July 2009 - Zoni Language Centers

Editorial
Summer is in full swing,* but
while many people use this
time to relax, our students
are working hard on their
English. Instead of spending
their days lazing on the beach
or watching TV, they have
taken the opportunity to travel
abroad and improve a valuable
skill. And what an opportunity
it is!
A
first-rate*
learning
environment,
field
trips,
new friends and different
cultures are all part of the
Zoni
experience.
These
combine to create indelible*
memories that will last a
lifetime. Somehow, the magic
of summer enhances the
experience, making it even
more memorable. Year after
year, I am amazed at how
much fun everyone – students,
teachers, staff – has during
this season, both in and out of
the classroom.
With the global economy
in the state it is, there has
never been a better nor more
important time to master the
English language. So to all our
students: may your summer
of 2009 be valuable… and
unforgettable!
— Zoni Voice Editor
Inside
Miami Fun --------------------------- Page 2
Vancouver Adventures --------- Page 3
Flushing Graduation/ ----------- Page 4
Beginners’ Corner
Zoni Voices/ ------------------------ Page 5
Staff Thank you
Photo Essay ------------------- Pages 6-7
Teacher’s Day/ -------------------- Page 8
An Event That...
Short Story/Genius ------------- Page 9
City Guide ------------------------ Page 10
Zoni Kitchen/ --------------------- Page 11
Brazil in NY/Advice Column
Glossary/ -------------------------- Page 12
Campus Spotlight
ZONI VOICE
A Newsletter for all ZONI Students, Staff and Friends, by ALL ZONI Students, Staff and friends
A LOT IS HAPPENING AT ZONI!
VOLUME 7, ISSUE2
7
July | 2009
fIELD T
RIPS!
Miami: Bass Museum of Art
mOre
RIPS!
fIELD T
Queens: Fleet Week
s!
graduation
celebrations!
Manhattan: Teachers’ Day 2009
Vancouver: Graduation day
Michael Jackson: Hero or Villain?
Coming to
A merica
By Zoilo C. Nieto, President and CEO,
Zoni Language Centers
— Assisted by Keith Hansen and Hakan Mansuroglu
On July 7, 2009, we all witnessed—
whether we wanted to or not—in
some form or another, the funeral of
Michael Jackson, “the king of pop.”
That is to say that the mainstream
media coverage, which represents
the majority of coverage, of the pop
star’s death and funeral, made our
witnessing virtually* unavoidable: we
had to look despite our best intentions.
All of us “participated” in this postmortem* creation of a hero tragically
taken from us much too soon. And
yet, the question I think we need to ask is whether the “king of pop” is really
now to be regarded as a hero, and the role of the mass media in the creation
of this phenomenon.
Some may see this question as insensitive or disrespectful after a person
passes away.* However, the question is really less about Michael Jackson
himself and more about us, and the role we permit and promote the media to
have in creating “heroes” and “villains.” How much of our current perception
and judgment of public personalities is created and controlled by mainstream
media? That is, how much do we let mainstream media create and control
our perceptions and judgments? My intention is not to use the politician’s
old trick of blaming our problems on the media; we all have a certain amount
of free will* and the corresponding responsibility.
Was Jackson greatly influential on pop music, music videos, dance and
musical presentations? Unquestionably so. Does this make him a “hero”
deserving of a virtual state funeral and 24-hour news coverage? When
Jackson underwent numerous surgeries and other medical treatments
that radically altered his physical appearance; when he dangled* his infant
son over a balcony high up in a hotel in Germany impersonating the Lion
King; when he was twice formally accused of sexual abuse of a minor boy-Jackson denied all accusations and made a financial settlement with one
boy’s family with details held confidential in one case and was acquitted in
court in a second case; the mass media held the entertainer up as a sick,
...Continued on page 3
By Florence-Nathalie Goilav,
Switzerland
ESL 818, Manhattan Campus
Teacher: Nilgun Nebioglu
T
he
famous
sociologist
John
Macionis stated in his
book “Society, The
Basics”, that people
perceiveevents“through
the lens of their culture.”
Social interactions that for some people might look
funny seem normal to others. Since I was a little girl I
dreamed of visiting the United States someday. After
watching many Hollywood movies, America seemed
perfect. But when I came to the United States there
were some things that surprised me.
O
ne example was the sentence “How are
you?” At the beginning I thought that people
were genuinely interested in my wellbeing.* I felt
protected and cared for. Even the maintenance guy
in my building wanted to know how I was doing.
After giving everyone a detailed explanation about
my day there was usually no answer from the other
side. I felt strange. Finally a friend of mine informed
me that “How are you?” is a way of greeting people
and nobody expects a long answer. Needless to say,
I was surprised and disappointed but at least I had
the answer for the awkward* silence.
...Continued on page 5
July 2009 ZONI VOICE ©
2│
Summer Skin Smarts
By Ximena Escovar,
Colombia
ESL 818, Miami Campus
Teacher: Jacquelyn Brown
The sun protection factor (S.P.F) means
how long the skin will be protected using
a sunscreen. Sunscreens are rated by
the strength of their SPF. SPF rating is
calculated by comparing the amount of
Sun exposure has been considered time needed to produce a sunburn* on
healthy not only because it is necessary sunscreen-protected skin, to the amount
for vitamin D absorption.* It also gives the of time needed to cause a sunburn*
on unprotected skin. For example if a
skin a sexy color that most people envy.
sunscreen is rated SPF 2 and a person
Because of the ozone layer damage and who would normally turn red after 10
the environmental changes, sun exposure minutes of exposure in the sun uses it,
it would take
is no longer safe. Ultra
twenty minutes
violet (U.V) radiation
of exposure for
damage is cumulative*
Assignment: What should you do if
the skin to turn
and sooner or later is
you forget to put on sunscreen and end
red. A sunscreen
manifested* as brown
up with sunburn? Research advice on
with an SPF of
spots, wrinkles or even
the internet and present your findings
30 would allow
skin cancer. Worldwide
to your classmates.
that person to
campaigns have been
multiply
that
established to teach
initial burning
people about skin
cancer and how to prevent it. Sunscreens time by 30, which means it would take 30
used daily can help prevent some of the times longer to burn or 300 minutes.
dangerous sun effects on the skin.
Do not forget sunscreens break down*
First thing to know about sunscreens and rub off with normal wear, so it needs
is that many formulations are available to be reapplied at least every two hours.
to suit any skin type. The quantity of
sunscreen used is very important. To Try to create a habit for your family and
cover properly all sun exposed areas, children too, since 50% of all the damage
approximately one ounce of sunscreen they are going to get in their life will occur
must be used, and it should be applied before they turn 18.
to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going
If you are still not convinced, think
outdoors.
over what I tell my patients: “If you use
Sunscreens should be reapplied at sunscreen every day and your best friend
least every 2 hours or after swimming or does not, and you both compare your
perspiring* heavily. Even so called “water skin when you are forty or fifty years old,
resistant” sunscreens may lose their you are going to look between seven to
effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water. ten years younger.” It always works!
My Great American Road Trip
By Anthony Delaverdac,
France
ESL 818, Miami Campus
Teacher: Jacquelyn
Brown
A few weeks ago, I decided to go on
a trip to California with my girlfriend.
We went to San-Francisco, and
there, we rent a car. We did SanFrancisco to Los Angeles by car, and
then, Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
I’ve already been there once but it
was the first time for her. When you
arrive to Las Vegas by car it’s weird.
You’re driving for 5 straight hours
on the same road. There is just one
stop between. A little town lost in the
desert which I don’t even remember
the name. This road is dangerous
because it’s so boring. It was really
hot outside the car. Along the road
you can see a lot of flat tires. Finally,
you arrive to your destination. A big
city in the middle of nowhere. You
take “the strip”, the main street in
Las Vegas where the best hotels are
located. You are behind the wheel ,
driving in the city of entertainment
(it’s the given name to Las Vegas)
and you remember movies you saw
like I... it was great!
We stayed 3 nights in Las Vegas.
Hotel room’s aren’t expensive,
less than San Francisco or L.A. ,
because they expect you will spend
much money to gamble. Sorry for
them, we didn’t play. Instead we
spent 3 nights in 3 different hotels.
Every hotel has his own soul. You
have New-York New-York and Paris
which give the sensation to be in
another city. Empire State Building,
Rockefeller Center for one, Eiffel
Tower for the other. Inside the
Paris, you have this impression to
be in France. Everything is written
in French. You have French names
for the restaurant and the interior
decoration is such that you think
you are in the old French city. There
is paving road “a la francaise,” chef
with white chef’s hat... but we didn’t
spend much time inside because
we know that.
When we went out, night was down
and the city has changed. There is
more life in the nightlife than in the
day. Every hotel has it’s own big
screen which shows us publicity.
Light is everywhere! Moreover, when
you go out from Paris, you’re in front
of the Bellagio and it’s marvelous*
fountains. 20 minutes of water show!
It was so romantic.
Everything there was fantastic
because you can walk in one hotel
and drop in another so easily. Every
hotel is linked to each other. We
spent all the time discovering new
decors, we had a great time.
Assignment: Imagine that you are going to take that once-in-a-lifetime
road trip across North America. Plan your trip with a partner or small
group: which places will you visit? How will you travel (car, train, plane,
etc.)? Will you stay in luxury hotels or cheap motels, or will you spend your
nights camping under the stars? How much time will your trip require?
Prepare a map of your journey, research fun things to do in each place, and
then present your ideas to your class.
Tell us about your us road trips at www.zoni.com/studentlife
│3
July 2009 ZONI VOICE ©
Michael Jackson: Hero or Villain? continued from page 1
irresponsible villain whose “bizarre” behavior merited
criticism and general censure. In those days, even
though Michael Jackson was an extraordinarily talented
and revolutionary icon who created a new pop culture in
the U.S. and around the world, the mainstream media
changed his image in order to get the public’s attention
and glue us to our TV sets. Of course, the coverage also
increased TV shows’ ratings and thereby their profits.
The media may claim that they are covering exactly what
is happening; however, the question remains whether it
is fair that they broadcast the same news overwhelmingly
on a 24/7 basis. Should we really believe that they are
only covering facts or are they actually instigating these
never-ending, controversial debates based mainly on
speculations that divide us: the team that is playing
against Michael Jackson and the team that is playing
for him. If everyone remained indifferent to the hero vs.
villain stories on the news, how could the mainstream
media get our attention and gain ratings? Shouldn’t they
be fair and balanced with the public? Of course, all the
media giants claim to be fair and balanced, so what is
fair and balanced to them? I guess receiving high ratings
is the answer to these questions.
The magic word for the mass media is RATINGS, and
getting high ratings is in the mass media’s best interest,
not ours. The higher their ratings, the more money
media companies can charge other companies for
airing or publishing the commercials/advertisements for
their products. In other words, the more they can “glue”
us to our TV sets, radios and newspapers, the more we
will buy the products we see, hear or read advertised.
One popular mass media expert commented that
the mainstream media will be “blocking” our lives
with Michael Jackson’s post-mortem news coverage
of custody battles for his children, his assets, and
conspiracy theories for at least 1 more year. I ask you: Is
this real journalism or is this the end of real journalism?
If it is the end, then it shouldn’t be called journalism, but
engage-the-public-at-all-cost coverage. Both versions
of Michael Jackson’s life—sinner and saint—were
written and produced by the mass media. Which
one is true? The answer is probably neither. Michael
Jackson supported various children’s charities, which
is commendable. However, he probably was never the
ideal role model for our children.
Another element in
the Jackson story
now is the attempt
to portray him as
a leader of the
African-American
community.
Was
Jackson really a
role model and
a leader for the
African-American
community, one who advanced the community’s
interests? Is this not to confuse him with Jesse
Jackson? What are Michael Jackson’s civil rights or
anti-discrimination credentials? Is this one more media
creation based more on myth than fact? Was Michael
Jackson really leading a model lifestyle that was worth
following for African-Americans or other races?
In the end, I see my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Valderrama,
as the real hero. He worked in a very tough school
environment with lack of resources, poor facilities, and
problems of the surrounding community. This teacher
was a real hero because he tried his best to positively
influence my life and the lives of my classmates.
The media circus created around Michael Jackson’s
death has been able to capture the attention of hundreds
of millions of people in the U.S. and around the world. I
think that’s enough; I think it’s time for us to really start
“reading between the lines,” but most important,, it’s time
for us to start filtering news by the mainstream media and
select more educational and diversified news programs
from around the world.
Moreover, look and listen to what you see and hear in
the media with a critical eye and ear: don’t accept the
dominant story even when it is endlessly repeated.
World Without Colour*
Educate yourselves, primarily in the language of the
American media, but not just that: yes, you must know
English well to be a critical reader of the Michael Jackson
story, for example. But you must also make yourselves
aware of how the U.S. media—or any country’s media—
use images and words to create heroes and villains
based not necessarily on what is fact but based on their
engage-the-public-at-all-cost approach. Otherwise, we
will have to accept this reality and can’t expect anything
to change in the future. So let’s keep our eyes and ears
really open and watch out for the next hero vs. villain
story—Remember that they are competing for our
undivided* attention.
Classroom Exercise (Jigsaw Activity)
In groups of four or five, discuss and answer the following
questions.
1. How did you find out about Michael Jackson’s passing
away? How did you feel about it when you found out?
2. Has your opinion about Michael Jackson changed from
before and after his death?
3. How much time have you spent watching TV or reading
news about Michael Jackson?
4. In your opinion, did Michael Jackson lead a model
lifestyle?
5. What do you think about the mainstream media?
Are you a supporter or a skeptic of the mainstream
media?
6. Do you watch or read the news every day? In which
language?
7. Do you use the internet to read or watch the news?
8. What type of educational programs do you suggest
watching?
9. What is the best way to avoid getting absorbed by the mass
media?
10.Do you believe that the mass media can influence your
opinions?
Now present your opinions and comments to the rest of the
class.
Vancouver Adventures
By Jorge Martinez, Mexico
IELTS, Vancouver Campus
Teacher: Connie McElman
The world. How would it be without colour?
How would its inhabitants behave in a
monochromatic world?
It appears that colour is something they take for granted.*
Most of the people come and go around the world without
thinking about it. Interestingly, we use colours to understand
and communicate with others. For example, it is generally
recognized that red means stop, and that something is
prohibited and dangerous, and that green means that it is
safe and we can proceed. Also, we often use yellow to give
warnings it is so bright that it will get our attention easily.
Another aspect of colour is that it can tell something a person’s
characteristics. Just by looking at the colours that someone
usually wears, we can predict if that person is more likely to
be peaceful, independent, impulsive or impatient. There is
a whole branch of psychology dedicated to the study of the
relationships between colours and humans.
Now imagine a world where everything is gray and it looks
the same. The landscape would be so similar that everything
would blend in. We would not be surprised and eventually
we would fall into a monotonous routine.
Personally, I have to agree that the world would be really
poor without colour. There would be no excitement in life
and frankly,* I believe that the majority of people would not
like to live in a world without colour.
*In this essay, the student spells “colour” with a ‘U.’ This is
the British spelling. In the USA, it is spelled “color.”
Assignment: Imagine what the world would be like without
some other basic ingredient. (Examples include music, art,
tastes or strong smells, sleep, TV or modern transportation.)
Then write an essay portraying this world and how our lives
would be affected.
Express your thoughts about Michael Jackson at www.zoni.com/studentlife
July 2009 ZONI VOICE ©
4│
FLUSHING’S FIRST GRADUATES
CLASS 821, JANUARY 11, 2009
Furthermore, I would like to give thanks to my classmates Diana, Virginia,
Monica, Jose Luis, Elizabeth, Adilcelia, Esther, Angel, and Maria, because I
have gotten motivation from everyone, inspiring me to keep up with them. We
have pushed each other over the years. Additionally, I feel proud of all the
teachers, for instance, Fernando, who taught me my first phrase, Valentina, my
lovely teacher, Felix the friendly motivator. Finally, I thank Patricia, who helped
me to make my first speech, who has the most experience with us, who helped
us cross the finish line to level 821. Before Patricia was our teacher, I had
been too timid* to speak in public. However, when she came, she gave me the
confidence to speak up because she made me feel accepted and comfortable.
I feel very gratified for all these wonderful experiences that we have had
because we live in a country where we are required to learn English.
Finally, God bless you all, God bless this beautiful city, God bless this grand
nation, and thank you all.
—
From left to right: Eudoxio Munoz, Mexico; Maria del Carmen Baez,
Paraguay; Esther Lopez, Mexico; Virginia Hernandez, Mexico;
Adilcelia Almeida, Brazil; Patricia Griffith (Instructor); Elizabeth Blandon,
Colombia; Monica Correa, Ecuador; Angel Chasi, Ecuador
Kneeling: Diana Redrovan, Ecuador
Not pictured: Jose Luis Montes, Mexico
Eudoxio Munoz, Mexico
A Note from Patricia Griffith about Zoni-Flushing’s
First Phase II Graduation
GRATITUDE
Teaching these students on Sundays for almost a year has been a great privilege
for me. This particular group stayed at Zoni for FIVE YEARS! They began at
Jackson Heights, and moved over to Flushing when we opened. They took all
classes with the goal of graduating from both Phase I and Phase II, which they
accomplished. Their dedication to English studies was an inspiration for me as
teacher and a fine role model for all ESL students.
First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to say “Thanks be to God for
allowing me to be part of this group!” We have accomplished a big step to
learn English, but the goal is not done yet. We should keep on improving. Do
not forget, step by step, day by day, we will go yet further.
These dedicated students formed a unique bond of friendship during these 5
disciplined years, going out together for social and educational activities after
every class. May I note that it was a matter of principle for each of them to take
every class, not just to squeak by* with a graduation certificate.
Secondly, I would like to say “thank you to Zoni Language Centers” for the
qualified personnel and for the wonderful teachers. With their experience,
patience, dedication, and love, we have felt motivated to continue learning
this important skill of English language usage. Over these five years, we have
made a lot of sacrifices to achieve our difficult goal. While many people have
been enjoying the beautiful weather in parks, beaches, and anywhere walking
along the streets, we have been in a classroom for five years of Sundays,
learning English. When the weather has been unfavorable, we have gotten to
our classes, no matter if it was raining or snowing, because we know our efforts
were worth it.
They have proven that practice makes perfect; hard work pays off. If you
want something, make a schedule, and go get it, even if it means five years of
Sundays without going to the beach. I thank Monica Correa for the beautiful
essay about me in the January Zoni Voice, and for all the other essays published
by my students.
Beginners’ Corner
My name is Eddie. I am from china. I am single.
I have sisters. They live in China. I live in New
York. I work in a restaurant in the city. I work six
days a week. I work from 10:30am to 10:30pm.
I like my job. I study English at Zoni Language
Centers. I go to school four days a week. I study
in the morning. I study from 8:00 to 10:00. I like
my school. I have a lot of new friends in school.
My day off is Tuesday. I like to invite friends to the
restaurants on my days off.
—
By Hai Yong Weng, China
ESL 102
How are things over there? Everything is fine
here. I am thrilled to be here in NY. There are so
many things to see and buy here.
I went to Statue of Liberty. It was a beautiful day.
There were a lot of people there. I bought a lot of
souvenirs. I miss you.
Love,
—
By Kon Ki Park, S. Korea
ESL 102
Beginners’ classes, Flushing Campus
Teacher: Susan Yan
When I was in Pakistan, I used to go shopping
with my friends. We used to go to parties a lot,
and we used to dance and sing. Now that I am in
America, I don’t go to parties that much any more,
and I don’t dance and sing a lot any more.
Instead, now I go to Zoni school four times in a
week. I learn English at Zoni Language Centers.
Now I have a lot of new friends from different
countries. At Zoni school we always practice our
English together. It’s fun at school and I like NY.
—
Dear Hyun,
I thank Zoni-Flushing’s first graduating Phase II class for the opportunity to
have served them, and I am sure that they will make great contributions to the
quality of life in the USA and in the world.
By Farida Tokhi, Pakistan
ESL 103
Hi. My name is Enedic Lopez. I’m from Mexico.
When I was in Mexico, I used to play soccer with
my brother a lot. We used to go bicycling. I used to
go swimming in the river a lot. I miss my family.
Now that I’m in New York, I don’t play soccer
anymore, and I don’t swim a lot. Instead, I go to
English school at Zoni Language Centers, four
days a week. I have a new job in a Japanese
restaurant. Now I have a lot of new friends from
different countries. Sometimes I go dancing with
my girlfriend.
I love NY.
—
By Enedic Lopez, Mexico
ESL 103
Congratulate the graduates at www.zoni.com/studentlife
│5
July 2009 ZONI VOICE ©
... “Coming to AMERICA”
Continued from page 1
op!
Sco
A
Grown-ups
Being a Zoni Student
By Hai Yan Zheng, China
ESL 410, Flushing Campus
Teacher: Bob Acevedo
By Hugo Idrovo, Ecuador
ESL 307, Queens Campus
Teacher: Leonila Portugal
When I was a kid,
I hoped to become
an adult quickly. I
thought the adults
could do everything
that they liked. For
example, I couldn’t
do any homework.
I could buy some
things by myself. I could go anywhere alone.
However, when I grew up and became an adult, I
changed my mind. I thought childhood was good
and free. I didn’t have to think anything, just study. I
needn’t do any housework such as washing. I could
eat some cooking that my mother made.
I’ve studied English
at
Zoni
since
September
2008.
Well, when I arrived
in this country, I
always thought to
study English. But
I never found the
time. I had a hard
time making up my mind so last year, because the
economy came down, I lost my job and I didn’t do
anything. I just stayed home so I thought by myself, I
have to do something and I made a crucial* decision
to learn English. It is very important in this country
to get ahead* so you can have new opportunity to
find a better job and most importantly, you don’t feel
But now, everything depends on me. First, I must
afraid to speak to anybody. I had already finished 6
have a good job to support myself. When my career
levels at Zoni. Now I don’t feel anxious* to speak or
is successful, I will get married and
ask any questions because
make a new family. Second,
I understand and I speak
I will have to take care of my
better than before I first
parents and children. In a word,
came to Zoni Language
By Gabriela Gomez, Peru
being an adult is troublesome. If
Centers.
ESL 206, Flushing Campus
I could go back in time, I would
Teacher: Susan Yam
hope to become a kid again. I
I like to come to school
would be a lovely kid and study
because I learn the
harder than before.
language and I make
I were a camera, I would
a lot of friends from
capture your image
different countries. By
I were an angel, I would be
the time I finish all levels,
your guide
I hope I speak very
well. That’s right I don’t
I were the stars, I would
give up studying until I
illuminate your beauty
understand English very
well so I encourage you
I were a bed, I would save
By Bong Yeun Lee,
my friends to keep on
your dreams
South Korea
studying. If it is possible
ESL 818, Manhattan
to pass all levels even
I were a song, I would
though you understand
Campus
express my boundless love
something I expect. Now
Teacher: Eleanor Estor
I were an illusion, I would be
is the time. If you keep
tattooed in your heart
on studying until you
When I came to New York, I was
finish all levels, you will
surprised by many things. One of
I were a rainbow, I would
not get puzzled forever.
them is the way of buying items in
paint your life full of love
You’ve got to pursue
the store. In our country, it is liberal
learning English if you
to look around clothing or shoes
I were spring, I would be
want to get ahead* in
your garden forever.
but difficult to try them on. “To try”
your life.
means “to buy” in that store. For
If...
Shopping In
New York
If
If
If
If
If
If
If
If
example, if I go to a shoe store and
try many shoes as I want and then just leave the
store without purchasing. Even though the service is
getting better, sometimes, a few owners say rudely
behind me, especially in a small store.
However,
New
York has a different
culture. I can try
as many as I want
when I go to a shop
and they don’t care
whether I buy or
not. Moreover, it
is the same in the
expensive department store. It is fabulous, fun for
me to shop in New York. I can wear all kinds of
dresses and all pairs of shoes that I don’t have a
chance to wear if I am in my country. I think the Zoni
is located in the best place for me, I mean, there are
my favorite stores near it. Whenever I want, I go to
one of them and enjoy trying on what I want. I feel
joy even though I don’t buy.
By the way, we have a
good teacher. She is the best. She explains very well
and very clearly so the lesson is as easy as ABC
for us. I would like to see you my friends to study
at Zoni to get a diploma with flying colors. Unless
you don’t like to speak very well. Don’t forget you
have to keep on studying whether you understand
something or not. I will see you as soon as we go to
the next level.
Assignment: Interview 3-5 classmates and write
their answers to these questions:
• How long have you studied at Zoni?
• Why did you decide to start taking English classes?
Explain your reasons clearly.
• Do you like to come to school to learn English?
Why or why not?
• What are the advantages of learning English?
• What is your opinion of your teacher? (Be nice!)
Describe at least 2 qualities that your teacher brings
to the classroom.
nother example was to see elderly people jogging
in the city. It was summertime and the air was
hot and humid. As I walked out the grocery store I
saw an old lady – maybe in her late seventies – in a
jogging suit. First I couldn’t believe my eyes, but when
I approached her she was indeed jogging. Her face
was covered with sweat and I was able to hear her
heavy breathing. I was certainly surprised and didn’t
know how to feel about that woman. Although I admire
health conscious people I think that this case went too
far. Besides, isn’t an old person putting his or her life
at risk by running around on a hot summer day?
L
astly, I found out that Americans share a
common love for sports. Once I was invited to a
Superbowl* party. Since I had no clue* what that was,
I was looking forward to the party and to meeting new
people. I was surprised to see that the host of the
party barely introduced himself and once I entered
his apartment I was seated in front of a huge plasma
screen T.V., where I noticed other people. Instead
of trying to start a conversation the party guests sat
on their chairs glued* to the television, following the
game. Nobody would talk but instead I was offered
chicken wings and fries and everyone expected me
to be quiet and eat – and of course watch the game.
Since I only have a faint* idea about American football
I was trying to enjoy myself as good as I could and
after the dessert I went home.
T
hese examples show us that a new country
is not only exciting but also full of surprises. I
learned to stay open minded and to expect many
more surprises.
Assignment: Write about three cultural differences
you have noticed during your time abroad. Compare your
answers with partners in small groups.
Staff Thank
You Note
My son’s name is Ali.
In the photograph he
is 3 years old wearing
a suit for the first
time in his life. Now,
he is almost 5 years
old and I am so
proud of him. As it
is common with most
boys at his age, Ali
is hyperactive. His
energy level is so
high that you need
to be a superhero to keep up. Speaking of
superheroes, Ali’s favorites are Spiderman and
The Hulk—sometimes he acts like Spiderman
and spins his web all around the house and
sometimes he acts like The Hulk destroying
anything that comes across his way. You should
see the mess he makes after being Hulk for
a few minutes. ☺Regardless of the mess he
makes, I love The Hulk, I love Spiderman…but
most of all,
I LOVE YOU, MY SON ALI.
— By Hakan Mansuroglu, Zoni Staff
Learn more about more Zoni Students’ Voices at www.studentslife.zoni.com
N
Je
By Kripa Ranjan Prasad, India
ESL 511, Manhattan Campus
Teacher: Hande Kocoglu
“I love to walk in rain so no one can see
my tears.” This quotation is written by
Charlie Chaplin. But it is very relevant
to my life, the only difference is when
he cried whole world knew it but when
I cried no one noticed me. At night
instead of dreaming beautiful things
in life I cry. I cry for starving children
whose parents died in the Middle
East, Somalia, Vietnam, India and
Pakistan in war and due to poverty. I
am going to speak about all starving
children around the world.
The vulture is waiting for the child to
die so that it can eat him. This picture
shocked the whole world. No one
knows what happened to the child,
including the photographer Kevin
Carter who left the place as soon as
the photograph was taken. Three
months later, he committed suicide
due to depression.
Why are they crying? Why are they
suffering from hunger? What are the
cause of starvation? Why are they
orphans? Who taking advantage
from starvation? What should we do
to end starvation in this world? Why
are they ignored by the society and
government?
We all realize that millions of children
in the world are not so lucky like us to
have the opportunity to study at Zoni
Language Centers.
Today let’s allow our hearts to talk to
each others because it’s a matter of
sympathy, it’s a matter of starving
children who desperately need food,
shelter, care, love and affection.
Today, no question! No argument! Just
an appeal! Only a humble* request!
Please don’t waste food because
every piece of food can satisfy others’
hunger.
He left suicide note for the world
message is don’t waste food… no
matter how bad it can be….
GRADUATIOO
1. Media is taking advantage of this
situation.
2.
Politicians make issues on
starving children and get huge
grant.
3. Traders create false demand to
highlight the starvation and make
the food prices rise.
s
1
e
Plac
t
Does any government of any country
take any kind of initiation to help
them? Neither of them. Instead of
spending money on unnecessary war
if we spend money to end poverty and
starvation what a beautiful place this
world could be!
BELIEVE IT OR NOT !
• According to world bank Around
the world 40,000 children die every
day from starvation.
• Every 4 seconds, a child die from
poverty.
• More children die of starvation than
AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis
combined.
• Poverty is the major cause of
hunger. About 780 million poor
people are suffering from chronic*
diseases of hunger.
This picture has put a significant impact
in my life. From that day I promised
myself that I will never waste food.
This photo is a Pulitzer Prize winning
photo taken in 1994 during the Sudan
famine. A child crawling towards the
United Nations Food Camp. Which is
located a kilometer away.
WHO BENEFIT FROM THE
STARVING CHILDREN?
• While you are listening to my
speech almost 72 children die due
to malnutrition.
• Farmers around the world grow
more than enough food to feed the
entire world.
• More people die because of
starvation than war.
How is he struggling to get a
single piece of food. Can you
feel his pain? I want you to
realize that.
Children are the future of any
country. If children die from
starvation, how a person can
imagine about the beautiful
future? It is a shame for all
humanity.
Kripa Ranjan Prasad,
India
nd
ce
Pla
2
Laura Garcia Estevez,
Spain
QUEENS REPORTS
Fleet Week
Dear friends I would like to
request you, if we promise
ourselves that not to waste
food then we can save the
life of starving children.
By Filemon Caamano, Mexico
ESL 307, Queens Campus
Teacher: Peter Anestos
Use this Zoni Language
Centers as an international
platform to learn as well as
exchange the knowledge
and spread this massage to
whole world.
My schoolmates and
I and of course the
principal too went to
the Marine Amphibious
boat, before that we
met on 42nd street at
8:30am. After that we
went there. When we
arrived at the boat we
walked inside the boat
and observed all things about the navy. The Marines
permitted us to hold the guns, we saw the war tanks.
Besides they permitted us to board the tanks. Then
we climbed to the top of the huge boat. We saw the
incredible marine helicopters and also we took a lot
of pictures of those. We laughed and enjoyed that
experience after all that we felt hungry. And decided
to go eat our lunch at Dallas BBQ restaurant. My
schoolmates, the principal and I had a fun day and felt
very happy for the journey we had. Unfortunately, we
all had to say goodbye.
Don’t waste food. Give
a big hand. Let’s come
together and make this
world beautiful. Let’s put a
smile on every children’s
face. Make sure that none
of the children sleep with
hunger.
Cirque du Soleil
Spelling Bee
By Abel Hamide Abogourin, Benin
ESL 206, Queens Campus
Teacher: Aicha Cesar
When I participated to
Spelling Bee, it was very
great. For me, it’s the best
way for learn, when you learn
with fun, everything it’s easy
to memorize. Just like we
teach something to a child
with fun it’s easy to learn. It
was a very great moment but
it wasn’t easy because you
have many eyes which look at you and we were a little
frustrated.
Sometimes, you knew the word but you are a little
frustrated because you see many people look at you
but it’s good for us specifically to fight against the
fear. I enjoyed participating at this competition. I didn’t
win but I spent a good time and learned some very
important things. “We don’t always need to win, we just
have to do our best and enjoy the moment like this.”
New York Knicks
Broadway Shows
SNAPS FROM MANHATTAN
Museum Mile
July 2009 ZONI VOICE ©
8│
TEACHERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONS
Teachers in Flushing
IEP Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
Sultan Stover
IEP Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
How To Be A Good Teacher
ESL Manhattan
ESL Manhattan
By Amalfi Villanueva, Colombia
ESL 409, New Jersey Campus
Teacher: Arturo Arana
ESL Manhattan
We all at some point in time aspire for an understanding teacher.
A good teacher love what they teach and have a full dedication to
teaching; must know how to reach his/her students to make them
understand.
IEP Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
A good teacher makes the class fun and enjoyable; have the talent to
reach the students and educate the students to be creative.
ESL Manhattan
A good teacher respects his/her students and gives positive motivation,
always giving constructive comments, and listens to their students and
supports them.
A good teacher can explain very difficult subjects in a very easy way
and doesn’t pretend to know it all.
IEP Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
A good teacher has some friendly traits in him or her, is more close to
the student and a better educator, and has a sense of humor.
Teachers in Manhattan
A good teacher is a friend, guide, educator, confidante,* all rolled into one.
A good teacher has common sense and is practical, doesn’t take things
for granted and has always a positive attitude.
Good teachers are those who want to be good teachers and forever
remembered by their students.
ESL Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
ESL Manhattan
Big Surprise!
IEP Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
IEP Manhattan
An Event That Changed MY Life
By Yue Qi, China
ESL 410, Flushing Campus
Teacher: Patricia Griffith
During my entire life, I have been enjoying and
suffering from so many things. However, an event
that changed my life was that I left home and lived
at school for a year when I was 17, which made
me an independent young lady. At the age of 17, I
was already in the third year of my high school. The
third year is also the last year for a student’s school
year, which is the most important for most Chinese
students. We have to pass the Entrance Exam for
Universities to be a college student, which is the
dream for every Chinese student who has been
studying for twelve years.
My home was very far from school. In order to save
time and energy, I decided to live at my school. I
persuaded my parents, who had refused me at first.
So I left home, and settled myself in a completely
new environment. My dorm room was small, but it
was still crowded with nine other girls! It was very
cold at night, and you could even see mold on the
only wall with a window.
I really wanted to be a good girl in my dorm. I didn’t
want to be laughed at as an idiot who could do
nothing. I had been spoiled* at home, so I suffered
a lot when I first tried to do everything myself. We
didn’t have washing machines, so I did my laundry
manually.* It was bitterly* cold in winter; even
though we lived in the building, it was very painful
to touch the water. When my Mom saw me doing
that in school, she was shocked.
I also had to learn how to organize myself. I planned
my pocket money, my studying time, my food, and
even my toilet paper. My mom gave me 200 Yuan
( which is $25 ) a month. I spent 50 Yuan a week
(I went home during weekends). That is to say, I
would spend 10 Yuan a day, and approximately 3
Yuan one meal. I not only ate well, but I could have
some savings by the end of each month. I saved my
time as well, I was crazy about studying all day long
in the classroom.
Staying with the other girls was not easy, either.
There is a saying: “Three women can put on a
performance.” We had 10 girls in a can-sized dorm.
I kept harmonious* relationships with everybody,
because I was always willing to help.
I didn’t know why my brain worked so efficiently while
I was in my last school year. I had been a problemmaking girl in the first two years, and I didn’t study
much or hard. But when I lived at school, I knew
everything, and I could remember everything I
learned. I guess it was because I could sit down and
start to read books. I wasn’t bookworm,* though; I
still went out and played. On the final exam, I got a
rocketing high score, and was enrolled by a decent
university, which blew all my teachers away. They
said I was smart, but I told them it was the cold dorm
which made my brain cool down every night I slept.
Thanks to that one year staying away from home,
I became an independent, self-thinking, calm, and
not home-sick young lady. I swear to God, I’ve never
ever shed a tear while I’ve been in the U.S.A. for
two years. The conditions now I have are millions of
times better than the ones I had before. This event
changed me into a tough woman, who’s afraid of
nothing, and will smile to the last.
Assignment: What was an event that changed
YOUR life? Write an essay describing that
experience, and explain how you changed as a
result of living through it.
TEACHERS: This is a great topic for a
conversation class. Put your students into small
groups and have them explain the situation
and its results. They should take notes on their
partners’ answers and then present to the class
what their partners said.
Share your experience from your school days at www.studentslife.zoni.com.
│9
July 2009 ZONI VOICE ©
Short story:
b rother-k iller
I will always remember this day, this awake
nightmare, the day when my brother had been killed.
It was a normal day, we were together shopping when
we saw two guys wearing masks leaving the bank
with bags and guns. The police was already there,
everything happened so fast. The police ordered
them to stop but they didn’t obey* so the cops started
to shout at them. The robbers shouted back. In the
street everybody went crazy, people were screaming
and running. The two guys jumped into their car
and tried to find a way to escape. I was standing
there, in the middle of the street. I couldn’t move! It
happened so fast, in one second I was laying on the
floor and when I looked back, my brother was on
the floor too, not moving. He saved my life pushing
me out of the car’s way but the car couldn’t avoid
him. My brother was laying on the street, without
any sign of life.
He died of the shock. I’m glad he didn’t suffer, but
he gave his life for me and because of me. Why
couldn’t I move from this road?! Anyway, I promised
myself that I was going to find these guys and take
revenge.
Is two years later. The cops still haven’t found them
and the only clue* I have is from a girl, who was
working at the bank this day. She saw that one of
the two guys has a big scar on his right hip when he
changed his shirt. I have nothing else, nobody has
nothing else.
Besides that, everything is going well in my life. I’m
studying at the university and working in a snack
bar the evening. And lately, I met Josh, a very nice
and good looking guy. I met him because of my job.
Josh came to pick up his friend, who’s working with
everything was already ready, the table, the candles
and Chinese food from the Chinese restaurant one
block away. He’s such a bad cook!
me, at the snack bar. Josh and I have been dating for
one month and a half already. Time flies with him.
He is so attractive and interesting. I never get bored
with him. Josh has brown hair and disturbing*
green eyes. When you look at them you see something
like he’s suffering, I don’t know what it is exactly,
he’s so mysterious. However, the thing I like the most
is his smile. This smile can make anybody happy.
I’m smiling thinking about that. I really think I’m
falling in love with him. I can realize it when I’m
without him. I always think about him, about the
way he is, the way he looks at me, the way he takes
my hand when we walk, the way he touches my hair
to move it from the front of my eyes. All these little
things that make him and make me love him for
what he is.
We’re eating and watching the movie at the same
time. I won’t be able to tell what the movie is about
because I can’t stop thinking tonight. I think I’m
ready. I really want to get over a new step with our
relationship and before everything, I want him. I’m
stressful but we start naturally to kiss each other, it’s
amazing, we are so different and at the same time
so the same. We are kissing in perfect harmony. I’m
touching his back and his belly but feel something
weird on his skin but I keep going. Now he’s taking
off my top and I’m unbuttoning his shirt..
Suddenly, I stop! What’s that!? A big scar is crossing
the side of his belly from his hip. Everything starts to
mix up in my head. My brother’s memory, his death,
my boyfriend’s memory and… this girl’s voice: “He
has a big scar on his right hip. It’s all I could see
when he was changing his shirt.”
Anyway, tonight we’re dating, he’ll come to pick me
up at the snack bar and we’ll to have dinner in his
house and watch a DVD.
He should arrive in one second, he’s here, always
on time. His eyes sparkle when he looks at me. I
can’t stay looking at his. They’re too intense and it
makes me too shy. When we arrive at his apartment
Assignment: Answer the following questions
about the short story.
• How did the author’s brother die?
• Describe the author’s life, two years after the
tragedy. What changes have taken place?
• Do you think Josh feels guilty about the things he
has done? Explain your answer.
• How does the author discover Josh’s dark secret?
• Josh and the author go on a date. Describe your idea of
a perfect date: where would you go, what would you
do, and whom would you like to go with?
BABY GENIUSES
Thank you, Christy!
By Jorge Lopez, Colombia
ESL 307, New Jersey Campus
Teacher: Christina Banta
By Minhee Kim, S. Korea
ESL 410, Flushing Campus
Teacher: Bob Acevedo
Always, when the class have finished, I say, “Thank
you, Christy.”
Today, I want to tell her and all those who are
present here why I do that:
Thanks Christy because you always are patient
with us.
Thanks for being prompt for class.
Thanks for spending your break time answering
our questions.
Thank you for trying to understand what we say,
even if it is incorrect.
Thanks because you always come to class with a
positive smile.
Thank you for making us want to come to class.
Because we come here to learn and to have fun at
the same time.
Thanks for making our learning easier.
Thanks Christy because you are our teacher. The
person who is always there, ready to listen, ready
to explain, ready to help, and the most important
thing, ready to teach.
These roses are a symbol of our gratitude and the
perfect way to tell you “HAPPY TEACHERS DAY”.
Assignment: Write about three cultural
differences you have noticed during your time
abroad. Compare your answers with partners
in small groups.
By Neslihan Günes, Switzerland
ESL 818, Miami Campus
Teacher: Jacquelyn Brown
“Talent hits a target no one else can hit;
Genius hits a target no one else can see.”
This is what a famous philosopher named Arthur
Schopenhauer said about geniuses. Genius is
commonly defined as someone who is more talented
than others in some field. Some of these geniuses
that are commonly known include Beethoven, a
musician; Einsten, a scientist; and Da Vinci, an
artist. From looking at these three “geniuses” from
different fields, one can conclude that geniuses
show their flash of genius from a very young age,
making them different from everyone else.
Beethoven, who is considered to be one of the
greatest musicians of all time, was a prodigy* from
a very young age. Beethoven started to perform at
the age of seven and was able to perform by learn
to compose songs and wrote his first song when
he was just fourteen years old.
Einstein is known by many for his contributions in
the field of physics. A winner of the Nobel Prize in
1921 for his contributions in the field of science,
he showed his superior intellect from a very young
age. Although he is known to have had speaking
problems, he was a top* student in his elementary
school. He showed interest in math, and by the
age of twelve, he showed great understandings of
deductive reasoning, geometry and calculus.
Leonardo Da Vinci, who is a well-known artist
for masterpieces such as “The Last Supper” and
“Mona Lisa”, also was a young prodigy* in the
Share your stories at www.studentslife.zoni.com.
field of Art. At the age of fourteen, Da Vinci began
to work as a printer for Verracchio, who was one
of the most successful artists of that time. With
Verrocchio, Da Vinci painted “Baptism of the Christ”
and he quickly gained fame. By the age of twenty,
Da Vinci opened his own painting workshop and
began his life as an artist.
Geniuses often show their greatness from a very
young age.
I, too, showed this flash of genius at a young age.
My parents often tell me that I was very good at
math when I was young. But as I got older, my
math skills diminished. I guess there’s an exception
to every rule.
Assignment: With a partner, make a list of 5
geniuses. (Be sure to have reasons for including
them!) Then compare your list with the rest of the
class. Find out whose name appears on the most
lists! IMPORTANT: People already mentioned in
this article may NOT be repeated on your list.
July 2009 ZONI VOICE ©
10│
Central Park
Summer Stage 2009
www.summerstage.org
Location: Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
Now until Aug 16, 09
www.rivertorivernyc.com
Location: Various venues from East
and Hudson river in downtown
Warm Up 2009
This performing arts festival held in
Lower Manhattan area produces worldclass performing art programs (mostly
music) in the parks around downtown.
Check their web-site in order to catch up
on who is playing where. Free!
An annual summer tradition in Central
Park, this performing arts festival
features a variety of programs including
music, dance, comedy and film. You will
encounter unique* talents from all over
the world. The best part? It’s FREE!
Jazz at MoCA
www.mocanomi.org
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art
Last Friday of each Month
Fri, Jul 31
8:00 p.m.
Fri, Aug 28
8:00 p.m.
Fri, Sep 25
8:00 p.m.
Fri, Oct 30
8:00 p.m.
The High Line Park
www.thehighline.org
Location: Meatpacking District to
20th Street, between 10th & 11th
Avenues
from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
blanket, sit out under the stars, and enjoy
the sounds of smooth jazz.
The 8th Miami Salsa
Congress
www.miamisalsacongress.com
Location: Miami Beach Resort
Date: 7/31/2009 to 8/2/2009
www.richmondnightmarket.com
Location: Central Richmond
This is the hottest place to visit in NYC
- a brand-new park renovated from the
skeleton of an old elevated railroad! Take
off your shoes, stroll* down Manhattan’s
west side for the amazing views, and if
your feet get hot, you can dip* them in the
shallow water fountain that actually spills
over a section of the walkway!
http://nycgo.com/restaurantweek
Location: NYC’s finest restaurants
July 12-31, 2009 (excludes Saturdays)
Don’t pass up this limited-time opportunity
to dine at NYC’s finest restaurants at
Experience 80 live showcases! Dance
to some of the hottest Salsa music this
side of the equator! Learn all the slinky*
moves with the best instructors from
around the world!
around the world. More than 400 vendors
sell extraordinary fabrics, decorations,
trinkets,* toys and rich, delicious foods.
Also, live performances on the stage fill
the night with music.
In this big market place, you will
experience the best of ethnic cultures from
July 25
July 29
South Africa The Keg’s
Night
UK Night
August 1
Concord
Pacific’s
China Night.
Location: Various locations throughout
Miami-Dade County
Date: 8/28/2009 to 9/20/2009 (excludes
Saturdays)
The Jackie Gleason Theatre and the
Manuel Artime Performing Arts Center
host leading ballet companies performing their most recent works. More than
120 dancers from over 25 countries will
perform.
First Nations Cultural
Community Celebration
City Happenings
2009 HSBC
Celebration of Light
July 22
London
Drugs’
Canada
Night
Let’s get the party started early! The PS1 contemporary art museum turns into a jumping
dance club every Saturday afternoon now
through Labor Day. The building provides
the ambience, live bands and DJs provide
the music – you provide the energy!
Super Sand Blast
Location: Ocean Drive, between 9th
and 10th streets
Contact: (305) 673-7030
Marvel* at the amazing sand castles, dance
to a live performance from the Islands, get
your face painted and eat free food.
www.internationalballetfestival.com
www.celebration-of-light.com
Location: English Bay Bathhouse
Date: 7/22/2009 to 8/1/2009
http://www.ps1.org/warmup/
Location: At P.S. 1 MOMA
Admission Fee: $ 10
Now until Sep 5,09, Saturdays, from
2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Restaurant Week
Summer 2009
XIV International
Ballet Festival of Miami
MoCA presents free jazz concerts on
the last Friday of each month. Bring a
Richmond Night
Market
unbeatable prices. Enjoy a three-course
prix fixe menu at some of the glitziest*
eating spots for only $24.07 (lunch) or
$35.00 (dinner) during the week. Yum!
River to River Festival
Vancouver’s traditional summer event,
the Celebration of Light fireworks are
one of the most renowned* international
fireworks competitions in the world.
Enjoy the eye candy* as each country
unveils its latest techniques and most
innovative* fireworks to compete for first
place.
Find out what’s happening in your city at www.studentslife.zoni.com.
Location: Vancouver Aboriginal
Friendship Centre Society
Date: 7/17/2009 to /7/18/2009
Tel: (604) 788-0042
First Nations Cultural Community
Celebration event is a two-day celebration
that will take place at the Aboriginal
Friendship Centre. The public is invited
to enjoy a variety of First Nations
performances, cultural displays, food and
speeches from Olympic and Paralympic
athletes.
│11
July 2009 ZONI VOICE ©
A Taste of Brazil
IEP 8092, Manhattan Campus
Teacher: Sultan Stover
By Bianca Pedrini, Brazil
ESL 8051, Manhattan Campus
Teacher: John Littig
KIMCHI JJIGAE : Korean food recipe
Since I arrived in New York City, I have decided to learn
about the American Culture and live like American people all
the time. But sometimes it is difficult to adjust. I was missing
the food, some habits and some friends. Now, I am living in
Astoria / Queens and many people from South America live
here. I am very happy, because I can live in NYC, 25 minutes
away from my school and also find some Brazilian things.
In this neighborhood I can find Brazilian markets (Rio
Bonito), Brazilian Restaurants (Brazil Grill, Point Brazil)
and coffee shops (Chocolate Spoon, Toda Nossa). We also
can find some great restaurants in Manhattan, like Porcão,
Plataforma or Brazil Brazil. If you go to “Little Brazil”, on 46th
St, close to Times Square, you will find some good places. But
usually they are more expensive and fancy than in Astoria.
As I know, many Americans people are daily customers in
these restaurants. And they really enjoy the food.
Living here is an easy way for me to appreciate cheese
bread, barbecue meat, milk pudding, fresh juice, caipirinha
(a special drink) or the feijoada (black bean with meat)!
Most of the time, I prefer to eat Brazilian food because is
healthier than American food. In the supermarket, I like to
buy condiments* from Brazil for cooking that make any food
taste much better.
Once, my classmate from Korea asked me to try Brazilian
food. We went to “Brazil Grill” and more classmates asked
to join us! Five of us went there, two boys and one girl from
Korea, one girl from Japan and one boy from Thailand. What
they liked most was the barbecue meat!
I am living in USA, learning English, visiting many places, and
enjoying some Brazilian thinks. I am comfortable and happy.
That’s a wonderful way to live in NYC!
Assignment: What are the best places that represent
your country? Make a list of recommendations for your
classmates and share your information. Or even better,
take them there after class!
Nice Advice
Conversation Class,
Manhattan Campus
Teacher: Caryl Robin
I’m an international student here in New York, looking for
an apartment for the last three months or so. I’ve been
faced with problems related to being trusted here in New
York. How can I establish trust in my relationship with a
landlord/landlady?
—
By Marcia Julia, Peru
“Here are some letters the students sent Marcia with their
advice.”
I would like to suggest regarding to the problem you are
facing now. In my opinion, the first step would be getting a
reference letter from the institute you’re taking classes as a
student. In addition, you can speak with a teacher in order to
get a personal references about you. Also, if you have any
account in a bank, ask them to give a letter, mention on that
you own an account. With these three letters I consider you’ll
have a good background which can support you as a person
in USA.
Good luck!
—
By Mary Mansilla, Peru
This is all about financial trust, if you can proof to the person
who’s renting you a room that you will be able to pay the rent
every month and on time, it will be very easy for you to get
the room that you like.
If you don’t know anybody here who can support you with all
those papers, I would suggest to ask from this school that
you are a good student and you never had problem with
paying the tuition fee. Zoni has a very good reputation so it
would help a lot.
—
By Pathumrat Muangkhong, Thailand
Assignment: What’s YOUR advice? Imagine
that you are a writer for this advice column and
tell Marcia what you think!
—
By Ju Eun Jeon, S. Korea
Kimchi jjigae is the
most popular stew in
Korea. There are many
varieties. You can add
beef, tofu, can tuna,
vegetables like squash,
onion, carrot, etc... So
be creative!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup kimchi
- 16 oz pork belly (or any part
with fat)
- thin sliced 2 green onions
- slice in a bias 1/2 pack dooboo
(tofu)
- 2 go choo (hot green chili)
- chopped 2 tbsp go choo jang
(Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp go choo garoo (Korean
chili powder)
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 3 cups water
- salt and pepper
1. Put a pot on the stove, turn the heat
on.
2. Add pork belly, sauté for a minute
or so. (instead of
meat, you could use tuna, mackerel or vegg
ies)
3. Add go choo jang (Korean chili paste
) and cook until
meat becomes white.
4. Pour the water, add kim chee.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer.
6. Add soy sauce, go choo ga roo (Kore
an chili powder),
and garlic.
7. Cook for 20-30 minutes.
8. Add chilies, green oinons, salt and
pepper.
9. Cook for another minute.
10. Serve with rice.
About main ingredient ‘kimchi’
Gradually, many foreigners
have started to aware about
kimchi which is the most
famous healthy food from
Korea. This food has incredible
effect to human body. As we
know kimchi has various ingredients such as
onion, garlic
and radish. All of these elements are helpful to
our body for
several reasons.
The first, kimchi is modified by microorgan
ism that is a
very small living thin which you can only see
if you use a
microscope. When microorganism start to their
biochemical
activities, we call this event to “microbial ferme
ntation.”
This activity lead to desirable flavors and textur
es in food.
For instance, there are many famous examples
like cheese,
yogurt and natto. It can also enhance the nutrit
ional quality
and digestibility of food.
Moreover, each elements such as onion and garlic
, those take
important part as antimicrobial. It is already
empirically*
proved their effects. From 1997 Dr. Paul
Sherman’s
experiment, they found that garlic, onion,
allspice, and
oregano killed al least 75 percent of the test bacter
ia. Kimchi
has almost of all sources that is listed from exper
iment.
FRENCH CREPES
ALL I OLI//AIOLI
By Antoine Chapal, France
—
—
Red wine, cheese and
bread denote French
food all around the
world. But there is one
other famous French
meal: the crepes.
And one of the best
thing about it is that it
is really easy to cook.
“All i Oli” is the
Catalan name of the
internationally known
Aioli.
First, you have to
make the dough:
(the
bowl, then put 3 broken eggs
Put 250g of flour in a salad
in a
obta
you
l
unti
it
mix
y
nall
fi
white and the yellow part). And
ly
slow
it
add
to
the milk. You have
rather solid dough. now add
can
you
id
liqu
and
oth
smo
is very
while moving the mix. When it
let it rest.
you just need to cook it:
Now that you have your dough,
oiled a little bit, put some dough
Take a pan that you have already
let it
ter to have a very thin crepes.
on it and distribute it on the hea
.
side
h
eac
on
cooks approximately 2 minutes
eating it.
And then comes the best part:
te,
anything (sugar, molten chocola
You can eat crepes with almost
is a French
e
ther
but
..)
etc.
s,
fruit
m,
ice cream, whipped crea
is crepes with caramel and salty
specialty from Bretagne which
butter.
Bon Appetit...
STROOPWAFEL FROM HOLLAND
—
By Lydia van der Putten, The Netherlands
e with
A stroopwafel is a typical Dutch waffle, it is a waffl
them.
en
betwe
in
syrup
el
caram
two thin layers with a
. This
Gouda
in
1810
in
made
was
wafel
stroop
rst
fi
The
e. In
chees
Gouda
by
s
famou
is a town in Holland made
made
that
Gouda
in
’s
factory
teen
seven
were
there
1960
waffles, ten of them are still open today.
20
A funny thing to know is that Dutch people eat
year.
a
wafels
stroop
in the
You can buy the stroopwafel in different variations.
little
very
in
ges
packa
in
them
buy
can
You
arket,
superm
in the
or normal sizes. They also sell the ‘stroopwafels’
If you
market where you can buy them very big and hot.
from
go to Holland then you should really eat the ones
t.
the marke
By Ana Gomez Bernaus, Italy
Aioli is a traditional
Catalan
strong
flavored sauce made with garlic
and olive oil.
Its origin can be traced back to the
roman age,
and the original recipe survived
all these years
until now. It begins with 2 or 3
garlic cloves
grinded in a mortar, the olive
oil is poured
slowly with one hand while mixi
ng constantly
with a cylindrical special wood
tool called a
“pestal.” It’s very important to keep
the same
pace and speed all the time to avoi
d separating
the sauce, because once that
happens, it
becomes spoiled and you have
to start again
from scratch.*
Aioli is a good compliment for
almost every
kind of food. It Is a good mat
ch for meat,
pasta, vegetables and seafood,
and since the
ingredients are natural, it is mor
e healthy than
other sauces. Olive oil contains
vegetable fat
which is good for your health.
Nevertheless,
it is not good to eat aioli everyday
, because
although olive oil is healthy for
you, a huge
amount of it every day can
increase the
calories of your diet.
sugar,
Stroopwafels are made from flower, butter, brown
waffle
yeast, milk and eggs. Stroopwafels are made in a
the
warm
are
syrup
the
and
e
iron. When the waffl
stroopwafel is very delicious.
Moon
In New York you can buy the stroopwafel as a Dutch
in
them
nd
fi
can
you
and
ttan
Cookies in stores in Manha
se
cafe BXL. They are named Dutch Moon Cookies becau
they
stroopwafel is too difficult to pronouce (try it...). And
handare
’s
cookie
the
se
becau
nt
differe
bit
little
a
are
to
dipped in different kind of chocolate flavors. It is nice
wafel
stroop
your
eat
with a nice cup of
tea or coffee. I think
that 11:00am and
4:00pm are the best
times to eat a nice
stroopwafel.
Assignment: Find the recipe for your favorite dish on the internet, or write an essay about it. Use the
examples above as a template. For students in a speech/presentation class, prepare a demonstration of the
preparation process. (Be sure to bring in samples for your classmates to enjoy!)
Share your favorite recipes at www.studentslife.zoni.com.
GET PUBLISHED IN
ZONI VOICE
GLOSSARY
Absorption (n.)
Anxious (adj.)
Awkward (adj.)
Bitterly (adv.)
Bookworm (n.)
Break down (v.)
Chronic (adj.)
Clue (n.)
Condiments (n.)
Confidante (n.)
Crucial (adj.)
Cumulative (adj.)
Dangle (v.)
Dip (v.)
Disturbing (adj.)
Empirically (adv.)
Eye candy (n.)
Faint (adj.)
First-rate (adj.)
Frankly (adv.)
Free Will (n.)
From scratch (adv.)
Full swing (adj.)
Get ahead (v.)
Get your fill (v.)
Glitzy (adj.)
Glued (adj.)
Harmonious (adj.)
Have no clue
Humble (adj.)
Indelible (adj.)
Innovative (adj.)
Lollygagging (n.)
Loosen up (v.)
Manifest (v.)
Manually (adv.)
Marvel (v.)
Marvelous (adj.)
Mingle (v.)
Myriad (n.)
Obey (v.)
Pass Away (v.)
Perspiring (n.)
Post-Mortem (adj.)
Prodigy (n.)
Rejuvenation (n.)
Renowned (adj.)
Slinky (adj.)
Spoiled (adj.)
Squeak by (v.)
Stroll (v.)
Sunburn (n.)
Sun-drenched (adj.)
Superbowl (n.)
Take for granted
Timid (adj.)
Top (adj.)
Trinket (n.)
Undivided (adj.)
Unique (adj.)
Virtually (adv.)
Wellbeing (n.)
The process of liquid entering something solid
Nervous
Uncomfortable
Very (cold)
Someone who reads a lot
Stop working
Continuing for a long time and never fixed
A piece of evidence; hint
Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
Someone you can trust with a secret
Very important
Slowly increasing to a total
To hold in the air
To put briefly into a liquid
Making you feel uncomfortable; upsetting
Based on science
Something pleasing to look at
Basic; not clear
Excellent (in quality)
Honestly
Ability to choose
From the beginning
In the middle of happening
To improve the quality of your life
Enjoy; have a lot of
Flashy; trendy; fashionable
Concentrating hard
Balanced, equal
Not know at all
Modest; not proud
Unforgettable; not erasable
Clever and original; new and imaginative
Doing nothing; fooling around; hanging out
Relax
Make visible or touchable
By hand
To look at something with amazement
Wonderful, fantastic
Mix, interact
A various amount or number
To follow orders
Die
Sweating
After death
A child with a lot of talent at something
Re-birth
Famous
Graceful
Ruined (by too much love or attention)
To pass with a very low grade
Walk slowly
Red skin after being in the sun for too long
Very sunny
American football championship game
To accept something without valuing it
Quiet and shy
Best, number-one
Cheap accessory
Full, complete
Special; one of a kind
Almost
Mental and physical health
Media Disclaimer
Opinions expressed in this newspaper reflect the
views of the writers, not Zoni Group International.
Editor’s Note
Student work is edited for clarity only.
Our goal is to maintain students’
editorial integrity and provide examples
for ESL classroom correction.
Join the Zoni online network!
Big News! Make Friends and Find
Events on our Blog and Facebook
Zoni has been creating more ways for
students and staff to communicate and
share with each other by utilizing all of
your favorite internet destinations. We now
have a student blog that will help you find
relevant news, events and ideas!
Also, we are now on Myspace, Twitter,
Flickr and Facebook.
So what are you waiting for?
Visit www.zoni.com/studentlife to get
started today!
If you are interested in getting your writings
or photographs published in Zoni Voice, send
them via email to [email protected]. Please
observe the following guidelines:
Write “ZONI VOICE SUBMISSION” in the subject line.
Include the following information with each submission:
Name
Country of origin
Level of study
Teacher’s name
Thank you! We hope to see your name in
print some day soon.
For Noli Dalena
GET WELL SOON!
Campus Spotlight
ZONI MIAMI CAMPUS
By Marlene Pacheco, Ecuador
Advanced Class, Miami Campus
Teacher: Jackie Brown
On a recent sun-drenched* morning in Miami Beach,
Florida, I caught up with Kirk Grimmer, the Academic
Coordinator from Zoni-Miami Beach. Hello, Kirk.
Could you talk a bit about Zoni-Miami Beach and
why you think it’s the right place to study?
95
TO
PO
O
BE
BIS
A
CAY
NE
BLV
D
195
395
MIAMI BEACH
PALM ISLAND
W 41
ST S
T
RO
UT
E1
A (C
O
S
LLIN
PRESIDENT
Zoilo C. Nieto
EDITORIAL
EDITOR:
Charles Heil
COPY EDITOR:
Keith W. Hansen, Ph.D.
CITY GUIDE EDITORS:
Masami Soeda
PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY:
Noli Dalena has been a beloved teacher at the
Manhattan campus since 1999. On Thursday, April
30, Noli suffered a stroke and was taken to Bellevue
Hospital, NY. He is doing rehab at Fieldston Lodge
Care Center, 666 Kappock Street, Riverdale, NY
10463. While he is on the road to recovery, we, his
friends, students and colleagues, offer him and his
family our warmest wishes and hope he returns to
Zoni soon!
AN
MP
CREDITS
AVE
)
ART DECO DISTRICT
Of course, you see,
South Beach is an
experience in itself.
As the only official
Art Deco Historic
District in the world,
South Beach’s heart
stretches from 18th
St. and south along Ocean Dr and Collins Ave one of the largest areas in the USA on the National
Register of Historic Places. It’s full of sights and
excitement. In fact, the District’s rejuvenations* and
rebirth as a major tourist destination results directly
from its protection as a historic place in 1979.
Edyta Rozborska
Masami Soeda
Aurora Villamater
John David Zurschmiede
Lucio Parado
Alejandra Castro
Andreas Huewes
Kotoko Abe
Phoebe Kim
Yuya Fujii
Kirk Grimmer
Max Sanchez
DESIGN
ART DIRECTORS & DESIGNERS:
Masami Soeda
Cristian Vasquez
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Lyssol Garcia
Hakan Mansuroglu
Evina Torres
Kotoko Abe
Andreas Huewes
Kirk Grimmer
Aurora Villamater
John David Zurschmiede
Edyta Rozborska
Josh Smusz
and loosen you up* while you learn English, then,
there’s no place like South Beach.
Get your fill* of the region’s wildlife by going on one of
our many class field trips like visiting the Seaquarium
or Jungle Island. The zoo and the planetarium are
also educational opportunities, and will balance out
the pure mindless lollygagging* that you’ve been
doing on the oh-so-attractive beaches. There’s
also a myriad* of museums and galleries that you’ll
visit including the Bass Museum of Art, the Miami
Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the
Wolfsonian, the Miami Museum of Science, Fairchild
Tropical Botanical Garden, Vizcaya (the former John
Deering Estate) and much, much more.
And since Zoni-Miami Beach is right in the heart of
South Beach on the trendiest street in town, Collins
Avenue between 14th Street and historic Espanola
Way, students get to study right in the middle of
everything including being only 1 block from the
world-famous, oceanfront Lummus Park.
Once you get hungry
there are hundreds
of
restaurants
to
choose from, many
of them world-famous
and impressive by
anyone’s standards.
Let the flavors of South
Beach mingle* on your
palate and feel free
to indulge a bit – go
ahead and do it.
South Beach is famously filled with energy, nightlife
options, celebrity sightings and beautiful people. If
these are the things that would best take you away
from your current situation, providing you with
the kind of vacation you need to calm you down
While all of this is probably enough to keep a person
busy for a while, there is still a lot more to see and
do. You’ll discover these things and more if you
study at Zoni-Miami Beach. Have Fun and learn
English in South Beach at Zoni-Miami Beach.