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New York English Academy Rookie blog

Comparison Shopping August 30, 2013

Improving English language skills is not the only reason that many students come to New York.  There is always shopping, shopping, shopping…

Effective comparison shopping habits can result in big savings for those who take the time.  Here are some thoughts from PC TECH students:

Wara: I like to buy Zara because they always have new styles in [their] stores – more than in [other stores].  Their dresses, blazers, and shoes are super-cute and are very European – chic and practical for play and work, easier for mix-and-match.

            Marcela: On weekends I like to have a very special breakfast.  Sometimes I eat at IHOP and other days at McDonald’s, but I don’t care because the food is delicious.  McDonald’s is cheaper because the food [there] is more simple…Maybe McDonald’s is easier and faster for tourists because the food is known all over the world.  Maybe kids like McDonald’s more because it had a special menu for them and this includes a toy.

Thomas: I think that IKEA is cheaper than the Ashley store, but Ashley uses the best materials and the furniture is more beautiful than that of IKEA.  [As for cars,] the Opel is more expensive than the Chevrolet because the Opel is bigger than the Chevrolet.  The Opel is more beautiful.

You can see that our students learn how to form the comparative by using an –er ending for most one-syllable adjectives; more…than for most adjectives of more than one syllable.

PC TECH: English Language School in New York City

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Exercise boosts energy
Winded by learning ESL in class ?
Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently so you can focus better in Frank’s, David’s, Sharon’s or Michael’s class 🙂

Exercise improves mood
Need some energy lift to wake up and come to class?
A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

Exercise can be fun
Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with friends in a fun social setting. So find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it.

The bottom line on exercise
Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun.
As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day minus our Friday excursions :0
Enjoy at our vocabulary class visits to the park.
 

 

PC TECH: English Language School in New York City

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Visiting a Nearby City August 28, 2013

Students who take English courses at PC TECH often ask if there are other cities near New York that they can easily visit.

Philadelphia would be an excellent choice.  It is only about two hours from midtown Manhattan by train or bus.  The midtown area of Philadelphia is often referred to as “Center City” especially by the residents.  Unlike New York, almost everything that tourists would want to see is in easy walking distance from the bus terminal or train station.

A must-see destination is Independence Mall, actually a United States National Historical Park.  Here you can enjoy a free tour of Independence Hall, site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution – the birthplace of the United States of America.  Indeed, Philadelphia was capital city of the 13 colonies and the first capital of the new country.

While you are in “Philly” (the popular nickname), you will want to visit its most famous symbol, the Liberty Bell, and learn its fascinating history.  In the same Mall area, you can visit the National Constitution Center, a beautiful new building filled with interactive exhibits that will help you to more easily understand the document that is the basis for America’s system of government.

Before you return to New York, though, don’t forget to have lunch or dinner in one of Philadelphia’s fine but very reasonable priced restaurants!

 PC TECH: English Language School in New York City

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Staten Island. New York City’s most suburban borough….often referred as ‘The forgotten Borough’.  Staten Island is much more enriched than some people know. There are a quite a few places to explore.

Like Historic Richmond Town. It’s one of Staten Island’s most popular attractions. Historic Richmond Town is a living history village and museum. Those who visit will have fairs, farm animals, exhibits and many activities and events waiting for them. Only a boat and 1 bus ride away! Of course you need your tickets to get in.

And what about Snug Harbor? Staten Island’s most unique Cultural Center and Botanical garden. Originally built as a home for retired sailors; it is now a national historic landmark. Made up of a collection of significant 19th century buildings. Experience what it feels to walk through a Chinese garden in the 1900’s. Get lost in a play. Or visit one of it’s museums.

Staten Island is more inviting than most people think…

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Take a hike
Whether it’s an overnight trip or a half-day excursion through nature or through the busy streets of Manhattan one can always enjoy a hike alone but a good company always matters.
Explore the Harbor
Take some time to explore the harbor, evenings are the best, away from the hustle bustle from busy Manhattan streets.
Dine at Rooftops
Enjoy your meal in the fresh air while listening to Jazz.
Splash away
Either hit the beach to cool off or splash splash at the Spa Castle at college point queens.
Hit the trail
Summer is the time to head out and enjoy the outdoors, Bikers can enjoy a newly furbished CITIbikes.
Scream Scream Ice Cream
While some popular ice cream destinations remain open year-round, many of our favorite local places will shut their doors in a matter of weeks, forcing you to wait until the spring for some of the best creamy flavors that Manhattan has to offer.
So grab a sunset cone.
Join the crowd at Time Square
One of the most popular summertime stops in Manhattan for shopping and sites
Find a food festival
There are a handful of summer food festivals remaining on the schedule, including the
www.smorgasburg.com

 
 

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            Students from one of our classes were asked to write some ideas about what they could or would do if they won a million dollars.  Here are some excerpts:

            Ursula from Italy shares this thought:   My dream is opening a small hotel or bed-and-breakfast…where the environment is familiar and friendly.  If I had money left over, I would [help] my parents.  I want to thank them for all these years that I have grown and not missed anything.

Maria from Columbia:  First, I will pay for my entire education.  Second, I will help my parents because they work too much and they have a lot of responsibilities.  Also I will buy a house and a car and I will spend time traveling around the world.  […] I will spend money helping people; in my country, there are many things that you can do to help.  I will invest in countryside schools that are poor and don’t have enough attention from the government.

Gang from Japan has a tongue-in-cheek slant:   I will buy a condo in NYC and then I will not work for a few years.  I will get up every day after noon.  [He is surely joking! –Ed.]

            Perhaps Tao from Thailand is more realistic:  If I won $1,000,000, the first thing I would is pay the tax.  

PC TECH: English Language School in New York City

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Visiting NYC in the Movies August 14, 2013

When we ask students if they were very surprised at the sights and sounds of New York City, a number of them tell us that they have often seen movies and videos of the city – especially Manhattan – so that the surroundings were not all that new to them.

However, one of our past students mentioned that our location fulfilled her dream of visiting Grand Central Terminal, a place she had seen many times on TV and in movies.

American cinema plays a large part in inspiring international students to learn English, so they tell us.

            Maria from Colombia writes:   I really enjoy watching movies because it is an exciting way to [explore new places] and be involved in different situations….

I like funny and [unusual] stories with an unexpected end.  My favorite movie director is Quentin Tarantino and my favorite movies are Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained.  I like Pulp Fiction [because of] its dramatic story [told] in an eloquent way.  The music is fantastic because it fits with the scenes.  On the other hand, the manner in which Tarantino [depicts] slavery on the [American] South is [unexpected].  He shows a kind of revenge in a funny story.

The scenes in Django Unchained are amazing:  An amazing re-creation of the South in 1860.

           PC TECH: English Language School in New York City

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City, Suburb, Countryside August 9, 2013

Where is your favorite place to live: city, suburb, countryside?  Here are a couple of thoughts from student writers:

            Myriam:   I live in a city and I like that!

I think that living in a city is more exciting and interesting because there are a lot of things to do like shopping, eating in a good restaurant, having fun with family and friends, and of course meeting interesting people who come from everywhere in the world. In addition I think in most cities there is a sense of community.  Everybody knows their neighbors.  You can help them; they can help you.  It’s like a big family!

But there are also some disadvantages to living in a big city.  Life is more expensive.  The city is noisy.  But it is not a problem if you love your city.

For my part, I love my city: Lyon [France].

I think it is a great place for a [vacation].

Yuki:  I like to live in a city because in the city there is a lot of fun and cool places.  I always [like] exciting things; that’s why I prefer to live [there].

In the city there are a lot of fun people.  I love to talk with [people from other countries].  However, if I live in the country or suburbs, I can’t see [that many] interesting people. The city is always presenting new stuff, movies, clothes.  I like that and I need it.

[On the other hand], sometimes I want to live in the country…in nature.  Sometimes I want to get out of a crowded place.  I need to relax.  Maybe I should buy a vacation house in the country.

 PC TECH: English Language School in New York City

 

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