Thursday, October 4, 2012

Blog Writing #7.3: Modals of Advice (due Friday 10/5)

I'm planning to visit your country at the end of this term and I need your advice. Please tell me what I need to know in order to have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Use several of the modals/expressions for advice and suggestions that we've practiced so far: should, shouldn't, had better (not), must (not), ought to, (not) supposed to, could, why don't you, don't have to, and have to.

Your response should be in paragraph form. You can start your response like this:

Holly, I'm so excited that you've decided to come visit my country. In order for you to have a safe and enjoyable visit in (UAE, KSA, China, Venezuela, Japan, Poland), here is what you need to know. First, ... Second, ... Third,... and Lastly,... You have to DEVELOP your paragraph, which means you MUST provide enough support for each point you make.

25 comments:

  1. I am very happy that you are going to visit my country. In order to have a exciting and safe visit in China, you should know following problems. First of all, like many traveler, people like to buy stuff when they visit another country. However, in China you had better take a Chinese friend or friendly local people with you. So you will be able to know where you can buy products which have good quality. Secondly, Chinese food is very famous around world. However, you need really know where you should eat, By asking local people, you will have a idea about local restaurant. Because we have some food safety problem, some food may be “more than meet the eye”. Finally, some place is not safe to go out at night. Even in some big cities, you may not find it is that safety like some U.S. cities. And take great care about your important belongings. I lost my bike at my home within 10 minutes when I went back my room. Hope you don’t have the same experience. May you have a nice travel .

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    1. Thank you, Yichen, for this valuable advice. All of your modals are used correctly.

      So let me see if I understand what you're saying exactly. I shouldn't eat the food; I shouldn't go out at night; and I shouldn't let go of my belongings. And I have to sleep chained to my bike. I can't wait to go to China ;)

      Delete
  2. I am really happy to know that you will visit my country-China. There are three points which are important for you to have a great trip. First, you'd better not go with a travel agency which will ask you buy something are fake or double price. You had better go with a local friends and you can have a flexible trip. Second, If you want to visit some small town ,you should bring some cash because in small towns they can't use credit cards. Third, as you know China is a big country so you need bring different types clothes to fit for the weather changes. At last I would like to say"Having a relax trip and enjoy it."

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    1. Rena,

      You wrote: "You had better go with a local friends and you can have a flexible trip." I think "had better" is too strong here. It's really a warning.

      Your other modals are good.

      Delete
  3. Holly, I'm so excited that you've decided to come visit my country. In order for you to have a safe and enjoyable visit in Poland, here is what you need to know. First, you should prepare yourself for the weather. Poland is cold country, in December the temperature reaches below 25 degrees. You had better take some warm clothes. Second, while traveling by bus, train or you are in crowded place,you ought to watch your bag. There may be many thief around you, waiting for good occasion to rob you. It often happens in my country. Third, if you decide to party with polish people, don't drink as much as they do, because your party will finish in ambulance! Polish are able to absorb much alcohol and nothing bad happens to them. Trust me, you're not ready for that(unless you're Russian)! These advice are supposed to help you to have great time in Poland. Have a nice trip!

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    1. Thanks so much, Paulina. When I visit you in Poland, I will make sure to watch my bag and watch my alcohol as well!

      Your modals are good, but when you say "you ought to watch my bag," I think it would be better to say "you have to watch your bag, you must watch your bag, or you had better watch your bag." Should and ought to mean its a good idea, but you're really trying to warn me.

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  4. Holly, I'm so excited that you've decided to come visit my country. In order for you to have a safe and enjoyable visit in China, here is what you need to know.

    First, you must adapt yourself to the great number of people around you, especially at stations, downtown or shopping centers. You'd better stay together with your partner and take care your packages and valuables, because thieves always lurk in the sea of people.

    Second, you should study how to use the public transportation systems in a city. I know in the U.S. people take car by themselves, but in China it isn't convenient. The traffics happen usually in the city because there are too many people, but the public transportation systems are well-developed. I think taking subway is the fastest way to moving in a Chinese city, but there are also crowded in the subway station, don't forget to take your valuables safely.

    Lastly, you are supposed to take any cash in your wallet, you will need them in many places. If you want to take bus with bus card, you should prepare some coins.

    Welcome to China, and I hope you will have a good vacation.

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    1. Celia,

      You wrote: "...thieves always lurk in the sea of people." This phrase is poetry. I love it!

      You also wrote: "you are supposed to take cash in your wallet." Supposed to means expected. So who expects me to take cash in my wallet? The correct modal is either one of necessity (must, have to, have got to) or one of suggestion (ought to or should). Perhaps you even mean to give me a warning (had better), meaning that if I don't have cash, I'll have problems.

      I can't wait to swim in the sea of Chinese people. Thanks for the advice!

      Delete
  5. Holly, I'm so excited that you've decided to come to visit my country. In order for you to have a safe and enjoyable visit in KSA, here is what you need to know. First, you have to prepare yourself to a new experience which is the hot weather. What I mean is the weather in Saudi Arabia is hotter than it is in Houston, so make sure that you bring all the summer cloths. Second, if you're planning to go and see the beautiful view of the desert you are in the right place. There are a lot of activities you can do in the desert. The desert is the place to cook or BBQ lunch and watch the sun sit view in a Saudi way. Third, we have a variety kind of food there. You will find the most famous dish Kabsah in a different styles. Iraqi, Egypt, and a lot to explore by yourself. Finally, do not buy anything without trying to get a good deal. In my country you can discuss the price and lower it in some stores, so take this advantage to save some money. these advises will help you to improve your stay in Saudi Arabia.I hope you will enjoy your time there.

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    1. Thanks for all this very well-written advice. The only part I'm confused about is when you wrote:

      "You will find the most famous dish Kabsah in a different styles. Iraqi, Egypt, and a lot to explore by yourself."

      I don't see how the second sentence relates to the first. Please clarify!

      Delete
  6. I would't say now is the best moment to visit my country, but anyway here is some advice you should definitely consider. The clothes you wear will depend on the city you visit. Maracaibo, the city I’m from, is extremely hot! I dare to say it’s hotter than Houston. Recently the temperature has reached 110 farenheit, so you totally have to bring very loose and cool clothes. Also in Venezuela our currency is “bolivares”, so make sure you change some dollars before you come here. Unfortunately our country is very unsecure, so you better don’t carry any valuable things with you, such as gold accessories, or large amount of money. I would also suggest to have someone who takes you everywhere, you wouldn't be able to manage the horrible way we drive, NO ONE respects the signs!! But the most important thing is to be prepared to visit a place where family and friends are the most important thing and any excuse is good to get together and meet each other(;

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    1. Thank you for this introduction to your country. I will make sure to contact you when I come so that you can drive me around!

      Your grammar is generally correct, but let me correct one mistake:

      "so you better don’t carry." So you had better not carry...

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    2. Yeah i was unsure about that part(;

      Delete
  7. Holly, I'm so excited that you've decided to come visit my country. In order for you to have a safe and enjoyable visit in UAE you should read the following tips.

    First, the UAE is the most attractive place in the Middle East, and I will tell you the best places in the UAE. You should visit Ferrari World where you can experience the speed of the world's fastest roll coaster. Also, in Dubai, you will see Khalifa's tower the tallest building in the world. When you reach the top of this building, you'll be able to see 90 km square around you.

    Although the UAE is a safe and convenient country, you have to worry about some issues. You had better not drive fast on the roads. All the roads are monitored by radars, and they are going to cost you a lot of money. Pets aren't allowed in all public places, but there are some special places where you can bring your pets. You ought not to use your credit card because it isn't going to work in the UAE. Therefore, make sure to bring cash with you.

    Finally, if you are looking for some delicious food, the best place is the 79th street in the capital Abu Dhabi. While ordering, you could stay in your car to avoid tipping until the order is ready, and then you can enter the restaurant. On the 79th street, there are more than 100 traditional restaurants where you can try the real rice's taste. If you don’t like the Arabian food, you don’t have to worry. The 79th street has a combination of the international restaurant, and you can try everything.

    I look forward to seeing you in the UAE.

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    1. Thank you, Abdulaziz, for this wonderful (and very well-written) description of your country.

      You wrote:
      "You ought not to use your credit card because it isn't going to work in the UAE."
      Better: You can't use your credit card, or you have got to have cash because credit cards won't work.


      "Therefore, make sure to bring cash with you."

      I really want to come to Dubai, since as you say, its the best place in the Middle East. However, since I don't have UAE currency, I was thinking that maybe you could share yours with me. That's what appreciative students are supposed to do for their hard working teachers ;)

      Don't worry, I told Luigi (my cat) that he can't come with me.

      Delete
  8. Holly, I am honored that you think of visiting Saudi Arabia. I think that will be a good experience for you. But there is some things you have to know before you go there. First, we take our religion seriously and it is our constitution. So, your clothes have to be appropriate for example you must wear Abaia (covering your body)and Hejab ( covering your head) when you in public in order to be in the safe side because not only the Authority who will be your problem but the people also. Second, Saudi Arabia is a wide country so I recommend that you visit at least a city from every part of the country. For example visit Riyadh the capital and represent the central region, Jeddah represent the western region, Alkhobar representing the eastern region and Abha representing the south region. Finally, when you go to the different cities of Saudi you should try the traditional food for the people in every region after you try the Kbsa which is common in all of Saudi. This is a lady who learned a dish that people from the south like me love to eat it we call it Asidda http://www2.y222.net/7311 .

    P.S. the lady in the video call it Libyan Asidda because
    she learn it from Libyan people but it is a traditional Saudi food.

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    1. Thank you for this useful information.

      Tell me, what will happen to me if I don't wear the proper clothes?

      Maybe you can come to my house and make asidda for our class party.

      Delete
  9. Holly Holly Holly, before I even start, I want you to reconsider going to Saudi Arabia. However, don't get me wrong, I will be more than glad to meet you there and show you around ,but first am want to give you some tips and back ground, so you don't struggle when you reach Saudi. In order for you to enter Saudi you are going to watch the way you are dressed. For example: at least you are going to ware "Hjab" which is a scarf to cover your hair. Also, you have got to, you must ware something that covers the rest of your body such as: jense and a long handed shirt. Another thing which you might consider a biggy, is that women can't drive in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, I personaly don't recomend taking any kind of transportation in Saudi because of its poor quality. However, you can call me. One last thing you need to know about Saudi Arabia is that there is not much to do. BUT, you are going to have a great experience learnig about our culture .

    I hope I have been helpfull, and I wich you a blast time visiting Saudi Arabia

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    1. It's true that not being able to drive is "a biggy" for me, especially since you don't recommend any other kind of public transportation. Nevertheless, I appreciate your offer to show me around, even though "there is not much to do."

      Are there any Arabic words that you recommend I learn or will it be enough for me to know "salaam aleikum" and "afaaaaaaah alek?"

      Delete
    2. UMMM. You might need to know that sometimes we use the word "Sdeeg" which means "Friend" insted of "excuse me" when we want to call a porter to help us with our luggage. BUT, if you needed to speak to a police officer you had better say "Low Samaht" wich is the orignal definition of "Excuse Me". Enjoy...

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    3. I was told that "low samaht" meant "please."

      Delete
    4. Yes, please is actualy is more accurate definition for "low samaht", and "An Ethnak" is a better word in order to defined "Exuse Me". However. "low Samaht" is more practical in K.S.A. For example, if you are in Restaurant, or if you wanted to ask someone about any purpose, or even if you wanted to draw someone's attention you rather say "low Samaht" than ("An Ethnak" "Excuse Me"). Now, just to be clear, this is ONLY if you are going to speak in Arabik and to be even more specific this is how a Saudi would use the word "Low Samaht". On top of that, am not saying that "An Ethnak" is wrong, but it would be a little odd.

      With love: Your best student who wants more credit.

      Delete
  10. Holly I'm so excited that you've decided to come to Japan, here is what you need to know. Frist, we take a train to everywhere. But you shouldn't take a train at rush hour. It's between 6 AM - 8 AM and 6 PM - 7 PM. It's horrible. You can't move, people push you. I'm short so I can't breath! Second things you need to know is weather. It's depends on which part you go. But, It's so cold in Tokyo in December. You should bring your dowm jacket. Third things you need to know, you have to take off your shoues when you go to some restaurants. They have shoebox so put your shoues in there. Don't lose your shoebox key, otherwise you have to go back to hotel without shoes!
    I hope these advice will help you and you will have good time!

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    1. Natsume,
      Thanks for the advice. To be on the safe side, I think I will keep an extra pair of sandals in my bag. That way, if I lose the shoebox key, I won't have to walk back to my hotel barefoot!

      Delete
  11. Holly, I'm glad that you have decided to visit Saudi Arabia. There are some advice that may help you to be safe and enjoyable in Saudi Arabia. First, Alcohol is strongly prohibited so keep that in mind. other thing is that if you want to enjoy the weather in Saudi which is very hot you shouldn't stay in Riyadh, Dammam, or Jeddah. The best weather in Saudi you can find it in Abha and Taif. These two places I supposed you to visit. Finally, you ought to try all kind of food in Saudi that are so delicious such as jaresh, Qorsan and Marqoq.

    I wish you enjoy visiting Saudi Arabia.

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