Crazy Weather

The last week was pretty short and important week in our class. Although we only studied for three days, we took three exams! Also, there were some presentations about some videos we saw. I think these presentations were not bad, but I'm pretty sure, from my experience last semester, that the students' performance will improve during the semester and their fear will decrease after doing other presentations. One important thing this week was the climate condition. A huge winter storm came last Tuesday and big amount of snow ( or whatever white thing it was ) fall and covered the streets with white color. As a result, many universities including the university were closed on Wednesday.

After Two Weeks ..

So far in the last three weeks we have done many things. We had a chance to go over most important English skills. We had grammar for the first half an hour every day and we covered some subjects like articles, tenses and pronouns. Beside grammar we had some listening practice in our text book (Quest) and some practice for the techniques to solve a TOEFL listening exam. We were assigned also to write about different subjects; we also had once a timed writing in the class. Reading had the biggest part in our class so far; we read the book ‘Not about the Bick.’ Also, we had the SRA (practice reading for different levels) several times. I’m so glad about what we have done so far and looking forward to what we are going to have.

The Definition of a Friend

"Friend" is a word that the majority of people define in a wrong way. Most of the people think of a friend as one whom he can benefit from; so, as soon as he gets what he wants from him, he is no longer a friend. I think a friend is a person who has three characteristics. First, he is always there when you need him. Second, he is always honest with you. Third, he can understand your feeling without even talking to him. A friend always becomes happy for your happiness and sad for your sadness. There are many types of friends; some friends make you happy when you are with them, others make you feel safe when you are near them, some you feel comfortable confiding in, but the common thing between all types of friends is the love and trust between you and them. For example, my best friend is Musab. He has been my best friend for more than five years. We trust each other, and each of us helps the other whenever he needed any help. We spend together a lot of time chatting either face to face, or by phone. But even Musab, even though I spend with him a lot of time and I feel happy when I'm with him, doesn't know every secret in my life. I have some other friends I feel more comfortable telling them my secrets; that doesn't mean I don't trust Musab, but he is not the kind of friend I can confide in.

Little about Aziz

First, I want to introduce myself in that blog. My name is Abdulaziz Al-turki, but I prefer that people call me Aziz. I'm 18 years old, and I come from Saudi Arabia. After I had finished high school, I applied for a scholarship program in the SABIC company, and fortunately I was accepted. The reason I am in the US now at the University of Maryland is because my company has sent me here to get my Bachelor's degree. This is my second semester here in Maryland; I spent my first one at Maryland English Institute to learn some English that was acquired to be accepted in the university. I can say that my previous semester was fun and very helpful working with the MEI staff and students. I hope also that the next five years will be as fun as the last semester, or even more.

First Post

This my first blog, and my first post in a blog.
So, I just wanted to welcome every one here and I hope we will have a successful journey this semester with MEI005 class.

Aziz