Text types: el correo electrónico

E-mails are today's representation of the regular post-mail we have had for ages. For some generations that connection is sound and clear but for younger generations, due to changes in communication channels (social networks, phone apps...) the email format is better not to take it for granted. Make sure you go through this format with your students and they understand it. 
I've found out after taking this to class that as a teacher you have to make sure your students understand that their email address is something important. Some of them, unintentionally of course, don't quite understand the difference between professional and personal/private and will use funny/unprofessional addresses such like thestudentinthebackoftehclass@jemeil.com

To read the pdf with all text features and tips, click here.

Resumen correo electrónico informal: saludo inicial y despedida ("querido" / "besos") incluirá algún tipo de estructura que permita identificar el texto como correo electrónico. el registro será informal normalmente, debido al destinatario, tono intimista. el formato debe ser el de un correo electrónico con encabezamiento y despedida (por ejemplo, "te escribo porque hace mucho tiempo que no tengo noticias tuyas... y despedida: "escríbeme") se valorarán positivamente la utilización de recursos retóricos como exclamaciones y repeticiones para lograr un tono convincente

Interested in more resources? Check this page ;)

Recursos en la red:

• Text types [web]
• Proyecto enviar cartas por correo electrónico: http://www.iesreypelayo.com/je/files_user/files/Dto%20de%20Lengua%20Castellana/santillana_1eso/recursos/HTML/cas_pr_lengua1eso02.doc/proyectoenred_lengua1eso.html
• Tipos de textos personales: http://tiposdetextospersonalesficn.blogspot.com/
• El correo electrónico como recurso en ELE: http://cvc.cervantes.es/ensenanza/biblioteca_ele/asele/pdf/21/21_0289.pdf
• Formatos: http://www.thinkib.net/spanishb/page/11408/formatos

Books, the children of the brain.

Jonathan Swift

Lunaprofe 2/15/2016  No comment

Text types: la presentación

A presentation is linked to oral communication and formal language. Another convention you must have on your presentation is a structure. The most typical one is introduction, development of your ideas and conclusion. The main purpose of this type of text is to inform an audience. Then, we can use an informative text features to elaborate a presentation.

Main features:

• includes some type of greeting at the beginning and salutation at the end
• Register will be basically formal although some informal register will be admitted too
• express a personal point of view on the topic
• support your ideas with examples

Tips on how to do a presentation [pdf]

Useful links:

• Text types [Antonio Luna]
• 10 important features of a presentation [Prezi]
• How to write an informative text  [About]

Knowledge is the food of the soul

Plato

Lunaprofe 2/14/2016  No comment

Spanish ab Initio Written assignment

THIS COMPONENT IS NO LONGER PART OF THE IB EXAM!!! 

Clarification for 2017:
This is the official document from the IB [Subject component upload requirements] where you can find the answers to your questions. Confirmed, you do not have to submit any comments for the written assignment. It is externally assessed.
What is it?
It is an independent research written paper based on the prescribed topics divided into three sections:

• Section A: Description [resources]
• Section B: Comparison [resources]
• Section C: Reflection [resources]

This paper should be use as an instrument to know better the target culture and the student's own culture. One of the most important outcomes is to show intercultural understanding. Check out the rubric to familiarize yourself with the requirements.

There is no need to fill out the old cover sheet for the written assignment since 2015. It isn't required by the IBO anymore.

Objectives:

• To develop intercultural understanding by reflecting on differences and similarities between cultures
• To describe aspects of the target language culture(s)
• To compare aspects of the target language culture(s) with similar aspects in the student’s culture(s)
• To develop language competence.

Formal requirements:

• To develop intercultural understanding by reflecting on differences and similarities between cultures
• To describe aspects of the target language culture(s)
• To compare aspects of the target language culture(s) with similar aspects in the student’s culture(s)
• To develop language competence.

When the students can/must have to work on their written assignment?

The students are not allowed to work on their written assignment during their first year. This is an assignment to be completed on the second year of the course. This doesn't mean the format, requirements are not to be explained and practice in class during the first year of the course.

Format?

Your writing should be of three short written answers set out under three separate headings (obviously in Spanish):

• A - Description: in relation to a Hispanic culture.
• B - Comparison: between Hispanic culture and your own
• C - Reflection: respond to three questions.
• Which aspect of your chosen topic surprised you?
• Why do you think these cultural similarities/differences exist?
• What might a person from the target culture(s) find different about your chosen topic in your culture(s)?

How many sources must I have?

Between 2 and 4 in Spanish (target language) with the possibility of listing more sources in other languages. Consider using different formats for your sources: articles, videos, pamphlets, interviews... 

Word count?

Students have to produce an assignment of 200-350 words. Work which falls significantly beneath this word count is unlikely to meet the requirements of the task and will, very probably, receive low marks. If the word limit is exceeded, the assessment will just be based on the first 350 words.

Use of dictionaries and reference material?

This is the only assessment that allows students to use dictionaries and reference material.

Sources, documents & related links:

• ab Initio WA rubric [pdf]
• Language ab Initio Subject Guide [IBO]
• Assessment criteria for the written assignment
• Clarifications for the written assignment [IBO] [En] [Spa]
• To know more about what type of texts can you write for your written assignment click here [Antonio Luna]
• If you are interested in more materials for Spanish ab Initio, click here
• Teaching Spanish B as well? Check our Spanish B page or this post

Lunaprofe 2/01/2016  9 comments

Text types: la carta formal

When writing a letter you must have clear who you are sending that piece of writing to and your purpose. These details will contextualize your writing giving you the necessary information to choose the correct format. Basically, we are looking at two different types: formal & informal. We could simplify this saying that a formal letter is a classic letter and an informal letter looks more like an e-mail [we'll talk about informal letters in a different post]. 

When you have these features identified make sure:

• your letter is concise and brief, this is not a literary text. 
• is organized in paragraphs, the information is accurate and solid. 
• you use full sentences and your vocabulary is polite and precise. DO NOT use abbreviations. 
• the punctuation is correct. Periods and commas are good fellas, give them an opportunity to show off. 

Resumen carta formal: saludo formal y despedida /( Estimado Sr/Sra... / Atentamente) Fórmula de encabezamiento (Me dirijo a usted con el objeto de ... ) Cierre adecuado antes de la despedida (Espero su respuesta...) Firma (tu nombre) Registro formal (uso del usted y formulas de cortesía)

Use these online activities to double-check you understood everything you need to know about this type of text:

• Cartas formales e informales [online activity] [teacher's info]
• Correspondencia formal [1, 2 y 3]

Expand your boundaries:

• ¿Cómo escribir una carta? Icarito [web]
• ¿Cómo escribir una carta? WikiHow [web]
• ¿Cómo redactar una carta formal? Universia-Chile [web]
• Tipos de cartas [web]

If you are interested in more tips and ideas on IB text types swing by here.

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.

Abraham Lincoln

Lunaprofe 1/18/2016  1 comment

Different content different perspective

Teaching at a High School is always interesting and dynamic. Most of it has to do with all the changes and adjustments our students have to deal with throughout this crucial stage of their lives. Puberty is not an easy stage to go through. So, why don't we try to be a bit more realistic, why don't we try to adjust our content to their interests. In a language class we have to talk about physical appearance, personality, descriptions... why don't we give a try to a more teenager-centered texts instead of the boring classical ones.

This worksheet can be used as a regular reading comprehension activity but also follows the IB format for IB classes.

Resources:

• Reading Comprehension activity [pdf]

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.

Albert Einstein

Lunaprofe 1/06/2016  No comment

IB Spanish text types: el folleto informativo

The purpose of this text type is usually persuading people. So, make that connection and think in what a persuasive text looks like and then apply those features to this. In addition to that, pay attention to the design and format, which can be the key for getting this type of text right.

There is another key concept we have to keep in mind when writing a brochure, pamphlet... we want to communicate accurate information quickly, in a precise way. No misunderstandings wanted, so be straight forward. Try to include some catchy phrases, bring in your creativity this is the perfect format to express yourself.

To work on this text type with your students check the links provided below.

Don't forget to link this knowledge with their paper 2 and the rubrics they have to use. To make sure you don't miss anything, check out the related posts underneath.

Cómo escribir un folleto dando instrucciones

1. Usa el imperativo. Debes decidir si usar el imperativo formal o informal
según el destinatario.

2. Usa marcadores. Si explicas un proceso, necesitas incluir marcadores
como:

• En primer lugar,
• Primeramente,
• Primero,
• En segundo lugar,
• Seguidamente,
• Después,
• Para empezar,
• Más tarde,
• Al + Infinitivo

Ejemplo: “Al llegar al aeropuerto, busca la parada de taxis.”

3. Organiza la información en párrafos claramente diferenciados.
Incluye un título, que puede ser una pregunta:
“¿Cómo se llega a Málaga desde Madrid?”

Related posts:

- Text types [for IB classes]
- Spanish B Rubrics & more
- Spanish ab Initio Rubrics & more 

Expand your boundaries:

• Folleto - Afiche [pdf]
• Types of texts with activities [Lenguaparaeso] [pdf]
• Essential information on Articles [Antonio Luna] [pdf]
• Different types of texts [BBC]

Develop a passion for learning.

If you do, you will never cease to grow.

Anthony J. D'Angelo

Lunaprofe 12/22/2015  No comment

IB Spanish text types: la entrevista

This type of text is interactive, that means an interview is an active exchange between (at least) two people. Keep that in mind when writing your interview and also that the interview can appear in your paper 1, 2 and Internal Assessment as can be a valid format for your Interactive Oral exam [worth 10% of your final score]. Read some considerations underneath to score high.

Make sure you: 

- remember that the interview is a dialogue, so follow that format.
- include a title, the date of the interview and where it was conducted
- include specific features of the interview: 

• introduction indicating the point of the interview, who is being interviewed, and who is conducting the interview.
• set of questions and answers
• conclusion

- use precise and clear language 

- use a informal / formal register depending upon your audience and purpose, but in most of the situations the proper register will be the formal, semi-formal.

Some documents to use along with this post to master this text type.
- Considerations to write an interview [pdf]
- An example of an interview with reading comprehension questions [pdf]

Don't forget to link this knowledge with their paper 2 and the rubrics they have use. To make sure you don't miss anything, check out the related posts underneath.

Related posts:

- Text types [for IB classes]
- Spanish B Rubrics & more
- Spanish ab Initio Rubrics & more

Expand your boundaries:

• Text types [Wikipedia]
• Connectors [online activities] [list with clarifications]
• Online activity [Site]
• Interview sample[pdf]
• Interview features [pdf]
• Image source: Vizcaya Educación [site]

I did then what I knew how to do.
Now that I know better, I do better.
Maya Angelou

Lunaprofe 12/21/2015  No comment

Oral Individual: Español B

La mejor presentación de un alumno se parecería a algo así:

Los alumnos

- expresan sus ideas y opiniones propias.

- exploran la opción con la que está conectada la imagen y la relacionan con la leyenda

- investigan/cuestionan/opinan sobre el contenido y lo relacionan con la leyenda

Comprobamos que uno los puntos más relevantes es la leyenda, por lo que los profesores:

- tienen que ofrecer leyendas adecuadas

- las mejores leyendas suelen ser preguntas y/o frases polémicas

- la leyenda no puede ser demasiado breve ni demasiado compleja, tiene que adaptarse al nivel de los alumnos.

Además los profesores deberían hacer preguntas abiertas para permitir al alumno entablar una conversación relevante e interesante.

Algunos de los errores más típicos de un alumno de Español B realizando el Oral Individual son:

- concordancia sustantivo-adjetivo

- género incorrecto

- conjugaciones

- tiempos verbales

- ser y estar

- la problema

Algunos consejos que pueden resultar útiles para preparar el Oral Individual:

• Prepárate para manejar tu tiempo. Divide la actividad en 2 mitades de 3-4 minutos para la presentación y 5-6 minutos para la conversación.
• Relájate
• No hay que hablar más de lo necesario.
• Enfatiza las conexiones que haces con la opción, con la cultura hispana y con tu propia cultura.
• Puedes re-preguntar, o pedir que tu profe te clarifique la pregunta. Estas dos acciones tienen una acogida fantástica entre los profesores y los examinadores. Incluso si eres un valiente puedes hacer una pregunta a tu profe, será de lo más auténtico que es de lo que se trata.
• Prepara al menos una respuesta para una situación hipotética usando el subjuntivo: ¿qué le dirías a ….? o ¿qué harías si tuvieras/fueras …?

En colaboración con mis alumnos creamos unos materiales que ofrezco aquí como ejemplo de los estímulos visuales para prepararnos para el examen de verdad.

Materiales:

• Estímulo visual para practicar
• Spanish B rubrics & more
• Recursos

Lunaprofe 12/17/2015  No comment

IB Spanish text types: el informe

This type of text has to be concise, accurate, refer to exact information, rigorous, data driven, impersonal and objective, although sometimes you can find some persuasive elements. 

How do I write in a impersonal way? For this purpose we can use passive voice, using verbs as nouns, describe the situation in a general way never referring specifically to a person.

Sometimes you can find a personal opinion in some reports, usually an expert expressing his professional opinion.

Essentially reports are not meant to be expressive, so everything superfluous is banned. These texts are functional and have to follow very clear goals. Some well-known examples are PISA reports on education.

A typical structure for reports is:

• Summary
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
• Appendix 

Expand your boundaries:

• El informe [website]
• Características del informe [pdf]
• Informe del español en el mundo (2015) [pdf]
• Summary of a report on "Spanish in the world" (2013) [website]

Lunaprofe 11/28/2015  4 comments

IB Spanish text types: Blog

Changing our perspective on what we have known is essential to approach this type of text: the blog. What is it? It can be said it is a digital text. What again, what "digital text" really means?  
It means that the format is digital, is telling us where can we find these texts. The digital world is too new for us yet, and this is what is giving us trouble categorizing a blog. Let's step into a quick activity to find out what a blog really is.

Instructions: Base your answer on the table above. What type of text would you say a blog is?
Use the table above to answer this question. Provide at least two evidences to support your answer.

What type of text is a blog?
	Sí	No	Porqué
Narrativo
Descriptivo
Dialogado
Expositivo
Argumentativo

After completing this activity you should have realized that blogs step in some different types of texts. So, what's the next question? 

What makes a text a blog?

Answer:

In a telegraphic way, if you are writing a blog, don't forget to include:
• Date, time and username
• Title
• Use the first person when writing (yo)
• Awareness of your audience (make it easy, make it direct, start with a paragraph mentioning your audience)

• Register (usually informal, but pay attention to the specific instructions of the task)

As you probably have noticed we are modeling in this post how to guide our students through this tough concept to gain this knowledge by themselves.

At this point, if you want to share the main characteristics or some interesting thoughts on blogs you can use this summary.

Don't forget to link this knowledge with their writing paper and the rubrics they have to use. To make sure you don't miss anything, check out the related posts underneath.

Related posts:
- Spanish B Rubrics & more
- Spanish ab Initio Rubrics & more

Expand your boundaries:

• Text types [Wikipedia]
• Connectors [online activities] [list with clarifications]
• Texts bank [Site]
• Examples with key [site]
• Blog features [pdf]
• Image source: Cosquillitas en la panza [site]

Develop a passion for learning.

If you do, you will never cease to grow.

Anthony J. D'Angelo

Lunaprofe 11/19/2015  7 comments