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Adult Learning Centre: What's New
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updates.
Quote of the Week: "Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars . . . Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."—Martin Luther King (Quote Archive)
Student Writing by Daria: Her Smile
By
far the most popular page on our student newspaper site, Darija's
heartfelt story shows us the power of a smile from a stranger. April
21, 2013 (originally
published
on May19, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: Green Party Candidate: Rick McGowan
Rick
is running for the Green Party in this week's election. Here, he gives
answers to a number of questions about his candidacy. May 12, 2013
Accounting 12: Weekly Assignments
Find your assignments for Louise's daytime class at this page. May 12, 2013
Communications 12: Weekly Assignments
Find your assignments for Louise's daytime class at this page. May 12, 2013
Teacher Writing by Brad: Teaching Advanced Composition
Brad's
paragraph demonstrates the use of commas to set off quotations and appositives. May 5, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: Math Tutorials
Renuka
updates students on our extensive math tutorial schedule. Includes a
reading comprehension quiz on the reading. May 5, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: Daffodil Poetry
Patricia reminds
us of the Canadian Cancer Society's daffodil campaign while also
introducing us to two kinds of poetry. Includes a matching quiz to test
your comprehension. April 28, 2013
Student Writing by Teresa: Do I Need to . . . ?
Teresa
notices that “independent spirits” exist in Canada, where everybody
should be fundamentally equal. April 21, 2013 (originally
published
on May 19, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: Earth Day 2013
The
importance of taking care of our planet Earth and its environment
cannot be overstated. Paul shows us why and provides two quizzes to
test your comprehension of his article. April 21, 2013
Teacher Writing by Brad: Expecting Changes
Brad's
paragraph shows how to use the adverbs of comparision (positive,
comparative, superlative). Includes a table of examples and a link to a
worksheet for practice. April 14, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: Problems with Prepositions 4: For, On or To
Louise completes her series on prepositions with a final challenging quiz. April 14, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: The Other T-Form: Verbs, not Taxes
L goes over some intriguing changes in the use of "t" versus "ed" in the past form. April 7, 2013
Student Writing by Helena: The Backyard of China
Smooth
like silk, soft like spring water, slow like clouds in the mountain,
Kunming has no other seasons, only spring. April 2, 2013 (originally
published
on May 7, 2007)
The Weekly Quiz: Four Quick Tips to Improve Your Writing
Jennifer
gives us some concrete ideas for writing improvement. Includes two
sample paragraphs and a short comprehension quiz. April 2, 2013
Teacher Writing by Brad: An Important Choice
Brad's paragraph demonstrates the use of noun clauses as the object in a sentence. March 22, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: BC's 40th Provincial Election
Cheryl encourages everyone to register to vote in this important upcoming election. March 22, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: Taking First Steps
Charlotte
compares the experience of a child's first steps to students returning
to school. Includes a cloze quiz to test your vocabulary comprehension.
March 17, 2013
Student Writing by Catherine: The Wall
Catherine
writes about her reaction to Canada's lack of walls compared to her
home country, China. March 10, 2013 (originally published
on April 14, 2007)
The Weekly Quiz: Poetry: Sound and More
Brad
brings us his notes on sound devices in poetry and provides a 15
question multiple choice quiz to test your understanding. March 10, 2013
Teacher Writing by Brad: Fast Food: Be Careful What You Eat!
Brad's paragraph demonstrates effective persuasive writing. Includes a link to a worksheet for practice. March 3, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: Visiting Curacao
Trudi introduces us to this beautiful Caribbean island. March 3, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: Work Smarter Not Harder
Tazim
introduces us to the idea of different learning styles and provides a
link where you can find out your own. February 24, 2013
Student Writing by Ruth: Ancient Beauty
Ruth
tells the story of her grandmother's bound feet, an ancient Chinese
tradition no longer practiced. February 24, 2013 (originally published
on June 22, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: Work Smarter Not Harder
Tazim
introduces us to the idea of different learning styles and provides a
link where you can find out your own. February 24, 2013
Teacher Writing by Brad: A Special Haven
Brad's paragraph demonstrates effective descriptive writing. Includes a link to a worksheet for practice. February 17, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: The Butter Battle Book
Rick introduces us to this classic tale from Dr. Seuss. Includes links to animations and a quiz. February 17, 2013
Student Writing by Masaru: An Upside Down World
Masaru's experience of learning the opposite culture of Canada. February 10, 2013 (originally published on March 30, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: Family Day in B.C.
Renuka introduces us to our new B.C. holiday. Includes a multiple choice quiz to test your comprehension..
February 10, 2013
Teacher Writing by Brad: An Exercise in Procrastination
Brad
writes two paragraphs on procrastination that also illustrate how to
use parallel structures effectively. February 3, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: Why Take Physics?
Paul
argues strongly for students to consider taking Physics at the centre.
He includes a fill-in-the blank and comprehension quiz for you to try.
February 3, 2013
Student Writing by Kamila: Beauty Goes Shopping
Kamila contrasts Polish and Canadian attitudes towards beauty. January 27, 2013
(originally published on March 3, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: B.C. Shore Birds
Patricia
introduces us to B.C. birds with a properly constructed paragraph.
Includes a matching quiz to test your comprehension. January 27, 2013
Student Writing by Zarghoona: A Walking Joke
Zarghoona writes about the importance of understanding idiom, and the bad results if you don't! January 20, 2013
(originally published on April 5, 2009)
Student Writing by Masaru: Laughter as Medicine
Masaru's cancer treatment is aided by a nurse's good humour. January 13, 2013
(originally published on May 19, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: Why Learn Math?
L argues passionately for getting educated in Mathematics and includes links to plenty of useful resources and quizzes. January 13, 2013
Student Writing by Larry: Learning from Cats: Distance Makes Beauty
Are
we really superior to other creatures? Let’s come off our perches and
see what we can learn from other animals. January 6, 2013
(originally published on April 2, 2007)
The Weekly Quiz: The Controlling Idea: Writing Better Paragraphs
Jennifer explains this important concept then tests you with a multiple choice quiz. January 6, 2013
The Weekly Quiz: A New Year; A Fresh Start
Cheryl makes a resolution for New Year's. December 31, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Memories of Snow
Charlotte reminisces about her Canadian experiences with snow. After you read, try a fill-in-the-blank vocabulary quiz. December 23, 2012
Student Writing by Beatrice: The Newly-Rich Mushroom
A trip to the "antique" market doesn't quite turn out as planned! December 16, 2012
(originally published on April 9, 2009)
The Weekly Quiz: Vivid Verbs
Patricia demonstrates the power of vivid verbs and provides us with two quizzes to test our knowledge. December 16, 2012
Student Writing by Victoria: Friendly Canada
Victoria finds Canadians more talkative and friendly than at home. December 9, 2012
(originally published on May 25, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: Fruit and Vegetables Idiom Quiz
How well do you know idioms like "in a pickle"? Take Brad's quiz and find out! December 9, 2012
Student Writing by Andrea: Modern Women's Unhealthy Beauty
Andrea's essay takes a new look at women’s beauty issues. The essay is
well-organized, clear in language, and full of scientific and
supportive evidence. December 2, 2012
(originally published on December 7, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: Problems with Prepositions: In or On
Louise offers a quiz to practice these pesky problem prepositions! December 2, 2012
Student Writing by Victoria: The Neptune Festival
“The
Neptune Festival ” concerns a teen’s discovery of a ritual in her
grandmother’s village. Find out how the villagers prepare everything in
secret overnight. November 25, 2012
(originally published on December 16, 2007)
The Weekly Quiz: New Energy; Too Great a Sacrifice?
Rick
explains fracking, a new process to extract natural gas from shale
deposits. But, he warns that the environmental costs may be high.
Includes a comprehension quiz for practice. November 25, 2012
Student Writing by Valentina: Cleaning the Well
Well-described
and edited story about the simple but hard work of cleaning a well.
Reading this, you will enjoy a festive ritual as if you were there. November 19, 2012
(originally published on November 10, 2007)
The Weekly Quiz: The New, Improved Computer Course
Renuka advises students that our computer course, known as Information and Communications Technology has been revised. November 18, 2012
Student Writing by Eve: Old Hometown Shanghai
Eve recalls her early years in old Shanghai, before it grew into the city it is today. November 11, 2012
(originally published on April 5, 2009)
The Weekly Quiz: The History of "O Canada"
Paul bring us interesting information on Canada's national anthem. Includes two quizzes to test your comprehension. November 11, 2012
Student Writing by Beatrice: The Cubic Life
Beatrice's
piece chronicles the life of Lily, a rebellious girl growing up in
China, who later emigrates to Canada. November 4, 2012
(originally published on March 21, 2009)
The Weekly Quiz: November Rains
Patricia
reacts to our recent spell of bad weather. Includes sample sentences
and paragraphs and two matching quizzes for practice. November 4, 2012
Student Writing by Catherine: Giving Praise
Living
in Canada, we may have cultural differences. Do they make you curious,
confused, or excited? October 27, 2012 (originally published in
April, 2007)
The Weekly Quiz: Feed the Food Bank
Tazim
introduces us to our 2012 Food Bank Drive. Let's make this our best
year ever! Includes a matching quiz for comprehension practice. October 27, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Improve Your Writing with Synonyms
Jennifer
makes the case for using synonyms to improve your writing. Includes a
challenging quiz on synonyms for common English words. October 14, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Positive Thinking Month
Cheryl reminds us of the power of positive thinking. October 8, 2012
Student Writing: The Impending Danger that Awaits Us
Genel's
essay, published nearly four years ago, shows his ability to inform and
persuade. His words are even more relevant after this extraordinary
year. October 8, 2012 (originally published in December, 2008)
The Weekly Quiz: Being a Summer Tour Guide
Charlotte
recounts her summer activities and suggests three good sites to find
Vancouver attractions. Includes a comprehension quiz for practice. September 30, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: The Best of The Buzz; Our Most Popular Student Writing
Brad
provides links to the best and most popular pages of student writing at
our site. Try a quiz on the content of these pieces for comprehension
practice. September 23, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Stay Healthy; Take a Science Class!
Trudi
encourages all students to take care of their health and to consider
taking a Science class this term. Includes links to useful quizzes
online. September 16, 2012
Student Writing: Valeria's Black Square
Alexey helps us to understand the importance of Valeria in his life. September 10, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Worker Smarter, Not Harder!
Tazim introduces us to the idea of different learning styles and provides a link where you can find out your own. September 9, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: How to Avoid Plagiarism
Rick provides students with a timely reminder. Includes a link to a quiz at The University of Guelph. September 4, 2012
Student Writing (from the archives): Being a Student at PALC
Maria
explains how our classes and lab work to create a favourable student
experience. September 2, 2012 (published June 11, 2011)
ALL STUDENTS: School Calendar for 2012 to 2013
Make your plans for the coming school year. Includes all important dates, holidays and celebrations! September 2, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Canadian Coins
Renuka reviews the common Canadian coins. Multiple choice quiz is included to check your comprehension. August 26, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Cycling in the Lower Mainland
Patricia
gives us a sample paragraph and verb tense sentences to help students
write each one perfectly. Includes a matching quiz for practice on verb
tenses. August 19, 2012
Student Writing (from the archives): Old Hometown: Manila
Marc returns to a Manila far different from the one where he grew up. August 12, 2012 (published April 12, 2009)
The Weekly Quiz: Summer Articles Practice
Jennifer reviews five important rules and then challenges us with a fill-in-the-blank quiz. August 12, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Dazzling Weekend Fun: The Abbotsford International Air Show
Paul
gives us a complete account of the show and offers you two quizzes, one
multiple choice for reading comprehension and one fill-in-the-blank for
vocabulary practice. August 7, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Problems with Prepositions Part 1: In, At or On?
Louise brings us a challenging fill-in-the-blank quiz to help you practice your prepositions. July 20, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Learning about Canada
Cheryl
links us to useful resources to learn about Canada and Canadians. After
you read, try a multiple choice testing you on Canada's provinces and
capital cities. July 15, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Summer Rodeo
Charlotte introduces us to rodeo in British Columbia. After you read, try a multiple choice or matching quiz. July 9, 2012
The Weekly Quiz: Introducing our New Feature: Weekly Quizzes
Brad
introduces us to our new-style features and points you to a useful quiz
on essay structure from the early days of the PALC. July 1, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Makassia: 2012 Graduation Speech
Trudi presents us with more information on Makassia, along with her heartfelt graduation speech. June 24, 2012
Student Writing (New!): My Father's Bicycle
Li Chen's essay is a wonderful tribute to an influential man, his father. June 17, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Traffic Reporters Reveal Too Much! A Rant
Tazim argues strongly for less information from traffic reporters. June 17, 2012
Student Writing (from the archives): PALC—My English Cradle
Ruth's essay demonstrates how the PALC has nurtured her as she has learned English. June 10, 2012 (published September 23, 2008)
Weekly
Feature: Joining a Book Club
Renuka tells us of her childhood love of reading and gives practical advice on joining a book club. June 10, 2012
ALL STUDENTS: You're Invited! Graduation and Recognition Day
Join
us on June 20 to celebrate student successes and wish our graduates the
best of luck in the future. Everyone is welcome! June 3, 2012
Student Writing (from the archives): A Film with Impact: No Man's Land
Phoebe compares the film with her personal experiences in Eastern Europe. June 3, 2012 (published January 12, 2009)
Weekly
Feature: Vancouver International Airport
Paul
gives us a rundown of this important international hub and suggests
that our website visitors come to Vancouver. Includes two quizzes for
practice. June 3, 2012
Student Writing (from the archives): A Peking Childhood
Our
first story is a wonderful piece of writing by Hongxin, where he
details his upbringing in a very different city from the modern Beijing
we know today. Read it and see! May 27, 2012 (published March 9,
2008)
Weekly
Feature: Rediscovering the Wisdom of Dr. Seuss
Rick argues that Dr. Seuss's books are more relevant than ever to both adults and children. May 27, 2012
Writing Tip: Three "P" Sound Alike Words
Brad explains the difference among "palate," "pallet" and "palette." May 20, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Fun Runs
Patricia
demonstrates the standard paragraph and fills us in on a great way to
have fun while helping the community. May 20, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Cycling in Metro Vancouver
Louise encourages everyone to get out on a bike and enjoy this amazing spring weather! May 13, 2012
Writing Tip: Be More Concise without a "Be"
Brad explains how overuse of the "to be" form can make writing overly wordy. May 6, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Mothers' Day in Poetry
L
suggests we write an acrostic poem for Mothers' Day and includes
student sample acrostic poems for inspiration. May 6, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Be a Better Writer
Jennifer outlines practical ways to improve your writing, including tips and two sample paragraphs. April 29, 2012
Writing Tip: Onomatopoeia and Language
Brad notes how different languages "hear" different sounds and represent them in language. April 22, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Earth Day: April 22, 2012
Cheryl encourages us to make positive changes to our lives, beginning with celebrating Earth Day. April 22, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Bike the Blossoms
Charlotte encourages everyone to take part in a free bicycle tour of this year's blossoms. April 15, 2012
Weekly
Feature: A Rant about Debt
Rick speaks for many of us with his personal rant about debt. April 10, 2012
Writing Tip: Fun Food Vocabulary
Brad goes over a few interesting words that refer to food. April 10, 2012
Weekly
Feature: April: Daffodil Month for Cancer Awareness
Trudi reminds us that having a healthy lifestyle can help us to prevent cancer. April 1, 2012
Writing Tip: The Pros of Knowing Pronouns: Part Three (Indefinite Pronouns)
Brad introduces us to another important class of pronouns: indefinite pronouns. March 27, 2012
Weekly
Feature: March: Nutrition Month
Tazim points us to great resources to help us eat more healthily and to learn more about nutrition. March 27, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Plagiary! Who Me?
Brad reminds students that, at the PALC, we take plagiary very seriously. March 18, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Spring Break Activities in New Westminster
Renuka helps students to plan for their free time for our upcoming spring break. March 12, 2012
Writing Tip: The Pros of Knowing Pronouns: Part Two
Brad introduces us to another important class of pronouns: interrogative pronouns. March 11, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Online Activities for English Beginners
Patricia
directs students in English levels 1, 2 and 3 to useful web sites for
working on their English skills. March 4, 2012
Writing Tip: The Pros of Knowing Pronouns
Brad introduces us to an important class of pronouns: demonstrative pronouns. February 26, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Leap Year? Leap Month?
Paul
outlines the scientific reasons for having an extra day in February
this year. Includes two quizzes for vocabulary practice. February
26, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Canada's Provinces and Capital Cities
Louise
helps Social Studies students to study by providing a list and links to
interactive quizzes for practice. February 19, 2012
Writing Tip: Watch Your Tone: In the Mood?
Brad explains the difference between tone and mood in the context of writing for your audience. February 12, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Ideas for Valentine's Day
L gives us some great suggestions for a more romantic Valentine's Day. February 12, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Laura Secord: A Great Canadian
Jennifer's
short essay on Laura Secord introduces a great Canadian connected to
our celebration of Valentine's Day. February 5, 2012
Weekly
Feature: Information about the Law
Cheryl passes on important information about the law that can help you with legal issues in Canada. January 29, 2012
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