Exam Season

Well, the snow in Dalian is melting, meeelllltiiiing since the sun came out. I heard it’s the worst snow for 54 years or something! They sure put a show on when they knew I’d be here.

The sun seems quite strong in Dalian. In my room, you can really feel the heat of the sun through the window. It really dries those clothes quickly! I don’t remember the winter sun in Ireland being that strong. Somebody can tell me!

As, snow season subsides, exam season is now upon us. In my naivety, I have decided to give each student a 3-minute oral English exam. Lots of teachers are just doing presentationy stuff. I thought that would mean they just recite a prepared speech, whereas my exam will be a 2-way thin. Well, that’s the theory anyway!

I started the exams today. Got off to a good start today by falling on my arse in the ice! I was grand. Only my pride was hurt!

So, in the exam, while the class is happily watching a Shrek DVD in one room, I am in another room and students come in 2 at a time (for logistical reasons and also maybe the students won’t be so lonely waiting for their turn to come).As I may have said earlier, the difference in levels is astonishing. I asked one guy how big was the snowman he built. He answered “3 hours”. Another guy didn’t know what Western Food was. Then there were a few good ones. They lump these students in all together with differing levels, which makes it harder to teach and grade. That’s the system, so I just have to give a ball-park mark.