Girl in Translation – Chapter seven
1.
What do you learn about the differences between the US and HK education
systems?
2.
Make a note of some of the examples that highlight the differences between
the American and HK code of etiquette.
3.
Make a note of some of the examples that show the extent to which
Kimberly’s home life and her circumstances are not understood by the staff at
Harrison school.
4.
In what way is the teasing and bullying different at Harrison school to that of
Kimberly’s previous school?
5.
How did Kimberly manage to stop Greg’s teasing? What does her action tell
you about her character?
6.
On the surface it seems Aunt Paula is genuinely interested in Kimberly’s
successes at Harrison Prep. However, what are her real wishes? Why do you think
she feels this way?
7.
Complete the table below that shows the differences between Kimberly’s
previous school and Harrison Prep
Activities
Assignments
Former school
Harrison Prep school
Grading of
English skills
Extra English
tuition
8.
To what extent does Kimberly feel a part of the school community? Give
some quotes from the chapter to show her sense of belonging.
9.
How does Curt help Kimberly?
10.
What do you learn about Kimberly’s character from the ‘cheating’ incident?
11.
Kimberly still experiences many linguistic misunderstandings in the chapter.
Give some examples that show her misunderstandings.
12.
To what extent do Kimberly’s English linguistic skills improve in the chapter?
How is this improvement achieved?
13.
In what ways is Kimberly becoming more American. Give some examples
from the chapter. Do you think she is experiencing inner conflict in view of this
change? Justify your answer with examples from the text.
Written task
You previously imagined you were Kimberly and wrote a blog about your first day at
school. Continue your blog and write about your first day at Harrison Prep. include
the following:
Include information on the following:
a.
Feelings about your new school and people you meet
b.
Your subjects and support you are receiving
c.
Fears
d.
Attitude and determination to succeed
You should write between 250-400 words
TOK focus
To what extent does the learning environment (the physical) setting have an
impact on the way an additional language is acquired.
You wrote a paragraph on the above after reading chapter four. I would like you to
look once again at your answer and redraft it in light of what you have read in
chapter seven. You might like to consider the concept of motivation (see below for
some information on this)
‘ Motivation in second language learning is a complex phenomenon which can be
defined in terms of two factors: learners’ communicative needs and their attitudes
towards the second language community. If learners need to speak the second
language in a wide range of social situations or to fulfil professional ambitions, they
will perceive the communicative value of the second language and will therefore be
motivated to acquire proficiency in it. Likewise, if learners have favourable attitudes
towards the speakers of the language, they will desire more contact with them.’(p33)
Candlin C.N., Mercer, N. 2006.‘English language Teaching in its social context: A
reader. Routledge.
Work is due on Tuesday 30th April