Reflection on 6/1 Lab Class ─ Hot Potatoes

I have a joyful time in the 3rd lab activity this afternoon. Tough Julie and I are very busy, I still enjoy it and I think my busyness is worthy of it. Comparing with the 2nd lab activity, the instruction of this activity is clearer and more understandable, so I know what and how should I do. Julie and I just pretend that we are the hosts of one ESL teaching program called “Julie and Celia’s ret garden.” It is so funny and we burst out laughing several times during our recording. It is a fresh and novel experience! Also I think this activity integrates all reading, speaking, listening and writing four skills, because we have to first read the article we have chosen closely, speak with my partner to discuss this article, listen to my partner’s opinions and, finally, write down summary, vocabulary, questions, and so on. It is a good chance to train our four areas of language proficiency. What’s more, I learn how to use the Hot Potatoes software to design a test. Though not very easy, it's very useful and practical! So I really enjoy this activity. Below are the work of Julie and I. Please take your time to enjoy it!

*A news link: Do men cheat for the thrill? Or the sex? (From MSNBC http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18096687/)

*Vocabulary list:
(Reference website: http://dictionary.reference.com/)
1.thrill (v.) to affect one with a wave of emotion or excitement (n.) a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, sometimes manifested as a tremor or tingling sensation passing through the body.
2. affair (n.) an intense amorous relationship, usually of short duration
3. companionship (n.) association as companions; fellowship.
4. experiment (v.) to try or test, esp. in order to discover or prove something: to experiment with a new procedure. (n.) a test, trial, or tentative procedure; an act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition, etc.: a chemical experiment; a teaching experiment; an experiment in living.
5.complex (a.) composed of many interconnected parts; compound; composite: a complex highway system.
6.rush (v.) to move, act, or progress with speed, impetuosity, or violence.
7. indefinitely (adv.) not clearly defined or determined; not precise or exact:
8. intoxicate (v.) to affect temporarily with diminished physical and mental control by means of alcoholic liquor, a drug, or another substance, esp. to excite or stupefy with liquor.
9. infatuation (n.) a foolish, unreasoning, or extravagant passion or attraction. See Synonyms at love
10. vulnerability(n.) the state of being vulnerable or exposed; "his vulnerability to litigation"; "his exposure to ridicule"
11. tryst (n.) an appointment to meet at a certain time and place, esp. one made somewhat secretly by lovers.
12. security (n.) freedom from danger, risk, etc.; safety.
13. cheat (n.) an act of cheating; a fraud or swindle (v.) to deceive; influence by fraud

*Comprehension questions and answers:
1. Men tend to cheat for sex; then women cheat for what?
Answer: Companionship, romance, more security, and sex.
2. Do you think that a man’s mistress must be more attractive than his original wife?
Answer: Not necessarily.
3. Why do the child of an adulterer tend to cheat often?
Answer: On account of environment. It is from psychological point of view.
4. Does men cheat simply for sex? What else reasons can you think of?
Answer: Not necessarily. Other reasons such as proving them are still young and new, avoiding any real intimacy, environment and so on are also included.
5. Do all the affairs happen because the marriage is in obvious bad or trouble? What other reasons can account for the affairs?
Answer: Lack of honesty and active communication.

*Summary:
The fact that men tend to have more affairs than women is due to not only sex, but other reasons as well. Men’s motivation to cheat is in fact complex than we may assume. A sense of freshness, proving they are still young and new, environment, avoiding any real intimacy, and so on are also crucial reasons. It is a misconception that the man’s mistress must be more attractive than his original wife. Lack of honesty and active communication are also reasons accounting for men’s cheat.

*Tests (by using Hot Potatoes):
JCloze
JMix
JQuiz
JMatch
JCross