For and Against

Using computers

advantagers:
- information of all types can be in one place, so it is viry convinient to keep information on the computer;
- faster and, again, more convinient to lool for information using computer's Internet
- good way to work with photograths, texts, documents, etc
- you can connect with people when you need to do it, send a message, for example
- you can create many different things using computer, for example, to write (type) a novel, to draw a picture, to work up a photo and many different things

disadvantagers:
- health problems especially problems with eyes
- in these time people, especially youth waste a lot of time playing computer games or chatting
- computer occupies a lot of space on the table
- technical problems which always accompany a computer are really irritative
- it costs a lot. If you want to have a copmuter that wouldn.t be broken in a week you have to pay a big sum of money

I think that adding some examples to my essay would be a good thing)

Ksu ex3p55

One language spoken worldwide would lead to better international relations. (For and against)

FOR

• it will be easier to communicate with people from foreign countries, to understand the culture of another country better.
• language spoken worldwide will be a common property of mankind, it will make differnt nations closer.
• a number of misunderstandings between different contries will decrease.

AGAINST

• if some language of some particular country becomes a worldwidespoken, people from this country will not learn foreign languages.
• if some language becomes a worldwide spoken, it will lose its uniquiness.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of our ever-increasing use of computer?(For and against) or (Advantages or disadvantages)

ADVANTAGES

• computer provides a great source of information
• with the help of computer communication with people from another cities or even countries has become easier.
• with the help of computers you can do some things faster, for example- writing and sending letters.
• one computer contains functions of several technologies such as mini system, TV-set.

DISADVANTAGES

• some people become depended on computer and internet, and it takes the place of their real life.
• spending long time in front of a computer can be cause of different illnesses.
• there are a lot of violent computer games nowadays, and children spend a lot of time playing them.
  

Olya’s points:

Advantages and disadvantages of our ever-increasing use of computer technology:

For	Against
Computer technologies make our life easy; allow us to spend less time of doing some work. Thanks to the usage of Internet we can receive any sort of information. We can communicate to each other using the great variety of sites.	People stop progressing, spending their time in the Internet without aims. Human mental activity is descending Computer has become to substitute for many human activities, such as reading, going in for sport and etc.

“Too much money is spent on sport when it could be used to help the poor”

Advantages	Disadvantages
People will be healthier if they pay more attention to sport activities. Sportsmen of our country can have the opportunity to practice more and therefore to show the great achievements. A lot of sport centers are been building now that allow us to spend more time going in for sport.	There are a great number of poor who can’t afford them to go to swimming pools and different sport centers. Poor people oblige to think about more necessary things, such as food. Old and poor people have a lot of other troubles and in view of their age they don’t need to be so active.

I want to add some information.

Do you believe that equality for women means that women should also do such thing as military service? My opinion:

Advantages:
· Women claim one’s rights to equality. Now they are independent & strong
· Military service is a good life’s school for women
· Women acquire skills in camping, shooting, signaling and etc
· They didn’t disgrace themselves in a terrible situation

Disadvantages:
· as a rule they are single
· usually this women aren’t feminine





What are the advantages & disadvantages of our ever-increasing use of computer technology? My opinion:

Advantages:
· computer technology help us to be people with ours ear to the ground
· computer technology make easier our life
· it is helps us to find a useful information


Disadvantages:
· it is bed for our eyesight
· it is takes up our free time

Yana's list of points.

1) “One language spoken worldwide would lead to better international relations”. (for and against)

Arguments for:
• The relationship between different nations becomes closer.
• Great art and cultural heritages belong to the whole world.
• Rising number of national conflicts is because of lack of understanding.
• There are many ecological problems which should be solved by people all over the world.
Arguments against:
• Every language is a unique cultural heritage of a nation. It means that a national language can disappear and a nation can be deprived its singularity.
• A language is a result of a long period of time which has been developed by several generations. We should hold this fact in remembrance and respect the labour of ancestors .
• International market connections can be disappeared. It means that a country will need some products, and it will lead to an economic crisis.
• Many people such as diplomats and interpreters can lose their job.
2) “The motion picture industry is threatening to destroy culture and tradition”. (opinion)
• A great number of violence and destructions shows the drawback of society. This is the reason of rising cruelty especially of young people.
• There are no films which can show exemplary behavior without cruelty and damage and teach moral principles. Instead of this we can see nasty jokes which teach how to have fun under the other people.
• Such films forms wrong views about the culture and traditions of the country.

I'm trying to figure out what examples to use to illustrate my points

Some more my pictures of Baikal's majestic nature.

Anfisa

This is a picture of my lively cat Anfisa. She was everybody's favorite in my family. We had to put her to sleep last year because she had an uncurable turmor. But before that we enjoyed 15 years of wonderful life together. She was a naughty one and liked to play all sorts of tricks. For example, she could jump on you from a hiding place when you did not see. We believe she could "talk," because not a day went by without some story she shared with us when we returned home from work or some other place. I could say, "Anfisa, мясо" and she would rush into the kitchen and sit at the fridge door and say something. I miss her a lot.

moreover!!!! i have no idea haw to delete this stuff below!!!! T____T

the thing is that my computer hates me. and i can`t stand it too!!!!! >_<
i`ve written such a wonderful thing and posted such a wonderful picture, that this crazy thin decided not do work in the right way. i`m killed.

It is marvellous cat! =))) I finded this photography in Internet.

I love cats with all my heart=))) I feed stray cats, but can't shelter animals, because I have got a dog, a cat and a tortoise .

If you're interested in chemistry you can find an interesting information in Periodic Tables of the Elements in Over One Hundred Languages. This is an on-line dictionary where you can find, first of all, a copy of Mendeleev's Periodic Table of the Elements and, secondly, a very usefull and interesting information about these elements. For example, I've just found there some facts about my favourite chemical elements. They are mercury and silver (Hydrargyrum and Argentum). I've found about their description, quality, with what other chemical elements they can interact, about their history, where they can be used now and many other things. Besides, this on-line dictionary not just English. You can find information written in many different languages

Yana's RhymeZone Multifunctional Dictionary

Among a great number of dictionaries, it is difficult to choose the best daily dictionary which must satisfy all your linguistic needs. I thing I have found such dictionary. It is RhymeZone Multifunctional Dictionary. It has many options; if you enter a word, you may find rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, definitions, related words. For example, you are fond of writing poems, so let’s find the rhyme with “happy”. Then you can choose an appropriate word (sappy, crappie, unhappy…).
Another option is to find the word from Shakespeare’s works or search for quotations. It is necessary when you write an essay, because you have to prove your statements by the words of famous scientists or writers. Also RhymeZone dictionary can be the resource of information from Old Testaments, U.S. Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. There are many important documents which can be useful for writing a paper. The last feather of the dictionary is generated quizzes where you can check your knowledge or become well-educated in some categories such as verbs, nouns, adjectives, state capitals, Greek gods and goddesses and other categories.
If you want to get more details about this dictionary, please, visit www.rhymezone.com/ you won’t feel disappointment. :)

Baikal is one of the most valuable treasures of our nature, isn't it?

I would like to show you my own photo of Baikal's environment.

Ksu's on-line dictionary

There are a lot of different kinds of dictionaries nowadays: printed dictionaries, on-line dictionaries, electronic dictionaties and many others. At present internet is very widespresd, that's why almost every one, who use it, has access to on-line dictionaries. So when I entered to http://yourdictionary.com, I found there a great amount of different and wonderfull dictionaries. It was really difficult for me to choose and describe it, because they are all wonderful and unique. It was amazing to find out that such kind of dictionaries as Energy Dictionaries can exist. But when I found Film Dictionaries all my apprehension disappeared, because I'm interesting in all kinds of movies. Its name is IMBD Film Glossary. This glossary is connecting with http://www.imdb.com. It is very simple in usage. When you come to the main page, you'll see the alphabet, each letter is made is a link, click on it, and you'll get the whole list of terms, wich begins from this letter. Also authors give a list of synonims below the main term. If the description of the term contains another term, it also is made as a link, and if you click on it you will find an explonation.
If you are a real devotee of film industry, this dictionary is a great source of information about it!
More detail you can find on http://us.imdb.com/Glossary/

This ia a kitsune, a creature from Japanese folklore. The word 'kitsune' means a fox, and in Japanese myphology it is a spirit fox who can change her form and look like a human.

If you want to know more about kitsune you can go there:

http://academia.issendai.com/fox-japanese.shtml

Olya's favourite pictures

 

Aren't they beautiful?
Nature is one of the main human richness! And everyone must take care about it and appreciate it!

Olya's favourite dictionary -the Cook's Illustrated Dictionary.

   So I’ve decided to enter the Cook's Thesaurus, because I have been interested in cooking different unusual dishes since my childhood. For me it’s not simply a necessity but also a very creative process. When I had read the main page I understood that it’s a cooking encyclopedia that has a great amount of articles which are dedicated to almost all sorts of ingredients and kitchen tools. Much to my astonishment, each entry includes pictures, useful descriptions, synonyms, pronunciations, and suggested substitutions. Moreover there is a note about an “Ingredient of the Month” in the first page. In addition, I easily have found a lot of information about food due to a link “Categories “which contains many points such as “vegetables”, “flavorings”, “dairy”, “vegetarian”, “grain products", “accompaniments” and etceteras. I’ve read an article about vegetables where I’ve found that, for example, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and beans, are all fruits, but we usually refer to them as vegetables. It was rather a surprising thing for me!
I am sure that this encyclopedia can help everyone to know more about what we eat and simply find interesting information!
You can follow by this link:
http://www.foodsubs.com/

Online dictionaries assignment

We've started discussing the dictionaries that can be helpful in studying English.

I'd like you to have a look at some at http://yourdictionary.com When there go to Other Dictionaries and scroll down. You'll soon see links to Roget's thesaurus (good idea to have a look at it!)

If you scroll even further down, you will see links to dictionaries of
quotations, among other things.

Next, there are specialized dictionaries in many dif categories: from Art
and agriculture to Education, Etymology and Film, to name just a few.

Choose the one that seems more interesting or the one you've never even
thought about existing and surf it. Then write an entry in the blog
describing it.

Your Favourite Pictures

I'm posting this picture on Irene's behalf. We tried in class to download it but it didn't work. Maybe, this time it'll work.

Also, I'm inviting you to post your pictures in this thread with your comments.

Margo's film

Academic Writing-762: Add links to your posts: "I've just been there and found an information about one interesting moovie. It is named 'The Village'. It tells about the village isolated from all other world with forest. There are strange dangerous creatures in this forest, and citizens have an agreement with them. People from the village do not go to the forest, and these creatures do not go to the village. But once... Well, I advice you to watch it."

Olya's favourite film

“The Last Samurai” is one of the most favorite films of mine. First I saw this film nearly 4 years ago and I was absolutely amazed by it! So when I had to decide between enormous variants of films only one and find out about it some interesting information, I‘ve certainly chosen this one. I have found that Tom Cruise- who played the main role in this film- only just escaped potentially fatal injuries after a sword was swung within one inch of his neck. He and his colleague Hiroyuki Sanada were acting out a sword fight scene when the incident happened.
Then I was surprised to learn that Tom Cruise spent almost 2 years in preparation for the film, including swordplay instruction, and Japanese language lessons.
And the last thing which I found interesting and uncommon is that the title of the film does not refer to Nathan Algren as the Last Samurai. The word 'Samurai' here is in its plural form and is actually referring to Katsumoto's clan as a whole.
If information which I’ve written here awake your interest you may follow by these links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325710/trivia

http://lastsamurai.warnerbros.com/html_index.php"

Yana's favorite film

Academic Writing-762: Add links to your posts: "Hi, guys. Do you remember the film which is called “Ghostbusters”? I am sure you have seen it.
It is fascinating comedy with elements of fiction. Three odd-ball scientists were booted out of New York University. They decided to start the own business in catching ghost. And they called themselves “Ghostbusters”. At first, clients were few, but then New York’s downtown sky scraper became the focal point of spirit activity linked to the ancient god Gozer, “Ghostbusters” got the real job which may be overcome only by the team. And New York’s future depended on the results of their work.
Looking through the site I found out much interesting information such as private life of the main actors, their achievements (all of them won Oscar, Grammy, etc.), a lot of details about the film, for example, What was the pink slime made of? What was the song that started playing after the containment unit bursts, and continued until Dana/Zuul's apartment wall exploded? and many other things. The most captivating thing for me was Fun Stuff, because I can read fun quotes and imagine some episodes from the film. If you want to enjoy “Ghostbusters” again or if I arouse your interest, click here :) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/
October 13, 2008 9:24 AM"

Ksu film

Academic Writing-762: Add links to your posts: "Ksu said...
The name of the film, wich I saw last,is 'The Departed'. It impressed me very much. At first sight, the plot of this movie can seem very simply and ordinary, and you can think :'Okay, another film about police, mafia, good and bad guys.' Obviously this fillm about all this things, but the plot is rather unusual. This film is about two young men, who had just graduated from Massachusetts State Police Academy. One man, Billy Costigan, from crook family, wanted to work in police for doing redeem the family. Another one,Colin Sullivan, went to the police as Frank Costello's informator. Likewise Billy Costigan was brought in Costello s band as police informator. They did not know about each other.But one day both sides understood that they had a 'rat' in their departmens. Since this time they tried to find each other. This film is really imazing, and the end of the film is unpredictable. This movie is worth of see. A great number of famous actors take part in it, namely Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Jack Nicholson. And the main thing is that the director of this film is Martin Scorsese. Who is famous by working at 'Aviator', 'Gangs of New-York'. More about this film you can learn from htt://thedeparted.warnerbros.com
October 13, 2008 4:57 AM"

My Favourite Things

Here are some photos of places and things I like.

Romeo+Juliet's review

I want to describe one of my favourite films – Romeo + Juliet. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117509 It was released in 1996. It starred Leonardo Di Caprio and Claire Danes. In my opinion their acting is on a really high level. The film is based on the famous Shakespeare’s play which I really like and I have read it many times.

The plot of the film is a little bit different from the book, but it doesn’t lose anything as I think. It’s a very romantic story about the teenagers’ sincere love. However, the final is so sad and tragic. It made me burst into tears. The main characters’ feelings touched me very much when I saw it firstly. It’s such a pity that they didn’t have an opportunity to live long happy life. They had a lot of difficulties on their way to happiness. Their families were enemies and they didn’t want to become reconciled. Their families’ stubbornness and wish to be the most influential family in Verona cost a really high price: their children’s deaths. On the one hand, it’s glad that there can be smth which is more valuable than money for such a kind of people.

I was thinking about the present time, so I realized that such pure feelings couldn’t live nowadays.

Nikitra's favourite film

There are many films that I like... But I think I can say, that all of them are a liitle bit similar...hm... inside. they are all very strange, they all make my mind swich off! When you try to understand everything that is happening on the screen, you make your brain work very hard... And you can ubderstand everything only in the end of the film! after that you just sit quiet and stare on the credits running in front of you...
The most braincrashing films are "The Butterfly Effect", "A Beautiful Mind", "The Internal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind"... and maybe "Vanilla Sky"! But I want to tell you about the first one from my list!
Well, The Butterfly Effect.... as you know this very effect means that "Small variations of the inition condition of a dynamical system may produce large variations in the long term behavior of the system..." (What is butterfly effect.) In easier words the butterfly's wings may cause the tornado on the other side of the world. And in this film the main character can return into his memories and change them. And every little correction changes the future... Then he entangles everything and every next corrected future is worse than previous... to know what happens next watch this film by yourself!:) THE FILM

P.S. Don't try to watch the second part of this film!!! imagine if you will be offered to look on the painting "Mona Lisa 2"! I think it's not very good idea...

Nastya`s IMDb`s map)

"For people who used to be ten years old - and people who are going to be ten years old." Hayao Miyazaki.


My favourit anime is "Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi " aka "Spirited away" by Hayao Miyazaki-sama. He is a delightful person, who i admire and really respect! http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0594503/bio

"Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi " is a vonderful, mestireous and really heart-touching story. The film won many awards as a best animated feature and for a best song/music (by Joe Hisaishi http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0386749/)

there is some interestin stuff about the anime here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/trivia
i really like this: "The flexible light thing that jumps around and leads to the house is a reference to Pixar's mascot, Luxo Jr. Miyazaki is a big fan of Pixar and wanted to show his admiration."
the thing is, that tere was a jumping street lamp in the anime, which showed the road for the main heroine) it was wery pretty!! ^_^


Enjoe official site:)
http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/animatedfilms/miyazaki/more_miyazaki.html

"Lin: What's going on here?
Kamajii: Don't you see? It's called... Love."- my adorable scene;)
 
P.S. if you really want to inreach tour Japanese, watch it, and you`ll recieve a dose of positive emotions! It worth it!

Ann's favourite dictionary

Nowadays there is quite a big variety of English dictionaries to use. They differ from each other very much. So everyone can choose what he/she likes.
My favourite one is Macmillan English dictionary. www.macmillandictionaries.com It includes both paperback and CD-ROM editions. As for me, it is really convenient. When I don’t have a lot of time on doing my homework or I’m very tired, I use its CD-ROM edition because its usage isn’t time-consuming. Of course, it has all the features of every dictionary (pronunciation, explanation, examples of the word’s usage). However, this dictionary is overfilled with a lot of different information. It mentions a list of words which are frequently used together. Also it has a lot of metaphors, idioms and etc with their explanations.
In my opinion Macmillan English dictionary has only advantages in its usage.

My favourite film
My favourite film is The Matrix Revolutions. The film was written and directed by Larry Wachowski and Andy Wachowski . The Matrix Revolutions is the third and final film in The Matrix trilogy . By the way, this film contains more interesting action scene and least of all Philosophy than other film in The Matrix trilogy . It would be a platitude to say that Neo ( my favourite Hero) is the bravest hero. He occupices an outstanding place in The Matrix trilogy . And a TV addict cannot imaging The Matrix without Morpheus, Oracle, Trinity! In this film Neo fall for Trinity. It is fantastic, I think. In other film the impact of her beaty seemed lost on Neo. When I went to the cinema I hoped that they would be together. But in the end of my favourite film Trinity was killed and Neo died a heroic death. People in the cinema were crying. And cursed copy of Smith! Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss and ect acted in The Matrix trilogy. We admire the great word of Matrix, each of us finding special lines for ourselves. It’s unforgettable film!!! http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix_revolutions/ -official site of Matrix Revolution

My dictionary (Margo E)

If your activity is connected somehow with different languages, it is necessary to have a dictionary of language that you need. Especially, if you study a language. Some words about my own dictionary. It is usual not very big Russian—English/English—Russian dictionary. I wish I had a better one but now I haven’t a chance this my wish come true. Of course, my present little dictionary has good sides. I already said it’s not big that’s why it is so convinient to take this dictionary with me if I need to use it. I always carry a lot of note- books in my bag and if I need a dictionary I can find a place in a bag for it. What is more it is double, I mean, it consists of an English—Russian part and a Russian—English part, and I can compare several meanings of a word. For example, I found a word in a text. Let it be the word ‘ultimate’. I look for it in an English—Russian part, read it’s meanings then I find these meanings in the other part and compare them. It can be usefull if you want to fill the meaning of a word. Also there are phonetical transcription of each word. It’s irreplaceable for my phonitic lessons. I want a new bigger dictionary but I suppose I keep my present dictionary as well.

My favorite dictionary

My favourite dictionary is the Oxford dictionary of the English language. This dictionary teaches us to understand English words and explain meaning of words in the English language . At first, I found it hard to understand. But now, it’s easy for me. My favourite dictionary consists of information about Grammar, word formations, word usages and about etymology. Also, it contains interesting examples and short definitions. For example, Sanction noun (plural sanctions) 1- permission or authorization. 2- Action taken against a nation that is considered to have broken an international law etc., Sanctions against that country include refusing to trade with it. Sanction verb (sanctions, sanctioning, sanctioned) permit or authorize. From Latin sancire= make holy.
With this dictionary you can achieve success in English language. From time to time, when I have free time I read this interesting book for me. I’m sure, that you will have unforgettable time, when you read it!!! That is sure pretty! It’s a useful book, isn’t it?

How to edit your posts

To edit your post you need to sign in and go to the dashboard. There under the name of your group's blog you have an option edit, which allows you to edit you old posts. You should click on the post you want to edit and introduce the necessary changes. After you have finished revising your post, don't forget to publish it or save it as a draft if you want to return to revising it again before publishing it.

Lets agree for now, though, that you will not edit your old posts but add a new post in the same thread, so that it can be seen how your work has changed. This is necessary for us to analyze your writing process and learn about ways of improving what you have written.

POSTS: DEADLINE!

Your papers/posts should be submitted by 8 pm Monday!

Let's try to keep to it!!!

Add links to your posts

It is very simple:)!

http://www.imdb.com

You should type the exact web-address of the site you want us to have a look at and click "space," which will automatically create a link.

Is it easy enough?

Solonko Irina's Dictionary

People, who are learning foreign languages, use different sources to learn much more new words and their meanings. The most popular, convenient, and available way of learning new words is looking the word up in the dictionary. Although one can speak of a purpose of any dictionary, it must be realized that every dictionary is compiled with a particular set of users in mind. There are a lot of kinds of different dictionaries, such as an electronic dictionary, which contains several languages, not a very large number of linguistic units, phrasal verbs, and statements, an on-line dictionary on the Internet, where one may find the meaning of the word and its pronunciation, and a book format dictionary. There is no doubt, that each of these dictionaries has its advantages and disadvantages, but I prefer the last one – a dictionary as a book. My choice is a Dictionary of Contemporary English is published by Longman. This dictionary is easy in usage, and it also contains a lot of illustrative materials, which help to learn the information in visual form. Authors of the dictionary give in the article several meanings of a word with simble examples. It makes the usage not only available; it helps to find definitions between synonyms and other linguistic units. There are also some the most famous abbreviations and etymological characteristics of words, famous geographical names with transcriptions, and a few maps are given in the dictionary. One more thing, which attracts me in the dictionary, is the CD-ROM version of the book edition. I can use an electronic version instead of book one, but it’s not always very convenient, especially if I don’t have an opportunity to use notebook. The only thing, which does not attracts me in the Longman dictionary, is its large size. The book is rather heavy and big, so I cannot take it anywhere. I think the Longman Dictionary Of Contemporary English is one of the best dictionaries, although there are a large number others, which are worse neither in usage nor in contents of linguistic units.

Ksushas description of dictionary.

English has become very popular nowadays, that is why there are a lot of different sorts of dictionaries these days. In my oppinion the most effective and useful dictionary is English-English dicnionary, because of it I prefer Macmillan dictionary. Firstly I met with this dictionary when I was at the first course, and I really liked it. Macmillan has a lot of resources, and it is very easy to use.
Each word has its clear and simple explanation. Only the most common words are used in it. Also if a word has five or more meanings, there is a special table near this word, where all its meanings enumerate. This special table is called menus. It helps to find necessary meaning faster.
Some words have collocation boxes. These boxes shows with what words this one is used more frequently.
Basides word usage is demonstrated with the help of simple examples.
Also each word has a transcription. It helps to read words in correct way.
Likewise this dictionary is divide into several section, namely Numbers, Phrasel Verbs, Academic writing, Metaphor, Computer words, Pragmatics, Spoken discource, British and American English and some others. These sections provide a modern information about up-dated English.
Similary Macmillan is full of different illustrations, which explain word meaning and show differenece between synonyms.
Although every print Macmillan contains CD. This CD is an electron variant of the dicnionary. CD contains the same options as print variant, but it gives you an opportunity to listen words pronunciation and to add your translation or information to the words.
The way I find a necessary word is rathe simple. Firstly I find a necessary word, then I look through the context, in wich this word is used, after it in menus I find necessary meaning. Next I read an explonation, look this usage, which is elustrated in example. As example let"s take word "flight". It has several meanings:

1. journey in air/space
2. (bird) movement in air
   
3. moving through air and etc.

As you see each meaning has its own number. For example I need the third meaning. I look at number 3. There I see an explanation "the act or process of moving through the air, or the ability to move through the air." Then auyhors give an example of usage "What was the diretion of flight when the plane crashed?"
As I mention earlier this dictionary has several sections. And this feature I like most of all, exactly sectio, which is devoted to numbers. This section gives an information how to say and write numbers in English, how to say phone numbers, dates in correct way. Also it is provide an information about the difference in the usage of numbers in British and American English.
You can find out more information about Macmillan dictionary in www.macmillandictionary.com

My dictionary

It is very important for us as linguists to have a useful and efficient dictionary. In this case, Longman Dictionary has everything to satisfy even the most captious person.
There are a lot of things which you can research, when you open the dictionary at first. This isn’t a simple handbook which includes only words and their definitions, but also encyclopedic information like geographical names with pictures and historical data, different holidays, articles about famous people (for example, Michael Jordan, Vanessa Mae, Joseph Addison), international organizations and so on.
As for the article, it contains various meaning of a word, British and American pronunciation, spelling, variants of a word. Cultural Notes give additional information about things that native speakers associate with the word. Also you can see quotations from well-known poems, novels, plays. If you need more information you can see an arrow and the words see also, it is a reference which tell you about related articles. Idioms and Phrases are marked in black print. Usage shows you various applications and indicates the correct choice of the word. Italic letters point grammatical categories whether a word is countable, uncountable, transitive, etc.
As for me Longman Dictionary is also good for supplementary information about Great Britain and America: political and educational system, national festivals, holidays, famous writers and musicians, film stars and many other things.
So, I think you won’t regret if this book is your daily helper.
Della Summers said that Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture “gets to the heart of the language”.

Surfing the dictionaries

Your assignment for the next class is connected with you studying one of the online dictionaries located at http://www.yourdictionary.com/languages/germanic.html#english.

This is what you should do:

1. Go to the site the link to which you can see above.

2. Choose a specific dictionary (choose it based on your current needs, i.e. some dictionary that you think you might use in your daily activities or based on something that made you interested).

3. Study a number of entries in the dictionary of your choice to see if it provides the information that satisfies you: for example,if it's easy to search, if it provides pronunciation, grammatical information, examples of words in context, something else.

4. Write a journal entry in which you need to include the following information:

a) dictionary address

b) dictionary type

c) description of a typical entry

d) your assessment of how useful the dictionary is for the purposes you would like to use it

e) (optional) recommendation for your peers about whether to use it or not

You should complete this assignment by Wd. and bring it typed to class.

Let me know if you have any further questions and/or need help with this task.

The other assignment for Wd is for ONE of you to prepare a presentation of your favorite dictionary (information similar to that above should be provided). In addition, you should make up an exercise to accompany your presentation the purpose of which is to show some distinguishing feature(s) of the dictionary you are presenting. Here are some ideas for exercises (it's just a suggestion in case you run out of ideas:)):

a) a fill-in exercise

b) a circle-a-word exercise

c) a crossword puzzle

d) a substitution exercise

e) a matching exercise

f) a set of open-ended questions

The purpose of any of these is for you to demonstrate a distinguishing feature of your dictionary.