News: ESL Now Free For Canadian Citizens

This article by Julie Larsen discusses a change in tuition for ESL (English as a second language) students in Canada. Here is an excerpt:

English as a Second Language courses are now tuition-free for everyone at 17 public post-secondary institutions in B.C., including the College of New Caledonia.

Dean of Community and International Education, Barbara Old, says while the course was free for non-citizens, that has now been expanded.

Free ESL Lesson: Writing Letters

This blog entry is about writing letters in English. Writing letters is a very common mode of communication across the world and a very important step in becoming literate and an engaging communicator in the English language. 

Whether by paper (or snail mail, as it is often called) or email (internet mail), letters are used both formally and informally to pass on information or make requests. Students use letters to communicate instructors and administrators. Workers use letters to request information from colleagues and bosses or to inquire about their job or new opportunities. People use letters to inform, ask for help or catch up with family, friends and acquaintances, usually in an informal fashion. Here are the basics of writing letters:

Salutation

A salutation is a greeting. In letters, the word “Dear” is the most commonly used and appropriate salutation. For instance, a salutation for a letter might be “Dear Mr. Chen” or “Dear Debra.” For letters to friends or family members, just the first name is used while business letters feature titles such as Mr. (Mister), Dr. (Doctor), Prof. (Professor), etc. The salutation takes up an entire line.

Body

The body is the message of the letter. While the other parts feature greetings, formalities and contact information, the body features sentences or paragraphs about informing, asking or requesting information or action from the recipient. Sometimes people refer to the body as the letter itself. In cases of informal letters to someone you know well (like an email to a friend), the body might be the entire composition of the letter itself.

Valediction

The valediction is a sign-off or goodbye to end the letter. It follows the body, and is then followed by the written name and/or signature of the sender. The most common valedictions are sincerely or regards. So, a valediction might look like

Sincerely,

John Smith

OR

Regards,

Jane Doe

OR

Kind regards,

Jason

Other valedictions are more informal, intimate or friendly such as your friend, your sister/brother, xoxo(very casual shorthand for hugs and kisses), love, and take care.

So, combining these different elements, let us look at a sample of a simple letter written in English.

Dear Professor Watson,

I would like to thank you for writing the letter of recommendation in my favor for graduate school. Your positive recommendation helped me get accepted, and I am very grateful for this. I know you did this despite having a busy schedule. Your dedication to your students past and present is a testament to your character and professionalism. I hope we can keep in touch. Thanks again.

Sincerely,

John Smith

A friendly letter, perhaps through email, might look like this…

Dear Bob,

I was writing to see what your upcoming weekend plans were. Tammy and I were planning a camping trip for this Friday, and we were curious if you wanted to join us. Let us know and we will pass along all the details.

Love,

Jane


Have you written a letter before? Do you have any questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news!

If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

Kingston University USA 
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ESL with Pictures: Signs

                                   SIGNS
What are signs? Signs are symbols used in everyday life that send messages to inform people. They can come in different sizes, shapes, colors and purposes. Some signs warn people, direct drivers of vehicles and pedestrians*(people who walk) alike, inform people or advertise for businesses, buildings and organizations. 


Here are some examples:

This is a stop sign. Stop signs are a type of traffic signs, which are meant to inform drivers of automobiles or cars. When driving, you should stop briefly when approaching a stop sign.

This sign is a warning sign. The word danger means something might cause harm or hurt you if you are not careful. This sign is specifically warning against the danger of unmarked holes, which people might fall into if they are not careful!

This sign is informing people that they cannot swim in these waters. This could be due to a lack of lifeguards or unsafe conditions in the water. It is really important to follow such signs as the area may be dangerous even if the sign does not use the word danger.

This is an exit sign. Exit signs are very common in buildings as they allow people to know where the closest exit is. An exit is a door or pathway that leads someone from inside a room or building to outside the room or outside the building.

This sign says "No dogs allowed." Signs like this are often seen in certain parks or buildings. Some parks allow people to bring their pet dogs, but others do not. Whenever a red line cuts through something in a sign, that means that thing is prohibited(not allowed).  

 

This sign is informing(*telling) people that they must have their bags with them at all times. These signs are very common at airports and bus stations. Sometimes the signs will say "Do not leave bags unattended." Unattended means you are not with your bags, such as if you were to walk away from them.

This sign is for informing people when a train is departing. Departing means going, leaving or going away. This sign tells you the train's destination, departing time, and where it is stopping. Destination means the final stop of a trip or where the trip ends.

Have you seen signs today in your community? What do they mean? Are they helpful to you? Let us know your opinions! 

Do you have any other questions or comments about this or any other ESL subject? Leave them in the comment section and we will answer them. Stay tuned for more free advice on this and other subjects as well as promotions and news! If you want individual tutoring and help in learning English, contact Kingston University USA today!!

Kingston University USA
Live Locally. Learn Globally.
Official Website
Facebook Page
Twitter
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