2008-05-13 03:00:00 Two Iffy Words]]> Two Iffy Words]]> intermediate hurdle? These recent intermediates are easier than many elementaries from last year in terms of speed of dialogue, vocabulary, etc. I've only tried one of your Uppper-Intermediates lately (Yoga) and I'm not sure I'm quite ready for that level either, though. I guess the September 2007 or so vintage Intermediates are the right match for me right now. Please don't get me wrong, I believe your approach and insights and methodologies are better than ever. I also know you need to cover a wide cross-section within any one level. Guess I just need to keep on keepin' on and am looking for direction.]]> intermediate hurdle? These recent intermediates are easier than many elementaries from last year in terms of speed of dialogue, vocabulary, etc. I've only tried one of your Uppper-Intermediates lately (Yoga) and I'm not sure I'm quite ready for that level either, though. I guess the September 2007 or so vintage Intermediates are the right match for me right now. Please don't get me wrong, I believe your approach and insights and methodologies are better than ever. I also know you need to cover a wide cross-section within any one level. Guess I just need to keep on keepin' on and am looking for direction.]]> Intermediate lesson, so of course it's easier than an Upper Intermediate lesson. I don't agree that it's easier than Elementary lessons, but if you'd like to make some specific comparisons, I'm very interested in taking a look. In answer to bryan's question, yes, the Elementary-Intermediate gap issue is always in our minds while creating lessons, so we make sure that some Intermediate lessons are more accessible to those trying to cross over.]]> Intermediate lesson, so of course it's easier than an Upper Intermediate lesson. I don't agree that it's easier than Elementary lessons, but if you'd like to make some specific comparisons, I'm very interested in taking a look. In answer to bryan's question, yes, the Elementary-Intermediate gap issue is always in our minds while creating lessons, so we make sure that some Intermediate lessons are more accessible to those trying to cross over.]]> Ping Pong Volleyball Fast Food After going back and listening to them, I guess it was mostly due to the rate of speech and/or lower-frequency vocab of the olympic events. I apologize for making what I now recognize was a flat-out incorrect statement. There are challenges even in the easier Intermediates that outweigh those Elementaries. Upon listening to snippets of dozens of old Ellie dialogues on my commute home tonight I was shocked that they seemed so easy. I guess that's a good thing! It has helped remind of how far I've come (even though I have a long way to go) and how much great teaching and planning continues to go into your podcasts. Thank you guys!]]> Ping Pong Volleyball Fast Food After going back and listening to them, I guess it was mostly due to the rate of speech and/or lower-frequency vocab of the olympic events. I apologize for making what I now recognize was a flat-out incorrect statement. There are challenges even in the easier Intermediates that outweigh those Elementaries. Upon listening to snippets of dozens of old Ellie dialogues on my commute home tonight I was shocked that they seemed so easy. I guess that's a good thing! It has helped remind of how far I've come (even though I have a long way to go) and how much great teaching and planning continues to go into your podcasts. Thank you guys!]]>