn't expel for plagiarism or collusion, these students had either been caught red-handed cheating during exams or allowed other students to sit the exam on their behalf."

Another form of cheating students were expelled for was the submission of fraudulent International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificates with fake results.

Some students were caught with cheat sheets during examinations while others utilised mobile telephone ear-pieces to communicate with people outside the examination room who dictated the answers.

Rigorous campaign

The expulsions come after almost two years of the ADU tightening its policy on academic misconduct. At the end of 2008, ADU embarked on a rigorous campaign to educate staff and students alike about the university's academic code of ethics and the consequences of its violation. The campaign seems to be working for the majority. Zitawi said only four cases of plagiarism had been reported this year at the campus compared to 120 cases last year.

"These measures are something that all universities with high standards adhere to," said Dr Nabeel Ebrahim, Chancellor of ADU. "We are simply maintaining the standards expected of us, standards worthy of a university of this name."

Zitawi added that some students even confessed citing various forms of pressure for their misconduct.

"The majority of these cheating students are desperate," said Zitawi. "They are under pressure from parents not to fail, or pressure to not loose a scholarship or simple peer pressure from the wrong crowd."

Dr Ebrahim added that the dismissals are unrelated to recent reports by Gulf News of the expulsion of 126 students with poor academic grades.

Good Day!

Ms. Sunita.

Writing Task #4

Hello Grade 12 Boys!

You writing task for this week is a little different. Download this file and open it. You will find an audio file, a news article, and a writing assignment. Listen to the audio file, read the article, take notes, and THEN write the essay.

This essay is about the bottled water industry, and you will have to write a 250 word, IELTS task 2 style essay.

The homework is DUE by Saturday, December 25th at 11:59pm!

Writng Task #3

Gentlemen,

Here is this week's writing assignment!

Once the task is complete, go to SUBMIT WRITING, on the blog, and paste it in the 'Writing Submission Form'.

Please read the topic and the instruction carefully before writing.

Remember: These writing tasks are evaluated and are very helpful in improving both your writing and vocabulary.

Harold (Bilal) Taft

Assignment 2

Gentlemen,

Here is this week's writing assignment!

Once the task is complete, go to SUBMIT WRITING, on the blog, and paste it in the 'Writing Submission Form'.

Please read the topic and the instruction carefully before writing.

Your time is 40 minutes; 5 minutes for planning, 30 minutes for writing and the remaining 5 minutes for checking.

Good Luck!

Ms. Sunita

Writing Assignment -2

Gentlemen,

Your assignment for this week is a Discursive Essay, click on the topic

Gentlemen,
I wish you a very Happy 39th National Day! Hope to see all of you bring honor and fame in your own special way.
Remember, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.'
John Fitzgerald Kennedy.


All good wishes, 
Ms. Sunita

Assignment 1 - Writing Task 1 - Line Graph

Gentlemen,

This week's assignment is writing task 1. Complete and post it onto the 'G12 writing submission form' which can be found on the right column of the blog.

This week we shall write on line graphs. You are given two lines on a graph; hence it is important to compare them. Use the vocabulary you have learnt for line graphs as well as the language of comparison so as to complete the task well!

Happy writing!

CEPA Exam on Saturday, 27th November

Gentlemen,

Some of you are taking the CEPA test this Saturday. Some of you have already taken the exam and got your results. Congratulations to those who scored above 180. The others who haven't made it, there is no need to be disappointed- you can still appear for the exam and try and make the score above 180!

Tips:

Do not go for an exam without preparation. It may be true that you can take the exam more than once, yet it is important to practice.

Your exam is for 2.5 hours.

The test has three parts: 1. Grammar, Word Forms & Vocabulary [Q's 1- 90] - 60minutes

2. Reading [Q's 91 - 120] - 60 minutes

3. Writing - One task - Essay of 150 to 200 words. - 30 minutes

Access the Practice Tests on www.napo.ae/cepa

Take the practice tests for each of the above sections and be prepared!

Good luck!

it's PODCAST Time!

Hello Grade 12s! As you might have heard by now, IAT is putting out podcasts daily and weekly, and we need your help.

Have you ever wanted to improve your English speaking ability? Have you ever wanted to improve your public speaking? Then join up!

If you have an idea for a show on a topic you are interested in, come by C16 or C17 and let Mr. James or Ms. Rehab know. Right now there are several different podcasts you can join, but you always have the option of starting your own.

Give it a shot! It's a lot of fun.

How to Prepare For Exams

LC1 Exams are here and its a buys time for all for you. Here a few tips that should help you through the next two weeks. Aside from good preparation, make sure you all get a good night's sleep before each exam!!

1. Essay Exams
* Ask your teacher/professor for a few practice questions
* Time yourself and write a sample essay or two a couple days ahead of time
* Look over old essay questions (if available)
2. Multiple Choice
* Practice practice practice
* Go over several old exams to get used to the format
* Memorize facts using flashcards or group questionnaires
* Do not cram (for you will inevitably forget information)
3. Matching
* Memorize facts using flashcards
* Group question-answer studying
* Try your own matching tests, test yourself
4. Fill in the Blanks
* Test yourself with self-made tests
* Ask your teacher for old tests and practice on those
* Study with flashcards of facts
* Test friends in a study group
5. Oral Exams
* First outline all you plan to say on paper
* Practice it aloud to yourself
* Practice in front of a mirror (to see body language, hand gestures)
* Practice aloud to an audience (of family or friends)

Project - EXPLORING BIG BUSINESS

Dear Students,

Having read the title of the project, you must be wondering what it could be all about? No worries....let's find out through the activities as to how reputed companies work. We are exploring big businesses! Maybe you could be working with these companies or you may begin a similar organization for yourselves!

First you will access the activities from Ms Jayasri's public folder. There are four/five folders named as 'Student A- Nokia'; 'Student B - Apple' etc. Each of these student folders has three worksheets that each of you in your group will complete independently. In the 4th activity, you will summarize the information you have researched. We are sure you will be surprised with what you find out. :)

You will be assigned 5 periods to complete the activities.

You will drop the files with typing your class and name before the already assigned file name. Eg. 12.01 Ahmed Abdulla Activity 1A into your teacher's drop box.

Submission Date: Wednesday 27th October

Assignment.

Gentlemen, 
The link to your assignment is http://iatdxbseniorenglish.pbworks.com/f/writing%20task%201.pdf. We'll be working on it together 

Writing Task 1

LC-1 PROJECT

Gentlemen,
The cycle project has been uploaded in Edmodo . Please go to http://www.edmodo.com/library/v2 to access the file.

Good Luck.

Ms. Sunita

LC1 EXAMS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Hello Gentleman,

Once again, it's that time of year and your LC1 exams are coming soon. Having already gone through this twice, in both grade ten and eleven, all of you know what to expect. In turn, we expect a great deal from you, as you are all the student leaders of your campus. Being seniors, you all know what works best for you in terms of study habits. Begin studying at home from now, and don't wait until the day before the exam. Ask your teachers for extra study material if you need it, and most of all... best of luck! Click here for your exam schedule.

Early IELTS Exam Sign-Up Sheet

If you want to take the IELTS exam early, and are willing to PAY WITH YOUR OWN MONEY, then click the link below, and fill out the form!

http://www.apple.com/pro/tips/text_speech.html

Early IELTS Exam

If you want to take the IELTS exam early, and are willing to PAY WITH YOUR OWN MONEY, then click the link below, and fill out the form!

Sign-Up Sheet

Listening and Speaking!

Gentlemen,
The link to the audio file is http://www.edmodo.com/library/v2.

Goodluck.

Ms. Sunita

IELTS EXAM DATES

OK Guys, you wanted the chance to take your IELTS exam early - you got it! Please click here for your IELTS Calendar for the academic year of 2010-11. The deadline for registration has been given for each test date and the cut-off/deadline date is for the completed application form to reach its destination. Your candidate numbers should be provided at least a week or two before the cut off date. As a side note, we will be able to run an onsite campus session only if more than 35 students wish to take the exam on the set date. Good luck and happy studying!

...Of Opinions...

Gentlemen,
While sharing is learning, the ability to express builds confidence. Therefore please go to http://www.edmodo.com/home and write your views on the topic, 'Tourism: its impact and importance.'
Remember to supplement your reasons with  examples.

Good luck!

Ms. Sunita

CEPA EXAM SCHEDULE

CEPA administrations, 2010-2011

Grade 12 students now have the chance to take CEPA English up to three times. This is a great opportunity for you to get an early indication of your readiness for university study and to try to improve your score through the year. If you take the test more than once, your highest score will be used to determine your eligibility for higher education.

If you achieve a score of 165 or more, you may be eligible for early acceptance into the bachelor’s degree course at the institution of your choice, even before you complete grade 12. Your offer will be confirmed as soon as you meet all other requirements, including GSC. If you achieve a high score, of 180 or more, you may be eligible for direct entry to your academic program.

There will be seven administrations of CEPA English in the current academic year:

Group 1
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Saturday, 18 December, 2010

Group 2
Saturday, 8 January, 2011
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Saturday, 12 March 2011

Final administration
Saturday 30th April 2011

Please click here for complete details.

Class Online Discussion

Haven't posted your reply to the question I posted yesterday yet? Please do so before the end of the day today. This topic will be locked as of 7:00 p.m. tonight.

Remember our netiquette rules and click here to get to the discussion forum page.

Have a nice day and see you tomorrow :)

IELTS SPEAKING

Good Morning Gentlemen,
This week's focus is IELTS SPEAKING  and we are going to look at it section wise. Please go to http://www.edmodo.com/library/v2 and watch the video to get an idea of the exam.

Good Luck!
Ms. Sunita.

Weekend work

Dear 12-07 & 12-03,

Good job on today's discussion about studying overseas. Don't forget to log onto your Edmodo account and submit your weekend assignment at http://www.edmodo.com/public/g12-07/group_id/92663

Don't forget to bring your positive learning attitude to our next class :)

Have a great weekend and see you on Sunday.

Weekend Homework - 'Writing' for Sections 1,5 & 9

This week you will write in your notebook on the theme 'Studying Overseas'.

The question - Is it important to study overseas? Express your opinion in about 100 - 150 words.

Submission date: Monday 4th October,2010

Good Manners Online

Now that you are using online tools to share your ideas and opinions in discussion boards and mini-blogging platforms such as Edmodo, you need to know the rules of communicating with others online or what we call netiquette.

Good manners are important at IAT not only at school but also on any online forum that is linked to the school community - teachers and students. I have made this short list of important manners that you need to maintain when we communicate with classmates and teachers online:

- Use appropriate language/media.

- Don't post the same note more than once. In other words, read what others have posted before publishing duplicated responses. After all this the whole point of a discussion board.

-You take the responsibility of all content that is posted under your username. So, don't share your account information with ANYONE!

- Respect copyrights. Even if you can change or edit someone else's posts, DON'T DO IT. This doesn't only violate copyright principles, but it is also DISRESPECTFUL.

- Keep your posts short and simple.

- Stick to the topic.

- If you take content from any source, please mention that in your post.

The list can be very long, but I think these are the most important points. If you wish to learn more about this topic, click here.

Happy online communication :)

Image credits, click here.

First Library Session!

Hello G12-07,

Please visit my blog at http://msragab.edublogs.org/2010/09/28/predicting-predicting/ to get information about your task at the library today.

Happy reading and predicting :)

Reading - Skimming & Scanning

To all G12 Students: skimming and scanning is an important reading strategy for you to master. Here is a simple exercise for you to practice!

IELTS, IELTS, IELTS!

What is IELTS? Where is IELTS accepted? How does IELTS help me? One could say the world speaks IELTS, as IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most proven English test. Over 1.4 million candidates take the test each year to start their journeys into international education and employment and is recognized by more than 6000 institutions in over 135 countries. Even if you are not planning to study overseas, a good IELTS score will make you the first choice for good schools and jobs here at home. Your teachers will work with you throughout the year, but the biggest job will be left up to you. Organize your time, study regularly, and work on each of the four skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening) not only at school, but at home. And not to worry - your hard work will pay off, as IAT graduates are now being considered amongst the best in the country!

Welcome Back Graduating Class of 2011

Welcome back, seniors! The G12 English Department is here to help assure that your graduating year is the best at IAT yet! Be sure to keep your eyes here on the G12 blog for important information that will make your senior year more successful. Your long road to graduation is nearly complete, but this year will be your biggest challenge. Aside from studying hard, Mr. Warren and the administration also expect you all to act as the leaders of the school, to set the tone (proper dress, proper conduct, etc., for all other students to follow). When we have visitors to our campus, please help to welcome our guests and to make them feel appreciated. Most of all, always remember that your teachers, admin staff, and student services are all here to help you through your most important year ever. Best of Luck!!

Facing an Interview

Suggestions for Facing  an Interview Here are some tips for facing the Interview in Good Manner. Prepare for the interview Dress appropriately in simple, comfortable clothes that reflect your personality. Be punctual ? don't be late or even too early. Read up about the company, what business they are into, growth trends, diversification etc Read your own resume - be sure that you don't have to look into your resume to recall details during the interview Carry extra copies of your resume and testimonials ? you never know when you may need them. Make sure you know the full name and designation of the person interviewing you Keep your references ready Make a Good First Impression Wish the interviewer(s) cheerfully and with a smile. A firm handshake is an indicator of how you are feeling. If you are a lady, then some male employers might not make the first move, but go ahead and initiate the handshake. Wait till you are asked to sit down. Look the person in the eye. Do not appear too nervous or overconfident. Your body language usually conveys more than what you are saying. Don't slouch or lean forward too much. Try to curb nervous mannerisms e.g. fidgeting or biting your finger. Appear comfortable, confident and interested in securing the job. During the Interview Start the interview with a pleasant smile. Always remember to give a firm handshake. Listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying Stress on what you can contribute to the organization. Remember that the employer is in control of the interview Don't be too long-winded ? say what you want to convey in crisp sentences and use terms that would convey your job & achievements. Complete your sentences - don't answer just yes or no What you don't know can be learned ? tell them if you don't know something. But give instances of how quick a learner you are. Do not boast. People on the other side are shrewd and can generally see through you. At the same time talk about achievements giving due credit to others. When talking about yourself and your aspirations, do not sound vague or do not say that you don't know something. You should be very clear and precise about what you want to do, where you want to go etc. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification, don't answer vaguely. Don't talk about your personal problems, why you need the job etc Don't get personal ? even if you know the interviewer personally Don't be overconfident or too nervous Don't badmouth your previous employer - you could do the same in the case of the prospective customer Don't complain about politics, a bad boss or a poor salary - your reasons for change should be higher responsibilities, location etc. If the interviewer is interrupted during the course of the interview, don't pick up papers on his/her desk and read them Don't ask about salary before the offer is made Strike a balance between what you actually are and what you want to be ? don't paint a picture of yourself as somebody who is not concerned about money, social status etc. Don't be in a hurry to complete the interview Ask questions at the end of the interview ? it could be about the company, the job or the next stage of the interview process. It will be an indicator of your interest in the position Send a thank-you letter ? outlining your interest in the job and why you are qualified for it.

Reading for pleasure....

With IELTS and CEPA taken care of, the students of 12- 2 now have some time off in the library.

Ms. Sunita.

Time to get creative!

Now that the IELTS and CEPA English exams are behind you, you have time to be creative!

Combine all that you have learnt in English and at IAT into one fun project!

On Sunday, May 2nd all will be revealed....!

Stay tuned.....

Good luck to the CEPA "re-takers" :)

Expressions!

 Students of 12-2 look back at the 'years that were'...

Rashid Eissa:

 Grade 12 was a great year full of surprises and great memories.

 The first surprise was getting the new 'Mac' laptop and using it almost everyday.

The second surprise was a little unpleasant,I found out that we had enormous amount of studies and that was very stressful.

There were a lot of challenges this year, we had IELTS, IC3 CEPA and SAT exams to prepare for and they were really hard. However, I did my best to pass them all.

Overall, grade 12 was a great year   and I’m going to miss it.

Mohammed Ibrahim Zinal:

This being my last year I decided to be a ‘new’ student. I studied hard and scored

 91 in my average and that made my parents very happy. My elder brother promised to buy me a car if I scored higher than 93.  Being a good student helped me  understand things and gain more knowledge.

Abdulla Matar:

I'll be graduating in a month and I have to admit that I'll miss I.AT.  I've learnt a lot throughout the years and faced so many challenges. However, nothing stopped me from overcoming the challenges. I met lot of friends and most of them are my best friends now. I met a lot of great teachers  too and I'll never forget their favor.

Essam:

First of all, I’m proud to be an IAT student . I enjoyed studying at IAT and  faced a lot of challenges.  At the beginning  I didn’t know how to speak in English but now I can converse fluently.

Essa:

 I learnt many new things through out the years in IAT.  I’ve gained a lot of experience and knowledge. I learnt how to be a diligent student, value time, be organized and focus. I would like to thank all my teachers and friends who helped me ,I wont ever forget them.

Mohammad Essa:

My last year at IAT was full of challenges and really difficult. I had to concentrate on my studies because we had  lots of difficult exams namely IELTS, IC3 and SAT.

Abdulla Hassan:

I learnt many new things at IAT, the most important being improving my English skills. For that I’d like to thank my English teachers Ms Jinan, Ms Elena, Mr. David and Ms Sunita who taught me English these three years.

Yasser Al Balooshi:

An experience from the past  three years at IAT  has taught me something that will be invaluable in the future. I have learned not to flee but to stay and face something that is unavoidable in life; challenges and difficulties.

As life continues, there will be plenty of frustration and tears, but if I have the right attitude, nothing is impossible. If practice makes perfection, then tenacity makes success.

Ms. Sunita.

G12 Promo Video Project

Your project work for the next three weeks!

The winner takes it all!

On 12/4/2010,Sharjah Club won the UAE Hand Ball League held in Al Sharjah club after defeating Al Nasr Club by 4 goals with a score of 29 – 25.

   Khamis Salem Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Al-Sharjah club and his deputies Mohammed Bin Hendi and Ali Omran Tryam were present to hand over the trophy and medals to the winning team.

  

   I’m a part of Sharjah Club handball team for more than 12 years and along with me are my two brothers, Khalid and Ramy.

  I’m proud to be part of this winning team, hope to achieve many more such victories!

Rashid Saeed

12-2
                                                                  Ms.Sunita. L

Congratulaions!

Congratulations

On this special day,

I would like to congratulate

you for a job well done.

to encourage you in whatever

you choose to do in the future.

On this graduation day,

You must look ahead and dream

of all the bright possibilites

that your future holds for you.

Today and for the rest of your life...

may all your dreams come true.

(Taken from brightcreationspoetry.com)

Ms. Sunita

Earth Day, Every Day!

' Why we care?'

Students of 12-8 express their concern...

We want a safer planet without earthquakes, a clean planet with zero pollution. We care about the victims of the Volcano in Iceland and the Tsunami in China and Indonesia and many other natural disasters which are the results of our neglect for our planet .It's time  to show our concern and well  do it  in our own small way, one step at a time. 
Green Environment, Clean Environment!

Ali Alkhzaimi

12.08

We must save our environment to have a healthy life, free from diseases and natural disasters. 

Abdulla Taha    12-08 

We care because the environment provides us with our basic necessities like water, air, sunlight and food. 

Aref Ali 12-8 

 The environment provides us with fresh and clean air and we need to keep the environmental balance.           

Abdulrahim Amin     12-08

 

Ms. Sunita. L

Working on their 'FINAL' Project !

PROJECT TITLE:   EXPLORING BIG BUSINESS.
      MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP AND PRODUCTIVITY.


SECTIONS: 12-2,  12-7,   12-8.

        

      

Improve your spellings!

Another site that helps you improve your spellings. You can listen to a word and type out its spelling. You could also add the difficult words you have found, hear and practice them. The words are also used in a sentence. You can play different games so as to further familiarize yourself with the spellings.

SATURDAY 24th April - IELTS Exam

Dear Students,

You are now done with the Mock IELTS and have had the feel of the
exam. It is challenging but you all can do it. What do you need?
Practice!

The next one week you should find time to practice at least one skill
in a quiet corner at home. It is important! :)

On the 24th Saturday, you have the exam. You have to be on time at
Dubai Mens College, Academic City. You will receive a message on your
mobiles about the timings. Start before time, foresee traffic and
reach well before time. REMEMBER YOUR ID - YOUR PASSPORT!

If your speaking exam is on the same day, please take note of the
timing. Even if you leave campus, see that you reach back well before
the time of your inteview.

Good Luck Guys. You can achieve your bands!

Practice, Practice, Practice!