Summary: In the class and also in research pairs, you focused on discussing actions and solutions, but you also spoke and reflected on your past work on your issue, including the basics, historical information, data, the causes, and then the effects, and possible solutions, or at least some relief to the situation that is your close reading. Afterward, you learned about strategies to synthesize your notes as a template and an outline for your upcoming MLA-formatted presentation. You discussed possible actions and solutions to your issue in pairs. Then, we discussed ways to… Read More

Session_10: The MLA Academic Essay -Synthesizing Research MLA Style Center Summary: First, you shared your research with your pair. Then, there was a discussion about making helpful research questions and categorizing notes for your upcoming presentation. Then, I shared the synthesis of your notes. Afterward, you learned about strategies for synthesizing your notes by finalizing your structure map as a template and outline for your upcoming MLA-formatted presentation. Finally, you shared your research and gave feedback, and your pair asked questions and provided useful comments. Note: So many of you are doing the homework… Read More

Summary: The students learned more about formatting the Modern Language Association (MLA) Works Cited. Then, collaboratively, we made sure you understood the steps of the research process, how to narrow down a research topic, how to find reliable, solid research material, and how to take valuable notes.  Review of the Outline of Our Research Process: Documents: Quick Guide to Citing in MLA 9th Edition MLA 9th Quick Guide “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” ~Albert Einstein MLA Note Taking Sample: Wong, Yu, Hussey Freeland, Deborah M., and… Read More

Summary: Dear Class, Please check your messages in Web Class and in your Homework Doc for your personalized message with what you should do in class today. I will be in the hallway before class for any questions until 10:15, and then I will return from 11:40. In the meantime, the Saitama University Community will check in on our class from time to time. A teacher or a member of the administration might drop by and say hello. To start the communication session, you will work in pairs to discuss the causes… Read More

Summary: The students learned more about Modern Language Association (MLA) formatting and the Works Cited page. Then, the class collaboratively confirmed the steps of the research process: key terms in academic writing, narrowing a research topic, finding reliable, solid research material, and taking useful notes. IELTS Speaking Practice Test Booking Schedule for Stacey’s ACS1a Class (The meeting place is in Stacey’s Office/Vye’s Kenkyushitsu on the same floor as the ERC): Late students, please email me to book five times and the dates you are free. This is like your midterm, so you need the… Read More

MLA Style Center Summary: We worked on gathering research for your upcoming final academic presentation in July, where you get to choose what you would like to communicate in each class and present to your classmates, and how to do MLA formatting. Wednesday, May 27th, 2026: 4:00 Thursday, May 28th, 2026: 1:00, 1:30, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30 Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026: 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30 Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026: 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30 “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” -Anaïs Nin Documents… Read More

Summary: You tried the IELTS practice writing test, and the students checked their answers. Your teacher will check your answers and provide your score during Communication Session 06. IELTS Speaking Practice Test Booking Schedule for Stacey’s ACS1a Class (The meeting place is in Stacey’s Office/Vye’s Kenkyushitsu on the same floor as the ERC): Tuesday, May 19th, 2026: 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30 Wednesday, May 20th, 2026: 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30 Thursday, May 21st, 2026: 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30 Monday, May 25th, 2026: 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 Tuesday, May 26th, 2026: 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00,… Read More

Summary: Today, we focused on discussing your first Cambridge English Write & Improve essay in pairs with individual support from the teacher: Writing Academic English at Saitama University: The reasons you are taking this Academic Essay Writing (AEW1) course Please use these question prompts to help you with a 200-250-word essay.​What kind of academic essay writing have you done so far in English?What is puzzling for you about academic essay writing (i.e., what questions do you have about academic writing)? Which writing concepts/skills do you most want to develop this semester? Why? How? Please explain… Read More

Summary: You tried the IELTS practice reading test, and the students checked their answers. Your teacher will check your answers and provide your score during Communication Session 05. For Stacey Vye’s Sessions, some students booked a time outside class to do a speaking test. Homework is due at 1 p.m., one day before Session 05: This homework is enjoyable and ongoing as your four-skills logs of self-study on the English subjects within the Free Rice Programme. Please get 4,000 points this semester. I recommend you finish your Free Rice Homework by Session 05… Read More

Summary: You took the IELTS practice listening test provided by your teacher and reviewed the answers afterward. Your teacher will check your answers and provide your score during Session_04. Homework is due at 1 p.m., one day before Session_04: This homework is enjoyable and ongoing as your four-skills logs of self-study on the English subjects within the Free Rice Programme. Please get 4,000 points this semester: Free Rice: The World Food Programme of the United Nations!We can fight climate change, feed hungry children and families for free, and learn English, too! Freerice.com: This… Read More