Sunday, March 8, 2009

A First Step: Learn to Use This Blog

Toothpaste For Dinner
www.toothpastefordinner.com

What is a blog?
The word, blog, comes from two words, web log.
So, a blog uses the web to log or make regular entries. There are many different kinds of blogs. Blogs can share personal thoughts and link to other web sites. Blogs are public and social. They include social media (art, photographs, videos, music and audio). Visitors to blogs can be social and add comments.

Who is this blog for?
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) learners.
  • Most of the articles are at the Intermediate level.

Why use this blog, Real Canadian English?
English is not a dead language, so use your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Keep the language real or alive by visiting an ESL blog. Practice. Practice. Practice. Also, learn about Toronto and Canada and you will understand the Canadian culture better. Culture is part of the language.

What is a blog post?
A blog post or post is an article on the blog.
Posts are like conversations, so casual or every day English is used. A post can include writing, photos, maps, videos, slides, music, audio and links to other web pages. ESL posts can include helpful tips and quizzes.

What is a link?Look for underlined words in my articles. These words go to related information. The underlined words go to web pages with more pictures, videos, slides, music or related stories. 
  • For other underlined words, you must click on the words and you will go to more information on another web site, but remember to return to this blog to continue. Try this example, Toronto map.
Use the dictionary on this blog.Double click or click two times on any word. It will go to a dictionary page. Try clicking, blog. Sometimes, there is more information and pictures.

Do you want to read more posts?
  • Under each post is older posts. The posts go backwards or use reverse time order.
  • See "Related Posts" at the end of a post. Press on the underlined post and you will go to a that post.
  • Go to "Blog Archive" on the right side. There you will find the latest posts and old posts.
  • Go to "Labels". On the side bar (or to the right of the articles) is a list of topics. For example, press pronunciation and you will go to pronunciation tips and practice.
  • Go to "Live Page Popularity". It shows what other people are reading.
Do you want to subscribe?Click on "Subscribe" on the right side bar. Then the posts will automatically go to your computer.

Do you want to comment?
Go to the end of the post and press "comments". Practice your writing by leaving a message. I will often reply. Bogging is about sharing thoughts and ideas.


Look at the right side for links to other web pages.

  • A map shows recent visitors' locations.
  • The video bar has short videos.
  • Useless knowledge has changing trivia.
  • Twitter messages are there
Do you have a question?
Write a question in "comments" below, and I will answer it.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your kind words, Tabitha.

Don't know what to say?

That's a good question for all readers. You can say what you want. comment about the post. You can add your ideas or opinions. You can agree or disagree, but be polite.

Anonymous said...

It is great. I will keep visiting.

Bonnie Ford said...

I'm glad you enjoyed your first visit. Your welcome to come again and again.