Hello, Class! This is Towako from MEL School.
How are you doing?
Today, we explored how rare rainfall can dramatically change a desert environment—and how the same water can also become extremely dangerous.
In our grammar work, we focused on relative pronouns. Some of you found it challenging to create your own sentences using relative clauses. Remember, grammar is not something we learn just to complete exercises. We learn new grammatical structures because they allow us to express more complex and precise ideas.
When you use a relative clause, try starting with two simple ideas and think about how you can connect them into one sentence.
See you next time!
Towako
<Lesson Review>
ELST
Reading B2.1 #4: Floods in Death Valley
You first worked on the reading individually and copied the text into your notebook. Then, you studied important grammar and vocabulary with a partner.
The article introduced an interesting contrast in Death Valley. Rare, heavy rainfall can cause dormant seeds to sprout at the same time, creating a spectacular “super bloom” and temporarily transforming the desert into a “valley of life.”
However, heavy rainfall can also cause dangerous flash floods.
We connected the reading to recent flood incidents in Nepal and the Grand Canyon and discussed how quickly flash floods can become destructive.
You then wrote a Japanese translation on Google Classroom and practiced reading the text aloud.
The goal is not just to translate the sentences. As you read, try to visualize what is happening and understand how the ideas in the text are connected.
Bridge Work -3
Chapter 34 Unit 1
Ron has a bike he bought last year.
(p. 135) Vocabulary in Use
Words Related to Disabilities and Care
We reviewed vocabulary related to disabilities, accessibility, and care, including:
wheelchair, disabled, handicapped, nearsighted, blind, deaf / hard of hearing, care worker
We also discussed how words can have different meanings depending on context. For example, nearsighted can describe someone's vision, but it can also describe a person or idea that does not consider the future carefully.
(p. 131) Relative Pronouns
You wrote six sentences about yourself using relative pronouns and shared them with the class.
Creating your own sentences was more challenging than simply completing a grammar exercise. A useful way to think about a relative clause is to begin with two separate ideas and combine them.
For example:
I have a friend.
She speaks three languages.
↓
I have a friend who speaks three languages.
The relative clause who speaks three languages allows us to add specific information about a friend without starting another sentence.
The important question is not just, “Which relative pronoun should I use?” Think first:
What exactly do I want to say?
Grammar gives you more ways to organize your ideas and communicate them clearly and precisely.
