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Besides appealing to the math nerd part of me, some of the coolest stuff this blog offers are his cool teacher pay comparisons. If you’re looking for a job in New England (especially in NYC), be sure to check out his blog. If you’re interested in Teaching Union information, this is also the place to go. I’m not interested in either, but the math nerd in me still wins when I subscribe!
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Not a teacher, but Joanne is a journalist. She has now turned her energy toward education. This is a great combination, and she frequently brings up stories that are relevant to all people involved in education. While she doesn’t usually post stuff that can be helpful in a classroom, she usually has enough links to where practical information is only a few clicks away.
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A brand new teacher (and a brand new blogger), Miss Cal.Q.L8 is learning how to do the whole education thing. Her blog is a reflection of that, and it’s going to be fun to watch her grow through the next few years. As a first year teacher, this would have been exactly what I needed.
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Natalie is a young music teacher. She’s a Christian, and from what I can tell about her from her blog and Twitter, she seems like a just all around great woman. Again, if you don’t teach music, you probably don’t need to go to her blog, but it won’t hurt you to visit anyway! There are quite a few links that she shares that are really helpful, especially to someone who is teaching private lessons. I wish I would have had access to a blog like this when I was teaching lessons full time!
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The mastermind behind the 100 Music Education Bloggers project, and the co-creator of the Music Education Blog Carnival with me, Dr. Joseph Pisano is inspiring. I really enjoy reading his blog from time to time, and also reading him as he inspires other music educators to blog about their experiences.
пʼятниця, 26 травня 2017 р.
Methodological support from other bloggers
Webinar: Creating Tomorrow’s Schools Today
In this edWebinar, best-selling Author Richard Gerver and Crayola Director of Education Cheri Sterman present on the topics raised in Gerver’s book, Creating Tomorrow’s Schools Today: Education—Our Children—Their Future. Richard’s experience in transforming schools provides practical advice for early career principals. An inspiring storyteller, Richard discusses how he shifted the paradigms around change in the schools he led. He believes that change moves schools in the right direction when implemented within a culture where creative ideas are heard, acted upon, and celebrated.
Co-presenter Cheri Sterman shares insights from her work with elementary school principals building creative capacity school-wide. In partnership with NAESP, Cheri has lead the Champion Creatively Alive Children program and worked with principals’ Creative Leadership Teams to embed art-integration as an effective teaching strategy. Cheri’s topics include:
- How art integration awakens the creative voice of students and teachers to positively impact test scores, attendance, and engagement
- Practical ways of “making thinking visible” at staff meetings and in professional development to spark collaborative conversations
- Her work with Turnaround Arts, an initiative led by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities
Podcast on topic shopping in London
Tess and Ravi are talking about shopping in London, and Jo and Adam look at how to use the word 'too' in different ways.
Click here to listen the podcast!!
Handouts and interactive exercises about Science and technology!
The present downloadable handout is meant for business/professional students, high school students and adults at Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2), Advanced (C1) and Proficient (C2) level. It was designed for honing your class' Reading and Writing skills. It focuses on the theme of Technology. The key is provided, too.
The present downloadable handout is recommended for elementary school students and kindergartners and nursery school students at Beginner (pre-A1) and Elementary (A1) level. It is valuable for practising Verb patterns in English, and can be used for strengthening your pupils' Reading and Writing skills. It is focused on the topic and words of Technology. The exercises come with the answer key.
Handouts and interactive exercises about Nature and environment!
This downloadable worksheet is a great resource for high school students, elementary school students and adults at Beginner (pre-A1) and Elementary (A1) level. It is excellent for developing your class' Listening, Reading and Writing skills. It features the topic and words of Environment.
The above downloadable teaching material is best suited for business/professional students, high school students and adults at Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2) and Advanced (C1) level. It is a valuable material for working on your students' Speaking, Reading and Writing skills. It features the topic and words of Environment.
Handouts and interactive exercises about Sport!
The above downloadable teaching material is intended for high school students, elementary school students and adults at Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2) and Advanced (C1) level. It is useful for improving your learners' Speaking and Reading skills. It focuses on the vocabulary topic of Sports.
The present downloadable worksheet is recommended for high school students, elementary school students and adults at Beginner (pre-A1), Elementary (A1), Pre-intermediate (A2) and Intermediate (B1) level. It was designed for strengthening your groups' Spelling, Reading and Writing skills. It features the theme of Sports.
Handouts and interactive exercises about Health!
The present downloadable worksheet is meant for high school students and elementary school students at Elementary (A1), Pre-intermediate (A2) and Intermediate (B1) level. It is excellent for strengthening your students' Spelling, Reading and Writing skills. It centers around the vocabulary topic of Health, going to the doctor.
The present downloadable teaching material is meant for business/professional students, high school students and adults at Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2), Advanced (C1) and Proficient (C2) level. It is a useful material for consolidating Questions in English, and is useful for developing your pupils' Speaking skills. The exercises come with a key.
пʼятниця, 12 травня 2017 р.
Top 5 Tips for Teaching ESL Learners
Are you just starting out with English or ESL teaching? Maybe you started awhile ago and want top tips for teaching your class, handling a class where you don’t speak their first language(s)? Perhaps you’re wondering if there are strategies for teaching English as a Second Language learners…
Well, you’ve come to the right place! This post is a short, but sweet list of my favourite ESL teaching tips.
Handouts and interactive exercises about Culture and free time!
The present downloadable teaching material is intended for elementary school students and kindergartners and nursery school students at Beginner (pre-A1), Elementary (A1) and Pre-intermediate (A2) level. It is excellent for enhancing your pupils' Speaking, Reading and Writing skills. It is about the vocabulary topic of Free time, leisure activities and Sports. You will find the solution at the end of the worksheet.
This printable, downloadable handout is intended for high school students, elementary school students and adults at Elementary (A1) and Pre-intermediate (A2) level. It is aimed at consolidating Present perfect tenses in English, and is useful for working on your pupils' Reading and Writing skills. It centers around the vocabulary topic of Holidays.
The present printable, downloadable handout is meant for elementary school students and adults at Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2) and Advanced (C1) level. It is useful for strengthening your groups' Speaking and Reading skills. It is about the topic and words of Free time, leisure activities and Hobbies.
Handouts and interactive exercises about Travelling and tourism!
This downloadable teaching material was created for high school students, elementary school students and adults at Elementary (A1), Pre-intermediate (A2) and Intermediate (B1) level. It is valuable for consolidating Questions in English, and is a valuable material for strengthening your students' Listening, Speaking and Reading skills. It focuses on the vocabulary topic of Travel. You will find the answers at the end of the worksheet.
Click!!!
This downloadable printable is intended for high school students, elementary school students and adults at Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2) and Advanced (C1) level. It can be used for working on your groups' Spelling and Reading skills.
Handouts and interactive exercises about Shopping and services!
This downloadable worksheet is a great resource for high school students, elementary school students and adults at Elementary (A1), Pre-intermediate (A2) and Intermediate (B1) level. It is valuable for revising Questions in English, and is a valuable material for working on your learners' Listening, Speaking and Reading skills. It features the topic and words of Shopping. There is a key provided with the exercises.
This downloadable printable is intended for business/professional students, high school students and adults at Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2), Advanced (C1) and Proficient (C2) level. It is a useful material for consolidating Questions in English, and is a valuable material for honing your pupils' Listening, Speaking and Reading skills. It is about the theme of Shopping. You will find the key at the end of the worksheet.
Handouts and interactive exercises about Food!
This printable, downloadable handout is meant for business/professional students, high school students, elementary school students and adults at Elementary (A1), Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1) and Upper-intermediate (B2) level. It is a useful material for consolidating Questions in English, and is a valuable material for working on your pupils' Listening and Speaking skills. It is focused on the theme of Food.
The present downloadable teaching material is best suited for business/professional students, high school students, elementary school students and adults at Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2), Advanced (C1) and Proficient (C2) level. It is great for practising Comparison (comparative and superlative) in English, and is useful for developing your class' Reading and Writing skills. It focuses on the topic and words of Food. There is a key provided with the exercises.
Exploring English: Language and Culture WEEK 6
It is a well-structured course, from the topics covered in the first week, English treated as a global language, passive voices, vocabulary, topics related to British music and culture, the beauties of its countryside, the countries in United Kingdom, its writers, its theater, themes of comparative and superlative grammar, the use of "so", the environmental topics, the Eden project, its entrepreneurial leaders, finally, a beautiful trip of 6 weeks that keeps you hooked !!!
To the teachers, thank you for all your time and teachings. To the companions, thanks for your comments and contributions. I hope to meet you in another course.
субота, 6 травня 2017 р.
Tips for ESL Students
![](https://www.penbaypilot.com/sites/default/files/2014/07/field/image/getprev.edit123.jpg)
Read an interesting article and find out how to improve reading and writing skills and how to improve listening and speaking skills
Study Tips for Students Taking Tests
You're in the thick of the school year. It seems like there are so many things going on, like assignments, projects, and extracurricular activities. Now a test is coming up and you've got to do well on it. How should you study so you do better on that test?
First of all, when you study for a test, you shouldn't be learning something completely new. It is faster and easier to recall something you have already learned than to learn something completely new. After each day of classes, it is a good idea to review everything you have learned. It doesn't have to be a long review either. Simply jog through the day's topics.
That way, you give your brain another chance to soak up the information. Hopefully, this review will make future studying less time consuming and less of a learning process.
Where you study is important. Find a place that's readily available with minimal distractions. A popular place to study is home. However, for some, home can be too distracting as it is easy to get sidetracked. What may help is if you study in a place that's similar to the place where you're going to take the test. When you study, you might associate certain topics with the environment. So if you take the test in a similar environment, you can more easily retrieve these associations. For example, if you're going to write a test in a gymnasium, it may help to study in a gymnasium.
Some people study well in a group since they can get help from others in areas in which they are lacking. They may also gain insight from others on what they have overlooked and which areas to focus on for the test. On the other hand, some people study well alone. They know what they have to study. Also, a group can be distracting as they engage in off-topic conversation or try to do everything but study. You're the one who knows yourself the best, so determine what works best for you.
There are a variety of methods you can use when studying. For example, when studying for a test, you can do different things, like reading through your textbook, reading through course notes, answering textbook questions, redoing past assignments, reviewing previous tests, researching online, talking with others, and more. You can also use memory-improving techniques like mnemonics, visualization, and association. Try a combination of different studying methods and track your results.
A method that works well for most people is studying in small pieces instead of large blocks of time. Studying in large blocks of time increases the chance that you will overwhelm your brain with information and start forgetting things. If you study in small pieces of time, you aren't absorbing all of this information at once and get chances to rest. Furthermore, you should rehearse what you study and do it in expanding time intervals. For example, if you study ten digits of PI, you could attempt to rehearse the ten digits in one minute, then two minutes, then four minutes, and so on.
In addition, state of being is important for studying. It has been shown that if you study while intoxicated, you will do better if you take the test while intoxicated. If you study while sober, you will do better if you take the test while sober. The sober case showed better results than the intoxicated case. Thus it's better to stay away from the drinks while studying and while taking the test.
Finally, make sure you eat healthy and get a good night's sleep before the test. If you think there is not enough time to sleep, take a look at some time management tips so you can help use and manage your time more efficiently.
Surefire Tips for Motivating ESL Learners
Those who have already obtained a master’s degree in ESLmay have the upper hand, but TESL students and the vast majority of other teachers have limited knowledge of how to work with English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, also called English Language Learners (ELLs). At some point in their career, almost all teachers will have a student whose native language is not English. Engaging with ELLs does not have to be an uphill battle — in fact, it should be an enriching experience for the teacher, the ESL learner, and the rest of the class.
As with all teaching, going the few extra steps to prepare engaging lessons — namely by injecting your own personal experiences and incorporating those of your students — will do wonders to interest your students in the curriculum. You can also draw inspiration from and use these teaching resources and tools. Says one teacher, “Teaching ESL is about 1/3 knowing the ins and outs of the English language, 1/3 being a good communicator, and 1/3 being a good actor. You really need to be excited in this job.” Here are 10 tips for motivating ESL learners and elevating the educational and cultural environment for everyone involved.
Learning English More Quickly: Tips for Students
There are millions of people around the world that are learning to speak English. One of the most common questions I get as an ESL teacher is “How do I learn English faster?" This article will provide some advice about how you can do just that.
ESL TEACHING TIPS & STRATEGIES FOR ANY GRADE LEVEL
Are your ESL students getting a little tired of the normal routine? Discover new and exciting ways to teach English with these tips and ideas. Find out your student’s learning styles and discover new methods in teaching to reach all your students. In addition, read inspiration and advice from fellow English Language Teachers on the philosophies of teaching and learning English as a second language.
Links:
The SIOP Learning Method: A Way to Reach English Language Learners
Using Communication Games to Teach English
Teaching English Conversation
Tongue Twisters for English Language Class
ICT in English classroom
ICT is often part of a teacher-centred class but it is easy to exploit these tools in learner-centred activities. For example, learners can control a cassette or DVD, stopping it each time they hear a contraction, develop their own class blog on the Internet with minimum teacher involvement, or use a computer in a multi-media area to present their findings from a pre-reading task. I provide you A few articles on the topic of ICT in English classroom which I hope will be informative for you
Links:
Using ICT in the English classroom
There is no doubt that almost everything we do nowadays is somehow
connected with technology. Without technology, life would be more difficult than it already is, knowledge would be limited and more difficult to achieve. The incorporation of ICTat schools has changed the education a lot. Computers represent an inexhaustible source of material for teachers and pupils.
Teachers, for example, can find all kind of valuable, beautiful and incredible material (flashcards, crosswords, pictures, bingos …) if they surf the Internet. This can help them to prepare the lessons better and to save time to devote to doing other things.
Our pupils like working with ICT, because it is very
motivating and enjoyable; we all know computers are a very useful support for teaching the curriculum, and the students also perceive this idea.
In my opinion, those teachers involved in the innovative practices in both primary and secondary schools can see how their classroom practice had become less didactic and their role within the classroom had become more that of a guide or facilitator, able to offer one-to-one support to individual students as required, achieving so a number of positive impacts on the students.
![](https://blocs.xtec.cat/montjuicenglishclass/files/2011/11/ICT.jpg)
- Improvements in the students’ motivation.
- Students’ presentation of work also improves, as a result of using ICT
- Their ability to work independently also increases, as well as their ability to organise their own work (i.e. prioritise) .
- Their Social skills, self-esteem, self-discipline and confidence in communicating with others outside their school and family circles enhance too.
- ICT improve group working and cooperative skillsndance at school
- They also increase responsibility for their own learning, changing interactions within the classroom and involving others outside the physical classroom in learning/social activities.
In conclusion, we can see that integrating ICT into the curriculum means more than teaching basic computer skills and using software programs. It must support the main key components of learning, that is: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and connection to real-world.
Link!!!
Link!!!
ICT tools and English Language Teaching
Introduction
This article tries to review ICT use in English Language Teaching (ELT). First, the rationale behind using ICT in ELT will be discussed. Then, a list of ICT tools that are currently used will be introduced.
Advantages of working with ICT tools
According to Pete Sharma and Barney Barret (2007), there are several reasons for using technology in language teaching. In addition to the fact that technology can be motivating, it offers the possibility to work autonomously or interact and collaborate with others. Technology also provides instant feedback on language performance in various tasks and exercises. Technology can also be an extension of the classroom and can be time saving. Finally, technology can promote language learning with fresh authentic and motivating materials directly usable from the Internet.
Using blended learning, which they define as “a language course that combines a face-to-face classroom component with an appropriate use of technology”, Pete Sharma and Barney Barret (2007: 7) suggest that “positive learning outcomes are most apparent when clear roles are assigned to the teacher and to the technology.”
In the following section, we will be reviewing the ICT tools that are used in ELT. The categorization of the tools presented are adapted from Tony Erbe et al., (2009).
ICT tools classification
ICT tools have been reported to yield positive results in ELT classrooms. in fact, judicious use of ICT tools to teach English boosts learning in terms of attitudes, autonomy and authenticity. In this section, we will list several ICT tools, classified according to their functions. To this effect, we will use Tony Erbe et al., (2009) classification which focuses on the functions of the different ICT tools.
E-creation tools
Those tools enable English language learners to be creative. They involve playing with and using language to create, explore, and discover while producing content and learning performances that can be measured. Examples of these tools include web publishing, presentations software, exercise creating tools, podcasting, camera, moviemakers, and audio makers.
E-communication tools
Software that promote communication among students and teachers may be divided into two kinds of tools. First, there are those types of software that allow for in real time interaction (i.e. synchronous) such as telephone conversations, a board meeting, voice conferencing, and instant messaging. The second type of software includes those that occur with a time delay (i.e. asynchronous) such as email, text messages transmitted over cell phones, and discussion boards.
Reading/ writing-facilitative e-tools
Some ICT tools can facilitate and boost teaching and learning of writing and reading skills. Examples of these tools include online boards, online journals, blogs, wikis, and e-books.
Blogs, wikis, boards and journals can be used to create digital material or portfolios online are spaces where learners work in collaborative projects. They can also be used for professional development or to summarize learners’ work. Examples of these tools are blogger, wikispaces and Penzu. They can be accessed by following these link:
- https://webwhiteboard.com/
- https://penzu.com
- https://www.wikispaces.com/content/classroom
- https://www.blogger.com/
Similarly, E-books have many functionalities. Learners can use them to develop their reading skill. For instance, e-books have added audio, interactive tasks and built-in dictionaries. Another advantage of this tool is that learners can access e-books on several devices such as tablets, mobile phones, and laptops.
Listening/speaking-facilitative e-tools
The listening skill can be developed through ICT tools such as:
- Video and audio files;
- Podcasts (syndicated audio files) and vodcasts (syndicated video files);
- Audio Video sharing libraries like YouTube.
E-assessment tools
Tony Erbe et al., (2009) list three basic performance types of assessment, namely, performances, portfolios, and projects. The main difference between these types of assessment and standardized traditional tests lies in the fact that with the alternative assessment tools, the leaner “produces evidence of accomplishment of curricula objectives”. This evidence is put in the form of a performance, project, or portfolio and can be “archived and used at a later date with other pieces of learning evidence as a compilation of proof to demonstrate achievement.” Tony Erbe et al., (2009: 153)
Virtual learning environments
Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) are Web-based platforms that allow teachers and learners to manage and organize their work electronically. Some of the benefits of these online spaces are as follows:
- Both parents and learners can access these spaces to assess progress.
- All participants may have their say on the discussion forums or conferencing sections
- VLEs reduce the social distance between all participants.
Conclusion
This article has attempted to review the rationale behind ICT use in education. We have also tried to classify ICT tools and their use in ELT. Some of these tools are designed for communication while others are made to help learners be creative. Language skills can also be developed through ICTs
середа, 3 травня 2017 р.
Handouts and interactive exercises about Work!
This downloadable printable is intended for high school students and adults at Elementary (A1), Pre-intermediate (A2) and Intermediate (B1) level. It is valuable for teaching Questions in English, and was designed for working on your groups' Listening, Speaking and Reading skills. It is focused on the theme of Jobs, work. The answers are provided, too.
The present downloadable printable was created for business/professional students and adults at Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2), Advanced (C1) and Proficient (C2) level. It is a valuable material for strengthening your learners' Spelling and Writing skills. It is focused on the theme of Jobs, work. The solutions are provided, too.
Handouts and interactive exercises about School!
This downloadable worksheet is intended for business/professional students, high school students, elementary school students and adults at Elementary (A1), Pre-intermediate (A2), Intermediate (B1), Upper-intermediate (B2), Advanced (C1) and Proficient (C2) level. It is aimed at teaching Questions in English, and is useful for strengthening your pupils' Listening and Speaking skills. It features the topic and words of School. There is a key provided with the exercises.
This downloadable printable is meant for high school students, elementary school students and adults at Elementary (A1), Pre-intermediate (A2) and Intermediate (B1) level. It is a useful material for teaching Present simple tense in English, and was designed for strengthening your groups' Speaking, Reading and Writing skills. It focuses on the vocabulary topic of School.
10 tips for successfully teaching an ESL program
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) presents a large number of unique challenges and difficulties. Whether you are teaching in a classroom overseas or in one of the many ESL programs right here in the United States, teaching speakers of other languages means that you will be dealing with an array of cultures, learning styles, educational backgrounds and, of course, the challenge of working through a potentially frustrating language barrier.
Despite these challenges (or perhaps partially due to them), demand for ESL teachers is currently at an all-time high. With the English language constantly growing in international importance and an influx of non-native English speakers here at home, qualified teachers are needed to provide a balanced and comprehensive ESL education. Here are 10 tips for successfully teaching an ESL program:
1. Incorporate Groupwork
Learning a foreign language, even if its roots are familiar, is a very daunting task for students of any age. Learning it alone is even more difficult. To make your ESL students feel comfortable practicing their new language, get them to work in pairs or larger groups so that they can help each other. Lessons become fun, and communicating and learning English becomes more natural when students can work through it together and peer-teach.
2. Maximize Oral Communication
Make sure you keep an oral focus in the classroom. While writing and reading are both important, requiring students to speak as often as possible helps ingrain the sound and feel of the language in a student’s mind. It also helps them learn the verbal cues. Developing a comfort with speaking English in front of other people is crucial to overall ESL success. The sooner they learn to start communicating verbally, the easier and more successful your job will be.
3. Use a Diverse Lesson Plan
ESL students will come from an array of cultural and educational backgrounds. As in any classroom, each student will learn differently. Keeping a lesson plan diverse will help you cater your English teaching to individual learners. Mix reading, writing, observing and listening with your oral focus to create a comprehensive lesson plan.
4. Incorporate Cultural Lessons to Personalize
Making the English language relevant and personal helps your students get interested and internalize the lesson plan. Use their personal experiences and backgrounds to teach the language. You can ask them to tell the class what they did the previous weekend, what their family is like, what their home is like — anything that gets them to think of their personal experiences will help them become more passionate about the words and phrases they learn and use. Also ensure that you teach them while making it relevant to their culture. In doing so, you will help your students find the language interesting and enjoyable.
5. Limit Dictionary Use
Try to limit the amount of time students spend consulting a glossary or dictionary. Asking students to memorize words and phrases is fine, but make sure that the majority of class time is spent putting these words and phrases into practice rather than just reciting words from a dictionary. This can become repetitive and boring, and provides little context to make your lesson relevant.
6. Give Homework to Keep English a Focus After Class
Your ESL students will most likely be going back to a household that does not regularly use English in conversation. This acts as an additional challenge for your students to overcome. While no student jumps at the chance to do more homework, giving your students work to practice on when they are away from the classroom is the best way to ensure that they aren’t completely forgetting the English they learned in your class that day.
7. Try Tongue Twisters
Tongue twisters can be a fun challenge for your ESL students. Asking your students to pronounce phonetically similar words gets them to stop and think about what they are saying and how they are saying it. It also helps them internalize pronunciation. Besides, tongue twisters are funny and will keep things light!
8. Have Students Read Aloud
Your students should practice reading aloud often. This is a great way to blend auditory, oral and reading skills. It will also help them become more comfortable speaking English in front of their peers.
9. Let Students Make Mistakes
Let your students work through their mistakes. Whether they are speaking, writing or reading English, allowing them to correct themselves will help them get a better grasp on the language. It may be tempting to interject with the correct pronunciation or spelling, but if a student can recognize his or her mistake and correct it, they are truly making progress.
10. Teach by Doing
The best way to teach English as a second language is to model each aspect of your lesson plan before asking students to iterate it. Clearly pronounce words and sentences. Read aloud to the class and ask them to repeat. Tell a story about your weekend to help them with syntax and inflection. By modeling your lesson for your ESL students, you will help them feel comfortable with what you are asking them to do.
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