Sep 25, 2014

Gravity: So x So That

This is an amazing movie. Absolutely innovative and gripping. I truly recommend it.
Books suggest that we should not interchange "so" and "so that". "So" means "therefore", and "so that" means "in order that". Every occurrence of "so that" can be replaced with "so" without losing meanings, but not vice versa. "So that" means "with the result that", "with the aim that", "in order that". "So" is making a conclusion, it is like you know already, or that something "can happen," according to your sentence; it is like the future predicted already.

I. Discuss the questions with a friend:

1. Have you ever wanted to be an astronaut? Why (not)?

2. What moves people who want to go outer space?

3. Would you like to go on a space trip? Why (not)?

4. What makes people want to risk their lives by traveling into space?

II. Complete the sentences with so or so that. When both are possible, use so.

1. Dr. Stone was warned about the telecommunications blackout ______________ she would not be surprised by that event.

2. She wanted to return to Explorer _______________ debris would not hit her.

3. The craft was severely damaged by the debris, ________________ she lost complete control of her movements.

4. Dr. Stone finally detached her suit, ______________ she was thrown into the space void.

5. She couldn't see anything, ________________ she did not manage to  provide any information of her coordinates.

6. She calmed herself down _______________ she could find the visuals and provide the coordinates.

Answer Key:

1. so that
2. so that
3. so
4. so
5. so
6. so that



Sep 15, 2014

The Adventures of Tin Tin: Sequence Words, Narratives

This is one of my favorite teenage years characters. Steven Spielberg production is amazing and thrilling. A must!

Before you watch the segment, try to guess the sequence of events in the scene. Then watch the movie snippet and check whether the sentences are in the order they took place in the snippet.

( ) They ran out of gas.
( ) Tin Tin read the flying manual.
( ) Tin Tin started the plane engine.
( ) The plane was hit by lightning.
( ) The Captain saved Tin Tin.
( ) The plane fell on the desert.
( ) The plane headed into a dangerous thunderstorm.
( ) The Captain tried to fix the plane.

II. Now write a paragraph connecting the sentences in order to come up with a story / narrative of events. Use the sequence words below.



  • At first
  • firstly
  • first of all
  • to begin with
  • secondly
  • thirdly
  • finally
  • in the end
  • afterwards
  • after that
  • then
  • next
Answer key:

1. Tin Tin read the flying manual
2. Tin Tin started the plane engine.
3. The plane headed into a dangerous thunderstorm.
4. The plane was hit by lightning.
5. They ran out of gas.
6. The Captain tried to fix the plane.
7. The plane fell on the desert dunes.
8. The Captain saved Tin Tin.



Sep 4, 2014

Under the Dome: Modals for Speculation


1. ( ) It is a force field.


3. ( ) It is a military operation.

4. ( ) It is a natural phenomenon.

5. ( ) It is their imagination.

6. ( ) It is a nuclear shelter.

7. ( ) Your guess.


1. ________________________________ 

2. ________________________________ 

3. ________________________________ 

4. ________________________________


CLIMATE: ___________________________

WATER RESOURCES: _______________________________

FOOD SUPPLIES: ______________________________

FAMILY MEMBERS / FRIENDS _________________________

POLITICS: ___________________________

SECURITY: ____________________________

HOSPITALS / HEALTH WELFARE ____________________
