Robotic Surgery!

Hi Everyone!

Here's a video on the Da Vinci surgical system in action. The video shows great examples of how the manipulation of the controls are "translated" into the movement of the precision robot instruments -- even filtering out hand-shaking!!

Please note that there are some graphic images of real surgery inside the human body!

Writing about Graphs and Charts

Hi LINC 7 Students!

Here's a video on line graphs that includes how to create a line graph.

Here's a more advanced video (IELTS test preparation) on how to describe a pie chart. It features the creation of the sentences on the screen, so it's easy to follow!

Please note that in North America, we don't use "30 $".  We use "$30".

Pie Charts

Hi Everyone,

Here's a useful video (created for IELTS test preparation) showing you how to describe a series of three pie charts with information about the use of different audio formats in 1990, 2000 and 2010.

The speaker actually writes sentences on the whiteboard, the way I've done in class. This particular video and the text he writes is much longer and uses more advanced language than you generally need for LINC 7. However, it involves the same process of turning visual information (the 3 charts) into English (whether spoken or text).

For those of you who really like this stuff, here's a wonderful video comparing the use of bar graphs and pie charts -- using the same data. Plus, it's fun! Check it out!! (There's also some math at the end if you're into that!)

Bar Graphs

Hello LINC 7 Students,

Tomorrow we'll have a look at bar graphs. Here's a very easy to understand video that shows you how to create and read a simple bar graph.

Here's a much more challenging and detailed video on both bar graphs and pie charts.

First Aid

Hi LINC 7 Students,

Tomorrow, we get the First Aid training in Room 5025 (9 am - 12 noon).

Please get to our classroom EARLY and we'll go up to the First Aid room together!

Here's a great video about the "new rules" for CPR. The latest advice from the medical community says COMPRESSIONS are most important in saving a life -- and should be the first step! We'll see what our presenters tell us!

Describing Graphs

Hello Everyone!

Here's a good video (7:30) that shows you how to describe a line graph. The teacher uses many of the key verbs, nouns, adjectives and adverbs from the handout that I gave you in class.

He emphasizes how verbs work with adverbs -- while adjectives work with nouns. There are excellent examples of how you can express the same idea in various ways.

For example, "Sales fell gradually" (verb /adverb) can also be expressed as "There was a gradual fall in sales" (adjective /noun). The meaning is the same!

Checking Symptoms

Hi LINC 7 Students,

Here's the link to the HealthLink BC symptom checker. It's interesting (and fun!) to take a common medical problem you have, put it in the symptom checker, and see what their advice is.

Here's the link to a video from the Australian government, quickly explaining how to use their symptom checker.

New Theme: Body and Mind

Hi LINC 7 Students,

It's February, and we are moving into work on a new theme: Body and Mind. Much of the discussion this month will be about healthy lifestyle, diet and frame of mind.

Our first reading was on obesity -- a real problem these days. Here's the link to a website on BMI (Body Mass Index) where you can determine your personal BMI based on your weight and height. I think it's good to know where you stand.

In addition, here's the link to the article we discussed about the new kale salad from McDonald's.

The "Keep Calm, Caesar On" salad has 520 calories, 31 grams of fat, and 1140 milligrams of sodium (salt). That's not including dressing, which could add as much as 210 calories, 22 grams of fat, and 260 milligrams of sodium. Altogether, that's more than a Double Big Mac — yes, double!

Working in Canada

Hi LINC 7 Students,

Here's a 6 minute video about how to handle "Tell me about yourself" in a job interview.
Here, the lecturer emphasize "E. E. S." .... discuss your Education, Employment and Skills.
Plan your answer. Find out what the interviewer wants in an employee.

Here's a 3 minute video about how to answer the question: "What's your biggest weakness?"



For the weekend:

Here's an interesting video from the Canadian Immigrant website. It features Stéfan Danis, CEO and chief talent officer of the staffing firm Mandrake. He addresses the issue of upgrading skills by "going back to school." His answer might surprise you!

Stéfan also discusses how employers often listen more for the ENERGY of the interviewee, rather than the CONTENT of what they are saying. So you should try to discuss activities that you are PASSIONATE about in your interview. Focus on your real personal interests and passions. Perhaps you and the interviewer will "click" on a common interest or passion in life. Then you'll be remembered and perhaps considered for the position!  Stéfan says, “It’s always easier to be remembered for being different than for being better.”

If you or someone you know is feeling burned out (depressed, tired, exhausted) from searching for a job unsuccessfully, here are some possible solutions and strategies. Note that strategy number 7 is about volunteering, while number 10 is about networking, things we have discussed in class.

Finding Work

Hello Students!

Take a look at the Government of Canada job bank website. It has a search function for all posted jobs in Canada! Explore and see if you are interested in any of the posted positions.

Homework task:

In the green "EXPLORE CAREERS" section of the homepage, click on "Wages".

Under Option A, type in "grocery store cashier".

Look under British Columbia, and find "Lower Mainland - Southwest Region".

What is the "medium" wage for a grocery store clerk in Vancouver?

What is the "medium" wage for a grocery store clerk in Calgary?

Why are these different?


Another useful job site is Workopolis BC. Look at the jobs that have been recently posted on this website. Find "Food Production Supervisor at Gate Gourmet". Check out the qualifications needed for this job.

Questions:

1. What type of eduction do you need for this job?
2. What kind of computer skills do you need for this job?
3. How much weight must you be able to lift on this job?
4. How many years of experience do you need for this job?